The Knicks have six players listed among the top-100 NBA players entering this season, as ranked by ESPN.
The outlet released Nos. 11 through 100, and the Knicks already have a half-dozen players named, led by All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson at No. 12 — just outside the top 10, which will be released in the coming days.
Newcomers Karl-Anthony Towns (30) and Mikal Bridges (38) also were prominent on the list, followed by OG Anunoby (51), Josh Hart (61) and injured center Mitchell Robinson (82).
The versatile Hart, who was ranked No. 91 entering last season, was described as a Swiss Army knife in the accompanying online article.
“Yeah, I can do a lot of things,” Hart said after practice Wednesday. “I’ve got, what, four shots in three [preseason] games, and I’m still able to be effective, defending, rebounding. I think I had four or five assists in those games, just making the smart IQ plays.
“So I think that’s something that definitely fits. Whatever is needed that night I can kind of give. That’s what a Swiss Army knife is.”
Robinson was ranked No. 82, six slots higher than former teammate Isaiah Hartenstein, who signed in the offseason with Oklahoma City.
As Hart mentioned, he has attempted just four field goals and has yet to score in three appearances as part of the Knicks’ 4-0 record entering Friday’s preseason finale at Washington.
But he has totaled 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals in 65 minutes.
“I don’t think I’ve been in position to get those shots,” Hart said. “I don’t think I’ve turned down any shots. I just don’t think I’ve been in position where I’ve gotten open ones.”
Brunson on rookie point guard Tyler Kolek: “He doesn’t get sped up, and he’s a player who I’ve seen work tremendously hard on his game. He’s like one of those guys that is not really looking to prove you wrong, he’s just showing you why he belongs here. So I really like that mindset about him.”
