Knicks wing Josh Hart doesn’t agree with coach Tom Thibodeau‘s assessment of his role, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
Hart, who signed a four-year, $81MM extension during the summer, believes he has a reduced role in the offense and doesn’t have the ball in his hands as often as he did last season. “I’m a rhythm player. So sometimes if I don’t touch the ball for four or five minutes running up and down the floor, just catch-and-shoot, I might as well be playing with a football,” Hart said.
However, his coach has an opposite view. “There really hasn’t been a change,” Thibodeau said. “To be honest, his usage is up. He’s handling the ball more. The way he’s being used is not any different than last year.”
Following the Knicks’ game against Charlotte on Tuesday, Hart made a point of telling the media he’s not unhappy, Fred Katz of The Athletic tweets. “Just so you know, I’m not a disgruntled player. Make sure y’all tweet that (stuff). Josh Hart said he’s not disgruntled.”
Katz detailed Hart’s usage in an in-depth piece on Tuesday.
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Paul Reed was surprised that his comments about the Lakers‘ Anthony Davis during the morning shootaround on Monday went viral, as Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer details. The Sixers big man called Davis “a big flopper” and added, “he’s going to be flailing.” Reed soon found out his comments caused controversy. “I started checking Twitter and Instagram,” he said, “and I’m like, ‘Damn, people are really mad at me in the Lakers community.’” Reed and Davis wound up sharing the court for only three minutes in Philly’s blowout win.
- Raptors first-round pick Gradey Dick shot 6-for-33 over his first two games with the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League team. Dick, who has appeared in 15 NBA games, told Blake Murphy of Sportsnet he’s not worried about his shot. “My confidence hasn’t dwindled at all,” Dick said. “I mean, I’ll go take the next 10 shots, I don’t really care. Because I know me as a shooter, and it’s not any cockiness, but at the same time I think it’s positive cockiness. I’ve put in enough work off the court and I’m still doing it now where I have that confidence and trust.”
- Knicks wing RJ Barrett says he’s still trying to get back in form after a bout with migraines, Bondy writes. Barrett has shot 33% of the field in the last five games after dealing with the severe headaches. “I didn’t pick up where I left off,” Barrett said. “That’s OK. Honestly, this was going to happen at some point during the season whether I got sick or not. So, I’m just doing what I do all the time, working my way out of it. Not worried.”
- Cam Thomas and Dennis Smith Jr. are getting close to returning, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn told Dan Martin of the New York Post. A sprained left ankle has sidelined Thomas since Nov. 8, while Smith has missed the last five games with a lower back sprain. They both participated in simulated-game activity after the team’s shootaround on Tuesday. “They’re both trending in the direction of hopefully playing with us soon,’’ Vaughn said. “The fact that they both participated is a good sign.”
Cam Thomas and Dennis Smith are getting close to a return for the Nets …… Meanwhile, Newport Beach (CA) police department has now opened a Josh Giddey investigation. Looking more and more like Giddey is headed for an exit. Giddey got a pair of traffic tickets in Newport Beach in 2022. I wonder why he was there????
Woj and Shams have competition on this story. TMZ is now involved. The girl, a minor, AND her parents are not cooperating with the investigation.
Seems like a set up to me. She and (boy) friend. Posted it on X. That she slept with him. Right after it happen, still in bed. Plus in Australia age of consent is 16-17 depending on State. We should all wait for the facts …..
The girl and her family not cooperating with the investigation make me believe it’s becoming less and less likely Giddey is headed for an exit.
“I’m a rhythm player. So sometimes if I don’t touch the ball for four or five minutes running up and down the floor, just catch-and-shoot, I might as well be playing with a football,” Hart said.
This is what happens when Knicks overdo their iso ball. When they get stagnated. And there is no player movement, or passing. Usually happens when their shot is not falling. Or the other team is playing good team D.
RJ is coming along. He’s been getting to the FT line. Which is always a good sign. Bully ball is his calling card. He’s going to have a big year.
Al, you do know that all DeRozan does is ISO ball, right?
Not true. He’s a system guy too. He can get his own shot. It’s what we need. Plus he’s clutch. And a consistent scorer added to this team. Makes everyone better. Makes Knicks deeper. He’s never won. So he brings that motivation to NY. That is starving for a good playoff run. Not saying we will win it all. But it will be fun, exciting. And gives Knicks a shot at East.
With Spurs 6.2 ast a gm
With Bulls 5 ast a gm
He’s an ISO player. Watch him with the Spurs – Pops didn’t like it and he wanted out because of it. He needs the ball, which is why his assists are up there – at some point he’s going to make a pass and usually due to a double team, thus the assist. Toronto moved him because both he and Lowry need the ball to do their job.
What has he won? Nada. Can’t even lift the Bulls, and they still have a couple of talented players alongside him.
If Hart wants to touch the ball more, he needs to speak with his boy Brunson (and maybe a few other teammates); certainly not Bondy, or even indirectly to Thibs. Hart is not a guy they run plays for (this season or last), so a lack of touches (if its the case) is about the degree of ball movement. While Randle is the ball stopper in chief, he is often (moreso than last year) not on the floor when Hart is. Quickley is looking for his shot more, but this is still a Brunson issue primarily. Of course, Brunson’s own offense has been great, so he may tell Hart to get lost (nicely).
As far as too many of his looks being limited to catch and shoot, that’s on him too. Opponents leave him open from 3 a bunch. If he hit the 3 at a high rate like he did last year after the trade, he’d get faster close outs and more lanes to the basket.
17 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast
70% FG, 66.7% 3PT 100% FT
Plus his dependable Defense. Last night.
He’s just venting frustration DXC. He’ll be OK
Gradey Dick may be fine basketball-wise, but someone’s got to get him some media coaching.
Nothing he’s saying is controversial or crazy. Dick just may be a little too available and a little too quotable right now for a young player still trying to find his footing as a professional.