Josh Hart is heading into another Knicks season with the same finger issue that has followed him for more than a year. Rather than undergo another procedure, the New York forward has decided to keep playing with the finger wrapped.
Hart recently explained why he has made that choice. According to the Knicks veteran, the only remaining surgery would be a joint replacement, and he believes that procedure would prevent him from continuing his NBA career.
That leaves Hart with an unusual solution as New York prepares to defend its 2026 NBA title. Instead of fixing the problem surgically, he plans to manage it while continuing to contribute on the court.
Hart explained why surgery is off limits
Hart addressed the situation after a photo showed him practicing with his finger taped again. The image prompted questions about whether he had finally undergone another procedure during the offseason.
The Knicks veteran responded directly, explaining that there is no other surgery available to him besides a joint replacement. He said getting that replacement would mean he could no longer play basketball, making it a career-ending option. Hart therefore plans to keep the finger wrapped instead. His decision means the issue will remain part of his routine as long as he continues playing professionally.
Hart later indicated that he may eventually need the replacement after he finishes playing. His comments describe the expected effect on his basketball career, rather than establishing an independent medical conclusion that the procedure would permanently end all athletic activity.
The injury dates back to the playoffs
Hart’s finger problem began during the 2025 NBA playoffs. The injury affected his right ring finger, and he underwent a procedure on it in July 2025.
He later aggravated the finger during a workout before training camp. Doctors recommended another surgery, but the expected recovery period would have kept Hart away from basketball for roughly two to three months.
Rather than miss that much time, Hart chose to use a splint and play through the problem. That approach ultimately carried into the entire 2025-26 season.
Hart found a way to remain productive
The finger issue did not prevent Hart from producing one of his most efficient seasons from three-point range. He shot a career-best 41.3% from beyond the arc during the 2025-26 regular season.
Hart averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 50.8% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range. His contributions went well beyond his shooting, particularly through rebounding and defensive work.
That production helped make the decision to avoid surgery easier to understand from Hart’s perspective. He was able to play a major role despite dealing with the finger throughout the season.
Fun fact: Hart has played more than 500 regular-season NBA games during his career.
His role expanded during the Knicks’ title run
Hart was an important part of the Knicks team that won the 2026 NBA championship. New York ended a 53-year championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals.
His impact became especially noticeable during the postseason. Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland, helping the Knicks take a 2-0 series lead.
He also assumed additional defensive responsibilities as Jalen Brunson carried much of the offensive load. Hart’s ability to rebound, defend, and facilitate made him valuable even when his finger was still bothering him.
Hart chose availability over lengthy recovery
The biggest factor in Hart’s decision appears to be his desire to remain available. A second surgery would have meant a lengthy recovery and potentially disrupted his preparation for the championship season.
Instead, Hart accepted the inconvenience of playing with a finger taped or protected. He has already demonstrated that he can remain productive while managing the problem.
That does not mean the injury has disappeared. Hart has previously acknowledged that he may eventually need the joint replacement once his playing career is finished, but he does not want to make that decision while he is still competing.
Fun fact: He signed a four-year, $81 million extension with the Knicks in 2023. His contract includes a team option for the 2027-28 season.
New York will need Hart again
The Knicks are entering the new season with Hart still expected to be an important piece of their rotation. His versatility gives the team another player capable of affecting games without needing constant offensive touches.
His decision to avoid surgery also means the Knicks can plan around his current approach, although the long-term condition of the finger remains uncertain. Hart will continue to manage the finger rather than spend months recovering from a procedure that would prevent him from playing.
For now, Hart’s plan is straightforward. He intends to keep the finger wrapped, stay on the floor, and continue contributing as the Knicks begin their championship defense.
His unusual solution keeps him playing
Hart’s situation presents a clear choice between treating the finger surgically and preserving his ability to play. For him, the answer is to postpone the joint replacement until after his NBA career.
The decision also reflects how effectively he managed the issue last season. Despite playing through the injury, Hart produced career-best three-point shooting numbers and remained one of New York’s most versatile players.
As the Knicks prepare for another season, Hart will once again take the court with his finger wrapped. Unless his situation changes, he appears committed to keeping surgery off the table while his basketball career continues.
TL;DR
- Josh Hart says the only remaining surgical option for his finger is a joint replacement, which he believes would prevent him from continuing his NBA career.
- The Knicks forward plans to keep his right ring finger wrapped or protected rather than undergo the joint replacement while he is still playing.
- Hart originally injured the finger during the 2025 NBA playoffs and underwent a procedure in July 2025.
- He later aggravated the injury, but delayed another operation that was expected to require two to three months of recovery.
- Despite playing through the issue, he shot a career-best 41.3% from 3-point range during the 2025-26 season.
- He averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while remaining a key rebounder, defender, and playmaker.
- Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points against Cleveland in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
- He helped the Knicks win the 2026 NBA championship, their first title since 1973.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
