Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Josh Hart is an American professional basketball player who plays for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Born on March 6, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland, Joshua Aaron Hart is known for his exceptional rebounding, defensive intensity and versatility. After winning the 2016 NCAA national championship with Villanova University, Hart entered the NBA in 2017 and eventually became an NBA champion with the New York Knicks in 2026.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Josh Hart’s family has played an important role in his personal development and professional success. His wife, Shannon Phillips Hart, has been his partner since their teenage years, and the couple have twin sons named Hendrix Aaron and Haze Dana. His parents, Moses and Pat Hart, raised him in Maryland alongside his older brother, Moses Joseph Hart, and sister, Aimee Hart. Their family experienced significant financial challenges during his childhood, helping shape the resilience and determination that became defining characteristics of his basketball career.
Josh Hart’s Wife: Who Is Shannon Phillips Hart?
Josh Hart is married to Shannon Phillips Hart, a registered nurse and former college soccer player. The couple met while attending Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., and began their relationship as teenagers.
According to People magazine, Hart and Shannon first met when they were approximately 15 years old.
Their relationship continued through college and the early years of Hart’s professional basketball career.
While Josh attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, Shannon pursued her education and athletic career at Rutgers University and later the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Despite attending different universities, they maintained a relationship that continued as Hart developed into one of the country’s leading college basketball players.
In a March 2020 birthday message shared on Instagram, Shannon reflected on their relationship, explaining that they had experienced many important life events together, including college, Hart’s NBA Draft selection and his professional basketball journey.
The couple eventually became engaged in December 2020 and married in August 2021.
How Josh Hart Met His Wife
Josh Hart and Shannon Phillips first met at Sidwell Friends School, a private school in Washington, D.C.
Hart transferred to Sidwell Friends after initially attending Wheaton High School in Maryland.
During their sophomore year, Josh and Shannon developed a friendship that eventually became romantic.
According to a June 2026 profile published by Essence, Hart initially expressed his interest in Shannon through a text message when they were both approximately 15 years old.
Their connection strengthened over the following years as they navigated high school, college and their respective professional ambitions.
Although their relationship experienced periods of separation during college, they eventually reunited and continued building their future together.
Josh Hart and Shannon Phillips’ Engagement
Josh Hart proposed to Shannon Phillips in December 2020, arranging a romantic surprise in New Orleans, Louisiana.
According to Southern Bride, Hart organized the proposal with assistance from people close to him, including his former New Orleans Pelicans teammate JJ Redick and Redick’s wife, Chelsea.
Shannon believed she was attending a dinner event at Elms Mansion & Gardens.
After arriving, Hart suggested that they explore the property before the other guests arrived.
He then led her to a gazebo decorated with flowers, where he proposed while photographers captured the moment.
Shannon accepted, and the couple publicly celebrated their engagement through social media.
Josh Hart and Shannon Phillips’ Wedding
Josh Hart and Shannon Phillips married on August 28, 2021, at 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami, Florida.
The ceremony brought together relatives, close friends and people connected to Hart’s basketball career.
According to Southern Bride, the couple wanted an elegant celebration that reflected their personalities and longtime relationship.
They worked with wedding planner Carrie Zack to organize the ceremony and reception.
Shannon also incorporated elements of her Trinidadian heritage into the celebration, including traditional Caribbean dancers.
Following their wedding, the couple enjoyed a European honeymoon, visiting destinations including Italy, Greece and England.
The marriage marked an important milestone in a relationship that began more than a decade earlier.
What Does Josh Hart’s Wife Do for a Living?
Shannon Hart is a registered nurse with an educational background in healthcare and athletics.
Originally from Greenbelt, Maryland, Shannon played college soccer at Rutgers University before transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
She studied health administration and public policy before continuing her education at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
She began her nursing career in September 2020 and has worked in areas associated with orthopedic care and sports medicine.
Beyond her professional background, Shannon is also actively involved in family life and supporting her husband’s NBA career.
In June 2025, she participated in an interview with Essence alongside Josh, discussing their marriage, parenting responsibilities and the importance of maintaining strong family relationships.
She explained that mutual support and prioritizing family time helped them manage the demands of professional basketball and raising young children.
Josh Hart’s Children: Meet His Twin Sons Hendrix and Haze
Josh Hart has two children, twin sons named Hendrix Aaron Hart and Haze Dana Hart.
The boys were born on May 12, 2023, approximately two years after Hart married Shannon Phillips.
Their birth occurred during the New York Knicks’ playoff series against the Miami Heat, creating an unusual situation for Hart as he balanced professional responsibilities with becoming a father.
Hendrix Aaron Hart – Josh Hart’s Son
Hendrix Aaron Hart is one of Josh Hart and Shannon Hart’s twin sons.
He was born on May 12, 2023, alongside his twin brother, Haze.
Since his birth, Hendrix has occasionally accompanied his parents to NBA games, family events and public appearances.
In a June 2025 interview with Essence, Josh and Shannon discussed creating a dedicated playroom for their children in their New York home.
The space was designed to encourage learning, movement and creativity, featuring areas for climbing, reading, exploring and playing basketball.
Shannon described the boys as energetic and curious, explaining that they enjoyed playing together while also exploring independently.
Hendrix has also appeared alongside his father in professional modeling campaigns and basketball-related celebrations.
Haze Dana Hart – Josh Hart’s Son
Haze Dana Hart is Josh Hart’s other twin son, born on May 12, 2023.
Like his brother, Haze has occasionally appeared at New York Knicks games and public events with his parents.
In December 2025, Haze attracted attention during a Knicks game when Hart briefly held him near the team bench.
When the coaching staff unexpectedly needed Hart to return to the court, he quickly handed his son to a teammate.
The moment became a popular family-related story among Knicks supporters.
Haze also appeared in a postgame interview with his father, enthusiastically reacting to the presence of Knicks captain Jalen Brunson.
Both boys have become familiar faces to some basketball fans through their appearances with their father.
Josh Hart Missed His Twins’ Birth During the NBA Playoffs
One of the most emotional moments in Josh Hart’s personal life occurred when his wife went into labor during the 2023 NBA playoffs.
The Knicks were preparing for Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat.
Although transportation arrangements had been considered to help Hart return to his wife, Shannon went into labor sooner than expected.
According to People magazine, Hart was unable to reach the hospital in time and witnessed the twins’ birth through a Zoom video call.
He subsequently participated in the playoff game before traveling to join Shannon and their newborn sons.
After reuniting with his family, Hart shared photographs celebrating fatherhood and expressed appreciation for his wife.
The experience marked the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life.
How Fatherhood Changed Josh Hart’s Life
Fatherhood has become one of Hart’s most meaningful responsibilities outside basketball.
In interviews, he has discussed the challenge of balancing NBA games, travel, training and spending time with his children.
During a November 2025 interview with The Athletic, Hart explained that he often wakes up early to spend time with his sons before their daily activities begin.
He recognized that professional basketball sometimes requires long days away from home, making those morning moments especially important.
In September 2025, Hendrix and Haze participated in a Macy’s fashion event with their father, making a memorable runway appearance.
Another special family moment occurred in June 2026 when the New York Knicks won the NBA championship.
Following the team’s victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Hart brought his twin sons to a postgame press conference.
The boys attracted attention when they began speaking into the microphone and celebrating their father’s championship victory.
As of now, Hendrix and Haze remain Josh Hart’s only publicly confirmed children.
Josh Hart’s Parents: Meet Moses and Pat Hart
Josh Hart was born to Moses Hart and Pat Hart on March 6, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland.
His parents raised him and his two older siblings in a working-class household, emphasizing discipline, perseverance and personal responsibility.
According to a June 2026 People magazine profile, Moses worked as a chef, while Pat worked as a waitress.
Their determination to provide for their family helped shape Hart’s understanding of hard work.
Moses Hart – Josh Hart’s Father
Moses Hart is Josh Hart’s father and a former chef who worked for a catering company in the Washington, D.C., area.
Although Moses was not a professional athlete, he played an important role in developing his son’s competitive attitude.
He encouraged Josh to approach sports with determination and taught him that giving up was unacceptable, regardless of the circumstances.
In a 2016 Fox Sports feature, Moses explained that he expected his son to continue competing with maximum effort even when his team was losing.
The philosophy became one of the defining characteristics of Hart’s basketball career.
Moses also encouraged his son to participate in the Boy Scouts of America.
Hart eventually earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest achievement.
According to People, Hart completed the requirements after promising his father that he would finish the program.
His commitment reflected the importance Moses placed on keeping promises and completing responsibilities.
Pat Hart – Josh Hart’s Mother
Pat Hart is Josh Hart’s mother and another influential figure in his upbringing.
She worked as a waitress at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, helping provide financial support for the family.
Despite working demanding hours, Pat remained involved in her children’s education and sporting activities.
She frequently attended Josh’s basketball games and supported his development throughout high school and college.
In a November 2018 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Pat recalled that Josh was smaller and less physically developed than his older siblings during childhood.
However, his determination eventually helped him compete successfully against larger and stronger opponents.
Pat and Moses also emphasized academic responsibility, encouraging Josh to remain committed to his education even as basketball opportunities increased.
When Hart began struggling academically after transferring to Sidwell Friends School, his parents supported efforts to help him improve rather than abandoning the opportunity.
The experience reinforced their belief in perseverance and personal growth.
How Josh Hart’s Parents Overcame a Devastating House Fire
One of the most difficult experiences in the Hart family’s life occurred when Josh was approximately 15 years old.
During the summer before his sophomore year of high school, an electrical fire destroyed the family’s home in Silver Spring, Maryland.
According to reporting by The Washington Post and Fox Sports, Josh was away on a Boy Scouts camping trip when the fire occurred.
His parents and sister were also away from the property.
The family lost nearly all their belongings, including clothes, furniture and personal photographs.
Because they did not have homeowners insurance, rebuilding their lives presented considerable financial challenges.
Initially, the family stayed in temporary accommodation before moving into a smaller apartment.
Despite the hardship, Moses and Pat continued working and supporting their children.
Hart later explained that witnessing his parents remain determined during such a difficult period taught him the importance of resilience.
The experience became an important part of his personal story and influenced his approach to adversity throughout his basketball career.
Josh Hart’s Siblings: Meet His Brother Moses and Sister Aimee
Josh Hart has two siblings: an older brother named Moses Joseph Hart and an older sister named Aimee Hart.
Both siblings are identified in his official Villanova University and USA Basketball biographies.
Although they have not attracted the same public attention as their NBA-playing brother, they were important members of the family household in which Josh grew up.
Moses Joseph Hart – Josh Hart’s Older Brother
Moses Joseph Hart is Josh Hart’s older brother and shares his first name with their father.
He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, alongside Josh and Aimee.
According to a November 2018 Los Angeles Times profile, Josh frequently competed against older children during childhood, including when his brother participated in local recreational basketball leagues.
These experiences exposed Josh to physically stronger opponents and helped develop his competitive instincts.
Moses Joseph was also involved in one of the family’s most difficult experiences.
During the house fire that destroyed their home, he contacted his parents to inform them about the emergency.
According to The Washington Post, his telephone call was how the family initially learned what had happened.
Although Moses Joseph is part of Hart’s publicly documented family, his current professional activities and personal life have not been extensively covered by reliable sources.
Aimee Hart – Josh Hart’s Older Sister
Aimee Hart is Josh Hart’s older sister and another member of the family in which he grew up.
Her name appears in official biographies published by Villanova University and USA Basketball.
According to The Washington Post, Aimee was traveling with her parents when the family’s house caught fire during Josh’s teenage years.
Following the fire, the family temporarily relocated before finding more stable accommodation.
In the family’s smaller apartment, Josh and Aimee shared a bedroom while their older brother slept in the living room.
The experience demonstrated the challenges the siblings experienced together during their childhood.
Aimee has generally maintained a private life, and reliable public information about her education, professional career and personal relationships remains limited.
Josh Hart’s Famous Relative: Who Was Elston Howard?
Josh Hart is also related to former New York Yankees baseball star Elston Howard.
Howard was the uncle of Hart’s father, Moses, making him Josh Hart’s great-uncle.
Born in 1929, Howard became the first Black player in New York Yankees history when he made his Major League Baseball debut in 1955.
He enjoyed a successful professional baseball career, winning several World Series championships and earning the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1963.
Although Howard died in 1980, before Josh was born, his achievements became an important part of the Hart family’s sporting history.
According to the NBA’s official biography, Hart has acknowledged his family connection to the former Yankees star.
His father shared stories about Howard’s achievements and professional character, helping Josh develop an appreciation for his relative’s pioneering career.
Josh Hart’s Childhood and Family Background
Josh Hart was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he developed an early interest in basketball.
He initially attended Wheaton High School before transferring to Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C.
His high school years were marked by athletic development, academic challenges and significant personal experiences, including the loss of his family’s home.
Despite those difficulties, Hart became an accomplished basketball player.
During his senior season at Sidwell Friends, he averaged 24.3 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game.
His performances earned him First-Team All-Met recognition from The Washington Post.
Hart subsequently joined Villanova University in 2013 and became one of the program’s most successful players.
He helped the Wildcats win the NCAA national championship in 2016 and earned Big East Player of the Year honors in 2017.
Following his college career, he was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz before his draft rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He subsequently played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers before joining the New York Knicks in February 2023.
At New York, he reunited with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo, later playing alongside another former Villanova teammate, Mikal Bridges.
In June 2026, Hart helped the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA championship since 1973.
The achievement represented another major milestone in a career shaped by family support, determination and a commitment to hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Hart’s Family
Who is Josh Hart’s wife?
Josh Hart’s wife is Shannon Phillips Hart, a registered nurse and former college soccer player. The couple married on August 28, 2021, in Miami, Florida.
Who was Josh Hart’s girlfriend before marriage?
Josh Hart’s longtime girlfriend was Shannon Phillips. They met while attending Sidwell Friends School and began dating as teenagers.
Is Josh Hart married?
Yes. Josh Hart has been married to Shannon Phillips Hart since August 28, 2021.
How many children does Josh Hart have?
Josh Hart has two children, twin sons named Hendrix Aaron Hart and Haze Dana Hart.
When were Josh Hart’s twins born?
His twin sons were born on May 12, 2023, during the New York Knicks’ playoff series against the Miami Heat.
Does Josh Hart have a daughter?
No daughter has been publicly confirmed. His two publicly known children are his twin sons, Hendrix and Haze.
Who are Josh Hart’s parents?
His parents are Moses Hart and Pat Hart, who raised him in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Who is Josh Hart’s father?
Josh Hart’s father is Moses Hart, a former chef who encouraged his son’s basketball development and taught him the importance of perseverance.
Who is Josh Hart’s mother?
His mother is Pat Hart, who worked as a waitress and supported his education and basketball career.
Does Josh Hart have siblings?
Yes. Josh Hart has two older siblings: a brother named Moses Joseph Hart and a sister named Aimee Hart.
Who is Josh Hart’s brother?
His older brother is Moses Joseph Hart, who grew up with him in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Who is Josh Hart’s sister?
His older sister is Aimee Hart, who is identified in his official Villanova University and USA Basketball biographies.
Is Josh Hart related to Elston Howard?
Yes. Former New York Yankees baseball player Elston Howard was the uncle of Hart’s father, Moses, making Howard Josh’s great-uncle.
Where was Josh Hart born?
Josh Hart was born on March 6, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
What is Josh Hart’s full name?
His full name is Joshua Aaron Hart.
Which college did Josh Hart attend?
Josh Hart attended Villanova University, where he played basketball from 2013 to 2017 and won the 2016 NCAA national championship.
Has Josh Hart won an NBA championship?
Yes. Josh Hart won the 2026 NBA championship with the New York Knicks, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
