Meet Knicks Star Josh Hart’s Parents, Dad Moses and Mom Pat

**Josh Hart: The Resilient NBA Player Shaped by Family Values**

Josh Hart, the New York Knicks player, hails from Silver Spring, Maryland, where he was raised by his parents, Moses and Pat Hart. Born on March 6, 1995, Josh grew up in a household that emphasised hard work and perseverance. With a father who dedicated his career to the culinary arts as a chef and a mother who worked as a waitress, Hart was introduced to the significance of commitment and resilience from an early age.

Moses Hart, who worked in a catering company in the Washington D.C. area, and Pat, who served at the Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, instilled strong values in their children. They nurtured Josh alongside his siblings, Moses Jr. and Aimee, shaping a family dynamic that prioritised determination and teamwork both in and out of the sporting arena.

Josh credits his father Moses for instilling in him a steadfast “never-give-up” mentality. This principle became evident as he navigated the challenges of competitive basketball, especially as he approached the 2026 NBA Finals with the Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs. Reflecting on his upbringing, Josh shared with The Athletic in March 2022, “My dad was always telling me to keep fighting. He instilled in me the importance of not giving up, even when faced with adversity.”

Another notable aspect of the Hart family’s history is Moses’ connection to baseball legend Elston Howard, the first Black player for the New York Yankees. Moses is Howard’s nephew, and although Josh never met his legendary relative—who passed away in 1980, years before Josh was born—he expressed admiration for Howard’s character and resilience. “Dad told me stories about him and his time at the ballpark. I strive to embody the qualities he represented,” Josh recounted in an April 2016 interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia.

However, life hasn’t always been smooth for the Hart family. When Josh was 15, their home succumbed to an electrical fire, resulting in significant losses. Josh was away at a Boy Scout camp during the incident and returned to find his family had lost nearly everything. “I was left with the clothes on my back,” he revealed in an interview with Fox Sports. Despite this traumatic experience, Josh remarked that his parents never complained during such a challenging time.

“The pressure they faced to provide for our family was immense,” Josh reflected. “But they remained steadfast, and that perspective has shaped who I am today.” Following the fire, the Hart family spent time living in a hotel before eventually settling into a two-bedroom apartment. Josh was taken in by a friend during this period, but the family remained united through the hardships they endured.

Moses Hart remained pivotal in instilling values of perseverance in his children, encouraging his son to maintain steadfast dedication and hard work in all pursuits. “I told him that, regardless of the circumstances, you should always give your best,” Moses explained. He reiterated the importance of not just playing hard when conditions were favourable but maintaining a consistent effort for the sake of the team.

This commitment to hard work also extended to Josh’s journey as a Boy Scout. He began his involvement at the tender age of five, temporarily stepping back during his high school years to focus on academics and basketball. However, his determination prevailed as he ultimately achieved the rank of Eagle Scout—the highest honour attainable within the scouting community. “I promised my dad I would finish what I started, and he held me to that promise,” Josh noted, emphasising how deeply family values are engrained in his character.

In light of his career in the NBA, where he has garnered recognition for his skills and work ethic, Josh Hart remains committed to ensuring a brighter future for his parents. He expressed his desire to ensure they never have to work again, a sentiment he conveyed on social media after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Today, Moses and Pat are contemplating a move closer to Josh and his family, which speaks volumes about the enduring bond and support system that propels him forward.

As Josh Hart continues to make strides in his basketball career with the Knicks, his journey reflects the resilience and values imparted by his parents. Through various challenges, the lessons learned from his family’s struggles fuel him on and off the court, reminding him to keep pushing through adversity and to always appreciate the hard work that has brought him to where he is today.