The New York Knicks didn’t make the biggest headline-grabbing trade with the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, acquiring versatile wing player Josh Hart. But, that deal was arguably the most impactful one, as Hart has provided incredible production during his time in New York.
The Villanova product quickly endeared himself to head coach Tom Thibodeau and Knicks fans with his play. He is the ultimate glue guy, the kind of player every successful team needs to have on their roster.
Hart is a jack-of-all-trades kind of player that can fill numerous roles. He keeps the offense connected with his ball movement and has a knack for knocking down timely 3-pointers. His hustle and energy are unmatched as Hart crashes the boards hard and creates easy opportunities in transition for the team to score.
While Hart did voice some displeasure earlier in the season with his role, as he wasn’t thrilled about playing so many minutes at power forward, he continues to do whatever the team needs of him. On some nights that is defending the best perimeter player on the opposing team, and on others it is banging down low.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Josh Hart & New York Knicks Updates
Whatever the task is, Hart is up for it. When he is on the court, good things happen for the Knicks. Since being acquired last February, he has been one of the most positive-producing players in the NBA.
According to Tommy Beer on X, Hart ranks 12th in the NBA in cumulative plus/minus since joining the Knicks. He has the best of anyone not on the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers in the league.
Since being traded to the Knicks at the deadline last February, Josh Hart ranks 12th in the NBA in cumulative plus/minus.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) December 26, 2023
He's ranks first among players not on either the Bucks, Celtics, Sixers or Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/DvfaIrJ9IS
Hart plays winning basketball and it should be no surprise that the Knicks worked so hard to sign him to a long-term deal. His impact on the team was felt the second he arrived, as he is someone Thibodeau trusts in crunch time no matter the situation.
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