New York Knicks guard Josh Hart has had a career season, which is perhaps surprising given his lack of involvement during the preseason in which he scored just two total points.
Knicks’ Josh Hart is having a sneaky All-Star-level campaign
On the season, Hart is averaging 14.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals, all while shooting 56.3% from the floor and 37.3% from three. He has given the Knicks just about everything a player could possibly give a team, which makes him a sneaky All-Star candidate.
Hart may not make the All-Star team due to the lack of popularity he has outside of Knicks fans, but his impact is something very few players in the league can replicate. Ironically, however, Hart wants nothing to do with the All-Star festivities next month.
“I want to have my toes to touch some sand come February,” Hart said, via Steve Popper of Newsday. “God willing, I would be blessed to see that. That would be amazing. If I was in that position, it would be amazing and an accomplishment for me and role players like that. But at the end of the day, I’m a servant to these guys. I want to see these guys make it and for them to enjoy themselves.”
Hart is one of the Knicks’ most important players
Hart’s play style fits the term “role player” the best. When the Knicks need scoring, he carries on a larger scoring load, and he provides the extra playmaking and rebounding that makes their starting five complete.
Without Hart, the Knicks wouldn’t be where they are right now, which is third in the Eastern Conference with a 24-12 record. His true breakout came during last season’s playoffs, when he averaged 14.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in 13 postseason games amidst a plethora of injuries the roster suffered.
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In his first full season as a starter with New York, Hart has taken his game to a whole new level, and his tenacious energy and hustle provide winning plays for this Knicks team. Those winning plays make him one of the team’s most valuable players next to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who look to be shoe-ins for the All-Star team.
Regardless of the national recognition Hart gets, his impact on the Knicks cannot be understated, as his career season has helped elevate the team into true title contention.