The numbers show that Knicks fans clearly overreacted to preseason concerns

New York Knicks fans were ready to see their favorite team in action after a long offseason, even if it was just the preseason. Overreactions always happen in preseason, and that's not the case for Josh Hart.

There was panic over Hart's role in the revamped cast. Some fans called for Tom Thibodeau to replace Hart in the starting lineup after he scored just two points in the preseason. Hart said he was “lost” on offense and dismissed the idea of ​​possibly coming off the bench. It wasn't the first time since moving to New York in 2023 that he had questioned his role.

Hart is always loud. If you asked each of his teammates which Knicks player complains the most, there's a 99.999999 percent chance that Hart would be the unanimous winner. However, there's one thing Hart does more than complain, and that's put in the work.

His preseason appearance couldn't be more different than his play at the start of the regular season. Hart is averaging 13.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is hitting 76.8% on two-point shots, which is more two-point attempts than any other player in the league.

There are no concerns about Hart being in the starting lineup. It's still early, but he's off to the hottest start of his career.

Hart just posted his first triple-double of the season. On Tuesday in Philadelphia, he had 14 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, a block and a steal in 37 minutes. He always finds a way to put up unique stat lines.

Even Thibodeau didn't take Hart's preseason comments seriously. After Tuesday's win, Thibs said you have to let what Hart says “in one ear and out the other” because “he likes to hear himself talk.” Thibodeau said he loved Hart before he stood up and left the post-game press conference.

Hart's results so far this season have been overwhelmingly positive. He is not the attacking player that some people portrayed him as in pre-season. Even when his shots aren't falling, his off-ball movement creates open looks for his teammates – Hart is one of the best cutters in the league.

Preseason games aren't entirely meaningless, but it's worth remembering to take what you see with a grain of salt, especially when Hart is involved.