Josh Hart averaged 7.3 points per game through his first nine appearances of the season, marking a sharp decline from the 12 points he posted across the 2025-26 campaign.
The New York Knicks guard shot 36 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from beyond the arc in the early part of the season, dropping well below the 50.8 percent overall and 41.3 percent from deep that he recorded the previous year, Basket USA reported.
Hart also recorded 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 interceptions in 30.1 minutes per contest. That represented a drop from his 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 interceptions in 30.2 minutes over 66 games the previous season.
“J’aimerais pouvoir le dire… Mais je ne sais pas,” Hart told reporters when asked how he planned to break out of his slump.
The veteran swingman hit a new low during a road loss in Indianapolis on Friday, failing to score a single point in 23 minutes of action while missing all four of his field-goal attempts.
Head coach Mike Brown kept Hart on the bench for the entire fourth quarter against the Pacers as New York attempted to mount a comeback. The scoreless outing marked his fourth game failing to reach double figures, a stretch that began after he missed three contests earlier in the month due to an illness and an ankle injury.
Hart has not scored 10 points or more in a game since October 25. His mounting shooting struggles have intensified scrutiny on the Knicks’ starting lineup alongside fellow perimeter player Mikal Bridges.
Beyond his cold shooting, Hart dealt with multiple physical setbacks since training camp, including a bothersome calf, an ankle injury, and a damaged finger on his shooting hand.
“Pas dans un bon état d’esprit,” Hart described his current mental approach, acknowledging that he needed to find a way to improve his outlook and regain his usual competitive edge.
“Je dois juste être meilleur,” Hart said. “Je dois être plus solide mentalement. Il faut que je me remette la tête à l’endroit.”
The guard also acknowledged that he had hoped to secure a contract extension during the offseason. Instead, he entered the current year facing mounting pressure to stabilize his production.
Hart’s offensive dip coincided with broader struggles among several key rotation players for New York. Both Bridges and OG Anunoby experienced difficulties finding consistent rhythm in the early weeks of the schedule.
The Knicks relied heavily on Hart’s high-energy style, relentless transition play, and positional versatility to anchor their perimeter defense and secure extra possessions through offensive rebounding. Without his usual production, the team searched for the rotation balance that defined their success in previous seasons.
New York returns to action following scheduled practice days to prepare for upcoming opponents on the league calendar.
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