Josh Hart, 30, suffered a back spasm in preseason, compounding a right-hand ring finger issue that may sideline him in 2025-26.
The Knicks entered training camp hoping for continuity from the rugged 6-foot-4 Villanova guard, but a series of setbacks has clouded that optimism. Hart signed a four-season, $80.9 million contract in the summer of 2023 and is now in year two of the deal. Expectations for his energy, defense and hustle were high after a solid regular season showing.
Last season Hart started all 77 healthy regular-season games for a 51-31 New York team and averaged 13.6 points per game. He became a trusted paint presser and rebounder on the wing, but his value depends on availability. Durability has been the question mark as the calendar flips toward meaningful games.
In the preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, New York posted a 99-84 victory but Hart hit the deck in the first half after experiencing a back problem. He grimaced, rose gingerly and eventually left the action, a worrisome visual for coaches and fans alike. The team later described the issue as spasms and adjusted their approach accordingly.
New York held Hart out of the rematch on Saturday, a 113-104 preseason win, electing to protect him rather than risk escalation. That decision underscores how the club weighs short-term returns against long-term playoff positioning. With a playoff roster to defend and the regular season looming, conservative minutes now could pay dividends later.
Complicating matters, Hart is expected to spend most or perhaps all of the 2025-26 campaign wearing a splint on the ring finger of his right shooting hand. That limitation threatens his shooting rhythm and ball security. For a player whose identity blends physicality and precision, any impairment to his dominant hand demands careful management.
Coaching staff and medical personnel face a balancing act. They must preserve Hart’s defensive presence while preventing recurring flare-ups. The Knicks have depth, but replacing Hart’s combination of defensive toughness and hustle scoring is no small feat. Bench players can cover minutes, yet matchups in October and November will test the rotation.
Fan expectations often hinge on big names and contract figures, and Hart’s $80.9 million pact increases the spotlight. Still, basketball seasons are marathons, not sprints. The priority for New York should be a healthy Hart for critical stretches rather than a rushed return to preseason minutes.
For Hart personally, the challenge is both physical and mental. He built a reputation on relentless effort and tenacity. Recovering from a finger splint and calming a balky back will require patience, smart rehab and disciplined practice reps that don’t sacrifice long-term fitness.
The broader implication is clear: the Knicks must plan contingencies. Opponents will probe without Hart’s usual intensity on the wing, and New York must ensure it has reliable defensive rotations. The early-season schedule could magnify these debates, making every scan, treatment and practice session matter.
Ultimately, the shoe remains in Hart’s court. If he can manage the splint and stabilize his back, he will still provide the kind of scrappy, high-effort play that lifted the Knicks to 51 wins last year. But until the medical updates come clean, the franchise and its supporters must brace for a cautious opening to the season.