New York Knicks forward Josh Hart has become aware that he’s been accumulating an unusually high number of technical fouls recently.
Rather than vent his frustrations about the calls, Hart decided to take a proactive approach to understanding the situation by directly engaging with an official to gain insight into how he could improve his behavior during games.
He acknowledged that he no longer curses at referees, but he still found himself getting hit with technicals and wanted to learn how he could change his interactions to avoid further penalties.
“Some of the techs I got, I haven’t even cursed so I kind of been surprised by them,” Hart told The New York Post. “So I’m not going to say what ref, but I asked him, ‘Do I have a bad reputation? Or what? Man-to-man, let me know. Because I’m trying to work on it.'”
This candid conversation with the official offered the player some much-needed clarity.
The official, while complimentary of Hart’s competitive spirit, provided some constructive feedback on how he could adjust his approach when interacting with referees during the heat of a game.
“And he was just like, ‘No, you’re an amazing competitor. But sometimes in the heat of competition, it’s like you’re against us, too. Like you look at it 8 on 5.’ Which I do sometimes,” the Knicks wing explained, recounting the official’s words.
“So I think my complaining and getting techs hurts us. We’re giving them free points or the ball or whatever it is and those kind of things.”
The feedback resonated with Hart, who acknowledged that his frustration with calls could sometimes escalate into behavior that hurts his team more than it helps.
He realized that complaining too much or losing his composure in these situations could result in unnecessary penalties, including free points for the opposing team or giving away possessions.
“I think my complaining and getting techs hurts us,” Hart admitted. “We’re giving them free points or the ball or whatever it is and those kind of things.”
The versatile wing made it clear that he understood the consequences of his actions, and that this was something he needed to work on moving forward.
“I have to be more cognizant of and work on it,” he said, recognizing that controlling his emotions and actions on the court would be key for him to avoid further technical fouls and ensure that his competitiveness didn’t become a liability.
As the season progresses, Hart is committed to being more mindful of his behavior, understanding that he must balance his fiery competitive nature with maintaining discipline.
He also acknowledged that his willingness to seek advice from the officials and self-reflect on his conduct is an important step in becoming more mature and disciplined as a player.
Hart emphasized that this adjustment is crucial not just for his own growth but for the benefit of the team, understanding that every technical foul could have a direct impact on the Knicks’ performance.
The forward has spent 8 seasons in the NBA, playing for four teams, including the New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans. Over 490 regular-season games, he has averaged 10.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Josh Hart Working With Officials To Get Less Technical Fouls https://t.co/asLAxqzPSL
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 10, 2025
