Can Knicks Wing Get Even Better?

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart still has more in the tank.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 16, 2024

May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) brings the ball up court against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the third quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

Josh Hart was a positive influence in his first full season with the New York Knicks.

Hart, 29, averaged 9.4 points and 8.3 rebounds last year with the Knicks, but his notoriety was built from the intangibles that aren't found in a box score.

Hart's effort and ability to stay on the court — sometimes for all 48 minutes — landed him at No. 81 on HoopsHype's top 100 player ranking.

"One of the best rebounding wings in the game today, which is especially impressive considering he’s listed at just 6-foot-4, seven-year veteran Josh Hart is one of the best role-playing wings in the game today, a player who makes a huge impact nightly despite poor shooting marks and a mundane scoring average," HoopsHype writes. Hart consistently makes winning plays, battling bigger players for rebounds as well as defending at a high level, which allows New York to play small and in a versatile – and quite effective – manner."

Even though Hart had a successful season, there is still more that can be done to improve his game.

"Hart made the Knicks 5.5 points per 100 possessions better during his time on the floor last season, and that’s even despite his shooting a career-low 31.0 percent from three. If he gets that number closer to his career 34.4 percent from three, Hart’s notable positive impact could get even more impressive for the Knicks next season," HoopsHype writes.

Hart will be on the bench to start the season for the Knicks with Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby entering the starting lineup. However, Hart should see the floor very consistently. His role on offense is to help stretch the floor, and if he can become that 3-point sniper he once was, he could add even more value to the Knicks than he did before.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published Sep 16, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.