Stephen A. Smith went full Stephen A. on Josh Hart this week, and honestly, it was a sight to behold. The ESPN personality absolutely shredded Hart for defending Mikal Bridges, calling out Hart's loyalty to a "soft" Nets team. This all stemmed from Bridges' recent comments about potentially joining the Knicks, which Hart, his former Villanova teammate, laughed off. Smith wasn't laughing.
Look, I get it. Hart and Bridges are tight. They won a national championship together in 2016. They were part of that legendary Villanova squad that beat North Carolina on Kris Jenkins' buzzer-beater. That bond runs deep, deeper than any New York rivalry, at least for them. But Hart is a Knick, and a pretty important one. He's averaging 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season, providing the hustle and defense that defines this current Knicks roster. When he told JJ Redick on his podcast that Bridges "ain't coming to the Knicks," it felt less like friendly banter and more like a slight to the fan base that adores him.
Smith’s outrage wasn't just about the words; it was about the optics. Here's Hart, a guy who embodies the grit of this Knicks team, seemingly siding with a rival. The Nets finished 32-50 last season, missing the playoffs entirely. The Knicks, meanwhile, won 50 games and made it to the second round, pushing the Pacers to six games despite key injuries. There's a clear difference in organizational trajectory right now. For Hart to defend Bridges, who reportedly hasn't pushed for a trade despite the Nets' struggles, feels like a slap in the face to the Knicks faithful who have embraced Hart since his trade deadline acquisition in February 2023.
Thing is, Bridges is a good player. He averaged 19.6 points per game last year. He's durable, playing all 82 games for three straight seasons. He'd instantly upgrade the Knicks' wing depth, especially with OG Anunoby's long-term health a constant concern. But the context matters. The Knicks are building something real. Jalen Brunson has become an MVP candidate, dropping 40-point games like they're free throws. Hart's role is crucial, his energy infectious. For him to publicly dismiss the idea of a talent like Bridges joining *his* team, it just doesn't sit right. It shows a baffling lack of understanding of the current NBA landscape, where player movement and team building are paramount.
Smith's central argument was that Hart should be recruiting talent, not pushing it away. And he's right. Every player on a contending team should be thinking about how to improve the roster. Imagine if LeBron James had told Kyrie Irving not to come to Cleveland because they were old college buddies with someone else. It's ludicrous. Hart’s loyalty to Bridges is admirable on a personal level, but professionally, it's a misstep. He's paid $18.1 million this season to help the Knicks win, not to protect the feelings of his friends on other teams. This isn't rec league ball. This is the NBA, where every competitive edge counts.
My hot take? Hart's comments, while seemingly innocuous, reveal a subtle immaturity that could hinder the Knicks' ability to attract future stars. Top players want to join organizations where everyone is singularly focused on winning, not where personal allegiances might supersede team goals.
I predict that despite the noise, Bridges will remain a Net through the next trade deadline. And Hart, after some serious locker room ribbing, will continue to play his heart out for the Knicks, perhaps with a slightly more nuanced approach to public comments about rival players.