Josh Hart says he is forgoing career-ending finger surgery, will play through pain

New York Knicks wing Josh Hart announced he will forego recommended surgery on his right ring finger to avoid ending his career. Hart explained that doctors advised him the injury now requires a full joint replacement, a procedure that would prevent him from catching, rebounding, or shooting a basketball. Instead of undergoing the career-ending operation, the 31-year-old will play through the pain by wearing a protective splint or wrap.

Hart initially suffered the finger injury during the 2025 Eastern Conference finals and aggravated it during an offseason scrimmage against teammate Mikal Bridges. Despite dealing with pain and nerve issues that occasionally caused numbness, Hart achieved a career-high 41 percent 3-point shooting mark during the 2025-26 championship-winning campaign. He plans to postpone the joint replacement procedure until after he retires from professional basketball.