Josh Hart isn't one to let bygones be bygones — especially when it comes to his teammate Jalen Brunson. After the Knicks' three-time All-Star guard delivered a historic title run, Hart is making it clear that some apologies are long overdue.
During a live taping of “The Roommates Show” at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Hart sent a pointed message to WNBA legend and Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon. Without naming names, he let the crowd know exactly who he was talking about.
“I’m not naming names. I’m still waiting for somebody to say they was wrong about someone who led our team to a Final, a championship in 53 years,” Hart said, per Legion Hoops. “I know they have media availability, so we’ll be waiting for that apology.”
The MSG crowd immediately erupted with chants of “Becky!” — a clear sign that Hammon's 2023 comments about Brunson being “too small” to lead a team have not been forgotten.
Back then, Hammon appeared on ESPN's “NBA Today” and dismissed the Knicks' chances because they lacked a “1A dude.” She bluntly stated, “If your best player is small, you’re not winning.” That take aged poorly as Brunson powered New York to its first championship in 53 years, silencing doubters one playoff series at a time.
Even when given a chance to walk back her words last month, Hammon doubled down. “I’m speaking historically on the NBA with what I said. I don’t know why everybody’s so stuck on that. I said it two years ago. I stand by it. There’s no air to be cleared. I said what I said,” she told the Associated Press. “If he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong. Good for him, but I do think the two best teams are in the West.”
Hart isn't the only one calling for accountability. During the championship parade, Brunson himself took a subtle jab at Hammon's doubts, and teammate Mikal Bridges revealed that Hammon's words fueled Brunson's title run. The narrative has turned into a rallying cry for Knicks fans, who have launched a petition to rename a street after Brunson.
Hammon, a Naismith Hall of Famer and respected coach, wasn't alone in her skepticism — plenty of analysts questioned whether a smaller guard could carry a franchise. But her willingness to double down, rather than admit she was wrong, has made her the focal point of criticism.
Hart's demand for an apology is more than just banter — it's a reflection of how much Brunson has overcome. From being labeled “too small” to lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy, Brunson's journey has been one of quiet defiance. And now, his teammates are making sure the world remembers who doubted him.
Whether Hammon ever issues that apology remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Josh Hart won't stop asking for it.
