Author: Monojit Mandal
According to NBA expert Marc Stein, New York Knicks player Josh Hart should be re-signed when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Despite the attention Hart is likely to attract from other teams, league executives believe his return to Madison Square Garden is “inevitable”.
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At the trade deadline, the Knicks received Hart from the Trail Blazers in exchange for Cam Reddish and a first-round pick. Although the move was seen as a risk, it paid off for the Knicks, who considered Hart an excellent addition to their team. His tenacity, adaptability and defensive mentality made him the ideal combination for the team managed by Tom Thibodeau.
Hart was instrumental in the Knicks winning 5th place in the Eastern Conference and returning to the playoffs, scoring 10.2 points, 7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals each game. Despite twisting his ankle in Game 1 of the first round against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he made the biggest shot of the game and played an important role throughout the series, allowing the Knicks to advance to the second round for the first time since 2013.
Whatever happens in this game and the rest of the post-season, the Knicks must do everything in their power to bring Hart back.
Jalen Brunson, Hart’s former teammate in college, is also a target of the Knicks, which could be a determining factor in his decision to stay with the organization in the long term. Hart missed the playoffs in each of his first five seasons, so it makes sense for him to remain in a winning position.
Overall, the Knicks’ choice to sign Hart was a great success, and his likely rehiring is testament to his accomplishments, both on and off the court. As the Knicks continue their run to the playoffs, fans will be curious to see what the future holds for Hart, and for the franchise.