NBA Rumors: Ex-Lakers Backup Guard Could Be Sleeper Knicks Can Snag This Offseason

Josh Hart of the New Orleans Pelicans is set to hit restricted free agency, and most feel that the 26-year-old will likely suit up for a new team.

The NBA journey of the former Villanova standout has been overshadowed since he first joined the Lakers, but the right opportunity could help him come out of his shell.

Hart hosted a podcast alongside Matt Hillman recently where they had Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors as their guest.

In the course of the discussion, the 6-foot-5 player was talking about an anonymous coach who later turned out to be Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks.

Along with Lowry, Hart did not hide the fact that both had much respect for the Knicks head coach.

Considering New York was looking for a guard to bolster its lineup, could the former Lakers player be a wise addition?

Hart can play the shooting guard and small forward positions, something that could fill in the Knicks’ needs for the next season.

But if one is to look at his numbers, his production has not been that consistent.

The 30th overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft holds career averages of 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

He had his best season with the Pelicans during the 2019-20 season, where he normed 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 27 minutes of action.

Also worth noting here is that taking in Hart would reunite him with a former Lakers teammate in Julius Randle.

Both played together from 2017 to 2018, a tandem that could do wonders for Thibodeau.

Moreover, enlisting Hart may not cost the Knicks much. If they can secure him for around $12 million a year, Thibodeau and the Gotham-based franchise could be getting a quality player who can shine if given the chance.

Hart has shown signs of promise, and playing for a team where he can get the chance to shine may be the only thing needed.

Thibodeau got the best out of Randle, so the same could hold true for the 2016 NCAA champion player.