The biggest question heading into the New York Knicks’ training camp and preseason is who will fill the team’s elusive fifth starter spot. All-NBA duo Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are locks, as are their two-way wing pair, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. The fifth slot, however, remains wide open and is shaping up to be a major storyline for coach Mike Brown.
Josh Hart, who started last season before yielding late playoff minutes to center Mitchell Robinson in a move by former coach Tom Thibodeau, is among the front-runners for the role. But with Brown reserving final decisions on the starting lineup until after training camp, Hart knows he’ll have to earn it.
“If I don’t start, I’ll probably ask for a trade and go somewhere else,” Hart joked during media day, though he quickly turned serious. “But I had the best year of my career last year, and that’s in the past. I think I deserve to be a starter in the league, but at the end of the day, it’s what’s best for the team.
“Last year, I talked about sacrifice the whole time, being a servant and a good steward of my gifts. It would be extremely selfish for me to demand a starting spot. Whatever Mike wants to do or the team decides, I’m cool with it, and time will tell. I’ll figure it out as I go.”
Injury Clouds Knicks Forward’s Preseason
Hart enters camp at a disadvantage after revealing he re-aggravated the injury to his surgically repaired ring finger on his shooting hand.
“I don’t want to go into too much detail, but I did have a procedure, and I recently re-aggravated it,” Hart said. “I’ll probably just rock a splint this season and try to fix it again next summer.”
The injury will complicate matters for a player whose do-it-all style makes him a key piece of the Knicks’ core. Hart has set franchise records, including nine triple-doubles in a single season, and posted career-best averages of 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. But his shooting remains a concern, especially in Brown’s system, which emphasizes corner 3s—Hart connected on just 33.3% from deep last season.
“I’m still trying to get used to it personally,” Hart said of the splint. “I hate playing with anything in my hand—I don’t feel like I have a good feel for it. It might take some getting used to, but that’s the best scenario for me right now. I want to be out there with these guys, and I’m going to do everything I can to make that happen.”
Hart’s Determination Amid Uncertainty
While he hasn’t ruled out an in-season procedure that could sideline him for a significant stretch, Hart is determined to contribute.
“I don’t think about it too much,” he said of the lingering discomfort. “I just try to play my game. If I can’t, I find another way. The full expectation is to go out there, play the season, help the team be successful, and then take some downtime at the end of the year to really understand what’s going on. Last year, it was a bit confusing, but this time I’ll know what’s up. That being said, I’ll be good.”
Hart’s resilience will be critical for the Knicks as they transition under Brown, whose egalitarian system aims to maximize the talents of the roster. The fifth starter spot could define the early trajectory of the team’s season, and Hart’s veteran presence, versatility, and willingness to play through pain make him a strong contender.
As the Knicks prepare for training camp, all eyes will be on Hart and his fellow candidates as they compete to solidify the starting five in pursuit of postseason success.
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