Mike Brown owns up to early-season mistakes with Josh Hart: "He could've b–ched or threw a fit"

Mike Brown admits he is still in the process of finding a way to maximize his roster in his first season coaching the New York Knicks. Among the things he has grown to realize is using the do-it-all wing Josh Hart more.

The two-time NBA Coach of the Year winner spoke about it following their 129-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, in which Hart started and played a key role in their small-ball attack, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 34 minutes of action.

Hart found himself on the starting lineup for the second straight game after OG Anunoby suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a few weeks.

Brown shared that he made a mistake in underutilizing the nine-year veteran from Villanova early in their campaign, especially by having him ride the bench consecutively in the fourth quarter this month.

"I'll be the first to say that wasn't the right thing to do [to bench Hart in fourth quarters] because he does so many great things for us and our group and our coaching staff," Brown said. "And obviously as time has gone on, we've gotten a better feel for how we're going to play him and he's got a better feel, too. But back then he obviously could've b–ched or complained or threw a fit. He didn't."

At the heart of things

Hart, 30, is now in his fourth year in New York, where he has been one of the key pieces in the jump the Knicks have made over the past few seasons, alongside Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.

Through his solid two-way play, he has given a lot of flexibility at the wing spot, allowing the Knicks to present varying looks on offense.

This season under Brown, however, Hart has found himself playing more of an off-the-bench role, something he admits he is still adjusting to.

"I feel like I've got the biggest adjustment out of the whole team. Just in terms of role, starting not starting, how the minutes are gonna be, and I've obviously talked to Mike about how the minutes are gonna go, and I've gotta know every position," Hart told the New York Daily News in an interview.

"I think throughout the season it'll be a battle of, you know, kind of fighting the egotistical view of it. 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," he added.

More playing time

With Anonuby out for a while and big man Mitchell Robinson in and out of the lineup because of injuries, Hart is set to get more playing time moving forward.

In 16 games so far, he is averaging 10.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 48.9 percent from the field, 38.2 percent from three and 75.0 percent from the free throw line. By all indications, having him on the floor more should benefit the Knicks (11–6) as they look for more consistency amid the up-and-down start to the season.

Related: Kevin Durant explains why Nikola Jokic looks more aggressive than ever: "He was inspired a lot by American players"

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.