Recovery Update on Josh Hart
CHICAGO — Josh Hart has decided against undergoing another surgery at this time.
On Friday, he was actively working through his recovery from the finger surgery he had. He expressed that he doesn’t plan to have another operation and is focusing on his healing process.
“For me, there’s probably going to be a process of getting back to full feeling,” Hart remarked. “It always comes, and it always comes.”
He made it clear that he doesn’t intend to have surgery again.
Hart’s recovery timeline for his broken finger has been a letdown. He initially got hurt in May during the playoffs. Although he didn’t feel great afterward, he played through the playoffs and had surgery during the offseason. Unfortunately, he faced another setback in practice just before training camp began.
Currently, he has a splint on his right index finger and is feeling discomfort in his hand, which might need additional treatment to heal properly.
Given the circumstances, many have suggested that it would be wise for Hart to undergo surgery right away to prepare for crucial parts of the season. However, recovery from the procedure could take months instead of weeks, and there’s uncertainty about how effective surgery might be.
Hart, on the other hand, believes that he can regain his shooting touch over time rather than through another surgery. There are several contributing factors to his struggles in the first three games, where he shot just 22 percent overall and 11 percent from beyond the arc.
Missing most of the preseason due to a back issue certainly didn’t help. He’s still adjusting to the splint and, significantly, his role has shifted under Mike Brown’s coaching.
“I feel like I was the most adjusted of the entire team,” Hart stated. “In terms of role, being a starter instead of a reserve, I have to understand all the positions. Sometimes, I’m bringing the ball up; other times, I’m playing the four or five.”
He explained that knowing every play from various positions is quite the task. Figuring all of this out in practice is one thing, but doing it at game pace—that’s where the real challenge lies.
He has made many adjustments in his career, so he is confident in managing this one, especially as he transitions from a player who led the NBA in minutes under Tom Thibodeau to one coming off the bench under Brown’s system.
In these first three games, Hart has averaged 24.7 minutes, which is about 13 minutes less than last season. He still aims to contribute with rebounds, but he’s had fewer chances to find his rhythm in playmaking.
Hart has come to terms with his reduced role after discussing minutes and other concerns with Brown, though he admits it’s sometimes a struggle against his ego.
“I think throughout the season it’s going to be about handling my own expectations,” he reflected. “Last year was a good year for me, but things have changed completely. I’ve had to sacrifice throughout my career, and that continues.”
He acknowledged that his adaptation isn’t seamless, noting, “There are days where you just think, ‘This isn’t fair.'” But he recognizes the need to push through and focus on the team’s best interest.
Hart mentioned his initial nerves at being the first replacement starter, as it means that his role could change from game to game, depending on injuries and last-minute coaching decisions. In fact, he’d prefer to stay in the reserves for now.
He’s trying to establish consistency after missing vital shooting practices due to his finger surgery.
When his shot is on, especially from three-point range, Hart tends to spend more time on the court. He has shown this throughout his time with the Knicks, whether starting or coming off the bench.
Hart is optimistic about returning to form without further treatment. “I knew it would take some time,” he said. “You know, usually in the preseason, you need some time to get your wind back. So I’m aware it’s going to take me a bit to feel right again, find my rhythm, and really understand my new role. I just need to be patient with myself as I navigate this.”
