Josh Hart does not believe the New York Knicks have a 'target' on their back as they prepare to defend their NBA championship. During an appearance on ESPN’s U.S. Open broadcast on Wednesday night, Hart stated, 'I don’t think we have a big target because I don’t think anyone is picking us to win again.'
The Knicks recently ended a 53-year title drought but have not been the focus of the NBA offseason discussions. Instead, attention has shifted to their opening night opponent, the Philadelphia 76ers, who signed LeBron James and traded for Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. The Miami Heat added Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Knicks opted to maintain most of the same roster that defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games during the NBA Finals. The only significant player they lost was Mitchell Robinson, who signed with Boston. Currently, the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to win the championship.
Hart expressed that the Knicks embrace being overlooked, stating, 'We’re using it as fuel. We’re still the hunters. We’re not satisfied with one. The next goal is to get another.' Hart, who has gained popularity among Knicks fans over his four seasons with the team, averaged 12 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists last year.
Fowler mentioned that the Knicks, with Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns, are likable and team-oriented. Hart emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, 'For us, it’s about helping each other. We’re all high-character guys. We realized if everyone is willing to sacrifice, you don’t have egos, you’re not selfish, you’re gonna get far. You’re gonna get where you want to go at the end of the season.'