Josh Hart’s grit reminds Mike Brown of Andre Iguodala

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Josh Hart’s grit reminds Mike Brown of Andre Iguodala image

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

By Rafael Bandayrel

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown knows exactly the kind of player Josh Hart is becoming. He has seen it before in 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.

After the Knicks dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 109-93, to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, Brown compared Hart to the former Golden State Warriors star—one of the most important role players from franchise’s dynasty years.

Brown, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Warriors, coached Iguodala during multiple championship runs. According to him, Hart brings many of the same winning qualities.

“I’ll tell you what, my time with Andre Iguodala in Golden State helped a lot because, you know they’re different players, but they’re similar players,” Brown said after the game. “Andre is edgy too and Andre’s a hell of a player. I mean, he’s a great player. He does so many little things that if you’re not careful, you won’t appreciate them.”

Hart played a massive role in New York’s latest win. He finished with a team-high 26 points along with seven assists, four rebounds, and two steals while helping set the physical tone for the Knicks.

That aggressive style also came with five personal fouls, but Brown made it clear that he accepts the tradeoff because of everything Hart brings to the floor.

“It’s same with Josh,” Brown continued. “He does so many little things that don’t show up in the box score. I mean, obviously he shot it well tonight. He scored 26 points, he had seven assists, one turnover. But he does so much more.”

Brown also praised Hart’s defensive versatility and ability to connect the team together offensively and emotionally.

“Because he’s so impactful as a connector, I have to give him probably more leash than anybody else,” Brown said. “I gotta let him go do him and get out of his way.”

Hart, however, humbly downplayed the comparison to Iguodala.

“Iggy, first of, was a hell of a player. I don’t know if I’m at that level, but I just try to go out there and play my game,” Hart said.

The Knicks guard also shared his thoughts on analytics, saying basketball instincts still matter more than numbers at times.

“I’m never a huge analytics guy,” Hart said playfully. “At a certain point, they’re a lamp post to a drunk person. You can lean on it but it won’t get you home. So at a certain point, you just gotta have a good feel for the game.”

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