Breaking News: Josh Hart's Shooting Hand Faces Nerve Damage!
It's a tough blow for Knicks fans as Josh Hart has revealed he's battling nerve damage in his shooting hand, according to reports from Fred Katz and James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. This isn't just a minor issue; it's a more significant problem than initially thought.
Initially, the injury was described as a finger issue that might need surgery after the 2025/26 season. Now, the reality is more complex. The nerve damage affects not only his fourth finger but also causes a loss of feeling in his middle and pinky fingers, a problem that persists both on and off the court. Imagine trying to shoot a basketball with limited feeling in your fingers – it's a huge challenge!
"It’ll probably be a process until I get full feeling back," Hart admitted. "The hand will be what it is. I’m working (on shooting) all the time. That’ll come along. I’m not getting surgery."
But here's where it gets controversial...
This injury is already impacting Hart's performance. After missing much of the preseason and adjusting to a new role, his stats have taken a hit. Over his first four games, he's averaging only 2.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 22.3 minutes, with shooting splits of .211/.100/.500. This is a significant drop from the 35.5 minutes he averaged over the last two seasons.
And this is the part most people miss... Hart is also seeking stability in his role with the team. "If I’m not going to start, I’m totally cool with it," he said. "I don’t want to be, like, the next starter up because then everything is varying by game. I want more of a consistent role so that I can affect that role."
What do you think?
Do you believe Hart's injury will significantly impact his performance this season? How do you think his role on the team should evolve? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
