Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo have had a full-circle experience with the New York Knicks over the past year. Last summer, both former Villanova Wildcats were expected to come off the bench for the Knicks, and that’s how the season began. However, things quickly changed, with Hart stepping up as a starter after Julius Randle’s shoulder injury and DiVincenzo eventually replacing Quentin Grimes in the starting lineup.
This coming season, though, the dynamic is likely to shift again. With the addition of OG Anunoby, the arrival of their college teammate Mikal Bridges, and Randle’s return from injury, Hart and DiVincenzo are expected to start the 2024-25 season back on the bench. This marks a significant change for both players, especially Hart, who played at least 40 minutes in each of the first nine playoff games for the Knicks last season and had several full-game appearances. DiVincenzo was also crucial, averaging 35.8 minutes per game in the postseason and setting a franchise record for three-point shooting.
Despite their reduced roles, both players remain valuable assets to the team. DiVincenzo’s shooting has become a key strength, helping to create space for the Knicks’ offense, while Hart’s versatility allows him to play three different positions. His rebounding and fast-break ability add much-needed pace to a team that often plays in a slow, half-court style. Both players are also strong defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions, making it essential to get them on the court as much as possible.
However, the depth that the Knicks now possess could make this challenging. After the midseason trade to acquire Anunoby, New York lost their sixth man, Immanuel Quickley, and finished the regular season ranked last in bench scoring. But with Hart and DiVincenzo, along with an improving Miles McBride, the Knicks now have two players who could start for many teams, coming off the bench. This creates a solid rotation with several players capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor.
The challenge for head coach Tom Thibodeau will be managing this depth. If the Knicks stick with a traditional center like Mitchell Robinson or rely heavily on backup Precious Achiuwa, Hart and DiVincenzo might see less playing time. However, if Thibodeau opts for smaller lineups with Randle at center, there could be more minutes available for them. Additionally, considering the injury histories of Anunoby, Randle, and Robinson, Hart and DiVincenzo may still find opportunities to step into starting roles. This rotation dilemma is ultimately a positive one for the Knicks, giving them more weapons and flexibility in their lineups, but it will put a spotlight on Thibodeau’s decisions.
