Despite entering the new NBA season as the reigning champions, Josh Hart believes he and the New York Knicks will still be the hunters rather than the hunted.
The Knicks star attended Wednesday's U.S. Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium and stopped by the ESPN broadcast booth, wherein he made it clear that they remain motivated of being underestimated to repeat.
"I don't think we have a big target because I don't think anyone is picking us to win again," Hart said. "We're using it as fuel, we're still the hunters, we're not satisfied with one.
"Obviously, the next goal is to get another. So we're the hunters and we like playing that game."
Knicks motivated to repeat as NBA champions
Josh Hart and the New York Knicks won it all last season, clinching the franchise's first-ever title since 1973 in one of the most dominant runs in playoff history by beating the Atlanta Hawks in six games of the first round, sweeping both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers to represent the East, and overwhelming the San Antonio Spurs in just five games of the NBA Finals.
However, despite their invincible championship rally, the Knicks are not significantly favored to repeat. The entire league went through a dramatic offseason, with the Eastern Conference becoming even more competitive heading into next season. That leaves New York with a difficult path toward defending its title.
Recent history also isn't on their side. There hasn't been a back-to-back NBA champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, as the NBA continues to experience a remarkable era of unprecedented parity.
Josh Hart excited for ring ceremony, 76ers opening night showdown
In the end, Josh Hart is simply looking forward to seeing the ball go up, beginning the new season, and letting their progress dictate their odds of becoming the NBA's best again.
As such, Hart can't wait to receive their championship rings on opening night on Oct. 20, as they will also face LeBron James and rival Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.
"I can't wait to get that ring," Hart said, "I can't wait, it's gonna be a fun one."