If you just look at a box score, Josh Hart might look like just another guy. You see 10 or 12 points, maybe a handful of assists, and you move on. But anyone who actually watches the New York Knicks knows that's a mistake. Honestly, the Josh Hart career stats are some of the most misleading numbers in the NBA because they can’t measure the "Hart" factor—pun absolutely intended.
He's a 6'4" guard who plays like he's 6'10". He grabs rebounds over centers. He runs the break like a deer. Most importantly, he plays basically every minute of the game if Tom Thibodeau has his way. During the 2024 playoffs, Hart became a bit of a legend for his ironman streaks, once playing the full 48 minutes in multiple games. That’s not just endurance; that’s a refusal to leave the floor.
The Early Years and That Villanova DNA
Before he was a Knick, Hart was the engine behind one of the most successful eras in Villanova history. You can really see where his "do-it-all" style comes from when you look at his college production. He finished his four years as the only Wildcat to ever hit 1,900 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, and 150 steals.
He wasn't just a role player. He was a Consensus First-Team All-American. He won a National Championship in 2016. By his senior year in 2017, he was averaging 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting over 40% from deep. The Utah Jazz took him 30th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, but they immediately shipped him to the Lakers. That was the start of a journey that saw him become the ultimate "glue guy" for four different franchises.
Breaking Down the Josh Hart Career Stats by Stop
Hart has been a bit of a nomad, but he leaves every team better than he found it. In Los Angeles, he was part of the "young core" with Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. He even won Summer League MVP in 2018. His rookie year stats were solid: 7.9 points and 4.2 rebounds on 39.6% shooting from three. But the Lakers eventually traded him to New Orleans in the Anthony Davis blockbuster.
New Orleans is where the rebounding really started to pop. Even though he’s a guard, he started putting up double-digit rebound games regularly. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged a staggering 8.0 rebounds per game despite only starting four times.
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Then came the Portland era. It was short, but it was loud. On March 12, 2022, he dropped 44 points on the Washington Wizards. It was a career-high that reminded everyone that he can score in bunches when the situation demands it. He shot 15-of-21 that night. It was clinical.
But the Knicks... that’s where things got weird in a good way. Since arriving in New York via trade in 2023, his usage has been fascinating. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged:
- 9.4 points
- 8.3 rebounds
- 4.1 assists
- 33.4 minutes
Those aren't superstar numbers on paper. But look at the advanced metrics. His "hustle stats"—contested shots, deflections, and loose balls recovered—are consistently near the top of the league. He's currently under a four-year, $75 million contract that looks like a bargain for a guy who essentially functions as the team's heartbeat.
Why He’s the Best Rebounding Guard in the League
Most guards wait for the ball to come to them. Hart hunts it. As of the 2025-26 season, he’s still hovering around 8 rebounds per game. For context, that’s more than many starting power forwards.
He understands angles. He's got a nose for where the ball is going to bounce off the rim. If you watch a Knicks game, you’ll see him sprint from the three-point line the moment a shot goes up. He doesn't care about his shooting percentage as much as he cares about the team getting another possession. In late 2025, he had a stretch where he grabbed 10+ rebounds in five straight games. He’s essentially a "wing-commander" who plays like a bruiser.
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The 2025-26 Campaign: Ankle Woes and Resilience
The current season has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Hart. He’s been dealing with a nagging right ankle sprain that cost him eight games around the turn of the year. He missed everything from Christmas Day to mid-January.
When he returned on January 11, 2026, against the Trail Blazers, he didn't look like he’d missed a beat. He put up 18 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds in 31 minutes. That’s the Hart experience. One night he’s a playmaker, the next he’s a lockdown defender. Lately, the Knicks have leaned on him even more with Jalen Brunson also dealing with injuries.
His current season averages (as of mid-January 2026) are:
- Points: 12.1
- Rebounds: 7.7
- Assists: 5.3
- FG%: 49.0%
Notice that assist number? 5.3 is a career high. He’s evolving into a secondary playmaker, which has been huge for New York’s offensive spacing. He isn't just a "3-and-D" guy anymore. He's a "Rebound-and-Run-the-Offense" guy.
Looking Beyond the Box Score
If you want to understand Josh Hart, you have to look at the Knicks' win percentage when he plays versus when he sits. The "vibes" are a real statistical category in New York. He provides a level of connective tissue that allows stars like Karl-Anthony Towns to focus on scoring while Hart does the dirty work.
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He’s currently shooting about 34.5% from deep for his career, which is "fine," but his value comes from the fact that he makes the right play. He’s an Eagle Scout—literally—and that disciplined, prepared mindset shows up in every defensive rotation.
Key Career Milestones:
- NCAA Champion (2016): The foundation of his winning pedigree.
- Summer League MVP (2018): Proved he could be a primary scoring option.
- The 44-Point Game (2022): His offensive ceiling.
- Ironman Playoff Run (2024): Set records for minutes played in a single postseason.
How to Project Josh Hart's Value Moving Forward
If you're a fantasy manager or just a die-hard fan, don't get hung up on the scoring variance. Hart's floor is incredibly high because his rebounding and assists are so consistent for his position. Even when his shot isn't falling, he's going to find a way to impact the game.
To track his impact effectively, monitor his "triple-double watch" games. He’s one of the few non-stars who is a threat to post a 10-10-10 line on any given Tuesday. Keep an eye on the Knicks' injury reports; if Brunson or OG Anunoby are out, Hart’s assist and rebound numbers usually skyrocket because he simply takes over those vacated responsibilities.
For the most accurate, up-to-the-minute look at his performance, you should regularly check the NBA’s official tracking data for "hustle stats." This is where Hart truly shines, often leading the league in "miles ran per game" and "contested rebounds."
Check his game logs for back-to-back nights where he plays 40+ minutes—these are the games where he defines the Knicks' identity. If he stays healthy through the 2026 playoffs, expect his minutes to lead the league once again.