##Josh Hart, a versatile forward, was born on March 6, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He began his basketball journey at Villanova University, where he quickly established himself as a key player. As a sophomore, he led the Wildcats to the Big East Tournament title and was named the Most Outstanding Player. His junior year was even more successful, as he helped Villanova clinch the 2016 NCAA Championship and earned Third-Team All-American honors.
Drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2017, Josh Hart was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his hustle and defensive prowess, he became a valuable role player. In 2019, he was part of a blockbuster trade to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he continued to impress with his versatility and scoring ability. After a brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, Hart joined the New York Knicks in 2023.
With his strong work ethic and ability to contribute in various ways, Hart has solidified his position as a reliable NBA player. His journey from college basketball star to NBA contributor is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Early life
Josh Hart’s path to the NBA wasn’t a straight line. Born in Maryland in 1995, basketball was his passion, but private schools weren’t interested. He honed his skills at Sidwell Friends, averaging a double-double as a junior. However, academic struggles almost led to expulsion. Thankfully, a second chance fueled his senior year, leading his team to a winning record and earning him All-Met honors.
Villanova University became his next challenge. A freshman All-Rookie, Hart’s energy became his trademark. He blossomed as a sophomore, named Big East’s Sixth Man of the Year and tournament MVP. His shooting improved, making him a more complete player. Hart played a key role in Villanova’s 2016 national championship run, solidifying his legacy with a jersey retirement in 2022.
Drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2017, he was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his defense and three-point shooting, he even led the team in three-point percentage as a rookie. Injuries hampered his second season, but flashes of potential were evident. In 2019, a blockbuster trade sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans. There, he thrived as a two-way player, averaging career highs in assists and rebounds.
Hart’s time in Portland was short, but he exploded for a career-high 44 points. Now with the New York Knicks, he’s seamlessly integrated. His leadership and defensive presence are crucial, alongside his all-around contributions. He even secured his first career triple-double in 2024.
From Maryland hustle to NBA all-arounder, Josh Hart’s story is one of perseverance and well-rounded skills. His dedication and leadership hold promise for a successful future in New York.
Career
***Freshman
Josh Hart’s collegiate journey began at Villanova University, where he quickly made an impact. As a freshman, he was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Despite his struggles from beyond the arc, his confidence and hustle were evident.
One of his standout performances came early on, when he recorded a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds against Mount St. Mary’s. He continued to impress throughout the season, including a season-high 19 points against Rider.
While Villanova didn’t advance far in the Big East tournament that year, Hart’s contributions were promising, setting the stage for a successful college career.
***Sophomore
Josh Hart’s college career at Villanova University was marked by steady improvement and significant contributions to the team’s success. As a sophomore, he emerged as a key player off the bench, earning the Big East Sixth Man of the Year award. His ability to score efficiently, rebound effectively, and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset.
One of Hart’s most notable performances came in the 2015 ***Big East Tournament, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player. He averaged an impressive 17.7 points per game, including a 20-point outburst against Marquette. His improved three-point shooting made him a more versatile offensive threat, forcing opponents to respect his range.
By the end of his sophomore year, Hart had established himself as a rising star in college basketball, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
***Junior
Josh Hart’s junior year at Villanova was a breakout season. The Wildcats were the unanimous preseason favorite to win the Big East, and Hart played a significant role in their success. He scored a career-high 27 points in the season opener against Akron and continued his strong play throughout the year.
Hart’s ability to score efficiently and rebound effectively made him a valuable asset for Villanova. His performance helped the Wildcats reach the top spot in the AP Poll and earned him a spot on the midseason watchlist for the Naismith Trophy.
At the end of the regular season, Hart was recognized as a first-team All-Big East selection and a third-team All-American. His contributions were instrumental in Villanova’s historic 2016 NCAA championship run, their first title since 1985.
Despite the success, Hart briefly considered entering the 2016 NBA draft but ultimately decided to return to Villanova for his senior year.
***Senior
Heading into his senior year, Josh Hart was a highly anticipated player, named Preseason Player of the Year and an All-American. He delivered impressive performances, including a career-high 37 points against Notre Dame.
While the Wildcats were favored to win the Big East, their tournament run ended earlier than expected with a loss to Wisconsin. Despite the disappointing finish, Hart’s impact on Villanova was undeniable. His exceptional performances and leadership earned him the honor of having his jersey number 3 retired in 2022.
Professional career
***Los Angeles Lakers (2017–2019)
Drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2017 and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Hart quickly made an impact. In his rookie season, he showcased his scoring ability, highlighted by a career-high 30 points against the Clippers. His solid three-point shooting and rebounding skills earned him recognition.
Hart’s impressive performance in the 2018 NBA Summer League earned him MVP honors. However, a knee injury cut short his 2018-19 season.
In the summer of 2019, Hart was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster deal. He continued to contribute as a versatile player, known for his energy and hustle.
***New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2022)
Josh Hart’s time with the **New Orleans Pelicans was marked by solid contributions and career milestones. Acquired in the blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis in 2019, Hart quickly established himself as a valuable rotation player. He consistently provided energy, defense, and three-point shooting.
During his tenure with the Pelicans, Josh Hart achieved several career highs. In February 2021, he scored a season-high 27 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. Later, in November 2021, he recorded a career-high 11 assists in a victory over the same team.
While his time in New Orleans was relatively short, Hart’s impact was undeniable. He played a crucial role in the team’s efforts to rebuild and compete in the Western Conference.
***Portland Trail Blazers (2022–2023)
Josh Hart’s NBA journey took a significant turn in February 2022 when he was traded to the **Portland Trail Blazers. This trade, which also involved CJ McCollum, marked a new era for both teams.
Hart quickly made his mark in Portland. On March 12, 2022, he exploded for a career-high 44 points against the Washington Wizards, showcasing his scoring ability. His impact extended beyond scoring. On November 7, 2022, he led the Blazers to a thrilling victory over the Miami Heat with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Hart’s time in Portland was short-lived, but his contributions were undeniable. He became a fan favorite with his energetic play and clutch performances.
***New York Knicks (2023–present)
Josh Hart’s NBA journey took a significant turn in February 2023 when he was traded to the New York Knicks. In his debut for the Knicks, he showcased his versatility with 11 points, 4 assists, and 7 rebounds. He continued to impress, recording a double-double in his playoff debut and signing a lucrative four-year contract extension with the team.
Hart’s impact on the Knicks has been substantial. He has achieved career milestones, including his first two triple-doubles and a remarkable 48-minute performance against the Golden State Warriors. His clutch play and defensive prowess have made him a valuable asset for the team. With his strong work ethic and dedication, Hart is poised to be a key contributor to the Knicks’ success in the years to come.
Awards
| Achievement | Year |
| Eagle Scout | 2013 |
| NCAA Champion | 2016 |
| Big East Player of the Year | 2017 |
| Julius Erving Award | 2017 |
| First-team All-American – SN | 2017 |
| Third-team All-American | 2016 |
| First-team All-Big East | 2016, 2017 |
| Big East Tournament MOP | 2015 |
| Big East Sixth Man of the Year | 2015 |
| Robert V. Geasey Trophy | 2017 |
Personal life
Beyond his impressive basketball career, Josh Hart is a multifaceted individual with diverse interests. A passionate gamer, he frequently streams himself playing games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare on his Twitch channel.
Hart’s sporting interests extend beyond basketball. He is a dedicated fan of his hometown NFL team, the Washington Commanders, and follows the English Premier League club Chelsea F.C. His love for sports is evident in his active lifestyle and competitive spirit.
In October 2020, Hart demonstrated his philanthropic side by donating $10,000 to support relief efforts for the Napa Valley wildfires. His generosity highlights his commitment to giving back to the community.
In his personal life, Hart is happily married to Shannon Phillips. The couple welcomed twin boys in May 2023, adding to their growing family. Interestingly, Hart shares a familial connection to baseball history, as his grand-uncle was the legendary New York Yankees catcher Elston Howard. For more details on his career statistics, search “Josh Hart stats“.
