Hart finger re-aggravation leaves Knicks with splint plan, possible surgery next summer

Josh Hart’s surgically repaired finger on his right shooting hand has re-aggravated, leaving the Knicks with few options as they head into preseason and signaling a likely splint for the season before another procedure next summer. Hart told reporters Tuesday that the finger worsened since the initial repair and that he will probably wear a splint during the season. He said he hopes the device won’t significantly disrupt his game, though he acknowledged uneasiness about playing with anything on his hand.

“I hate playing with anything on my hand,” Hart said. “I don’t feel like I have a good feel for it. It might take a little getting used to, but that’s the best scenario for me right now and I want to be out there with these guys and I’m going to do everything I can to be out there with these guys.” A visibly swollen finger has lingered since the spring, when Hart injured it during the playoffs and later underwent a procedure.

Hart’s finger issues date to the postseason, when the Knicks announced a procedure in July without detailing a diagnosis or labeling the injury. On Tuesday he said there was confusion about what was wrong last year and that he now has a clearer understanding: “I actually know what’s wrong instead of last year thinking it was one thing and then taking a break and getting back into basketball and it was worse than I thought. With that being said, I’ll be good.”

Hart’s absence from a full summer of practice with the finger kept him from establishing rhythm, and he acknowledged the possible use of a splint could affect his efficiency and confidence in preseason. The guard-forward, who led the NBA in minutes per game last season while setting the franchise record for triple-doubles, remains a key figure for a Knicks team that could consider lineup changes under the guidance of coach Mike Brown. “I had the best year of my career last year, but that’s in the past,” Hart said. “I think I’m a starter in the league. I think I deserve to be a starter in the league, but at the end of the day, it’s what’s best for the team. Last year, I talked about sacrifice the whole time and kind of being that separate mentality and being a good steward of my gifts and those kinds of things. So I think it would be extremely selfish for me to go out there and demand to start and all those kinds of things. So, whatever Mike wants to do or doesn’t wanna do, I’m cool with. And time will tell what that is.”

The finger’s status adds another layer of uncertainty to a Knicks team that made a tight late-season push and carried Hart’s steady production, including a 33 percent mark from three-point range last season on 3.3 attempts per game. Hart’s role could shift if the team sticks with a similar rotation or reconsiders starting lineup decisions, though he stressed he will prioritize the group’s success over personal status.

The team is watching how a splint would influence on-court feel and shooting confidence once preseason practice begins. Hart’s health will be a focal point as New York approaches a season that will test the durability of a player who has repeatedly shown toughness and versatility, whether as a starter or as a high-impact bench contributor. With limited options in the short term, the Knicks will monitor the finger closely while preparing for a potential later procedure and a longer-term plan that keeps Hart as a central part of their core.