Josh Hart Discussion: NEW YORK KNICK!

...yeah that works too. Clarkson scoring punch off the pine.

 

I just rewatched the game and it really cannot be understated: Hart's versatility has been crucial to our success. His ability to guard positions 1-3 at a high level is REAL. He guarded Westbrook, George, and Carmelo (so technically 1-4) at different times today and did GREAT against each. I won't expect that every night, but the fact that he can do it at all is remarkable. There are not a lot of #30 picks that can boast that sort of defensive utility.

Hart's ability to rebound is also striking. There were multiple times when Hart would fly in from the weak side to grab a board away from Adams who is a big, strong presence. This sparks our break and helps us establish the type of pace we like and need to play at. It's a true gift that he possesses. He regularly has one drive a game where he grabs the board and takes it coast to coast, sometimes through serious traffic.

Lastly, Josh is shooting 36.6% from outside which is the key to his offensive utility. Without that jumper, Hart is a better version of David Nwaba. With that outside jumper, Hart is a completely viable starter in the NBA. As a rookie. Picked with the last pick in the 1st round. I'm not sure we as fans appreciate the gravity of that statement. Check this out:

Player A: 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1 steal, 0.8 blocks, 1.3 turnovers, FG% 48.8, 3PT% 43.6
Player B: 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.3 blocks, 0.6 turnovers, FG% 46.6%, 3PT% 36.5

Player A is Tatum all season and Player B is Josh as a starter. Admittedly, Hart has started in just 11 games compared to Tatum's 53 games played, but we're talking about a rookie getting all the hype and one that isn't even at the Rising Stars game. Hart right now is playing like a Top 10 pick in a loaded draft. Names that went before him: Luke Kennard, Malik Monk, DJ Wilson, TJ Leaf, Anzejs Pasecniks, Caleb Swanigan, Tony Bradley, Tyler Lydon, and Derrick White. I'd personally put him above Justin Jackson, Adebayo, Zach and John Collins, Terrance Furgeson, Harry Giles, Justin Patton, and maybe even Jonathan Isaac.

 

That's not really what I meant. My point is that the young men we got in this draft might be good enough to carry us up a level on their own in a way that mostly has looked like a pipe dream to me. Free Agency isn't the only way to improve a team, but I don't believe we have the single player on our team that will turn us from mediocre to great.

I do however think we have the pieces now on our team to be mediocre which may not sound great, but is important. I believe players like Hart and Kuzma at the end of the 1st round turn us from perennial bottom feeders to middle of the pack. If we don't land a FA this summer and instead choose to punt or maybe add just a solid piece to replace Pope or something like that, we're going to be okay next year.

I still believe wholeheartedly that this team needs a major piece in FA or in trade eventually and in that respect i'm still on board with the plan, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate that Hart, Kuzma, Ball, and I still have hopes for Bryant, are all not a game changing draft. They allow us a flexibility that we just haven't had the last 5 years.

 

Saw parts of the second half last nigh (ESPN replay)...Brown commented that Hart being a seasoned four year college player had a "mature" NBA physique. On that one play where Westbrook scored on him, the latter had to use a forearm shiver to create space. On another, George had to really force his way and work in order to score. Again Brown lauded Hart on his defensive effort...just better offense from an experienced player.

Brown did have some Hearn-itis when he confused Clarkson with Hart a couple of times... So many "okays" too at the end of his commentaries but love him.

 

Whether its with us (It better be) or someone else, Hart is going to win an NBA championship someday. He's got everything you want in a teammate and competitor just like a Derek Fisher type player. I also think he's our best driving to the basket finisher on the team. ALways under control and knows how to finish on the correct side of the basket to take away the defender's shot blocking ability.

May he be a Laker for Life!

 

And look at the ages of those players. Josh is the youngest to be on that list for sure.

 

Especially if Mercury was in retrograde.

 

Dont compare Hart to Fisher on the defensive end. Hart is already a better defender than Fisher ever was. Fisher got 10% of several NBA point guards' contracts due to their performances against the mighty Lakers.