CHARLESTON, S.C. — Josh Hart is only 6-feet-4 but is comfortable fighting in the paint with giants, a task he’ll be required to undertake as the Knicks’ backup power forward.
It’s a big reason why the Knicks never replaced Obi Toppin, believing Hart brings enough experience and rebounding prowess to neutralize the height disparity.
As Hart explained Tuesday, he essentially played power forward at his previous stop in Portland because former teammate Jerami Grant, a 6-8 power forward, often guarded the perimeter.
“So I would guard all the 4s,” Hart said.
Hart also played power forward with Team USA in the World Cup, although that ended disappointingly without a medal. Hart’s greatest asset is his motor, which runs like it never missed a full-service oil change.
The hustle helped turn Hart into one of the NBA’s best wing rebounders.
But switching positions could hurt his numbers.
On the wing, Hart was able to leave his man and get a running start for the rebound.
He may not have that luxury as a power forward.
“It all depends on the matchup. Obviously, when I’m on the perimeter, I can go read the ball, try to figure that out,” Hart said. “If I’m playing the 4, my main focus might not be going to get the ball. It might be making sure whoever it is, someone like [the Nuggets’] Aaron Gordon, who’s just a good offensive rebounder — strong and athletic — trying to make sure he’s off the glass [by boxing him out].”
Julius Randle unintentionally blocked Toppin’s path to a Knicks career and is now happy his former teammate is getting a chance to “flourish” elsewhere.
“That’s my guy, man. He was in a tough spot obviously playing behind me,” Randle said. “But I just tried to help him mentally stay in it as much as he could and make the most of his opportunities. And he did. He did a great job. He was more than a great teammate. I’m excited to see him flourish out there. He’s going to be great out there.”
Toppin, who played sparingly as Randle’s backup, was traded to the Pacers for two second-round picks.
For three seasons — and especially the last two — the Randle-Toppin dynamic was polarizing to a fan base that believed its homegrown draft pick deserved a greater opportunity.
Patrick Ewing is back in the NBA as a consultant to the Hornets, the Charlotte Observer reported.
Ewing, the last Knick to have his jersey retired, was fired in March as the head coach of Georgetown. He’ll now advise Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, who was an assistant with the Knicks when Ewing was the star center.
Ewing was previously an assistant with the Wizards, Rockets, Bobcats and Magic.
After signing his $80 million contract in the summer, Hart is ready to fund a high society New York lifestyle.
“Now, I gotta build a wine cellar. Get some good wine in there,” Hart said. “Get a country club out there in Westchester, and then I’ll be good to go, man.”