New York Knicks guard Josh Hart does not see a target on his team’s back as they prepare to defend their NBA championship, pointing out that few outside analysts are picking them to repeat as titleholders. Speaking during an appearance on ESPN’s U.S. Open broadcast in New York City, Hart embraced the underdog label as the franchise enters the upcoming season following an offseason defined by major roster upgrades from conference rivals.
Why Josh Hart and the Knicks Embrace Being Overlooked
Fresh off ending a 53-year championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the NBA Finals, the Knicks have largely kept their core intact. While opening-night opponents Philadelphia 76ers added LeBron James and traded for Jaylen Brown, and the Miami Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, New York chose a continuity approach.
Hart told broadcasters Chris Fowler and John McEnroe that the lack of external belief serves as a powerful internal motivator for the roster.
“I don’t think we have a big target… Because I don’t think anyone is picking us to win again. We’re using it as fuel. We’re still the hunters. We’re not satisfied with one.” –– Josh Hart pic.twitter.com/gc58zBOrkk
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) September 10, 2026
“We’re using it as fuel,” Hart said during the tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “We’re still the hunters. We’re not satisfied with one. The next goal is to get another. We’re the hunters, and we like playing that game.”
Roster Continuity and Offseason Adjustments
The defending champions experienced minimal roster turnover during the summer. The most notable departure was Mitchell Robinson, who signed with the Boston Celtics. Despite losing Robinson’s interior presence in free agency, New York returns its primary engine alongside star guard Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Hart appeared in games last season averaging 12 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, anchoring the team’s relentless transition pace and physical rebounding. Team leadership emphasizes that unselfish play remains the foundation of their success. “For us, it’s about helping each other,” Hart noted regarding the locker room dynamic. “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.”
Navigating Early-Season Depth and Tactical Shifts
Brunson addressed the collective responsibility required during short-handed stretches. “Obviously we miss him,” Brunson said of his sidelined teammate, “but there are no excuses for what we should do out there. Obviously, he’s a big part of what we do, but we’ve got to step up.”
Next Checkpoint
The Knicks continue their preparations for the upcoming regular-season schedule, looking to prove the doubters wrong and establish early momentum against a fortified Eastern Conference. Official injury reports and final roster adjustments ahead of opening night will be released via the league’s media portal.
