The Knicks looked like they were marching towards the East’s first seed a week ago, but have since dropped three games in uncharacteristic fashion. It’s only their second losing streak of the young season, but it’s putting them in danger of slipping to the third seed or beyond with a tough opponent and travel sled ahead. 

There’s plenty of causes for the slide -- injuries and fatigue chief among them -- but perhaps none more glaring than Josh Hart’s absence due to a sprained right ankle. He turned it on Christmas Day, and despite pulling out the win, his team hasn’t looked the same without him since. 

It’s a testament to and necessary reminder of his value after fans were ready to call his number in the trade machine during a slow start to the year. He’s been a pivotal piece of this core’s success and this isn’t a championship team without him.

As a reminder, New York traded for Hart near the 2022-23 deadline, and he was an immediate impact addition on the court and to the locker room. The Knicks immediately rattled off nine straight wins after acquiring him, and his monster play in the first round was crucial in helping them advance over the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

In his first full season with the franchise, Hart had to step up as a starter after Julius Randle went down with a season-ending shoulder injury, and he responded with averages of 12 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists. He was once again key in the postseason, averaging 14.5 points and 11.5 rebounds, while hitting some of the biggest shots of his team’s run. 

Hart delivered more of the same last season, shouldering a ridiculous 37.6 minutes per game and adjusting to a new frontcourt mate without losing a step. He had another strong playoffs, including two 20-point games and a triple-double in the Knicks’ upset series over the Celtics.

Coming into this year, Hart re-aggravated a finger injury, forcing him to play with a splint and through some discomfort. It took four games of struggle and some angry tweets, but since then Hart’s put up 13.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 60 percent shooting from two and 41.7 percent from three, which would be a career high. 

Box score numbers don’t quite do his game justice of course. When Hart gets going he breathes a new life into the Knicks, and he can do it from any position, and whether starting or coming off the bench. 

His standout skill is rebounding, and he’s a large reason the Knicks are top 10 in offensive and defensive rebound rates. Hart’s ability to push off defensive boards opens up the Knicks to many transition opportunities not otherwise afforded, ones they’ve missed in recent contests. 

Even in the halfcourt, his connectivity and creativity can turn nothing possessions into something. This Knicks offense has looked much more jagged without Hart there as an added facilitator.

The hole is extending to the defense, where the Knicks have been borderline lifeless. It may be a coincidence this has happened as they lost their number one energy guy, but it’s doubtful.

Hart may not be their best defender, but he’s able to credibly guard up to four positions and is reliable when it comes to following scheme and bringing the right approach. Not having those momentum-turning hustle and backbreaking plays makes it tougher to fight through a deficit. 

His shooting has been the most impressive part of his game, a complete departure in accuracy and volume despite the injury on his shooting hand. Hart being willing and able to shoot catch-and-shoot threes has changed the way defenses treat him and supercharged this Knicks offense when he’s on the court. 

The good news for Knicks fans is Hart has begun light court work and will be re-evaluated in a week’s time, the team said late last week. This makes his return somewhat imminent, and this time around should make the New York faithful eternally grateful.