New York Knicks guard Josh Hart has undergone surgery on his right ring finger, the team announced recently. The procedure follows an injury Hart sustained during the Knicks’ playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals earlier this year.
Details on Hart’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
The 6-foot-4 guard first suffered the finger ailment amid the intense postseason action. The Knicks expect Hart to make a full recovery and return to play later this summer, allowing him to be ready for the upcoming season. This update on Josh Hart finger surgery comes as positive news for the team’s preparations for 2025.
Hart’s Role and Performance with the Knicks
A Villanova graduate, Hart has become a vital contributor for New York over parts of the last three seasons. During the 2024/25 season, when he stepped into a full-time starting role, he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across 77 healthy regular-season contests. Hart’s consistent performance has established him as a key role player for the Knicks.
Contract Situation and Team Outlook
Hart is currently in the first year of a four-year, $80.9 million contract with New York, and he is not expected to reach unrestricted free agency until the 2027/28 season. Despite finishing last season with a 51-31 record and making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, the Knicks have moved on from head coach Tom Thibodeau after his five-year tenure. With injuries impacting several Eastern Conference teams, including the Pacers, Celtics, and Bucks, New York appears well-positioned to compete strongly this upcoming season.
New Additions and Future Prospects for the Knicks
The Knicks have bolstered their roster by adding guard Jordan Clarkson and forward Guerschon Yabusele, who complement their 2024/25 core. These acquisitions, combined with Hart’s expected recovery, provide the team with renewed optimism and depth as they aim to contend in a more open Eastern Conference.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Josh Hart a 6th man?
A. Josh Hart talked this morning about possibly switching to a bench role. He said, “I’ve been the 15th player, the third, the sixth; I’ve done it all. I really believe I’m a starter in this league and think I played great this year.”