Josh Hart Gets High Praise From 'Proud' New York Knicks Legend
Josh Hart is the type of player that every coach wants on their team.
The gadget-type player, standing at just 6-4, averaged 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, and eventually, the New York Knicks. Previously known as purely a spot-up shooter, Hart has proved himself to be a skilled rebounder and defender as well, making him a valuable piece to any contending squad.
Hart's impact with the Knicks has drawn the attention of franchise legend John Starks, who previously wore the No. 3 that the Villanova alum is set to represent through the 2027-28 season after enacting both his player option for the coming year and a four-year extension worth just under $81 million over the summer.
Hart made a noticeable impact on the Knicks' fortunes once he came over from Portland
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"Josh goes out there and he competes very hard the way I did," Starks said in an interview with Mill Media. "I'm proud that he's wearing my number."
After the trade of Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers, Hart will probably be up for minutes at power forward behind Julius Randle. Hart's ability to guard the four is rare for a player his size and the fact that he grabs rebounds at such a high rate only adds to his potential in the post-Toppin era.
"He plays with a lot of heart," said Starks. "He's known as a defensive player, and that's what I was known as."
Hart is starting to emulate Starks in another way as well: after shooting 30.4 percent from deep with the Trail Blazers last season, he improved to 51.9% from three-point range in his final 25 games of the season with the Knicks. New York went 17-8 in those games and locked up the fifth seed on the Eastern Conference playoff bracket. If he can consistently shoot that well in the Garden on a lengthier basis, the Knicks have a good shot to improve upon last season.
The Knicks open their preseason slate on Monday night at home against the Boston Celtics (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
