With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to an ankle sprain, the New York Knicks must elevate their play as a unit. As the regular season winds down, Tom Thibodeau’s team holds the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, Josh Hart could emerge as a much-needed X-Factor for New York.
“The player who may emerge with even more importance is small forward Josh Hart, who has compiled 5.6 assists and only 2.4 turnovers per game since late January,” Murray wrote. “Hart isn’t a shoot-first player, but he does everything else, and he could probably handle more of the playmaking while New York’s other scorers step up in Brunson’s stead.”
Hart has consistently stepped up in big moments during his Knicks tenure. He has a clear opportunity to become a key piece in Thibodeau’s rotation while Brunson is out. Fortunately for the Knicks, Hart’s two-way skill set allows him to make game-winning plays on both ends of the floor.
Hart is currently averaging 14.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on a career-best 54.5% shooting from the field and a league-leading 37.8 minutes a night.
Knicks Have Added Leadership With P.J. Tucker
Since Brunson went down with an ankle injury, the Knicks have added another veteran voice to the locker room. On Saturday, March 8, New York signed 14-year NBA veteran P.J. Tucker to a 10-day contract.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Tucker is seen as a locker room leader by the Knicks front office and coaching staff.
“Knicks see PJ Tucker as an integral addition to a locker that has young veterans but none with the experience of Tucker brings,” Begley posted on X. “The 14-year vet will be received well in the room, has championship experience.”
Begley continued.
“Knicks also wanted someone with an enforcer mentality, which is why they’ve targeted Tucker. Knicks and Tucker are planning on a 10-day deal, as ESPN first reported. Club has a need at center but Knicks people who targeted Tucker believe the center position can be covered between Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa.”
Tucker brings championship experience to the Knicks. If he earns minutes in Thibodeau’s rotation, he will add physicality and versatility to the frontcourt.
Tucker Believes Knicks Role Is Easy
During a recent interview with Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, Tucker addressed the role he’s being asked to fulfill for the Knicks.
“It’s actually easy [being a leader on a 10-day contract],” Tucker said. “Because most of the young guys — like right now before I came to talk to you [media] guys, we were sitting on the court and I was talking to guys, talking about the situation that’s going to happen [against the Kings], what the team needs, how we can get better, what we need to do. And so it’s funny how they kind of just come to you, gravitate to you, being that voice of reason.”
New York has an open roster spot, so if Tucker impresses, the franchise could choose to keep him for the rest of the season. For now, the coaching staff will likely monitor his impact on his new teammates.
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