Josh Hart Needs a New Country Music Buddy After Mitchell Robinson Left for Boston

The New York Knicks have a roster problem. And no, it’s not just about finding a backup center.

Josh Hart took to X this week with a very specific complaint. His country music partner in the locker room is gone. Mitchell Robinson bolted for the Boston Celtics in free agency, and now Hart is the lone cowboy in a locker room full of guys who apparently don’t appreciate a good twang.

After Hart posted about his predicament, a fan replied saying they also love country music. Hart shot back, only half-joking, asking if the fan could play center. Because if you’re gonna replace Robinson, you might as well replace the whole thing — the rebounds and the red dirt playlists.

Losing Robinson Hurts More Than Just the Vibe

Let’s be real for a second. The Knicks just won a title. They kept most of the band together. Landry Shamet reportedly took a pay cut to come back. Jose Alvarado opted out and re-signed on a team-friendly deal. That’s the kind of loyalty you love to see.

But losing Robinson is a real problem. During the championship run, he averaged 4.8 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 67.3 percent from the floor. Knicks coach Mike Brown specifically credited him with solid defense on Victor Wembanyama in the Finals. That’s not nothing. That’s a guy who did a specific job and did it well.

Now the Knicks front office has to find someone who can step into that role. Names floating around include Yves Missi via trade and Kevon Looney in free agency. Both are big bodies who can defend and rebound without needing the ball. Both are also probably terrible at karaoke nights, but we’ll see.

Hart’s tweet was obviously a joke. But it also says something about team chemistry. You don’t just replace a guy who helped you win a ring and also happened to be your go-to for Luke Combs deep cuts. That’s a two-way loss, and the Knicks are gonna feel it on the court and in the locker room.

Training camp can’t come soon enough. Hart needs to find a new country buddy, and the Knicks need to find a big man who can hold down the paint. Maybe they’ll get lucky and find one guy who can do both. But don’t hold your breath.