The New York Knicks have witnessed a remarkable transformation from Josh Hart, who has turned a challenging situation into a success story. Hart, a key player for the Knicks, suffered from a severely injured ring finger on his shooting hand during last season’s playoffs against the Boston Celtics. Though he persevered, his performance in the postseason against the Indiana Pacers was hindered, as he struggled to find his shooting rhythm and finished the series with a disappointing 18.2% from beyond the arc.
As he entered training camp this season, Hart’s finger was still visibly bent, a constant reminder of his ongoing battle with the injury. Despite the setback, his value to the team was undeniable, even as his subpar shooting stats made him a point of concern. Opposing teams began to shift their defensive strategies by allocating their center to guard Hart, often daring him to shoot from three-point range.
However, with the addition of shooting coach Peter Patton to the Knicks’ coaching staff, Hart’s shooting has experienced a resurgence. He reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup, and his offensive contributions have improved markedly. Hart’s confidence has been evident, allowing him to register impressive shooting statistics, with a three-point shooting percentage of 39.8% heading into the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Orlando Magic. This statistic shows a significant increase from his previous seasons—33.3% last year and 31.0% two years ago.
His performance since moving back into the starting five has been particularly strong. Hart averaged 16.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in a recent stretch where the Knicks boasted an 8-1 record. Notably, Hart has shot 44.7% from beyond the arc during this time, raising eyebrows among opponents who still underestimate his shooting ability.
Knicks coach Mike Brown noted the strategic mistake of leaving Hart open, especially when teams assign their centers to guard him. “A five is not used to guarding a guy out on the perimeter,” Brown explained. “When we create paint touches with ball reversals, it’s natural for a five to start drifting toward that rim.” He emphasized Hart’s hard work and the positive impact it has on the team’s offensive dynamic.
Hart himself acknowledged the significant role Patton has played in his revival, saying, “It’s definitely feeling better. I’m working with Pete every day on my shot.” The opportunity for consistent, daily feedback on his mechanics has allowed Hart to find his shot again, breaking through barriers that had previously hindered his performance.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Hart’s all-around game has drawn comparisons to former NBA star Andre Iguodala. Brown praised Hart’s versatile capabilities, stating that he excels in multiple facets of the game, both offensively and defensively. His ability to guard multiple positions and make intelligent plays has made him an invaluable asset to the Knicks.
With confidence restored and a supportive coaching staff behind him, Josh Hart may just be on the path to solidifying his role as a crucial player for the Knicks, proving that hard work, adaptability, and determination can turn setbacks into strengths.
