Josh Hart’s slow return raises concerns as Knicks drop two straight

It’s no secret that the New York Knicks’ start to the 2025–26 regular season hasn’t been anything close to what fans expected. Going from a 4–1 preseason and a fully healthy roster to multiple players on the shelf and a 2–2 start, it’s safe to say fans are scratching their heads in confusion.

Most of that frustration has shifted toward head coach Mike Brown, who has used three different starting lineups across four games and pushed his team to “play faster than ever before.” Others have recently turned their attention to Karl-Anthony Towns, who, while battling through a grade 2 quad strain, has struggled to find rhythm within the offense.

Yes, the NBA season is only four games old — which means it’s the perfect time for overreactions. But amid all the chaos, one player has quietly affected the offense more than anyone else: Josh Hart.

Since suffering a hard fall on his back in the team’s first preseason game — an injury that led to lingering lumbar spasms — Hart has looked nothing like the player who energized the Knicks to start last season. So far, he’s averaging 3.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on just 22.2% shooting from the field and 11.1% from three.

Hart’s transition into the team’s potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate role was something the 30-year-old embraced. The problem is, the results haven’t followed. Playing 13 fewer minutes than last season, a dip in production was expected — but not to this extreme. Last year, Hart opened the season with three straight double-digit scoring games, including two outings with double-digit rebounds.

Even beyond the box score, Hart’s signature energy and fearlessness have been missing. His attacks at the rim have slowed, he’s 1-for-9 from deep, and he’s committed two or more turnovers in each of the team’s last two games. While Hart has never been a score-first player, he needs to be more aggressive when Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns are off the floor.

One underlying factor could be the finger splint he’s been forced to wear after offseason surgery didn’t fully resolve the issue. If Hart can’t find his rhythm soon, the Knicks may need to consider adjusting his role until he’s back to full strength.

Hart’s next chance to turn things around will come Friday, October 31, when the Knicks face the Chicago Bulls.

More Knicks news:

•  Phil Jackson says Carmelo Anthony forced his New York Knicks exit
•  Knicks superstar continues to struggle, deal with injury in mediocre start to season
•  The Knicks have a serious Karl-Anthony Towns concern to answer 
• New York Knicks’ offense disappears after halftime in loss to Milwaukee