It's time to rethink the way we view Josh Hart

For far too long, Josh Hart has been pigeonholed as "the energy guy" who does all the little things — diving for loose balls, boxing out relentlessly and running back in transition — that don't appear on the stat sheet. 

While all those attributes are true, Hart's contributions actually do show up on the box score. The Villanova alum averages the fifth-most rebounds among all guards since entering the league in 2017 and has always been an underrated passer. This season, he's averaging career-highs in rebounds (9.6), assists (5.7) and steals (1.5) while pouring in 14.2 points per game at an efficient 56.6% shooting. 

On Wednesday, Hart proved his value again with his fifth triple-double of the season as the Knicks survived the Sixers, 125-119, in an overtime thriller. The multi-faceted guard played every second of the second half and OT period, during which he collected four offensive rebounds and made two timely steals that clinched the win.

Since the Knicks' Christmas Day win over the Spurs, Hart is first in the NBA in rebounds (168), ninth in assists (80) and ninth in steals (21). Oh, and he's clocked 519.7 minutes for first in the league.