Josh Hart Plays Ultimate Role for Knicks

New York Knicks wing Josh Hart is important to the team.

Jeremy Brener | Nov 15, 2024

Nov 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart has been part of some key moments for the team this week.

In the win against the Philadelphia 76ers, Hart had a triple-double, proving to be valuable in several facets of the game. Yet, in the loss against the Chicago Bulls, Hart committed a crucial foul that ultimately led to the Knicks losing.

Though he may not be the star of the team, Hart has been in the thick of things for the Knicks, and he has turned into an important figure.

“Teams that have always won have players who fit that mold," Hart said about his role h/t Posting and Toasting. "Teams now are trying to focus on getting their couple of stars and then find those guys who fit around them. ... I think (the appreciation for glue guys) has always been there, but it’s starting to get a little bit more love now.”

As someone who does a little bit of everything, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has a lot of appreciation and respect for Hart's game.

“[Hart] brings pace," Thibodeau said. "He can push the ball and make a play and play off people. He’s a great cutter. And so, he’s just a basketball player. He’s comfortable in the paint, he’s comfortable at the rim. He’s comfortable just making plays in transition. He can initiate offense for you. He can guard everyone. He has a great knack for the ball. Range rebounds. Go get them from anywhere. Give you extra possessions. I think that goes a long way. Those hustle plays are huge for the team.”

While he may not have the largest stats or get the most attention in the media or in scouting reports, Hart is absolutely key for the Knicks. The team wouldn't function the same without him, and he continuously shows how important he can be for the Knicks.

Normally, if Hart plays well, the Knicks are doing well, and if he isn't, the team suffers. That makes him arguably the most important player on the team.

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

Published Nov 15, 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.