Josh Hart And Donte DiVincenzo had a complete 360 degree experience with the New York Knicks Over the past year. At this point last summer, Viillanova’s former Wildcats teammates were expected to come off the bench in the Knicks’ lineup.
It started like this. Hart began the season as a backup power forward, but he filled several roles as a starter after Julius Randle‘shoulder injury. DiVincenzo started his first season as a Knick on the bench before taking over Quentin Grimes” role in the starting eleven. Now, thanks to the presence of OG Anunobyadding a college teammate Mikal Bridges, and Randle’s return from injury, Hart and DiVincenzo will likely start the 2024-25 season on the bench.
It will be a huge start for Hart, who has played at least 40 minutes in the Knicks’ first nine playoff games, and has had several games where he went the distance. DiVincenzo wasn’t far behind, averaging 35.8 minutes in the playoffs. Both players have been essential to new YorkThe first 50-win season in franchise history in over a decade. Hart showed drive, rebounding and tenacity while DiVincenzo had the best three-point shooting season in franchise history.
It’s clear that they’re both point guards and helped establish the Knicks’ identity as a tough, physical team last season. But with Anunoby and Bridges set to play the two starting wing spots, there will be far fewer minutes available on the perimeter than there were last year.
This should be an adjustment for two players who played such pivotal roles last year. If the Knicks play lineups with a traditional center like Mitchell Robinson or rely on backup Precious Achiuwa significantly, we may see a lot less of Hart and DiVincenzo. But if head coach Tom Thibodeau entertains by playing smaller lineups with Randle at fiveThere should be extra time for both backups. Plus, with Anunoby, Randle and Robinson’s injury histories, there will likely be more minutes and starting opportunities available for Hart and DiVincenzo.
DiVincenzo’s three-point shooting has become a major asset and should open up the court for the Knicks. Hart can play three different positions and his ability to grab rebounds and create fast break opportunities all by himself adds pace to a Knicks team that tends to play too much in the half court. They are also both quality defenders who can defend multiple positions. It would be important to get them on the court as much as possible.
Overall, this rotation problem is a good problem to have. The Knicks have more depth. The bench was a problem for the Knicks after the midseason trade to acquire Anunoby. In that deal, New York lost the sixth man Emmanuel QuickleyThe Knicks finished the regular season last in bench scoring after the trade.
Now the Knicks have two players worthy of starting on many teams off the bench. Plus, guard Miles McBride Thibodeau has also shown an improved scoring ability. This helps form a solid rotation with multiple players on the roster capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor. Thibodeau has more weapons and formations at his disposal. But having more depth will inform the rotation decisions and the formations he uses.
