New York Knicks' Josh Hart Undergoes Finger Surgery After Gritty Playoff Run, Expected Back in 2025–26 Season?

New York Knicks swingman Josh Hart has undergone surgery on his right ring finger, the team confirmed this week, following an injury sustained during the franchise’s intense 2025 playoff push.

Fortunately for the Knicks and their fans, Hart is expected to make a full recovery and return to basketball activities later this summer — well ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season.“Josh Hart underwent a procedure to his right ring finger due to an injury sustained in the playoffs. He will resume basketball activities later this summer,” the New York Knicks announced.

Josh Hart's Warrior Mentality on Full Display

Josh Hart’s injury dates back to the Eastern Conference Finals, where he dislocated the finger in Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers.

But in true Hart fashion, he didn’t let that — or the laundry list of other injuries he endured — stop him from playing. The 30-year-old appeared in all 18 playoff games, starting 14 of them, and averaged 11.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in nearly 36 minutes per game.His toughness was emblematic of the New York Knicks’ postseason grit. From absorbing a brutal elbow to the face against Boston that left him bloodied, to leaving the floor in pain with abdominal soreness in the series-clinching game versus Indiana, Hart never backed down.

His resilience and energy helped fuel the team’s deepest playoff run in over two decades.

Ironman Numbers and Impact

Throughout the 2023–24 regular season, Josh Hart proved to be one of the NBA’s most durable and productive players. He led the league in minutes per game (37.6) and started all 77 games for the New York Knicks. His season averages — 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game — were all career highs. Shooting 52.5% from the field, Hart’s contributions were vital to New York’s success on both ends of the floor.From crashing the boards to locking down opposing scorers and initiating offense, Hart was the engine that kept the Knicks running. His ability to do a bit of everything made him one of the league’s most valuable utility players and a cornerstone of the team’s playoff surge.

Procedure and Hart's Recovery Outlook

The surgical procedure focused solely on repairing the dislocation in Hart’s right ring finger. According to the New York Knicks, the operation went as planned, and he’s on track to resume full basketball activities later in the summer.

The timeline puts him in a strong position to be fully fit for training camp and the start of the new season.There’s no indication the injury will linger or limit his availability, making this more of a short-term bump in the road than a long-term concern.Josh Hart’s comeback will coincide with a new chapter for the New York Knicks, as they usher in head coach Mike Brown following the departure of Tom Thibodeau. Known for his heavy reliance on starters, Thibodeau’s coaching style likely contributed to Hart’s league-leading workload last season.

With Brown’s arrival, the team could look to distribute minutes more strategically, potentially preserving Hart’s energy deeper into the season.Having signed a four-year, $80.9 million extension in 2023, Josh Hart is firmly locked into the New York Knicks’ long-term plans. His leadership, versatility, and toughness make him a foundational piece for a team hoping to build on last year’s Conference Finals appearance.

A Fan Favorite with Unmatched Grit

If anyone still questioned Josh Hart’s heart, the 2025 playoffs answered them loud and clear. Whether playing through a dislocated finger, a bloodied face, or nagging pain, Hart never let up. His hustle plays, relentless defense, and rebounding tenacity electrified Madison Square Garden and became a rallying point for fans.Now, as he rehabs and prepares for another grind of a season, Hart remains a symbol of the New York Knicks’ fight. And when he returns to the court — perhaps with all ten fingers taped for good measure — you can bet he’ll be ready to go.Also read: LeBron James' Future in Los Angeles Lakers Guaranteed Amid Trade Speculations After Latest Confirmation from the 4x ChampionBottom line: Josh Hart’s finger surgery won’t keep him down for long. With his return on the horizon and the Knicks aiming high again, fans can look forward to another year of all-out effort from one of the NBA’s true ironmen.