“I’m a rhythm player”. Remember how Josh Hart commented early last season about not feeling included in the Knicks team? Well, the forward has now decided to adapt to the changes in the franchise as he enters his second season. Due to the shortage of scoring options last season, Hart was given the responsibility of handling the offense along with Donte DiVincenzo. However, with him leaving the herd and Karl-Anthony Towns joining it, Hart is willing to make sacrifices, something that Jalen Brunson has already done.

The man who once said, “I’m capable of making shots” does not seem to worry about it anymore. “At the end of the day, my job isn’t to go out there and score 20,” Hart said following their first preseason game against the Hornets. He believes forcing things offensively would not work out with the current roster. Rather, he wants to focus on his job, even if it means sacrificing his scoring touch.

“My job is to rebound, defend at a high level, offensively kind of be a connector, get into the lane and find guys for open shots, get the rebound, push the pace and get us easy transition buckets,” Hart clarified as per NY Post. In the Knicks’ 111-109 victory, Hart managed to grab a rebound and pass on an assist but didn’t contribute any points.

“I don’t worry about shots,” Hart said, explaining his shooting howler. “The shots will come how I play. How I play is very random. The shots will be there. I think I shot the ball twice [Sunday]. At the end of the day, I don’t think any team’s won without several people sacrificing. If that’s me sacrificing points, I will gladly do that.”

Last season, DiVincenzo showed his potential for the Knicks, especially in the playoffs. With his 17.8 points per night coupled with 4 rebounds and 1.2 steals, the shooting guard eased Hart and Jalen Brunson’s load. Now their former Villanova teammate, Mikal Bridges, will be taking up the role. On one hand, Hart’s sacrifice could be a positive move for the franchise, but on the other, it could end up putting more pressure on Brunson.

Though KAT and Bridges are great offensively, they have a poor post-season track record. If Hart does not step up to fill DiVincenzo’s void, then it could be bad news for the Knicks. While KAT’s inclusion was a surprise package, Hart seems to have accepted it wholeheartedly, as his social media activity suggests.

Josh Hart comments on Karl-Anthony Towns’ shot from downtown

In his first appearance with the Knicks, KAT impressed New York fans with his 15-minute performance. In those minutes, he scored 10 points, setting the tone for the next season. And Josh Hart couldn’t hold back from praising his shooting skills.

Hart shared a video on X, where KAT is spotted shooting a 3-pointer so effortlessly in the initial minutes of the game. He retweeted the post with the caption, “The Big Bodega,” the nickname he gave his new teammate. The bodega cats are said to bring calmness to the otherwise bustling city. Something similar to KAT’s laid-back demeanor (no not a pun). And the man himself appeared to have liked it.

“That’s clever. That’s pretty good,” KAT reacted to his new name, according to Insider Kristian Winfield. The duo have hit it off in the locker room but how well they connect on court remains a mystery. How will that unfold in the season ahead? Will the additions be enough to cover the void left by DiVincenzo and Julius Randle? We will get the answers once the regular season starts.