The Ultimate Glue Guy: Why Josh Hart Is the NBA's Most Underrated Role Player

In the star-studded world of the NBA, flashy dunks and 40-point performances dominate highlight reels. But championship teams are built on more than just star power—they're built on players who do the unglamorous work that transforms talented rosters into winners. No player in today's NBA embodies this "glue guy" role better than the New York Knicks' Josh Hart, whose remarkable 2024-25 season has redefined what a role player can contribute to a winning team.

The Statistical Anomaly

Most role players contribute in specialized ways—defensive stoppers, spot-up shooters, or rim protectors. Hart breaks the mold by excelling across virtually every facet of the game. His 2024-25 statistical profile defies conventional position classifications:

• 13.6 points per game
• 9.6 rebounds per game (leading all NBA guards)
• 5.9 assists per game
• Averaging 37.6 minutes per game (led the league, earning the "minutes leader" award)
• Nine triple-doubles (breaking Walt "Clyde" Frazier's 56-year-old Knicks franchise record)

For context, Hart is just 6'4"—making him the shortest player among the league's top rebounders by a significant margin. Since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976, only two guards—Russell Westbrook and Magic Johnson—have averaged more rebounds per game than Hart's 9.6.

"A 50/50 ball is an 80/20 ball when Josh Hart is around," noted one NBA analyst, capturing the essence of Hart's relentless hustle.

The Playoff Difference-Maker

Hart's value becomes even more pronounced during the playoffs, where his versatility allows the Knicks to adapt to different matchups and game situations. In May 2025, Hart became just the third Knick in franchise history since the 1971-72 season to record a playoff triple-double, joining the legendary Walt Frazier.

His playoff performances have fluctuated wildly from series to series, particularly his three-point shooting: 45% against Cleveland in 2023, 24% against Miami, 43% against Philadelphia in 2024, and 27% against Indiana while playing through an abdominal injury. This variance illustrates Hart's ability to impact games even when his shot isn't falling—a hallmark of elite role players.

The Villanova Connection

Hart's basketball IQ and team-first mentality were cultivated during his four years at Villanova, where he was part of the 2016 national championship team and became a consensus first-team All-American in 2017.

His Villanova connections run deep on the Knicks roster, where he reunited with college teammate Jalen Brunson. Their chemistry as NCAA alumni, developed over years of playing together, is evident in their pick-and-roll action, where Hart has mastered playing out of the pocket when defenses send two defenders at Brunson.

Hart's college coach Jay Wright once said that winning was Hart's greatest skill—a trait that has translated perfectly to the NBA level. His time at Villanova instilled a mindset where personal statistics pale in comparison to winning plays.

The Journey to New York

Hart's NBA journey before finding his perfect home with the Knicks reveals how player fit and system can dramatically impact contributions. After being selected 30th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Hart spent time with three franchises—the Lakers, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers—before being traded to New York in February 2023.

While Hart showed flashes of his versatile skillset at each stop, it wasn't until joining the Knicks that his true value was fully realized. Under coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his appreciation of high-motor, defensive-minded players, Hart has flourished. Thibodeau's trust in Hart is evidenced by his league-leading 37.6 minutes per game—a remarkable figure for a player traditionally viewed as a role player.

Beyond the Box Score

While casual fans might check an NBA live stat tracker for points and assists averages, Hart's impact extends far beyond typical statistical contributions. He's the player diving for loose balls in the fourth quarter of blowouts, grabbing offensive rebounds that demoralize opponents, and making the extra defensive rotation that others might skip.

"You get regular rebounds; I get rebounds that break teams!" Hart once famously exclaimed to teammate Mitchell Robinson during a playoff game. This confidence and competitive fire energize teammates and opponents alike.

His secondary playmaking has also proven invaluable. When Brunson faces defensive pressure, Hart functions as a pressure release valve, making quick decisions and finding open teammates. His career-best 5.9 assists per game this season demonstrates his evolution as a playmaker.

The Contract Value

In August 2023, Hart signed a four-year, $81 million extension with the Knicks that seemed generous at the time. Now, it looks like one of the league's best bargains. Teams routinely pay premium salaries for specialists who excel in one aspect of the game, while Hart provides elite production across multiple categories.

His versatility is perhaps best measured by advanced metrics. Hart ranks in the top 10 in LEBRON WAR (Luck-adjusted Estimated Box Plus-Minus Regularized ON/OFF), an all-encompassing statistic designed to measure overall value. The eight players ahead of him are all perennial All-Stars or MVP candidates.

The Cultural Impact

Beyond his on-court contributions, Hart has quickly become a fan favorite in New York. His blue-collar approach resonates with the city's basketball culture, which has long appreciated players who complement skill with determination and grit.

Hart has embraced New York both on and off the court. He co-hosts a popular podcast with Brunson, giving fans insight into their relationship and the team's dynamic, while showing off his affable personality that contrasts with his intense on-court demeanor.

The Ultimate Compliment

Perhaps the greatest testament to Hart's value comes from opposing coaches, who regularly scheme against him despite his modest scoring numbers. They recognize what casual fans might miss—that Hart's all-around game has become the backbone of the Knicks' success.

"At the end of the day he's a basketball player," Thibodeau remarked earlier this season. "He's more of a scorer than a pure shooter, but he can shoot. He's great with the ball. He's great on the break. If you're open, shoot it. If you're guarded, make a play. That's what I like about him."

Conclusion

In an era of position-less basketball, Josh Hart represents the ultimate modern role player—a Swiss Army knife who can impact the game in virtually every way imaginable. While he may never make an All-Star team or lead the league in a major statistical category, his contributions to winning basketball have established him as the NBA's premier glue guy.

As the Knicks continue their ascent in the Eastern Conference, Hart's fingerprints will be all over their success—even if those contributions don't always make the highlight reels. For basketball purists who appreciate the nuances of the game, watching Hart play is to witness the art of winning basketball in its purest form.

The next time you watch a Knicks game, pay special attention to No. 3. You might just gain a new appreciation for what it means to be the ultimate role player in today's NBA.