Josh Hart

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Lore & Background

Hart played college basketball for Villanova. As a sophomore, Hart was named the Big East tournament most outstanding player. He was named a third-team All-American as a junior, when he helped lead the Wildcats to a national championship in 2016. As a senior in 2017, he was a consensus first-team All-American. Selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft, Hart played his first two NBA seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 as part of a package for Anthony Davis. Hart played three seasons with the Pelicans and was then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022 in a package for CJ McCollum. He was dealt to the New York Knicks at the 2023 trade deadline. Hart and the Knicks won the 2026 NBA Finals, securing New York's first championship in 53 years.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed overhead as Hart sprinted back on defense, lungs burning after a full-court press. The ball handler drove hard to the rim, expecting an open lane. Instead, Hart was there, sliding across the hardwood with a roar that echoed off the rafters, contesting the shot just enough to alter it into the air. A teammate grabbed the rebound, and the crowd erupted—not for a dunk, but for the stop.

Reader's Guide

Hart is known for his hustle plays and rebounding ability. He has logged minutes at shooting guard and both forward positions. He holds the Knicks franchise record for the most triple-doubles in a single season.

Did You Know?

• Hart reached the level of Eagle Scout in 2013 in the Boy Scouts of America.
• He was named the league MVP of the 2018 NBA Summer League after averaging 24.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
• Hart's number 3 jersey was retired by Villanova on January 19, 2022.