CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The dynamic has changed for Josh Hart.
Last season following a barrage of Knicks injuries, Hart was thrust into greater offensive responsibilities.
He initiated the offense.
He had the ball.
He regularly recorded triple-doubles.
Now the Knicks have three All-Star-caliber scorers on the roster — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges — so Hart’s opportunities will probably be far more sporadic and “random” than consistent.
After going scoreless on just two shots in Sunday’s preseason victory over the Hornets, Hart said he’s understanding — and accepting — of the circumstances.
“At the end of the day, my job isn’t to go out there and score 20. It’s not to go out there and force things offensively and try to make things happen,” Hart said. “My job is to rebound, defend at a high level, offensively kind of be a connector, get into the lane and find guys for open shots, get the rebound, push the pace and get us easy transition buckets.
“I don’t worry about shots. The shots will come how I play. How I play is very random. The shots will be there. I think I shot the ball twice [Sunday]. At the end of the day, I don’t think any team’s won without several people sacrificing. If that’s me sacrificing points, I will gladly do that.”
It was a good early sign from Hart, who wasn’t thrilled early last season when less involved.
Now expectations are elevated on the Knicks along with the offensive talent in the starting lineup.
Shot distributions will be worth documenting.
Brunson and Towns, two high-volume scorers, accounted for 22 of the starters’ 30 points Sunday.
Bridges, making his Knicks debut after leading the Nets in scoring last season, attempted only five shots with four points.
OG Anunoby, just handed a $212 million contract, took just three shots with four points.
“The thing that’s going to make this team good and can make it special is we don’t care who scores and who gets the assist, who gets the statistical numbers. We all want to win,” Hart said. “We’re all willing to sacrifice to make that happen. I think that’s something that the character of the team will be good for us.”
Taj Gibson is starting his 16th NBA campaign, this time with the Hornets after being waived last season by the Knicks.
He still hasn’t given up the goal of coaching, however.
“It’s there,” Gibson told The Post. “But one thing before I do, I want to be extremely good at my craft. That’s why I was taking most of the coaching clinics in the summer. Just working and getting a feel for guys and getting a feel for different things in the coaching field. Even if it’s not coaching, if it’s management. Just learning all facets of the trade.”
Thibodeau, who has coached Gibson on three different teams and remains an ardent supporter, has said he’d welcome the center on his staff.
“Just being around his staff all these years, I already know what to expect,” said Gibson, who scored seven points in nine minutes against the Knicks on Sunday. “I got a real head start as far as coaching and understanding [with Thibodeau]. It just comes down to scheduling and putting the work in.”
