Athlete of the Month for August 2026
Josh Hart is an American professional basketball player known for his hustle, versatility, and relentless effort on the court. Born on March 6, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland, Hart attended Villanova University, where he developed into one of the nation’s top collegiate players. His leadership and work ethic helped establish him as a key contributor long before he reached the NBA.
During his time at Villanova, Hart won the 2016 NCAA National Championship and was named the 2017 Naismith College Player of the Year. The Utah Jazz selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft before his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. After stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers, Hart joined the New York Knicks, where he has become a fan favorite for his defense, rebounding, and all-around play.
Throughout his NBA career, he has earned a reputation as one of the league’s hardest-working players, making winning plays that don’t always appear on the stat sheet. Toughness, consistency, and team-first mentality have made him an invaluable teammate and an important piece of the Knicks’ success. Off the court, Hart is also known for his sense of humor, close relationships with former teammates, and dedication to giving back to the community.