Josh Hart walked into Knicks media day with a resume that will make any coach pay attention, and the recent hire Mike Brown should not be any different. Last season, Hart averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists while starting 77 games, averaging 37.6 minutes per appearance. Hart set a franchise mark with nine triple doubles in a single year, and is expected to remain an integral part of the core which also includes Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby.

Brown was hired even though the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season after 25 years, and he has said he will evaluate a full roster before locking in the starters. “I think it’s too early to go in and say ‘hey, this is what’s going to happen,” he said according to The Athletic. Brown also added that he will “try to play as many guys as I can,” a huge shift from the regime under Tom Thibodeau. However, Hart joked on Media Day that he will immediately look for a trade if he ends up being rotated.

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”.

Despite the eventual claim that he was comfortable with the new coach’s demands, the expectation to be a starter was still palpable. A strong rebounder for his size, Hart shot at almost 58% from the field last season and has also emerged as a defensive lynchpin for New York. Regardless, while the stance might be clear, Karl-Anthony Towns had a very different take on the situation.

That admission lands awkwardly next to what Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters about his own willingness to fit in wherever helps the team most, because structure around Towns changes the five man mix. Hart’s case for a starting spot is backed by minutes and production and by a history of stepping up in crucial games, but the Knicks also have Mitchell Robinson as a defensive center that helps Towns by giving rim protection and allowing Towns to focus on offense. Choosing Robinson as the five pushes perimeter options like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges into bench minutes and forces Brown to decide which balance best defends opponents and creates spacing.

For now the message is simple and public. Hart stamped his claim while saying he will not demand a role, Brown said he will let camp determine the lineup, and Towns gave a clear team-first answer about position preferences as the roster questions tighten. That may also be down to the fact that KAT is well aware that he thrives alongside a defensive Center like Robinson.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ stance is different

When asked about his own role and preferred position on the media day, Karl Anthony Towns took a broader approach. He stated, “My preference is winning. That’s the only preference I got”. He expressed confidence in the team regardless of whether he plays alongside Josh Hart as a traditional center or with Mitchell Robinson at power forward.

Towns’ versatility is a key asset for the Knicks. He has historically played well next to a traditional rim protecting center, such as during his time with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota. This pairing allowed him to focus more on his offensive strengths and even brought the Timberwolves consistent success. The Knicks saw this dynamic work during the playoffs when Mitchell Robinson started alongside him, improving the team’s defense. This successful configuration, however, often comes at the cost of moving a player like Hart to the bench.

Of course, the NBA has plenty of games and all the Knicks’ starters, alongside depth pieces such as Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon, can be expected to play big roles. However, when it comes to the starting five, it may be a simpler trade-off. KAT is bound to start, but if the coach believes he should start alongside Robinson, one of Anunoby, Hart, or Mikal Bridges might end up on the bench often.