Josh Hart: A Versatile Force on the Court
Josh Hart is a multifaceted player who brings a lot to the table for the New York Knicks. His current stat line of 14.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists underscores his ability to impact the game in various ways. Hart’s versatility makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor, whether he’s driving to the basket, snagging rebounds, or dishing out assists. However, despite his consistent performance in several areas, one aspect of his game has been a source of inconsistency: his three-point shooting.
Struggles from Beyond the Arc
Hart has a career three-point shooting percentage of 34.2%, which is respectable but not elite. This season, his shooting from beyond the arc has dipped below the league average, with a mark of 32.6% on 63-for-193 attempts. The beginning of the season brought a glimmer of hope as Hart was hitting his three-pointers at a 39.3% clip during the first 32 games. However, the optimism was short-lived, as he has fallen into a significant shooting slump since the start of the new year. Over the past several games, Hart has struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 23.5% from three-point range. This cold stretch has not only affected his confidence but has also made him more hesitant to take long-distance shots.
Opponents Adjusting to Hart’s Slump
Hart’s shooting struggles have not gone unnoticed by opposing teams. They have adapted their defensive strategies to take advantage of his inconsistency. In the Knicks’ 113-109 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, for example, the Lakers often ignored Hart on the perimeter, with center Jaxson Hayes opting to sag off him and protect the paint. Similarly, in the 105-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Clippers employed a similar tactic, with 7-footer Ivica Zubac often defending the 6-foot-4 Hart. This defensive strategy has made it easier for opponents to contain the Knicks’ offense, as they can help off Hart and focus on more immediate threats.
Impact on Team Performance
The Knicks’ overall performance has been affected by Hart’s shooting slump. The team is currently 27th in three-point attempts per 100 possessions, averaging just 34.5 threes per 100 possessions. As SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley noted, the Knicks are not generating enough three-point opportunities, and Hart’s reluctance to shoot from the perimeter is contributing to this issue. This lack of shooting is particularly problematic given that star forward Karl-Anthony Towns has also struggled against teams that place wing defenders on him. Without a reliable threat from the three-point line, the Knicks’ offense becomes more predictable and easier to defend.
Potential Solutions to the Shooting Slump
To address Hart’s shooting issues and bolster the team’s offensive capabilities, the Knicks can explore several solutions. One approach is to utilize lineups that feature more consistent three-point threats such as Miles McBride and Landry Shamet. These players can help stretch the floor and create better spacing for Hart and other Knicks. Additionally, the team can experiment with different ways to use Hart on the court. With Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ primary playmaker, out for at least the next two weeks, Hart’s role could be expanded to include more pick and rolls as the ball handler. He can also serve as a more frequent screener in the pick and roll, facilitating plays and drawing defensive attention away from other offensive threats.
Hart’s Importance to the Knicks
Despite his recent shooting struggles, Josh Hart remains an integral part of the Knicks’ roster. In the loss to the Clippers, he demonstrated his value with a standout performance of 14 points, 20 rebounds, and six assists over 46 minutes. His ability to contribute in multiple areas is crucial, especially with Brunson’s absence. The Knicks are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference, but they are facing a challenging stretch with Brunson out of the lineup and only three games remaining on their west coast road trip. Without their offensive catalyst, the team’s shot creation has been lacking, and Hart’s transition playmaking becomes even more vital for generating easier scoring opportunities.
Balancing Confidence and Adjustments
Hart has always had his ups and downs from the perimeter. When the Knicks first acquired him, he was in a shooting slump with the Portland Trail Blazers, but he eventually found his groove. If Hart continues to struggle with his three-point shooting, the Knicks may need to consider adjusting his minutes slightly to ensure he remains a significant contributor without becoming a liability on the floor. However, given his overall skill set and recent strong performances, it’s clear that the Knicks will need to find a way to get Hart back to his shooting form to continue their success in the competitive Eastern Conference.
