New York Knicks forward Josh Hart
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 26: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks in action at Kaseya Center on October 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Based on the last two seasons spent playing for Tom Thibodeau’s New York Knicks, it’s safe to say that Josh Hart is one of the more durable players in the NBA.
In the last two years, he broke out as a do-all utility guard, one of the better rebounders in the entire NBA. This season, he missed much of the preseason and the first game of the year with a back injury.
He seems to have recovered, at least from that, but is now dealing with a hurt hand. Initial reports suggest he can’t feel anything in his right hand, an alarming sign of nerve damage.
However, it doesn’t look like he’ll be missing any time, instead opting to play through the pain.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart guards Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives against Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2025 in New York City. The Knicks won 105-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Why Josh Hart Is Avoiding Missing Time
Last season, Hart led the NBA with 37.6 minutes played per game. Alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, Hart seemed to be the perfect role player.
He could defend multiple positions and rebound with the best of them, and he could handle the ball. However, New York’s lack of size caught up to them, and Mike Brown has started Ariel Hukporti or Mitchell Robinson alongside Towns.
Hart has been demoted to the bench, a familiar role. However, he’s not keen on losing any more minutes, and sitting out with an injury could have long-term effects on the Knicks’ roster.
“If he were to have surgery for this injury, the report says he would miss like three months,” pointed out Dave DuFour on The Athletic NBA Daily podcast. “I wonder if he’s playing through the injury because, hey, you never know. You can lose your role in the NBA, no matter who you are.And Josh Hart is already going to this deeper bench role. You know, I start to worry, is this a guy who’s playing hurt because he doesn’t want to lose that spot?”
If Hart were to be sidelined through the New Year, there’s no guarantee he would return as a key cog in the Knicks’ machine.
New York Knicks Need More From Josh Hart
If Hart doesn’t want to sideline himself and would rather play through the injury, fine.
This season, however, he hasn’t been playing well at all. Yes, his minutes are limited, but he is averaging only five points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He is also shooting only 31% from the floor and 14.3% from deep.
Right now, he’s borderline unplayable. If he continues at this pace, he might lose his minutes even if he’s “healthy.” If missing time for surgery is what it takes to get his game back on track, then the Knicks might have to shut him down for an extended time.
Of course, Hart has concerns about his role and position on the team, but focusing on his health, especially with nerve damage, needs to be a priority.