Knicks' swingman Josh Hart secures recognition in shooting guard rankings

Knicks' swingman Josh Hart secures recognition in shooting guard rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News

The New York Knicks are positioned for title contention after falling to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals last season. 

New York has strengthened its second unit and is seemingly a top contender in a wide-open Eastern Conference, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Still, the Knicks will need continued production from their role players to take the next leap — reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 and winning their first championship since 1973. 

One of those role players is Josh Hart, who is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. During the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals across 37.6 minutes per game in 77 regular-season appearances. 

Josh Hart lands near top 10 in SG rankings 

Zach Harper of The Athletic recently ranked the NBA's 40 best shooting guards, placing Hart at No. 13. 

"Tier 4 is intriguing,” Harper wrote. “At any given time, these guys can go off. … Hart has become a triple-double threat, and he's the best rebounder at his size.” 

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While Hart is capable of playing shooting guard and both forward positions thanks to his elite hustle and rebounding, his 6-foot-4 frame makes him more of a natural two-guard. He isn't an elite-level three-point shooter, but his ability to fill the box score makes him a versatile weapon. 

The Villanova product is likely to see a dip in playing time next season under new head coach Mike Brown, though he should remain a key contributor to New York's success. 

With added depth in the second unit, the Knicks won't need Hart to log the 37.6 minutes per game he did last season. Still, he projects as a reliable starter on the wing and an ideal complement to Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. 

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