Tom Thibodeau Praises Josh Hart's 'Good Rhythm' in 1st Full Knicks Season
If the New York Knicks are going to make a deep playoff run, Jalen Brunson is going to have to continue his All-Star level of play. But his "Roommate" and co-host Josh Hart is going to have to match him, no matter where he stands in the New York rotation.
In his first full season with the Knicks, Hart is averaging 7.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Those numbers fall short of the torrid pace he set last year after coming over from Portland at last year's trade deadline, he has earned the respect and appreciation of head coach Tom Thibodeau, especially considering the expanded role he has had to take down with a rash of injuries eating away at the top contributors.
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"I think Josh (Hart) has done a really good job as well," Thibodeau said following Wednesday's loss to the Orland Magic. "I think he’s found a good niche in terms of pushing the ball."
"Different actions like posting up some is good for him. The transition game is great. It allows Jalen to play off the catch more. Josh is good with starters, he’s good with the bench, he’s good with everyone. We knew that from last year. I think he’s really gotten into a good rhythm too.”
Once the Knicks get OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) back from long-term injuries, Hart will likely return to his customary spot off the bench but has proven more than capable of stepping into the starting five. Heading into the All-Star Break, Hart recorded double-digit rebounds in eight of his last nine games, a stretch that included three double-doubles and a pair of triple-doubles.
Hart has value in his rebounding abilities with his team playing undersized without Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein. The fact he's in a "good rhythm" despite working through several different roles bodes well for the Knicks' postseason chances now and beyond, as he's locked up in Manhattan for the next four seasons after signing an extension earlier this summer.
