The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years, but their playoff run ended in disappointment with a six-game loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Despite posting an impressive 51-31 regular season record, New York couldn’t get past Indiana when it mattered most.
The offseason has brought major changes. Tom Thibodeau is out as head coach, with former Kings coach Mike Brown stepping in to take the reins.
Now comes news that Josh Hart has undergone surgery on his right ring finger to address an injury he picked up during the playoffs. The team expects him to return to basketball activities later this summer.
Hart shared a photo on social media Wednesday showing his finger with what appears to be a protective splint.
The 30-year-old guard has been a workhorse for New York since arriving via trade with Portland during the 2022-23 season. The Knicks sent Cam Reddish, Ryan Arcidiacono, Svi Mykhailiuk, and a protected first-round pick to the Trail Blazers to land him.
Hart led the entire NBA in minutes last season, averaging a grueling 37.6 minutes per game while starting 77 of 82 contests.
He’s known for his all-out intensity and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. Hart’s not the kind of player who cares about personal stats – he just wants the W.
Interestingly, Hart’s role changed late in the playoffs. Thibodeau moved him to the bench when he decided to play two big men – Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson – together in the starting lineup.
Will new coach Mike Brown keep Hart in that sixth-man role? Or will he return to the starting five where he spent most of the season?
The Eastern Conference looks weaker heading into the 2025-26 season than it has in recent years. This could be the perfect opportunity for the Knicks to make a push for their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
With Hart expected to be fully recovered before training camp, New York’s core should be healthy and ready for another run.
