Knicks’ Josh Hart Plans to Play 2025-26 Season With Finger Splint
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GREENBURGH, N.Y. — New York Knicks guard Josh Hart said Tuesday he will wear a splint on his right ring finger throughout the 2025-26 season after recently aggravating an injury that was surgically repaired in June.
Speaking at the team’s season-opening media day at its Westchester practice facility, Hart explained that a second operation is unlikely before next summer. “I’m just trying to get used to it and then get through the season with it,” he said. “Probably just rock out with a splint this season and try to fix it again next summer.”
The Knicks announced on July 16 that Hart had undergone a procedure to correct the finger problem, which dated to New York’s run to the Eastern Conference finals. At that time the club expected him to resume basketball activities later in the summer, but Hart acknowledged that lingering issues surfaced in recent weeks.
When asked whether additional surgery remains an option during the season, Hart stopped short of ruling it out. “It’s something that a lot of people have,” he noted. “I just try to go out there and play how I play, and if I can’t … then I have to figure out a different path.”
The 6-foot-5 guard admitted he dislikes playing with any hand protection but is committed to adapting. “Me personally, I hate playing with anything on my hand,” he said. “It might take a little getting used to, but that’s the best scenario for me right now.”
Hart, 30, is coming off a career-best season in which he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals while starting all 77 regular-season games. Head coach Mike Brown has not revealed whether Hart will open this season in the starting lineup or return to a reserve role. Hart joked that he would “probably ask for a trade” if he does not start, then quickly emphasized his willingness to accept any decision that benefits the team.
Source: ESPN
