Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hart announced that he aggravated the same finger injury and will need to wear a splint throughout the 2026 season if he intends to stay on the court.

Hart had a procedure earlier in the offseason to repair the damage, but it wasn’t enough to fully fix the issue.

When asked about playing with a splint, Hart admitted the adjustment won’t be easy:

“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’s Value to the Knicks

Now entering his third full season with the Knicks since arriving in 2022, Hart has become one of the most important pieces of New York’s roster.

Last year, he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, while setting a single-season franchise record with nine triple-doubles. His versatility and relentless energy were pivotal to the Knicks’ playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Knicks’ Championship Aspirations Depend on Hart’s Grit

Even while battling through injury, the Knicks will need Hart to continue bringing his signature hustle, rebounding, and playmaking to the court. With New York chasing its first NBA championship since 1973, Hart’s determination to play through pain underscores his value to the team’s title hopes.

Mikal Bridges has quickly become one of the most valuable players for the New York Knicks, just one season after arriving from the Brooklyn Nets.

Bridges’ Breakout Season in New York

In his first year with the Knicks, Bridges played all 82 games, averaging 17.6 points per contest while playing a pivotal role in the team’s deep playoff run. His defensive brilliance was on full display in the Eastern Conference Semifinalsagainst the Boston Celtics, where he delivered game-saving stops in Games 1 and 2, helping New York win the series in six games.

Four-Year Extension with a Twist

This offseason, the Knicks rewarded Bridges with a four-year, $150 million contract extension. However, Bridges could have earned even more by waiting until next summer to sign. Instead, he chose to leave money on the table — even taking a slight pay cut — to give the franchise more financial flexibility.

When asked about his decision, Bridges emphasized his commitment to winning above all else:

“If I came here preaching about how much I want to win, and then tried to take every dollar, I’d seem like a fraud,” Bridges said. “That’s not who I am. I want to win bad.”

Knicks’ Title Hopes Rest on Bridges’ Impact

Now locked in long-term, Bridges will be a cornerstone of New York’s pursuit of its first NBA championship since 1973. After falling just short of the NBA Finals last season, the Knicks are hoping Bridges’ selflessness and two-way impact can help push them over the top in 2026.

Josh Hart has never been the most natural fit in the New York Knicks’ starting lineup, but the versatile forward continues to embrace the challenge — even with a bit of humor.

Hart’s Joke About a Possible Bench Role

When asked on Tuesday about the possibility of not starting under new head coach Mike Brown, Hart delivered a tongue-in-cheek response:

“If I don’t start, I’ll probably ask for a trade,” Hart joked.

While clearly in jest, Hart also made it clear that he views himself as a legitimate starter in the NBA.

Career-Best Season in New York

The 29-year-old forward is coming off the best year of his career. Hart started all 77 games he played, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, while also setting a new single-season Knicks record with nine triple-doubles.

Despite his impressive numbers, questions about his on-court fit persist. His lack of size and perimeter spacing occasionally disrupted the Knicks’ offensive flow. Still, Hart believes his production speaks for itself.

“I think I’m a starter in this league. I think I deserve to be a starter. But at the end of the day, it’s about what’s best for the team. Last year, I talked a lot about sacrifice and being a good steward of my gifts.”

A Key Piece in Knicks’ Title Hopes

Whether he begins games on the floor or comes off the bench, Hart will remain an essential figure for a Knicks team with championship aspirations in 2026. His energy, versatility, and leadership make him a cornerstone of New York’s rotation as they chase their first title since 1973.