Josh Hart became a star thanks to The New York KnicksHe played a big role in their run last season and hopes to help the franchise reach the NBA Finals next season. However, the former The New Orleans Pelicans Wing recently spoke out and threw some major shade at his former team.
During a appearance on the “Roommates Show”, Hart was blunt and brutally critical of playing with the Pelicans.
Here’s what Hart had to say about his time in New Orleans:
“I don’t think you’ll ever hear anyone say they were excited to be traded to New Orleans.”
“I don’t think you’ll ever hear anyone say they were excited to be traded to New Orleans.” 😅
-Josh Hart
(🎥 @Roommates__Show / https://t.co/PmfE9Q6TkN) pic.twitter.com/7m5RBFrKAP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2024
Of course, Hart played two and a half seasons with the Pelicans. He played from the 2019-20 NBA season through the 2021-22 campaign before being traded before the trade deadline to the Pelicans. Portland Trail Blazers.
Clearly, the 29-year-old forward didn’t enjoy his time in New Orleans. Taking photos like this after years away from a franchise shows how much negative feelings he still has about his time with the team.
Following this statement, Hart was criticized by Pelicans fans.
A social media post noted how excited Hart was to play in New Orleans and how involved he was with the city off the field.
I remember when Josh Hart jumped right into the Pels after playing for the Lakers because it was his first real opportunity to get playing time. He bought merchandise, got involved in the community, and was really excited to be on the Pels team.
Being traded changes people. https://t.co/lt14vqDjwL
— Nick Malone (@yankeesman77) August 23, 2024
Another fan clearly showed his displeasure with Hart’s comments.
Yeah @joshhart he better bring a fishing rod next time he comes here, he’ll have to go catch his own meals
— Hold the mayonnaise (@snowlikejonn) August 23, 2024
Another fan also hit back at Hart.
The city was really for Josh Hart and now he wants to show his ass. What a blunder
— Don. B (@Leaveit2_B_Rich) August 23, 2024
Hart’s comments did not go down well with Pelicans fans. He cut ties with the city of New Orleans and received a lot of criticism on social media.
It probably won’t matter much to Hart. He’s very happy with his role with the Knicks and has fully adjusted to his new city.
During the 2023–24 NBA season, Hart played in 81 games and started in 42 of those appearances. He averaged 9.4 points per game, along with 8.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists. In addition to those averages, he shot 43.4 percent from the field and 31.0 percent from three-point range.
Hart took those numbers to a much higher level in the playoffs. He played and started 13 games, averaging 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
These comments will make the next meeting between the Pelicans and New York much more interesting. He will not receive a very warm reception in New Orleans.
