Knicks’ Josh Hart undergoes finger procedure

Josh Hart underwent a procedure on his right ring finger to deal with an injury he suffered during the playoffs, the Knicks announced Wednesday.

The New York star isn’t expected to miss any time next season. 

“He will resume basketball activities later in the summer,” the team said as part of a statement. 

Hart, 30, played significant minutes during both the regular season and playoffs as the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000, falling to the Pacers in six games. 

The guard had averaged 35.7 minutes during the postseason while posting 11.6 points per game over 18 appearances, 14 of which were starts. 

Hart appeared in 77 games — all starts — during the regular season, averaging a league-leading 37.6 minutes per game with 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals.

The beloved Knick is expected to play a large role for the team on both ends of the floor next season, even with the change at head coach that has seen Mike Brown replace Tom Thibodeau. 

The Knicks are viewed as a favorite in the Eastern Conference heading into 2025-26, especially with several players from rival teams dealing with season-ending injuries. 

That list includes Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who both suffered Achilles tears during the postseason. 

Brown, however, isn’t looking at that as making things easier for his new team. 

“It doesn’t matter if those guys are injured: Teams are going to find ways to win,” Brown said during his introductory press conference last week. “We don’t feel like it’s going to be any easier because of injuries.”

Still, having Hart ready to go for the start of next season will certainly help the Knicks’ championship goals.