Overview
- Hart missed the Knicks’ preseason finale with right-ankle soreness and on Sunday gave a noncommittal update that he would “see in two days,” leaving his availability for Tuesday’s opener unresolved.
- Coach Mike Brown expressed optimism that the ankle would not keep Hart out of the season opener, but the team has not issued a clearance or a firm lineup decision.
- The Knicks will raise their championship banner at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday and Hart’s participation in the ceremony or game remains uncertain.
- Hart continues to manage a chronic right ring-finger injury that he says would require a joint-replacement operation that would prevent him from playing, so he has elected to play through the issue for now.
- The team paused extension talks on Oct. 9 for multiple players including Hart, a move that leaves near-term roster and salary-planning questions if his short- or long-term availability changes.