Brown offers a cautiously optimistic update on Josh Hart's ankle.
The New York Knicks (24-14) are facing a crucial stretch of their season, and head coach Mike Brown provided an encouraging but cautious update on injured guard Josh Hart as the team begins a four-game road trip through the Western Conference.
Hart's Status Remains Uncertain
When asked whether Hart would suit up during the West Coast swing, Brown kept his cards close to the vest but showed optimism about his versatile guard's recovery from a right ankle sprain.
"I don't know. I know he's progressing every single day," Brown said. "He's doing controlled scrimmaging right now. So we'll see. He's definitely getting close."
The comments come as the Knicks dropped their opener of the trip, falling 112-107 to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night and Hart has now missed eight consecutive games since spraining his ankle during the Christmas Day victory over Cleveland.
The Hart-Shaped Hole in New York's Lineup
The absence of Hart has been felt throughout the Knicks' rotation, and the numbers tell a sobering story.
Since Hart went down on December 25, the Knicks have struggled to find their rhythm, going 3-5 in that stretch and the losses have exposed just how vital Hart is to the team's success on both ends of the floor.
Hart was putting together another stellar campaign before the injury, averaging 12.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game through 28 appearances.
His versatility as a wing defender, secondary ball-handler, and transition catalyst has been sorely missed, particularly with Brown trying to implement a faster-paced system than the team ran under former coach Tom Thibodeau.
Brunson Carrying Heavy Load
With Hart sidelined, the offensive burden has fallen even more heavily on All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, who continues to put up monster numbers with 29.1 points and 6.3 assists per game this season.
But even Brunson's brilliance hasn't been enough to mask the void left by Hart's absence, especially on the glass and in transition where Hart's energy and effort play such a critical role.
Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson have seen increased minutes in Hart's absence, while rookie Mohamed Diawara and Kevin McCullar Jr. have also gotten opportunities to step into the rotation.
Still, none of them can fully replicate what Hart brings to the table, particularly his chemistry with the starting unit and his ability to do the little things that don't always show up in the box score.
West Coast Trip Could Determine Season Trajectory
The Knicks' four-game Western Conference swing represents a significant test for Brown's squad, and getting Hart back at some point during the trip would provide a massive boost.
After facing Phoenix, New York will travel to Portland, Sacramento, and Golden State before returning home, and with the Eastern Conference race tightening, every game carries added weight.
Brown's measured optimism suggests Hart could return as early as this weekend, though the team will likely err on the side of caution given the long-term importance of having their glue guy healthy for the stretch run.
For a Knicks team with championship aspirations, getting Hart back to 100 percent is far more important than rushing him back for a January road trip.
The controlled scrimmaging Brown mentioned is an encouraging sign that Hart is nearing a return to game action, and the Knicks faithful will be hoping their versatile wing can rejoin the lineup sooner rather than later and help stabilize a team that's shown both its ceiling and its fragility during his absence.