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Should Josh Hart Come Off Knicks Bench?

The New York Knicks have a decision to make in regards to the starting lineup.

Jeremy Brener

May 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
May 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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When the New York Knicks traded Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns late last month, it was expected that Josh Hart would step into the vacant spot in the starting lineup and play alongside Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Towns.

However, Hart floated around the idea that he may be moving back to the bench.

“There’s a couple days before Boston," Hart said h/t Posting and Toasting. "So whether that’s trying to get a rhythm with that starting unit or we give somebody else a look and my role changes and comes off the bench and go with that unit. So just trying to figure out right now I pretty much have no idea. But we’ll see what happens in Boston.”

Last season, Hart played 81 games for the Knicks. He started 42 of those contests while coming off the bench in the other 39, so he is comfortable in either role.

He further stated that he doesn't mind doing either as long as it is in the best interest of the team.

“I just think we can just figure out a way where we can be our best selves or whatever. Role or minutes or whatever that is," Hart said.

If Hart were to come off the bench, it would be likely for someone like Precious Achiuwa to step into the starting lineup, perhaps as a way to give the Knicks some size to start the game at the power forward spot.

Regardless of if he starts or not, Hart will likely find himself closing out a lot of games for his half-court defense, making him a valuable player for New York no matter if he is on the court or the bench at the opening tip.

Hart and the Knicks are getting ready for their season opener this week on the road against the Boston Celtics.

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Jeremy Brener
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.

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