Josh Hart Ranked 13th Best Shooting Guard: Knicks Fans Take Notice
Josh Hart is making headlines for all the right reasons. According to Zach Harper’s top-40 shooting guard ranking from The Athletic, Hart sits at No. 13, a placement that is sure to intrigue New York Knicks fans and the 30-year-old guard himself.
Hart’s Ranking Among the NBA Elite
While Hart’s 13th-place designation may raise eyebrows, it reflects the competitive depth of the position. Leading the list are elite talents such as Anthony Edwards (No. 1), Devin Booker (No. 2), Donovan Mitchell (No. 3), and Desmond Bane (No. 4)—players whose dominance is difficult to dispute.
Being ranked as a shooting guard likely gives Hart the highest positional placement possible. With modern basketball blurring positional lines, had he been evaluated as a wing or forward, breaking into the top 15 would have been far more challenging.
Why Hart Could Be Ranked Higher
Timing plays a role in Hart’s placement. Coming off a postseason where his offensive limitations occasionally constrained the Knicks, some expect head coach Mike Brown to assign him more minutes with the second unit.
However, many of the guards ahead of him—excluding Alex Caruso (No. 12) and possibly Norman Powell (No. 11)—are established starters, making Hart’s ranking feel conservative. Notable names just above him include:
- Klay Thompson (No. 5)
- Bradley Beal (No. 6)
- Zach LaVine (No. 7)
- Austin Reaves (No. 8)
- Lu Dort (No. 9)
- Dyson Daniels (No. 10)
While some of these placements are debatable, Hart arguably outshines certain peers as a playmaker, even if they have advantages in defense or offensive explosiveness. Thompson’s fifth-place ranking, for instance, may overstate his contributions given defensive inconsistencies.
Hart’s Underrated Value
Over the past three years, Hart’s minutes on the floor rival those of Mikal Bridges, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards, with only Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic matching his combined metrics in defensive rebounds, assists, steals, and true shooting percentage.
Hart’s contributions may not scream superstar, but his availability, consistency, and ability to fill gaps make him an essential piece for the Knicks. Even if his long-term tenure with the team remains uncertain, his impact is undeniable.
A Player Knicks Fans Should Appreciate
Too often, discussions around Hart focus on what he doesn’t do. The truth is, his combination of defense, playmaking, and versatility adds significant value to the Knicks’ rotation.
For fans and analysts alike, Hart’s ranking highlights his underappreciated role in New York’s success and serves as a reminder that sometimes the most valuable players are those who quietly make everything else around them work.
