Josh Hart Bio
Joshua Aaron Hart is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 2017 first-round draft pick out of Villanova University, Hart has built a reputation as a high-energy player known for his hustle plays, rebounding ability, and versatility at multiple positions. He holds the Knicks franchise record for the most triple-doubles in a single season and played a pivotal role in helping the Knicks capture their first NBA championship in 53 years in 2026. Hart’s career spans stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Portland Trail Blazers before establishing himself as a key contributor in New York.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Aaron Hart was born on March 6, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland, to Moses and Pat Hart. He grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and attended Loiederman Middle School in Silver Spring. Hart showed an early aptitude for basketball, developing a reputation as a high-energy player who excelled at getting rebounds and making hustle plays from a young age.
Hart initially enrolled at Wheaton High School in Maryland before transferring to the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. His basketball career took off during his junior year at Sidwell Friends, where he averaged 20.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Hart faced academic challenges during his time at the school and was nearly dismissed due to poor grades before students and parents petitioned for him to receive a second chance. He responded with a stellar senior season, averaging 24.3 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game while leading his team to a 22-9 record.
Hart was recognized as a first-team All-Met selection by The Washington Post and ranked as Rivals.com’s 82nd-ranked prospect in the class of 2013. Beyond basketball, Hart achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America in 2013, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and community service from an early age.
Path to Professional Basketball
After considering offers from Rutgers and Penn State, Hart signed a letter of intent with Villanova University in November 2012. He was drawn to Villanova by the program’s culture and the opportunity to contribute in various ways. “I might not hit the winning three but I’m going to be the one that goes and gets a rebound when we need it and goes on the floor for a loose ball, anything to win,” Hart said upon his commitment. He also connected with future teammate Kris Jenkins through AAU basketball in the Washington area.
Hart arrived at Villanova in 2013 as a versatile guard/forward and immediately showcased his ability to impact games in multiple ways. While his 31 percent three-point shooting indicated room for growth, coaches praised his “amazing confidence” and basketball instincts. In just his second collegiate game, Hart posted a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds against Mount St. Mary’s, signaling the beginning of a distinguished college career that would include a national championship and multiple individual accolades.
Josh Hart Career
Los Angeles Lakers (2017–2019)
Hart was selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz with the 30th overall pick. He was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers along with Thomas Bryant in exchange for Tony Bradley. As a rookie, Hart wore jersey number 5 and quickly made an impression with his energy and rebounding from the wing position. He recorded his first career start on December 14, 2017, against the Cleveland Cavaliers, posting a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Hart’s rookie season was interrupted by a left hand fracture sustained in practice in late February 2018, but he returned to finish the season strong. In his final game as a rookie, Hart scored a career-high 30 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, shooting 7 of 9 from three-point range. He finished the season averaging 7.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while leading the Lakers in three-point percentage at 39.6 percent.
New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2022)
On July 6, 2019, Hart was part of a landmark trade when the Lakers sent him, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and draft assets to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for All-Star Anthony Davis. Hart embraced the expanded role with the Pelicans and developed into a more complete player. On February 16, 2021, he scored a season-high 27 points during a 144-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Following the 2020-21 season, Hart became a restricted free agent and re-signed with New Orleans on a three-year, $38 million contract. He continued to improve his playmaking ability, recording a career-high 11 assists on November 13, 2021, in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. His versatility as a wing player who could guard multiple positions and crash the offensive glass made him a valuable asset for the rebuilding Pelicans.
Portland Trail Blazers (2022–2023)
On February 8, 2022, Hart was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a package for CJ McCollum. The trade gave Hart an opportunity to play meaningful minutes on a team with playoff aspirations. He responded with the best statistical season of his career to that point. On March 12, 2022, Hart scored a career-high 44 points, adding eight rebounds and six assists while shooting 15 of 21 from the field and 6 of 9 from beyond the arc in a victory over the Washington Wizards.
During the 2022-23 season, Hart continued his strong play and became known for clutch performances. On November 7, 2022, he delivered a buzzer-beating three-pointer to lift the Trail Blazers past the Miami Heat 110-107, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. His all-around game and willingness to do the little things made him a fan favorite in Portland.
New York Knicks (2023–Present)
On February 8, 2023, the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to trade Hart to the New York Knicks for Cam Reddish and draft considerations. The deal was finalized the following day as part of a four-team trade involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets. Hart made his Knicks debut on February 11, 2023, recording 11 points, four assists, and seven rebounds in a 126-120 win over the Utah Jazz.
Hart’s first full season with the Knicks in 2023-24 marked a breakthrough in his career. He signed a four-year, $81 million extension with the team in August 2023, signaling the franchise’s commitment to him as a core piece. On January 30, 2024, Hart recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Utah Jazz. He followed that with his second triple-double on February 8 against the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing his improved playmaking skills.
Hart continued to make franchise history throughout the 2024-25 season. On December 30, 2024, he posted a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Washington Wizards. He recorded another triple-double on January 1, 2025, against the Utah Jazz, becoming the fifth player in Knicks franchise history to achieve consecutive triple-doubles. On March 18, 2025, Hart set the franchise record for the most triple-doubles in a single season with nine, finishing the year with averages of 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while starting all 77 games he played.
Hart played through injury during the 2024-25 playoff run, later revealing he suffered nerve damage in his shooting hand that caused numbness in his ring finger. Despite this setback, he delivered in the postseason. On May 12, 2025, Hart was awarded the NBA minutes leader award for the 2024-25 season, averaging 37.6 minutes per game. In Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the defending champion Boston Celtics, he recorded his third playoff triple-double, becoming the first Knicks player since Walt Frazier in 1972 to accomplish that feat.
NBA Championship (2026)
Hart underwent surgery on his right ring finger in July 2025 after suffering an injury during the playoffs. He returned for the 2025-26 season and helped lead the Knicks on a championship run. On May 21, 2026, Hart scored a playoff career-high 26 points in a Game 2 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Hart delivered a key performance to help the Knicks secure a 94-90 victory and close out the series 4-1, capturing New York’s first NBA championship in 53 years. Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Mikal Bridges became the first trio in NBA history to win both an NCAA and NBA championship together.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hart is renowned for his high-energy style of play and versatility on both ends of the court. His greatest strengths include his rebounding ability from the wing position, his basketball IQ, and his capacity to guard multiple positions. Hart’s hustle plays and willingness to do the dirty work make him a valued teammate and a matchup problem for opponents. His three-point shooting improved throughout his career, and he developed into a capable playmaker who can initiate offense and create for others.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Hart has accumulated several notable achievements. He was named Summer League MVP in 2018 after averaging 24.2 points per game in the Las Vegas Summer League. His college career at Villanova included a national championship in 2016 and consensus first-team All-American honors in 2017. With the Knicks, Hart set the franchise record for triple-doubles in a season and became the first Knicks player since Walt Frazier in 1972 to record a playoff triple-double. His journey from a bench player at Villanova to a key contributor on an NBA championship team exemplifies his development and resilience.
Josh Hart Career Wins
Hart has accumulated significant victories across his college and professional career, including team championships and individual accolades that highlight his impact at every level.
NBA Highlights
Hart’s professional career reached its pinnacle in 2026 when he helped the Knicks win the NBA championship, ending a 53-year drought for the franchise. He was also part of the Knicks team that won the NBA Cup in 2025. Throughout his NBA career spanning seven seasons with four teams, Hart has developed a reputation as a reliable contributor who elevates his play in important moments.
College Highlights
Hart’s most significant career win came in 2016 when he helped Villanova capture the NCAA national championship, the second in school history. He scored 23 points in the Final Four victory over Oklahoma and contributed 12 points in the championship game against North Carolina. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2015 Big East Tournament as a sophomore and earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in 2017. Hart’s jersey number 3 was retired by Villanova on January 19, 2022, honoring his contributions to the program.
Other Achievements
Hart represented the United States at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he led the team in rebounding with 5.3 boards per game. Team USA finished in fourth place at that tournament. Hart has also received numerous individual awards including the Julius Erving Award as the top small forward in college basketball, the Big East Player of the Year award in 2017, and the Senior CLASS Award. He was named Big East Sixth Man of the Year in 2015 and earned Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2017.
Josh Hart Family
Family Background
Hart was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, to Moses and Pat Hart. He grew up with two siblings in the Maryland suburbs outside Washington, D.C. His family has deep roots in the Washington area, and Hart’s basketball journey was shaped by the competitive environment of the region’s youth basketball scene. Hart’s grand-uncle is Elston Howard, a former Major League Baseball player who played for the New York Yankees and was the first African American player to catch a World Series game.
Personal Life
Hart married Shannon Phillips, a registered nurse and his high school sweetheart, on August 28, 2021, in Miami. The couple welcomed twin sons in May 2023. Hart is a Christian and has spoken about his faith being an important part of his life. Outside of basketball, Hart is known for his love of candy, particularly Mike and Ike, which has become a signature part of his personality. He reportedly consumes candy before every game and once exchanged his autograph for two boxes of Mike and Ike. In 2025, the candy company named Hart their first “Chief Candy Officer” and promoted him to “President of Candy Ops” in 2026.
Hart is an avid video game player and streams games like Call of Duty on his Twitch channel. He is a fan of his hometown NFL team, the Washington Commanders, and also supports English Premier League club Chelsea F.C. In October 2020, Hart donated $10,000 to relief efforts for the Napa Valley wildfires, demonstrating his commitment to community involvement.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season represented a breakthrough year for Josh Hart with the New York Knicks. He started all 77 games he played in during the regular season, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while helping the Knicks maintain their position as a playoff team in the Eastern Conference. Hart’s ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories made him invaluable to the Knicks’ success.
Throughout the season, Hart made franchise history by setting the Knicks’ single-season triple-double record with nine, surpassing previous benchmarks. His consistency and durability, playing through the nerve damage in his shooting hand that would later require surgery, demonstrated his commitment to the team. The Knicks’ team success during the regular season positioned them well for a playoff run that would extend deep into the postseason.
Hart’s 2024-25 campaign also featured memorable individual performances including consecutive triple-doubles and clutch plays in crucial moments. His partnership with Jalen Brunson and the Knicks’ core group gave New York a foundation to build upon for future championship contention. The playoff performance that followed, including Hart’s historic triple-double against the Boston Celtics, set the stage for the championship run that would come the following season.