New York Knicks forward Josh Hart spent most of last year’s playoffs playing through a finger injury, and it looks like he’ll have to do it again this season.
On Tuesday, Hart announced that he re-aggregated the same finger injury, and will need to wear a splint throughout the season if he wishes to play through it again. Hart underwent a procedure early in the offseason to address the injury, but it appears that it wasn’t enough.
Hart to play through finger injury next season, will wear a splint during games
Hart was asked about the possibility of playing with a splint on his hand in the aftermath of his announcement.
“I hate playing with anything on my hands, I don't have a good feel for it,” Hart said. “Might take a little getting used to, but that's the best scenario for me right now. I want to be out there with these guys.”
Hart is now entering his third full season with the Knicks after being traded to the team during the 2022-23 season. Last season, he averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 assists and 9.6 rebounds per game, and recorded nine triple-doubles, a new single-season franchise record.
The Knicks are going to need Hart to resemble at least most of what he normally brings to the floor despite playing through an injury this season. Hart has turned into one of the Knicks’ most important players since his arrival, and figures to be a key piece once again this upcoming season as the Knicks look to secure their first championship since 1973.