The New York Knicks have high expectations for the 2025-26 NBA season. But before training camp begins, the Knicks got a major update on one of their top stars, which could have a lasting impact on their chances in the Eastern Conference next year.
Speaking during New York’s media day, Josh Hart told reporters he plans to play the upcoming season with a re-aggravated finger injury.
“I’m just trying to get used to it, and then get through the season with it,” Hart said. “I don’t want to go into too much detail, but I obviously got a procedure on it and then kinda re-aggravated it somewhat recently. So probably just rock out with a splint this season and try to fix it again next summer.”
Hart reaggravated an injury over the summer and may have to wear a splint this season
(via Getty Images)
He had a procedure to fix his finger in July after suffering the injury against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Hart On His Injury
Hart is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, a year in which the Knicks saw their most success since the turn of the century. His 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on a league-leading 37.6 minutes per game were crucial to the team’s success. But now, with the lingering injury, his production could be in question for the upcoming season.
Hart addressed those concerns, adding that he feels comfortable playing with the injury.
“It’s something that a lot of people have,” Hart said. “I don’t think about it too much. I just try to go out there and play how I play, and if I can’t play how I play and be aggressive and kind of have that toughness mentality I normally play with, then I have to figure out a different path. But right now, the full expectation is to go out there and hoop and help this team be successful.”
There is a potential that Hart will play the entire 2025-26 season with a splint on his hand to minimize damage to his already injured finger. The 30-year-old said he hopes he will get used to the added protection, but that he’s “going to do everything I can to be out there with these guys.”
Hart played in 77 games for the Knicks last year, and 81 the season before. While he isn’t the flashiest or highest-paid player on the team, he holds a specific, valuable role for New York that has contributed to their success. In last year’s playoffs, Hart became one of a few players 6’4″ or shorter to average double-digit rebounds, as his 12.3 average was the second-most ever.
His Place On The 2025-26 Knicks
While Hart expects to be ready for the start of the upcoming season, the injury will be on the back of new head coach Mike Brown’s mind.
The Knicks made multiple offseason additions in hopes of adding bench depth to what is already a strong starting lineup. As the Knicks’ lineup features Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, Hart has recently been named in trade rumors.
At the end of the season and in the playoffs, former head coach Tom Thibodeau substituted Mitchell Robinson for Hart in the starting lineup. With his role as a starter recently in question, Hart addressed the comments and reports about his role and future with the Knicks.
“Yeah, if I don’t start, I’ll probably ask for a trade, go somewhere else,” Hart said jokingly. “I had the best year of my career last year, but that’s in the past.”
He continues: “I had the best year of my career last year, but that’s in the past. I think I’m a
The wing player then went on to mention how, regardless of his place on the team, he wants success for the franchise.
“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,” Hart added. “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.”
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Brown plans to have a lineup featuring nine or ten players. Therefore, opposed to Thibodeau’s style, Hart will still have a large role, regardless of whether he starts games or not.
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