Josh Hart and the New York Knicks are in a tough spot right now as they find themselves down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers now hold a home-court advantage for the next two games after going on the road and winning both Games 1 and 2 in New York at Madison Square Garden
The 2-0 deficit has Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau searching for answers, and rumors are swirling about what those answers and adjustments may be. One suggestion could be a potential change in the starting lineup, such as swapping Hart out for Mitchell Robinson. Media members asked Hart what he thought of the potential change ahead of Game 3, and he was more than willing to break the silence on it.
Josh Hart Says He Believes He Is a Starter, Will Embrace Bench Role
Hart made himself very clear when addressing the rumors surrounding a potential benching before Game 3. Hart talked about how he has essentially played every role in the NBA and believes he has earned the right to start.
“I’ve been the 15th man. I’ve been the third man. I’ve been the sixth man. I’ve been whatever. I truly feel like I am a starter in this league. I think I played amazing this year,” Hart said.
When asked about the potential bench role, Hart said, “If it happens, cool.” Hart went further, discussing how he has constantly preached about sacrificing for the greater good of the team and putting ego aside in favor of winning.
“I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas, and then a decision like that is made, and then be mad at it,” he said.
Josh Hart this morning on potentially moving to the bench:
“I’ve been the 15th man, I’ve been the third man, I’ve been the sixth man, I’ve been whatever. I truly feel like I’m a starter in the league. I think I played amazing this year. So, if it happens, cool. I cant’ sit here…
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA)
It is a very selfless approach for Hart, who, as mentioned, has been one to preach team success over individual success as a player in the NBA.
Hart has exemplified this not only off the court but on the court as well, as he is widely regarded as one of the players with the most hustle and effort in the entire NBA. He is constantly diving for loose balls, chasing rebounds, and working extremely hard to give his team the best chance to win every single night without any request for recognition or individual credit.
Throughout the first two games of the series, Hart is averaging 7.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steals, all while shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field in 36 minutes per game on average. In comparison, Robinson is averaging 4.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game on average.
Both players bring tons of energy whenever they check into the game and are known for their defense and rebounding.
However, Robinson is a seven-footer, while Hart stands at 6’4″, so if the Knicks are looking for size, Robinson may be the answer. Hart brings more playmaking and shooting to the floor. Ultimately, lineups are decisions for Thibodeau to make, and we’ll see if he decides to change things up before Game 3 or if he chooses to roll with what’s got the Knicks where they are so far this year.