Josh Hart rules out finger surgery that would end his NBA career

Josh Hart Rules Out Surgery for Finger Injury That Would End NBA Career

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart has decided against undergoing a procedure for his severe right ring finger injury, choosing instead to play through significant pain for the remainder of his NBA career, bild.de reported. The 31-year-old shooting guard sustained the injury during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers and aggravated it in the summer during an internal training scrimmage against teammate Mikal Bridges.

Following a summer operation, medical evaluations showed that further treatment would require a complete joint replacement. Hart stated that such an operation would force his retirement from professional basketball because it would eliminate the finger mobility required to compete at the NBA level.

Why a Joint Replacement Would Force Retirement

Hart explained that an artificial joint would prevent him from executing the repetitive, high-impact mechanics demanded of a guard on the court. Rebounding, palming the basketball, shooting, and catching passes would become impossible following a full joint replacement procedure.

“If I were to get a joint replacement, I wouldn’t be able to play anymore,” Hart said after a team practice. “So those are really the only alternatives: either a joint replacement, leave it as it is, or an amputation. That is the other option. I guess either I bandage it up until my retirement or have it amputated.”

The shooting guard has worn a protective splint on his right ring finger during every game since the injury occurred. He intends to continue using taping and protective splints to manage the physical toll until his career concludes.

Knicks Coach Mike Brown Reacts to the Injury

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown addressed his player’s physical condition with humor following team workouts. Brown acknowledged the visual impact of the lingering damage to the veteran guard’s hand.

“Josh is a handsome man,” Brown said. “Pero ese dedo es feo.” Or, as the coach stated in English, “That finger is ugly.”

Despite the aesthetic damage and chronic discomfort, Hart remains an active rotation piece for the Knicks, wearing the protective brace on the court as the team plays the NBA season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Hart’s Finger Injury

When did Josh Hart injure his finger?

Hart suffered the severe injury to his right ring finger during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals when the New York Knicks played the Indiana Pacers. He subsequently underwent an operation in the summer before aggravating the joint further during an internal scrimmage against teammate Mikal Bridges.

What are Josh Hart’s treatment options?

According to Hart, his medical choices are limited to a complete joint replacement that would end his career, an amputation, or continuing to play with the existing injury by using protective tape and splints until retirement.