9 Triple-Doubles in One Season! Just How Valuable is Josh Hart at $18 Million?

In a season where superstars like Nikola Jokic and LeBron James continue to dominate the headlines, one player has quietly carved out his own niche in the basketball world. Josh Hart, a player who has never been a All-Star or an MVP candidate, has somehow become one of the most valuable players for the New York Knicks, and his contributions are far greater than most give him credit for.

This season, Hart has achieved an astonishing 9 triple-doubles, setting a franchise record for the Knicks and positioning himself as one of the most prolific triple-double performers in the league. It's a feat that only a select few players can boast, with Jokic and LeBron sitting at the top of the triple-double leaderboard. Yet, it’s Hart's consistency, hustle, and versatility that has made him so essential to the Knicks’ success.

The Triple-Double Machine

What makes Hart's triple-doubles so impressive is not just the fact that he’s gotten 9 of them this season—an astounding number by any standard—but how he’s achieved them. Unlike traditional point guards who control the ball and rack up assists, Hart is a 6'4" wing player who excels at doing a little bit of everything.

In the Knicks' recent blowout victory against the Dallas Mavericks, Hart was the second player in team history to record a triple-double alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. This was no fluke—Hart's well-rounded game has made him an indispensable piece of the Knicks’ rotation, not just a one-time wonder.

For comparison, Towns has now achieved 3 triple-doubles in his career, but Hart has far outpaced him with 9 in a single season. This is particularly remarkable when you consider that Hart isn’t the go-to offensive weapon for the Knicks. He doesn’t average 20+ points a game like many of the league’s top playmakers, but his ability to impact the game in various ways sets him apart.

An Underrated Star: Josh Hart's Value Beyond the Box Score

While some may focus on big-name stars who dominate the stat sheets, Hart has become a secret weapon for the Knicks. A player with a modest salary—just $18 million per season—Hart has provided value that far exceeds his paycheck. His ability to contribute in scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense makes him an ideal role player for a team with playoff aspirations. In fact, his all-around game puts him in a category reserved for elite players.

Take his assist numbers, for example. Hart has been averaging 5.7 assists per game this season, a career-high. He’s not just a one-dimensional player—he has the vision and basketball IQ to set up teammates, often in critical moments. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.74 is especially impressive, given his status as a non-point guard. Even though he's not always in control of the offense, he’s still able to manage the flow of the game with poise.

Then there’s the rebounding. Standing at 6'4", Hart’s ability to collect nearly 10 rebounds per game as a guard is extraordinary. He’s currently ranked 13th in the league for rebounds and is beating out some of the best big men in the game. Hart’s 9.7 rebounds per game is the most by any guard in the league, which speaks volumes about his determination and hustle. But what’s even more staggering is that 2.2 of those rebounds are offensive, a number that rivals some of the league's elite forwards and centers. This ability to grab boards, especially on the offensive end, often gives the Knicks extra possessions, which is invaluable in tight games.

When looking at Hart’s defensive contributions, it’s clear that he’s not just a box score filler. Hart has emerged as one of the Knicks' best defenders, with 1.5 steals per game, a career-high, and a defensive BPM (box plus-minus) of +1.6, which is also a career-best. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, and he’s not afraid to step up in big moments. This defensive prowess has made him a key piece of the Knicks' top-tier defense, where his contributions are often overlooked but crucial.

Durability and Consistency: The Ultimate Role Player

Beyond his ability to fill up the stat sheet, one of the most underrated aspects of Hart’s value is his durability and reliability. This season, Hart has appeared in 68 games, only missing 3 games despite the grind of an 82-game season. He leads the league in minutes per game with a staggering 37.7 minutes, a testament to his conditioning and stamina. Over the past two seasons, Hart has missed a total of just 6 games—an impressively low number for a player who plays such a physical style.

Hart's durability makes him a dream player for any coach, and Tom Thibodeau—a coach known for playing his best players heavy minutes—absolutely loves him. Hart’s consistent presence on the floor has been crucial for a Knicks team that relies heavily on its defense and overall team-oriented play. While other players may have injury concerns or rest days, Hart is always there, ready to give his all for the team.

Josh Hart's Contract: The Steal of the Century?

Let’s talk about Hart’s salary for a moment. This season, Hart is earning $18 million, a relatively modest figure for a player of his value. To put things in perspective, his $18 million salary is a steal compared to his production. His ability to provide solid defense, contribute as a passer, and contribute as a scorer at an elite level—along with his durability and consistency—far exceeds the typical value of a player earning that amount.

This contract, signed in the offseason, has been one of the best investments the Knicks have made in recent years. While many teams are spending large amounts on stars who provide only one or two skills, Hart offers a full range of contributions across the board. And at just $18 million, his contract is easily one of the best values in the league for a player of his caliber.

Hart’s Potential Playoff Impact

What’s even more promising about Hart’s play is his track record in the playoffs. In last season’s postseason, Hart didn’t just show up—he thrived. In the 13 games the Knicks played in the playoffs, Hart averaged 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, all while shooting a respectable 37.3% from beyond the arc. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was a key factor in the Knicks' deep run, and as the playoffs approach this year, he could be even more important.

While the Knicks are primarily led by Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, Hart's role as the glue guy who does everything to help the team win is irreplaceable. In the postseason, where defense, rebounding, and unselfish play are amplified, Hart’s skills will undoubtedly be a game-changer. His versatility allows him to fill multiple roles, from setting up teammates to getting key rebounds or locking down the opposing team’s best player.

The Bottom Line: Josh Hart’s Real Value

Josh Hart may not be the most glamorous player on the court. He’s not a household name or a perennial All-Star, but when you look at his total package, he’s become one of the most valuable role players in the league. His ability to contribute in so many different areas—scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending—makes him an absolute asset for the Knicks, and his contract is a clear bargain for the team.

Whether or not Hart gets the recognition he deserves, his versatility, durability, and all-around play make him indispensable for the Knicks. He might not be a superstar, but he’s a player who helps you win, and in a league that values stars above all, that’s no small feat.