What Role Will Knicks Forward Thrive in Moving Forward
The New York Knicks are riding a five-game winning streak after a dominant 127–97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, signaling a return to form in the Eastern Conference. In that win, veteran forward Josh Hart contributed 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, continuing his steady two-way impact. Hart has appeared in 37 games this season, starting 23 of them and coming off the bench in the other 14, as head coach Mike Brown has experimented with different lineup combinations. With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching, the idea of moving Hart out of New York feels unlikely, particularly given his close relationship with captain Jalen Brunson that dates back to their college days. Still, in a league defined by constant rotation adjustments, the possibility of Hart anchoring the second unit is a strategic consideration worth exploring for a team with NBA Finals aspirations.
Hart’s NBA journey has shaped him into one of the league’s most reliable glue guys. Originally selected in the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Hart was later traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he spent three seasons before a two-year stint with the Trail Blazers. His career came full circle when he was dealt to New York, reuniting him with Brunson and quickly becoming an essential piece of the Knicks’ identity. In his first full season with the franchise, Hart started 42 of 81 games, followed by starting all 77 appearances last season. Under Brown this year, lineup flexibility has been a defining theme, including stretches where Karl-Anthony Towns has shifted to power forward, the position he played most comfortably during his time in Minnesota. When Hart has come off the bench this season, the Knicks are 8–6, a record that only partially reflects his influence.
Despite standing just six-foot-six, Hart’s instincts around the basket set him apart. Traditionally a wing, he is one of the better close-range scorers at his position while also knocking down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts. His rebounding is equally impressive; last season, Hart pulled down 737 rebounds, averaging just under 10 per game. That combination of toughness, efficiency, and playmaking makes him invaluable, whether he is initiating offense, crashing the glass, or defending multiple positions. The Knicks struck gold when they acquired Hart, and his ability to definitively impact games on both ends of the floor gives New York a unique weapon as it navigates a crowded Eastern Conference that they moved to second in.
Given that Hart has started his last 23 appearances, a move to the bench does not appear imminent. However, the NBA is a league where adaptability often separates contenders from champions. Brown has several options at his disposal, whether it is leaning into small-ball lineups featuring Miles McBride, or bigger units built around Mitchell Robinson, who could be a defining piece in a deep NBA Playoffs run. It is highly unlikely that OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges leave the starting lineup given the assets New York surrendered to acquire them. With a championship window clearly open and momentum building during this winning streak, deploying Josh Hart as a leader of the second unit could provide the Knicks with the best of both worlds as they chase their ultimate goal.
