The New York Knicks didn’t trade for a star ahead of the deadline, but they did trade for Josh Hart. That’s sort of the same thing, right?
So far, the Josh Hart effect has paid off big-time for New York. The team is on a six-game win streak and it just so happens that Hart’s Knicks debut lined up with the first game of the streak, which was a 126-120 win over the Jazz on Feb. 11.
Hart is averaging 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in his six games with New York while shooting 61.2% from the floor and 63.2% from three. Yes, it’s a small sample size and he’ll likely wind up cooling down a bit, but he fits right in with Tom Thibodeau’s team.
He’s on his fourth team since being drafted in 2017, but it’s clear that he was meant to be in New York City. He’s 6-0 as a Knick, although he’s made it clear that he isn’t the only one responsible for the team’s current hot streak.
Honestly hate this 6-0 since trade headline. Let’s put it to bed. The teams hooping and clicking, TOGETHER!
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) February 28, 2023
Knicks trading for Josh Hart ahead of deadline has already paid off in big way
Instead of going all-in on a player like Zach LaVine ahead of the deadline, New York’s front office shocked many by making one trade. That one trade has already made a difference for the Knicks and will hopefully continue to make a difference in the years to come.
Hart has a $12.96 million player option for 2023-24 that he’s expected to opt out of in favor of a larger contract, but he’s made it clear that he wants to remain in New York. Not only is he the epitome of a Tom Thibodeau-esque player, but he gets to share the court with Jalen Brunson, his teammate from Villanova that he won a national title with in 2016. It’s a win-win situation for Hart, the team, and the fans.
The Knicks will look to continue their hot streak against the Nets at the Garden on Wednesday night. New York’s win over Boston on Monday knocked Brooklyn down from the No. 5 team in the East to No. 6. Although the Nets have had their struggles since trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Knicks shouldn’t write them off.
But given how New York has been playing as of late, no team (especially Brooklyn) should want to meet up with Josh Hart and the Knicks.
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