Preseason has barely started, and we already have the first clash of statements between the media and a New York Knicks player. Pushed to clarify his physical condition, Josh Hart has made it clear why he will return to play the entire season with a wrapped finger on his right hand.
The motive behind the forward’s explanation comes after Steve Popper of Newsday Sports indicated that he had not undergone surgery and would therefore continue to play with the finger wrapped.
Although it probably shouldn’t be necessary, Hart clarified that this is not a whim or a decision, but a genuine necessity to keep playing basketball.
«Just so I don’t have to answer this question ever again. There is no other surgery I can undergo besides what would be a joint replacement. If I get that other surgery I won’t be able to play afterward and my career will be over. So that finger will be wrapped until I retire», he states.
When Hart talks about another surgery, he refers to the fact that the ring finger of his right hand already went under the knife in July 2025 in an attempt to repair an injury sustained during the playoffs of that year.
Although it was understood that the operation would end the problem, shortly after discussing the 2025-26 season he explained that the issue had returned and even affected sensitivity in that right hand. It was in November when he ruled out the surgery, something he now reiterates, stressing that it would force him to stop playing forever. Exactly, he would have to retire.
