Josh Hart’s Admission on Knicks Role Deals Instant Blow to Karl-Anthony Towns’ Media Day Claim

The New York Knicks enter a new era under head coach Mike Brown, who has made it clear that starting jobs are not guaranteed. This creates an interesting dynamic for a roster full of established players. One of the biggest questions is how the lineup will shake out, particularly in the frontcourt where several talented players are vying for minutes. This uncertainty set the stage for some very candid player comments during the team’s media day.

Josh Hart, a key part of the Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference finals last season, was asked about the possibility of coming off the bench. His response was immediately newsworthy. He began with a joke that quickly turned into a revealing statement about his personal ambitions and his commitment to the team. His honest assessment provided a stark look at the competitive nature of an NBA locker room.

A video posted by Knicks Videos on social media captured the moment. Hart started with a laugh, saying, “If I don’t start, I’ll probably ask for a trade.” He then got serious, stating, “I had the best year of my career last year… I think I’m a starter in the league. I think I deserve to be a starter in the league.” However, he immediately followed this by emphasizing team goals, adding, “It would be extremely selfish for me to go out there and demand to start. Whatever Mike wants to do… I’m cool with”.

Josh Hart starts out an answer about willing to do whatever the Knicks need in regards to their starting lineup with a joke: "If I don't start, I'll probably ask for a trade"

He continues: "I had the best year of my career last year, but that's in the past. I think I'm a… pic.twitter.com/lkrkbM43py

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) September 23, 2025

This nuanced admission from Hart deals an instant blow to a claim made by teammate Karl-Anthony Towns just hours earlier. When asked about his own role and preferred position, Towns offered a more generic response, simply saying, “My preference is winning. That’s the only preference I got.” While positive, Towns’ comment lacks the specific, grounded realism of Hart’s remarks, which acknowledge the tension between personal goals and team needs, making Hart’s words ring truer to the competitive situation.

(This is a developing story)

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