Josh Hart: Career Longevity vs. Finger Surgery

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart revealed that an operation on his chronically injured right ring finger would require replacing the entire joint and effectively end his basketball career, according to a report by sport.sky.it. Hart addressed his physical status at the opening of the team’s training camp, where he once again wore protective wrapping on the finger—a measure he has maintained for more than a year.

The Injury Timeline And The Cost Of Playing Through Pain

Hart initially injured the digit during the 2025 postseason series against the Indiana Pacers. He underwent surgery during the summer to correct the issue, but the finger was re-injured almost immediately upon his return to the floor. “There is no other option than surgery replacing the entire joint, but if I have this surgery, I will no longer be able to play and my career will be over,” Hart wrote on his official X account, as reported by sport.sky.it. “So the finger will remain wrapped until I retire.”

Shooting Efficiency Despite A Compromised Hand

The protective wrapping has not completely blunted Hart’s production on the court. During the regular season following his initial setback, Hart shot a career-high 41.3 percent from beyond the arc. While that percentage dipped to 32.6 percent during the subsequent playoffs, his postseason output included a 26-point performance featuring five three-pointers in Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. New York sportswriter Steve Popper first noted Hart’s continued use of the finger protection during training camp availability, pointing out that the veteran guard bypassed a second surgical intervention over the summer to protect his mobility.

Defending The Title With A Guard Nearing 32

Entering his age-32 season, which begins just ahead of his March 6 birthday, Hart remains an essential piece in the Knicks’ rotation as the franchise prepares to defend its championship standing. Medical assessments indicate that any comprehensive joint replacement surgery will have to wait until after his playing days conclude. With the regular season underway, Hart continues to log heavy minutes while wearing the distinctive white wrap that has become a permanent fixture of his uniform.

More on this story: Why Knicks' Josh Hart Will Play with a Taped Finger for the Rest of His Career