Josh Hart’s ongoing finger issues seem to have worsened rather than improved. On Tuesday, the Knicks announced that they had to rearrange his surgically repaired ring finger on his right hand.
Hart, at 30 years old, expressed his anxiety about this situation but is hopeful that the adjustments won’t impede his performance. “I personally despise playing with anything on my hands,” he commented, noting the visible swelling in his fingers. “It’s not a comfortable feeling. I might need some time to get used to it, but it’s the best option for me right now. I really want to be with my teammates.”
However, another, less appealing option could be to sit out for the season and undergo surgery due to his discomfort. While Hart acknowledges this possibility, he remains optimistic about managing the discomfort and continuing to play.
“I’m just trying to go out and play my game. If I keep playing aggressively, I’ll have to adjust my passing,” he remarked. “Ultimately, my focus is on helping the team succeed, even if that means addressing my finger issues down the line.”
Hart injured his finger during the playoffs, mistakenly thinking it was just a dislocation. In July, he underwent some procedures, as mentioned by the Knicks, but no specific diagnoses or surgeries were confirmed.
Confusion lingered for Hart about what his diagnosis truly entailed. He reflected, “I don’t think it was ever just one specific issue last year, so I’m trying to navigate that as I get back on the court.”
He also feels the weight of his role, especially on defense, as he aims to leave opposing teams vulnerable, much like he did during his first season with the Knicks, where he was connecting unusually well from beyond the arc.
Due to his finger procedures, Hart found himself unable to practice shooting over the summer, so it’ll be interesting to see how the adjustments impact his confidence and efficiency this season.
Having led the NBA in minutes per game last season, Hart set a franchise record for triple-doubles, but he may find himself moving to the bench if new coach Mike Brown opts to make lineup changes.
“Last year was the best season of my career, but that’s in the past now,” Hart stated, acknowledging the knee inflammation he experienced last season. “I believe I can be a starter in this league; I deserve that. However, at the end of the day, it’s about what’s best for the team. I made sacrifices last year focusing on being a good teammate and using my talents wisely.”
