2017 Draft Prospect: Josh Hart

[Drom John]

http://media.philly.com/images/010716_josh-hart_1200.jpg

Height: 6-5
Weight: 202 lbs
Date of Birth: 03/06/1995
Team: Villanova
Hometown: Washington, D.C.

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Josh-Hart-7149/) #67
NBADraft.net (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/josh-hart) not top 100

#29 Bleacher Report by Tyler Conway, 25 April 2016

[Drom John]

Chad Ford's 2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0
#29 5 January 2017 ish

[Drom John]

FanRag: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Midseason edition
Daniel O'Brien, Jan. 24, 2017


29. San Antonio Spurs: Josh Hart, Villanova SG (6’5″, Sr.)

Not many upperclassmen are picked in the average draft, especially drafts that are deep with young talent. But Josh Hart isn’t a typical upperclassman, and the San Antonio Spurs aren’t a conventional organization.

Villanova’s veteran leader has improved as a shooter and playmaker while handling an increased workload this season. He uses sharp footwork to get to the rim, and he’s also created for teammates splendidly. Hart’s assists per 40 minutes have climbed from 2.5 to 4.3 this season.

Gregg Popovich would maximize Hart’s offensive IQ and defensive intensity in his system. Thanks to his patience and vision, Hart would serve as both a supplementary scorer and secondary facilitator for the Spurs’ reserve unit.

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report: NBA DraftDownload App
NBA Mock Draft 2017: End of January Update
Jonathan Wasserman
NBA Lead Writer
January‎ ‎31‎, ‎2017


The San Antonio Spurs will value Josh Hart's maturity and potential to thrive in a supporting NBA role. He lacks explosiveness and a core strength but covers enough ground with shooting, passing and defense.

His 18.7 points, 3.4 assists, 1.9 threes and 52.6 percent mark from the field are each career highs.

Of all the seniors, Hart appears to have the best shot at replicating Malcolm Brogdon's success as a jack-of-all-trades for the Milwaukee Bucks.

[Chinook]

That he can't shoot threes all that well is concerning. But I really want a scoring guard to compliment Murray off the bench. That he's apparently on the right track defensively also helps.

[Drom John]

CBS Sports: Gary Parrish's 2017 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: UK's Fox among 4 point guards in top 10
Washington's struggles won't keep Markelle Fultz from going first overall
by Gary Parrish GaryParrishCBS
2h ago • 9 min [AKA 7 February 2017]


29 Spurs

Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

Every junior who returns for his senior year doesn't actually help himself with NBA people. But Josh Hart definitely has. He's a Player of the Year favorite for a Villanova team on pace to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That he's established himself as a reliable 3-point shooter has been worth millions of dollars.

[Drom John]

ESPN: Chad Ford Mock 3.0: Full first round for 2017 NBA draft


29. San Antonio Spurs
Josh Hart
Villanova
Senior
Guard

Hart just feels like a Spurs player: solid, no ego and can hurt you in a number of ways, such as hitting 3s and getting to the basket.

The Spurs have Danny Green to do a lot of that, but with Manu Ginobili potentially in his last season, Hart could be a nice fit.

Projected record: 62-20

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Pre-All Star Game Edition
Jonathan Wasserman, NBA Lead Writer
‎February‎ ‎15‎, ‎2017

with new quote:

By improving his playmaking and shooting, Josh Hart has strengthened his NBA case this year as a potential role player.

Age and average athleticism limit him to late first-round looks, but alongside veterans in San Antonio, Hart fits playing a jack of all trades off the bench.

A tough defender who's taken his scoring to another level, averaging 18.8 points and two three-point makes per game, he checks enough boxes with the tools to compete.

[Drom John]

Def Pen 2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Markelle Fultz Remains on Top
Austin Reed, February 21, 2017


29) SG Josh Hart (Villanova)

Hart has improved every year of his college career. His three point accuracy improving to above 40% is why he now becomes a first round pick. Hart is a perfect fit for the Spurs because of the Villanova culture he comes from being fundamentally sound. Hart is a guy who will do all the little things similar for a team. Almost like Corey Brewer, that 15 year vet who opposing teams hate to play against.

[Kurik]

Definitely my early favorite, probably gets drafted higher though.

[Drom John]

Fansided: Sir Charles in Charge: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Point Guards Dominate The Top 5
by Tony Webb 4 hours ago [aka 27 February 2017]


No. 29 San Antonio Spurs- Josh Hart ( Villanova, SR, Shooting Guard)

This is such a “Spurs” pick, but it fits.

Villanova’s Josh Hart is an established winner with defending National Champions who plays gritty, hard defense and has all the tools of an NBA player.

Nothing about him stands out as an NBA star, with average athleticism and lack of elite scoring abilities. Hart, however, can certainly do enough to come off the bench for Coach Pop and he’d fit nicely into the Spurs organization.

There probably isn’t a better fit for the Spurs organization than Hart.

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report:
2017 NBA Mock Draft: Projecting All 30 First-Round Picks in Early March
Jonathan Wasserman
NBA Lead Writer
March‎ ‎1‎, ‎2017

with new quote:

29. San Antonio Spurs: Josh Hart (Villanova, SG, Senior)

Josh Hart could sneak into the back end of the first round if enough underclassmen return to school. The San Antonio Spurs—one of the few teams in the 20s which still owns its pick—will be potential suitors.

Hart would fit in with the Spurs the same way Malcolm Brogdon has with the Milwaukee Bucks. A jack-of-all-trades guard, Hart can play to his strengths as an open shot-maker, opportunistic driver and passer—and away from his weaknesses as a shot-creator.

A high 27.4 percent usage rate and tiny 10.8 turnover percentage highlight extreme efficiency the Spurs will value. Hart is on pace to shoot at least 50 percent from the floor for the fourth straight season at Villanova.

[Drom John]

Fansided:NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 18: Jayson Tatum to Orlando
by Chris Stone 6 hours ago [AKA 9 March 2017]

29
Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

Villanova’s Josh Hart took home Big East Player of the Year honors after averaging 21.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per 40 minutes during conference play. Now a senior, Hart has experience playing in nearly every role for the Wildcats. He was the team’s sixth man during his sophomore season, its star role-player as a junior and now its superstar in his final campaign. That bodes well for Hart fitting into a role at the next level, likely as a 3-and-D wing who can provide a bit of extra ball-handling as needed.

Hart has morphed into a quality 3-point shooter over his career, making 38.8 percent of his 510 attempts. Notably, he’s become a much better free throw shooter over the past two years and increased his volume this season, suggesting that the higher percentage is more sustainable than originally expected. Hart is also a versatile defender who guards the two through four spots in college. He may have more trouble with that at the NBA level, but as the league downsizes, he should be able to defend some new age fours. The last thing worth noting about Hart is that he’s turned himself into a very serviceable pick-and-roll ball-handler. He’s at his best going left, but he can distribute and get to the rim in these actions.

With the Spurs, Hart would have an opportunity to 2017-18’s version of Malcolm Brogdon as a talented, but undervalued senior ready to contribute in the NBA right away.

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report:
2017 NBA Mock Draft: Conference Tournament Edition
Jonathan Wasserman, NBA Lead Writer
March 10, 2017

New-ish quote:


29. San Antonio Spurs: Josh Hart (Villanova, SG, Senior)

The San Antonio Spurs could view Josh Hart in the same light the Milwaukee Bucks saw Malcolm Brogdon last June. A jack-of-all-trades guard, Hart could thrive in a smaller role that allows him to play to his strengths, which include open shot-making, driving and passing—not creating.

Hart has taken each aspect of his game to another level in 2017, most notably his shooting (2.1 threes per game, 40.4 percent) and playmaking (3.2 assists per game).

Carrying Villanova to another deep run in the NCAA tournament could help improve Hart's stock even further.

[Mal]

I would want this guy to be a Spur

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18879443

[Chinook]

I would want this guy to be a Spur

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18879443

Damn, I was hoping there'd at least be some intrigue for who the Spurs were going to draft.

[CGD]

Having a very nice game right now against a good defensive team in Wisconsin. Definitely reminds me of Virginia's Malcolm Brogdon.

I think 6'5" is a generous listing though.

[Kurik]

I almost thought he was going to start taking today's game over but then he had 2 Danny Green esque drives to the basket at the end of the game. I still like him in the Spurs system though.

[sasaint]

Having a very nice game right now against a good defensive team in Wisconsin. Definitely reminds me of Virginia's Malcolm Brogdon.

I think 6'5" is a generous listing though.

I strongly prefer Brogdon. I thought Hart shrunk in crunch time against Wisky.

[CGD]

I strongly prefer Brogdon. I thought Hart shrunk in crunch time against Wisky.

I agree, but I'm biased ;-)

[sasaint]

I agree, but I'm biased ;-)

I went to UVa - that explains my bias. :) What about yours?

[CGD]

I went to UVa - that explains my bias. :) What about yours?

Same as you, graduated in 05

[CGD]

Seems to be slipping hard in the latest mocks.

[sasaint]

Seems to be slipping hard in the latest mocks.

Definitely corresponds to my eye test.

[Kurik]

Definitely corresponds to my eye test.

His limitations showed in that second half but could definitely still be a good role player off the bench. He will be a decent pickup in the second round for someone. He had a stellar year overall, he's just not someone who can be the focal point of the offense.

[sasaint]

His limitations showed in that second half but could definitely still be a good role player off the bench. He will be a decent pickup in the second round for someone. He had a stellar year overall, he's just not someone who can be the focal point of the offense.

To me he seemed like he had marginal NBA athleticism and less BBIQ than I really expected. On offense it seemed like he tried to force the initiative when he shouldn't/couldn't. The Spurs don't need a guy who fits that description.

[Kurik]

To me he seemed like he had marginal NBA athleticism and less BBIQ than I really expected. On offense it seemed like he tried to force the initiative when he shouldn't/couldn't. The Spurs don't need a guy who fits that description.

I don't know if it's true or not but I remember the broadcasters mentioning that in close situations they usually go to him driving to the basket and try to make something happen. Both drives looked bad, much like Green when he does it but I would chalk that up to bad play calling if it's true. I agree about the lack of athleticism. If he goes to Portsmouth hopefully he can redeem himself a bit as his shooting numbers were off the charts.

[Mal]

His limitations showed in that second half but could definitely still be a good role player off the bench. He will be a decent pickup in the second round for someone. He had a stellar year overall, he's just not someone who can be the focal point of the offense.

You never know. Villanova played passive shitty basketball against Wisconsin. Hart was forcing, alone - that I agree. But in Spurs, he`d in different role. You can`t see him as potential leader of future Spurs. Look at him, as like another piece in machine. Play defense, spot up shots, unselfish passing game. He`s got all, plus he`s a vet, good kid, good leader.

[Drom John]

Metro: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Lakers may have to trade to land Lonzo Ball Los Angeles must be willing to pay a price to draft the UCLA product
By Matt Burke
Published : April 24, 2017

59!

[Drom John]

CBS: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: After winning top pick, Celtics go with Duke's Jayson Tatum
Boston has Isaiah Thomas so it can pass on guards Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball [AKA 16 May 2017]
by Reid Forgrave 18h ago • 12 min read



29 Spurs

Josh Hart, SG, Villanova: Hart could be the Malcolm Brogdon of this draft: A guy who developed into a better and better player each of his four years in college, who is full of intangibles, and whose main attribute on the basketball court is simply that he's a winner. Does he have the athletic attributes of a lottery pick? Certainly not. But is he the type of high-IQ, hard-working consistent basketball player who could find his dream fit in San Antonio? Absolutely. Plus he's a great shooter, and nearly as solid of a wing defender as Brogdon is – one of the best perimeter defenders in this entire draft.

[Snaq O'Meal]

Having a very nice game right now against a good defensive team in Wisconsin. Definitely reminds me of Virginia's Malcolm Brogdon.

I think 6'5" is a generous listing though.

A poor man's Malcolm Brogdon.

The Spurs already passed on the original. They may do the same this year.

[Drom John]

CSN Philly: Kane's NBA mock draft 1.0: What do Sixers do at No. 3?
By Sean Kane | Comcast SportsNet May 17, 2017 12:15 PM


29. San Antonio Spurs - Josh Hart, guard, Villanova (6-6/215)
Hart isn't showing up in the first round in most mock drafts but I'm convinced he's first-round worthy after watching every game he played during his four years at Villanova. He is a winning player who can guard multiple positions on the perimeter. He scores in a number of ways and has an effective, if not natural looking, jump shot. The best-case scenario is a winning team like the Spurs drafting him and molding him into their program. He's exactly the type of overlooked prospect that San Antonio banks on finding late in the first round.

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: 1st Round Predictions and Biggest Boom-or-Bust Prospects
Paul Kasabian, May 22, 2017

29

[south side spur]

CSN Philly: Kane's NBA mock draft 1.0: What do Sixers do at No. 3?
By Sean Kane | Comcast SportsNet May 17, 2017 12:15 PM

CSN Philly mediot believes in Villanova prospect? Not shooting the messenger DJ just an observation.

[ace3g]

870036997837959168

[DesignatedT]

If he's still there at the end of the first, I hope the Spurs are pro-active about grabbing an extra second to take him. Feel that way about a couple other guys as well. Just don't know about spending a first rounder on him.

[keithington1]

I'm back on the Hart train at 29. 6'5 combo guard who can shoot, drive, and pass. Ready to play now. He's 22 but his birthday is March 9. 27.5 no step vert but a 35.5 max vert. Can play next to Murray. Strong Defender. Only knock is his handle to separate for the pull up. Can clean up his shot even more but shot 40% from three. 51% from the field.

[Snaq O'Meal]

I'm back on the Hart train at 29. 6'5 combo guard who can shoot, drive, and pass. Ready to play now. He's 22 but his birthday is March 9. 27.5 no step vert but a 35.5 max vert. Can play next to Murray. Strong Defender. Only knock is his handle to separate for the pull up. Can clean up his shot even more but shot 40% from three. 51% from the field.

Sounds a lot like Malcolm Brogdon but minus the old man point guard skills and defensive player of the year accolades.

[Taking it to the Hole]

What I really like is his high basketball IQ. This guy is not going to make the dumb mistake in the clutch. He is a competitive force and that can compensate for a lot of physical deficiencies. That being said, I wish he had more explosiveness and athleticism but he is a smart player and would be a natural fit in our system. I think he could even potentially replace Danny Green one day.

[CGD]

Looking good. If Spurs could only get their paws on Orlando's two seconds in exchange for 29. Hart + Bell could each be there at those spots.

[palangi]

Looking good. If Spurs could only get their paws on Orlando's two seconds in exchange for 29. Hart + Bell could each be there at those spots.

Trade Danny Green for both those picks 33 and 35. And have them throw Hezonja in too.

I'd like to see Hart and devin Robinson (out of Florida) taken with those picks. Keep 29 to bring in a big like DJ Wilson or the big Latvian.

[TD 21]

Looking good. If Spurs could only get their paws on Orlando's two seconds in exchange for 29. Hart + Bell could each be there at those spots.

That would be ideal (especially if Paul signs because need would exacerbate for inexpensive plug-and-play types), but Magic would have to really like player available at 29 and think he's unlikely to make it to 33.

Barring someone ranked much higher falling to 29, I think Spurs would take Bell if available, but despite what most mock drafts project, I don't think he will be.



Trade Danny Green for both those picks 33 and 35. And have them throw Hezonja in too.

I'd like to see Hart and devin Robinson (out of Florida) taken with those picks. Keep 29 to bring in a big like DJ Wilson or the big Latvian.

Green has much better value than 2 early 2nds and a guy who isn't Spurs material, hasn't looked an NBA player in first 2 seasons, makes over $4M next season and has a $5.1M QO for the following one.

[palangi]

That would be ideal (especially if Paul signs because need would exacerbate for inexpensive plug-and-play types), but Magic would have to really like player available at 29 and think he's unlikely to make it to 33.

Barring someone ranked much higher falling to 29, I think Spurs would take Bell if available, but despite what most mock drafts project, I don't think he will be.




Green has much better value than 2 early 2nds and a guy who isn't Spurs material, hasn't looked an NBA player in first 2 seasons, makes over $4M next season and has a $5.1M QO for the following one.

I think danny is a late 1 value or 2 early 2nd rounders.

And Herzonja had talent and a change of scenery might be good for him. And playing in a better system might help him.

[Drom John]

CBS: NBA Mock Draft: Trail Blazers trade to get big man Lauri Markkanen at No. 6
Reid Forgrave, 23 hours ago [AKA 11 June 2017]


29. Spurs

Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

Hart could be the Malcolm Brogdon of this draft: A guy who developed into a better and better player each of his four years in college, who is full of intangibles, and whose main attribute on the basketball court is simply that he's a winner. Does he have the athletic attributes of a lottery pick? Certainly not. But is he the type of high-IQ, hard-working consistent basketball player who could find his dream fit in San Antonio? Absolutely. Plus he's a great shooter, and nearly as solid of a wing defender as Brogdon is -- one of the best perimeter defenders in this entire draft.