New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown admitted to an error in judgment by initially placing Josh Hart on the bench as the season commenced.
“Over time, we’ve developed a clearer sense of how to utilize [Josh], and he has adapted well too,” Brown commented following the Knicks’ triumph over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. “During training camp, he could have expressed frustration, but he didn’t. He grasped the essence of sacrifice, especially in a leadership role. Leaders must be the first to embody these qualities, and he did just that. He maintained faith in our approach, even though my decision was misguided back then. I commend not only him but everyone for upholding our standards as we work through this process.”
Brown, who took over from Tom Thibodeau after the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals, initially favored Mitchell Robinson over Hart in the starting lineup during training camp. However, the team struggled, losing five of their first six away games, leading Brown to realize that Hart’s presence — as a versatile defender and secondary facilitator — was crucial on the court.
Hart was included in the starting lineup for the last two games, both resulting in victories. The game against Charlotte marked the first instance this season where Robinson came off the bench while both players were available.
“[Josh] simplifies the game for everyone,” Brown remarked after Hart notched 22 points, making four of six shots from beyond the arc. “With a new coach and system, reflecting on our initial three road defeats, I realized that in two of those losses, Josh was benched during the fourth quarter. I acknowledge that wasn’t the best decision because he contributes significantly to our team and coaching dynamics.”
Brown has consistently emphasized that this inaugural year is a mutual learning experience — as players adapt to a fresh system, he is also understanding the intricacies of a roster he didn’t build. Among all players, Hart has particularly prompted him to reassess his strategies.
Hart entered training camp believing his play last season earned him the right to remain a starter — a role he views as a point of pride. So it stung when Brown named Robinson the preseason opener starter in Abu Dhabi. Hart then suffered a lower-back injury that sidelined him for nearly the entire preseason, and by the time he returned, Brown had penned him into a reserve role. Even on nights Robinson sat out due to load management, Brown kept Hart on the bench.
“I tried to do whatever this team needs. Obviously, starting in this league is something, you know, that’s big. It is something that you want to do,” Hart said on Wednesday. “And, you know, I’ve been a starter for three years with part of the time dealing with some injuries. But, you know, [starting is] something I’m comfortable with, so if that is the way he wants to do it, then that is perfect.”
Injuries ultimately forced Brown’s hand. OG Anunoby remains out with a strained hamstring suffered on Nov. 15, and Landry Shamet went down with a shoulder sprain on Nov. 22 — the same shoulder he dislocated last year. Anunoby is set to be re-evaluated over the weekend; Shamet is out at least three more weeks.
With two key wings down, Hart’s value became undeniable. Brown may have started the year trying to reshape his rotation, but there’s an age-old saying: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Hart is averaging 10.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game on 38.2% shooting from three-point range. He started 77 games for the Knicks last season and led all qualifying NBA players in minutes per game, and now, it appears Brown has figured out why.
