Mike Brown praises star for not complaining as Knicks coach admits major mistake

Mike Brown admits he’s not using Josh Hart in the correct way

The Knicks may have superstars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the roster, but role players like Josh Hart are equally important as well.

For starters, Hart arguably hustles the most on the current Knicks team. Keeping that in mind, benching Hart during the fourth quarter seems like the wrong strategy.

Coach Brown finally admitted his mistake while also praising the veteran guard for not complaining in an interview with the New York Post.

“I’ll be the first to say that wasn’t the right thing to do because he does so many great things for us and our group and our coaching staff.

“And obviously as time has gone on, we’ve gotten a better feel for how we’re going to play him, and he’s got a better feel, too,” Brown said.

He added: “But back then he obviously could’ve b______ or complained or threw a fit. He didn’t.”

Although coach Brown forced Hart to make a plethora of adjustments, the 30-year-old showed his maturity by staying calm during the process.

Josh Hart’s role has been reduced under Mike Brown

Last season, Hart averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He also averaged a league-high 37.6 minutes per game under head coach Tom Thibodeau.

On the contrary, Hart’s role has changed under coach Brown. After all, he’s averaging just 27.3 minutes per game.

Additionally, Hart has started in just two out of his 16 appearances during the 2025-26 NBA season. Evidently, his numbers have dipped this season.

As of now, Hart’s averaging 10.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game for the Knicks. This reduced role may help Hart stay fresh come playoff time and impact the game more.