Knicks Announce Unfortunate News on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 2:31 PM ET

The New York Knicks are heading into the regular season with hopes of making a deeper run in the NBA playoffs under new coach Mike Brown. The Knicks have retained their core around superstar Jalen Brunson, including Josh Hart. The 30-year-old veteran guard will be entering his fourth season in New York and has developed into a versatile contributor. Hart is a strong rebounder, reliable perimeter defender and capable scoring option on offense.

Hart started all 77 games he appeared in last season, although his role may be shifting back to coming off the bench this year to maximize his impact. He averaged 37.6 minutes per game, the most in the league. Over those 77 games, he posted 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 52.5% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. The scoring average marked his highest during his tenure in New York.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

As Hart prepares for another run with the Knicks, his availability has become a concern. He suffered a back injury in early October during a preseason game that the team initially believed was minor, diagnosing it as back spasms. His availability for the season opener was not thought to be in doubt.

However, the issue has lingered, and on Tuesday the Knicks announced via Brown that Hart did not practice on Tuesday, along with big man Mitchell Robinson. “Mike Brown says Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson did not practice today,” wrote Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Mike Brown says Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson did not practice today.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) October 21, 2025

Brown subsequently expressed doubt about Hart playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, noting the team is taking a cautious approach. “Mike Brown sounded pessimistic about Josh Hart playing tomorrow, said he is in a different situation than Mitch and they are going to take their time with the back,” Bondy reported.

It is unfortunate Hart is not practicing or making progress, and if the injury were truly minor, he likely would have been further along by now. The Knicks will continue to monitor his status closely, as his presence, whether in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, remains a key part of their rotation. With the regular season set to begin, Hart's availability could have a significant impact on how New York opens its campaign.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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