Josh Hart Signals Potential Knicks Changes Following Disappointing Playoff Exit

INDIANAPOLIS — Josh Hart is bracing for changes. The Knicks may look different next season, even if Hart wishes they could keep the same team.

“You’ll always hear me say, ‘Run it back,’” Hart said after the Knicks’ disappointing 125-108 loss to the Pacers. He believes the team has the potential to grow, but he knows how business decisions work in the NBA.

This season was a milestone for the Knicks. They reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Hart, along with teammates like Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson, will stay under contract for the next season. However, Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized that this offseason is crucial.

Brunson expressed confidence in the current roster, but Hart’s experience reminds him that change is always possible. “This is my eighth year. I’ve had six or seven coaches,” he said. “It’s tough, and you can’t get too comfortable. I might find myself somewhere else tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, former Knick Obi Toppin shone in the last game, scoring 18 points off the bench, which shows the unpredictability of player performances in critical moments. The Indiana reserves scored 38 points collectively in the game, emphasizing how deep rotations can impact outcomes.

Thibodeau made strategic choices, opting for size in the final games against Pacers backup guard T.J. McConnell. This reflected a broader strategy of matching players against specific opponents, a tactic often seen in playoff scenarios.

Looking ahead, a report from the NBA suggests that around 40% of teams typically change their rosters significantly after a playoff exit, which indicates the likelihood of adjustments for the Knicks in the offseason.

Ultimately, while the core players are set to return, fans can expect an interesting and possibly unpredictable offseason for the Knicks.

Source link

NBA,Sports,indiana pacers,josh hart,nba playoffs,nba playoffs 2025,new york knicks