Josh Hart says the reigning champion New York Knicks are ready to turn the page on last season's success and focus on the new NBA campaign. The veteran guard expressed a collective fatigue with the ongoing praise as the team prepares to receive its championship rings and open the season against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20.
Hart acknowledged the upcoming ceremony will be special. Getting the ring and seeing the banner raised at Madison Square Garden is a unique moment. But he stressed the team's mindset has already shifted toward the future.
"It'll be cool," Hart said. "Obviously, getting a ring, hanging the banner will be dope." He explained that while the stories are nice, the Knicks must realize last year's team is not the current one. The work to get back to the NBA Finals starts now.
Defending a title presents a completely different challenge. The Eastern Conference looks tougher. Tyrese Haliburton is back for the Pacers, and both the 76ers and Miami Heat have improved their rosters significantly. The Knicks cannot afford to rest on their laurels.
Hart's comments reflect a team understanding that past success guarantees nothing. The Knicks wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 122-120 win over the Toronto Raptors on October 15. That victory followed some uneven performances, including a 148-98 loss to those same Raptors just two days prior. Those preseason results highlight the need for immediate focus and consistency.
The first test comes on opening night against the Philadelphia 76ers. It's a high-stakes game where the Knicks will celebrate their championship and then immediately face a conference rival. Hart's status for that game was a minor question after he missed the final preseason contest with a sore ankle.
In his absence against Toronto, Mohamed Diawara started and played nearly 20 minutes. Coach Mike Brown had used Diawara in a tough wing assignment earlier in the preseason, giving the team a practiced contingency plan. Brown expressed optimism about Hart's availability, but the final decision rests with the medical staff. Hart's role is vital; he averaged 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season, providing essential hustle and playmaking.
The message from Hart is clear. The celebration on October 20 is a punctuation mark on an incredible achievement. After that, it's strictly business.
The journey to defend the crown begins now, and for Josh Hart and the New York Knicks, the time for congratulations is over.
