The New York Knicks’ biggest problem through their first five games of the 2025–26 regular season has come from Josh Hart. Once a full-time starter and a potential Most Improved Player candidate in New York, Hart’s production has taken a steep downturn. So, what exactly changed?

The Turning Point

Hart had arguably the best season of his career last year, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists — all at just 6’5”. He logged a career-high 37.6 minutes per game across 77 starts, playing a pivotal role in helping the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.

Momentum had never been higher — for both Hart and the Knicks. But the offseason brought major changes. Tom Thibodeau was replaced by Mike Brown, a move that didn’t just reshape the team’s system but also Hart’s role within it.

Brown’s new offense emphasized ball movement, perimeter shooting, and a double big-man lineup featuring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. The adjustment pushed Hart away from the system he’d thrived in and the chemistry he’d built with his Villanova teammates.

The Role Change

Before the season tipped off, Brown announced that Hart would transition into a sixth-man role — a change that clearly threw him off rhythm.

“I think throughout the season it’ll be a battle of, you know, kind of fighting the egotistical view of it,” Hart said Friday morning. “I think I did have a good year last year. And you know, with a different role, now it’s totally different. I think the biggest thing, I’ve had to sacrifice my whole career.”

No longer playing nightly alongside his Villanova running mates, Hart has struggled to find consistency with the second unit. Across four games off the bench, he’s averaging just 2.8 points and 6.0 rebounds on below 23% shooting from the field and from three. Though he’s playing 15 fewer minutes per game, the dip in production has been startling.

Part of that decline stems from the finger injury Hart suffered during last year’s postseason. After undergoing surgery this offseason that failed to fully repair the damage, Hart has been forced to wear a splint — and play through discomfort. Combined with his fluctuating minutes and growing frustration, the situation has become what many would call a disaster.

“There’s going to be days where I’m just like, ‘Man, that’s some bull,’” Hart said. “But it’ll be a constant thing of fighting that, making sure I know this is what’s best for the team, and locking in on that.”

The Solution

Right now, there isn’t an obvious fix. Hart’s desire to start again aligns with his confidence — but not his recent production. Until he proves to coach Brown that he can replicate last year’s consistency, the Knicks have little reason to alter the rotation.

Two things must be addressed: Hart’s finger injury and his mindset. If the injury continues to hinder his shooting and touch, the Knicks may need to intervene medically or reduce his load. And if Hart can’t mentally adjust to his bench role, frustration could snowball into something larger — potentially forcing New York to listen to trade offers for one of their most beloved players.