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Josh Hart reacts during a recent Knicks game as his return timeline comes into focus.
New New York Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan has not yet logged a minute in a Knicks uniform, but his arrival is already stirring reactions inside the locker room — and on social media.
Shortly after Sochan posted a celebratory video signaling his excitement about joining New York, Knicks veteran Josh Hart offered a blunt, three-word response that quickly gained traction among fans:
“Oh hell no…”
Hart’s comment, posted in reaction to Sochan’s rain-soaked Times Square video set to Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind, instantly fueled speculation — and amusement — about how the rugged, defense-first newcomer will fit into an already intense Knicks culture.
Social Media Moment Goes Viral Among Knicks Fans
Sochan’s original post came hours after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the former San Antonio Spurs forward chose the Knicks over nine other interested teams following his release.
The video — equal parts theatrical and symbolic — showed a man standing in the rain at Times Square, passionately singing along to Empire State of Mind, a song long associated with New York sports moments.
Hart’s response, however, injected humor and edge into the moment, aligning with the gritty persona he has embraced since arriving in New York.
While Hart did not elaborate further, the tone was unmistakably on-brand: playful, skeptical, and competitive.
Hart’s Voice Carries Weight in Knicks Locker Room
Hart’s reaction resonated because of his standing within the organization. Since joining the Knicks, he has emerged as a tone-setter — a high-energy forward whose physicality, rebounding, and emotional leadership have made him a favorite of former head coach Tom Thibodeau and now Mike Brown.
Hart has often described the Knicks’ culture as demanding and unapologetic, built around effort, accountability, and toughness. His response to Sochan’s post was widely interpreted by fans as a lighthearted warning: New York enthusiasm is welcomed — but it must be backed up on the floor.
Sochan Embraces Fresh Start After Spurs Exit
GettyJeremy Sochan joins Josh Hart in the crowded New York Knicks wing rotation.
For Sochan, the social media exchange underscores just how quickly expectations follow players in New York.
The 22-year-old joins the Knicks after a turbulent final stretch in San Antonio, where he was removed from the Spurs’ rotation and later requested a trade. No deal materialized, leading to his release and eventual decision to sign with New York.
“Sochan will sign a rest-of-season deal and give the Knicks a young, athletic wing with versatility and size,” Charania reported, noting his averages of 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds across 212 career games, and the Knicks beating nine other suitors for the in-demand waiver pickup.
Sochan has framed his move as an opportunity to reset, compete, and prove himself on a contending roster.
Competition for Minutes Awaits in New York
Hart’s reaction also reflects the reality Sochan now faces: nothing will be handed to him.
The Knicks boast one of the league’s deepest wing rotations, and minutes are earned through defense, consistency, and buy-in — areas where Hart himself has thrived.
With OG Anunoby recently sidelined and younger players like Mohamed Diawara flashing promise, opportunities may exist — but competition will be fierce.
Hart’s three words have set the tone.
Sochan may have chosen New York for a fresh start, but as Hart’s reaction made clear, earning respect in a Knicks jersey starts long before the first tipoff.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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