New York Knicks guard Josh Hart has found himself at the center of controversy after taking an unexpected swipe at his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans. During an appearance on the “Roommates Show” at Fanatics Fest in New York, Hart made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he bluntly stated that no player looks forward to being traded to the Pelicans.
“I don’t think you’ll ever hear anyone say they were excited to be traded to New Orleans. I wasn’t,” Hart candidly shared. “The only thing I was excited about was rolling around New Orleans, listening to Lil Wayne, and going to every game.”
“I don’t think you’ll ever hear someone say they were excited to be traded to New Orleans.” 😅
– Josh Hart
(🎥 @Roommates__Show / https://t.co/PmfE9Q6TkN) pic.twitter.com/7m5RBFrKAP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2024
This comment immediately set social media ablaze, particularly among Pelicans fans who felt deeply insulted by Hart’s words. The backlash was swift and fierce, with many taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their anger and disappointment.
“Entire state of Louisiana hates watching him now,” one fan tweeted, capturing the collective outrage of a fanbase that once cheered for Hart. Another fan didn’t hold back, tweeting, “Nobody is excited to watch Josh Hart play basketball,” a clear shot at the player’s perceived lack of star power.
The vitriol didn’t stop there. “Bench players talking like starters now,” another fan remarked, alluding to Hart’s role as a solid but unspectacular contributor in the NBA. The criticism highlighted a recurring theme in the backlash—fans felt that Hart, despite his contributions, hadn’t earned the right to make such disparaging remarks about a team that had supported him for over two seasons.
“Damn. The city showed him nothing but love,” lamented another fan, reflecting a sentiment of betrayal that many in New Orleans seemed to share. Hart’s words appeared particularly cutting to those who had appreciated his hustle and hard work during his tenure with the Pelicans.
Hart’s tenure with the Pelicans began when he was traded to New Orleans ahead of the 2019-20 season, following two years with the LA Lakers. Over two and a half seasons with the Pelicans, Hart posted respectable numbers, averaging 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 33.4% from deep. These are solid stats, but they did little to shield Hart from the backlash sparked by his recent comments.
Jalen Brunson Calls Out Josh Hart’s Immaturity:
During the same Fanatics Fest event, Josh Hart was joined on stage by his Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson. The two share a close friendship, but Brunson didn’t shy away from calling out Hart’s immaturity in a lighthearted but pointed exchange.
While Josh Hart was busy praising Brunson for his leadership and the camaraderie within the Knicks’ locker room, Brunson saw an opportunity to roast his friend and teammate. “We just had a moment backstage where you were actually mature,” Brunson quipped. “And you were, for once, being a responsible adult! And then we get out in public, and you don’t know how to act.”
Josh: “It started with JB. He put it on his back & we all came behind him…It just shows the love we have for each other”
Kazeem: “I don’t think he’s buying it”🤣
Jalen:☠️
Josh: “It’s on your shoulder & your back bro
“And we all just got behind you
“So we appreciate you dog” pic.twitter.com/9hPEIr2Gm4
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 20, 2024
The exchange, though humorous, seemed to underscore a broader point about Hart’s perceived immaturity—both on and off the court. Brunson’s jab added fuel to the fire, as fans and critics alike began to question whether Hart’s recent comments about New Orleans were simply a lapse in judgment or indicative of a deeper lack of professionalism.
Hart’s Future with the Knicks:
Despite the controversy, Josh Hart’s on-court chemistry with Brunson was one of the bright spots for the Knicks last season. Although the Knicks fell short in the Eastern Conference semifinals, they are widely expected to be contenders in the upcoming season, with Brunson leading the charge. Hart’s role as a key contributor will be crucial to their success, but whether this recent controversy will affect his standing with fans—or even within the locker room—remains to be seen.
Hart’s comments about New Orleans may have been intended as a throwaway line, but they’ve sparked a conversation about loyalty, respect, and maturity in professional sports. As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Hart—not just for his performance on the court, but for how he handles the backlash and whether he can regain the respect of fans who once supported him.
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