Josh Hart had to clean up a little mess on social media after a Fanatics Fest autograph session in New York City on July 16, and he did it without losing his cool.
A fan posted on X that Hart had walked away from the session while a long line of Knicks supporters was still waiting, writing, “Josh Hart left his autograph session at Fanatics Fest with all these people remaining in the line. They’re rightfully pissed; guess a championship doesn’t come with class 🤷♂️ #fanatics #fanaticsfest #knicks,” alongside video of the crowd.
Hart, who is 31 and a reigning NBA champion with the Knicks, jumped in to explain what happened.
“1. I don’t control when/where/how long I’m at a place. This isn’t my event.”
“2. I came back and made sure I signed for everyone. Hope I signed for you ✊🏽,” Hart wrote on X.
Even after the original poster kept taking shots at him in the replies, Hart refused to escalate things. When other fans told him not to bother being polite, he answered, “Na, show him some love. Hating takes away too much of yourself,”
Hart was at Fanatics Fest for more than just the autograph line. He also sat down for a podcast recording with Jalen Brunson and Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ star, and talked about the Knicks’ 2026 NBA Finals run.
During that conversation, Hart revisited the missed layup from Game 4 of the Finals, the play that could have changed the way the OG Anunoby tip-in is remembered.
“100%. I’ll tell you what: if we didn’t win and I missed that layup in Game 4, then I swear you wouldn’t have seen me outside.
The first time you would see me was on the opening night. Because I wouldn’t go outside my house.
I would’ve been in this mental fall, so yeah, shout-out to OG man,” Hart said.
It was a candid admission from a player who already has a strong connection with Knicks fans. And by owning the mistake so openly, Hart only added to the goodwill he’s built in New York.
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One name that fits that profile is Dylan Cardwell, an undrafted player who earned a standard contract with Sacramento by doing the dirty work that translates well at the next level. His rebounding and defensive impact stand out, and there is enough versatility there to make him more than just a body at the rim. The issue for New York is whether Sacramento would even entertain moving him, given the Kings roster depth and the way their current contract situation makes useful young pieces harder to shake loose. [Read more 🡒]