Knicks Star Josh Hart Focused on Repeating as Champions, Not Past Glory
Amidst championship celebrations, Josh Hart emphasizes the team's drive to "get to work" for the upcoming season.
NEW YORK – The New York Knicks are ready to shift their focus from championship celebrations to the upcoming season, according to forward Josh Hart. Speaking at a David Yurman event in Manhattan on Thursday, Hart indicated that the team is eager to move past the accolades and concentrate on defending their title.
"This year was amazing. But I think all of us, the thing that makes us special is right now we’re looking forward," Hart said when asked about the team's prospects for repeating. "I think all of us are kind of tired of hearing the congratulations, and we’re ready to get to work. We’re ready to put the work in, grow, build and see where we are at the end of the year."
The NBA has seen a different champion each of the last eight years, a trend the Knicks will aim to buck. The team is set to return largely intact, with Mitchell Robinson being the only significant departure from their championship roster.
Their path to a repeat will be challenged by a significantly reshaped Eastern Conference. Notable shifts include LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining the 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo moving to the Heat, Paul George teaming up with Jayson Tatum on the Celtics, and Tyrese Haliburton returning for the Pacers.
With training camp set to begin in just under two weeks, the Knicks appear to have put their championship run behind them and are directing their attention toward the new season's challenges.
Hart, who was joined at the event by teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson, as well as former Knick Carmelo Anthony and filmmaker Spike Lee, also reflected on his personal legacy. "It’s really just what you pass down to the next generation," he stated. "For me, it’s what I pass down to my kids. And it takes a long time to build it. It doesn’t come overnight." ![Karl-Anthony Towns (left) and Josh share a laugh during David Yurman's "Crafting a Legacy" event in Manhattan on Sept. 17, 2026.]( "Karl-Anthony Towns (left) and Josh share a laugh during David Yurman's "Crafting a Legacy" event in Manhattan on Sept. 17, 2026.")