Analyst offers theory on what's really wrong with Knicks' Josh Hart

Josh Hart hasn’t been his usual do-it-all self to start the 2025-26 season, which has resulted in a mediocre 3-3 start. 

While it’s only speculation, an NBA analyst recently offered a theory on what’s wrong with the Villanova product.

“If he were to have surgery for this injury, the report says he would miss like three months,” The Athletic’s Dave DuFour said Monday. “I wonder if he’s playing through the injury because, hey, you never know.”

“You can lose your role in the NBA, no matter who you are. And Josh Hart is already going to this deeper bench role. You know, I start to worry, is this a guy who’s playing hurt because he doesn’t want to lose that spot?”

Hart is currently dealing with a hand injury, but doesn’t feel the need to sit out in early November. However, one may argue that the 30-year-old is doing the Knicks a disservice by toughing it out. 

Hart hasn’t been as sharp as a pass-first playmaker and isn’t providing the Knicks with the serviceable scoring he’s accustomed to.

The 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 5.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, shooting 31.0% from the field and 14.3% from beyond the arc. 

While it’s understandable that Hart likely doesn’t want to risk moving further down Mike Brown’s rotation, he shouldn’t force it if he’s unable to perform up to his standards.

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