New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown is learning that rational approaches must be set aside when it comes to deploying Josh Hart.
Last year’s leader in minutes played, Hart was relegated to a bench role upon Brown’s arrival. But injuries to OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet have thrust the 30-year-old back into the starting lineup, and he’s running with his chance.
During the Knicks’ four-game winning streak, which just so happens to coincide with his first four starts of the season, Hart is averaging 17 points, 11.8 rebounds, and seven assists in 36 minutes per night.
He shot 8-of-12 from the field with 20 points and 12 rebounds in Sunday night’s 116-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors, where Brown has officially learned his lesson about limiting Hart’s minutes.
“I’ll take the hit on that,” Brown said. “…The tough part was, I’ll back it up further, he didn’t really play in the preseason. He didn’t even really practice in the preseason. For me, I was behind the eight ball trying to figure out how to incorporate him with what we were trying to do. It just took time… His sacrifice was unbelievable because when I took him out, he just sat. When I called his number, he went out and played…
“He’s a special player, but he’s also a great human being to be around.”
Brown now finds himself in an approaching conundrum. If Anunoby’s rehab continues at this current pace, he’ll be back toward the end of the month to assume his duties at the 4.
Slotting Hart at the 3 would allow Brunson and Bridges to return to their respective natural roles as point guard and shooting guard. Brunson started Sunday at the 2 and Bridges at the 3 with Miles McBride starting at the 1.
McBride would likely return to the bench, but it’s a necessary choice to make to keep Hart and the Knicks clicking like this.
