Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Josh Dix is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Born on June 29, 2004, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Dix grew up in a close-knit family that has played an important role in his basketball journey. His parents, Nate and Kelly Dix, raised four children, including Josh and his three younger siblings, Lydia, Joey, and Grayson.
Beyond his basketball career, Josh Dix’s family has attracted attention because of his close relationship with his parents and siblings, particularly following the death of his mother, Kelly Dix, in February 2026. His decision to transfer from the University of Iowa to Creighton University allowed him to spend more time with his family during her final year. Here is everything publicly known about Josh Dix’s girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Josh Dix’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
As of now, Josh Dix has not publicly confirmed that he has a girlfriend. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard maintains a relatively private romantic life, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current partner.
Although Dix has received increasing media attention following his impressive college basketball career and move to the NBA, his public interviews have mainly focused on his sporting ambitions, family background, and personal experiences.
His official biographies at the University of Iowa and Creighton University provide information about his parents and siblings but do not identify a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Similarly, interviews published during his final college basketball season concentrated on his relationship with his mother and the support he received from his family.
Without a public statement or reliable confirmation, it remains unknown whether Josh Dix is single or privately involved in a relationship.
Is Josh Dix Married?
There is no verified public information indicating that Josh Dix is married. The basketball player has not publicly announced a wedding, engagement, or marriage.
His official NBA and college basketball biographies do not identify a wife or spouse.
As of now, Josh Dix has no publicly confirmed wife, and his current relationship status remains undisclosed.
Josh Dix’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, there is no verified public information indicating that Josh Dix has children.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and reliable sports publications have not identified him as a father.
Born in 2004, Dix began his professional basketball career in 2026 after completing four seasons of college basketball at Iowa and Creighton.
His public activities have primarily centered on basketball, his family relationships, and his transition to professional competition.
Although he has discussed the importance of his parents and younger siblings in several interviews, he has not publicly disclosed any plans to start a family.
Consequently, Josh Dix has no publicly confirmed children.
Josh Dix’s Parents: Meet Nate and Kelly Dix
Josh Dix was born to Nate Dix and Kelly Dix, who raised their four children in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a city located across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska.
His parents played important roles in his upbringing and education, supporting his ambitions as he developed from a promising high school basketball player into an NBA prospect.
According to his official University of Iowa and Creighton University biographies, Josh is the oldest of four children.
His family’s influence became especially significant during his final college basketball season, when his mother was battling cancer.
Josh Dix’s Father: Nate Dix
Nate Dix is Josh Dix’s father and a longtime resident of the Council Bluffs area.
He is married to the late Kelly Dix, with whom he raised four children: Josh, Lydia, Joey, and Grayson.
Although Nate has remained relatively private compared with some parents of professional basketball players, he has been publicly identified in his son’s official college basketball biographies.
Both Iowa and Creighton listed Nate and Kelly as Josh’s parents throughout his collegiate career.
Nate also belongs to a family with strong connections to southwestern Iowa and eastern Nebraska.
According to Kelly Dix’s obituary, Nate’s parents are Mark and Jackie Dix. The obituary also identifies members of his extended family, including siblings and other relatives.
While Nate’s professional occupation and personal athletic background have not been extensively documented in reliable public reporting, his role within the Dix family became especially important during Kelly’s illness.
Following her death in February 2026, Nate and his children received support from the Creighton basketball community.
In a February 5, 2026, report published by White and Blue Review, the family was specifically acknowledged as the university community came together to support Josh during an emotionally difficult period.
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott emphasized that the basketball program would continue supporting Josh and his family as they adjusted to life following Kelly’s death.
Nate remains one of the publicly documented members of Josh’s immediate family, although he generally avoids extensive media attention.
Josh Dix’s Mother: Kelly Dix
Kelly Dix, born Kelly Herek, was Josh Dix’s mother and an important figure in his upbringing and basketball journey.
She was born on November 27, 1979, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Raymond Herek and Barbara McAcy Herek.
Kelly grew up in the Omaha area and attended Gross High School, graduating in 1998.
She subsequently enrolled at Creighton University, where she completed her degree in 2002.
Her connection to Creighton became particularly meaningful years later when her oldest son, Josh, transferred to the university for his final college basketball season.
Kelly and her husband, Nate, raised four children together in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Throughout Josh’s childhood and teenage years, she remained part of the family environment that supported his development as a basketball player.
However, her life changed significantly when she was diagnosed with colon cancer.
What Happened to Josh Dix’s Mother?
Kelly Dix died on February 4, 2026, at the age of 46, following a three-year battle with colon cancer.
Her death was confirmed by Creighton University men’s basketball head coach Greg McDermott following the team’s game against Georgetown.
According to a February 2026 report published by WOWT, Kelly had been fighting cancer for several years, and her condition had become increasingly serious during Josh’s final college basketball season.
Her illness was one of the important reasons Josh decided to transfer from the University of Iowa to Creighton University in 2025.
Because Creighton is located in Omaha, close to his hometown of Council Bluffs, the move gave him more opportunities to spend time with his mother and younger siblings.
In an interview published by Hurrdat Sports in February 2026, Josh expressed gratitude for the additional time he had been able to spend with Kelly during her final year.
He acknowledged that staying closer to home had allowed him to experience family moments he might otherwise have missed while living farther away in Iowa City.
Kelly’s death came during the middle of Creighton’s 2025–26 college basketball season, creating an extremely emotional period for Josh and his family.
How Josh Dix Honored His Mother During Her Cancer Battle
Josh Dix publicly honored his mother during Creighton University’s annual Pink Out basketball game against UConn on January 31, 2026.
The event was organized to raise awareness about cancer and recognize individuals and families affected by the disease.
During warmups, Dix wore a special jersey displaying his mother’s name, Kelly, across the back.
The tribute attracted attention because Kelly was battling advanced colon cancer at the time.
According to WOWT, Josh explained that his mother’s illness had changed his perspective on basketball and life.
He recognized that his family’s challenges were more important than the results of individual basketball games.
The event also provided an opportunity for his teammates and coaches to demonstrate their support for his family.
Several days later, Kelly died on February 4, 2026, while Josh was in Washington, D.C., preparing for Creighton’s game against Georgetown.
After learning of her death, the university arranged transportation so he could return home immediately.
However, Josh decided to remain with his teammates and participate in the game that evening.
He scored nine points in Creighton’s 76–68 defeat against Georgetown.
His decision to play drew attention from sports publications and the university community, which recognized the difficult circumstances he was experiencing.
Josh later attended his mother’s funeral on February 13, 2026, before returning to the court against Villanova the following day.
His teammates and coaches continued providing encouragement throughout the remainder of the season.
Creighton eventually recognized his resilience and character, and Dix received the 2025–26 BIG EAST Sportsmanship Award.
Kelly’s legacy remains closely connected to her son’s basketball journey, particularly his decision to return closer to home during his final year of college.
Josh Dix’s Siblings: Meet Lydia, Joey and Grayson Dix
Josh Dix has three younger siblings named Lydia Dix, Joey Dix, and Grayson Dix.
Their names are confirmed in Josh’s official University of Iowa and Creighton University basketball biographies, as well as their mother’s obituary published in February 2026.
Josh is the oldest of the four children born to Nate and Kelly Dix.
Although his younger siblings have generally remained outside the public spotlight, they are part of the close-knit family he has frequently discussed during his basketball career.
Lydia Dix – Josh Dix’s Younger Sister
Lydia Dix is Josh Dix’s younger sister and one of the four children of Nate and Kelly Dix.
She grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, alongside Josh and their younger siblings, Joey and Grayson.
Lydia’s name appears in Josh’s official basketball biographies at both the University of Iowa and Creighton University.
She was also named among Kelly Dix’s surviving children in the obituary published by Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home following their mother’s death in February 2026.
Unlike her older brother, who pursued a professional basketball career, Lydia has maintained a relatively private public profile.
Reliable sports reporting does not provide extensive information about her education, athletic activities, or professional interests.
Consequently, there is insufficient verified public information to establish whether Lydia has pursued organized basketball or another competitive sport.
Joey Dix – Josh Dix’s Younger Sibling
Joey Dix is another younger sibling of Josh Dix and a member of the family raised by Nate and Kelly Dix in Council Bluffs.
Joey is officially identified in Josh’s University of Iowa and Creighton University basketball biographies.
The family obituary published following Kelly’s death in February 2026 also identifies Joey among her four surviving children.
However, Joey has generally remained outside the public spotlight, and reliable sports publications have not documented extensive personal information.
Details about Joey’s education, age, athletic background, and professional interests are not widely available through verified reporting.
Although Josh’s basketball achievements have brought attention to the Dix family, Joey’s personal life has largely remained private.
Grayson Dix – Josh Dix’s Younger Brother
Grayson Dix is Josh Dix’s youngest publicly documented brother and one of the four children born to Nate and Kelly Dix.
Grayson has a particularly meaningful connection to Josh’s basketball activities.
In August 2025, he participated in Creighton University’s annual Abilities Camp, an event where members of the university’s men’s basketball program worked with children through basketball activities.
According to a report published by Hurrdat Sports, Josh was among the Creighton players who helped organize and participate in the camp.
Grayson attended the event as one of the participants, giving the brothers an opportunity to spend time together on the basketball court.
During an interview afterward, Josh spoke positively about sharing the experience with his younger brother.
He explained that Grayson enjoyed shooting baskets, dribbling, and participating in the activities alongside other children.
The event provided a glimpse into the relationship between the two brothers and demonstrated how basketball can create meaningful family experiences beyond professional competition.
Grayson was also identified in Kelly Dix’s February 2026 obituary, confirming his place among the family’s four children.
Although additional details about his personal life remain private, his participation in the Creighton basketball camp is one of the clearest publicly documented examples of Josh’s relationship with his younger siblings.
Josh Dix’s Extended Family and Grandparents
Josh Dix also has family connections throughout Iowa and Nebraska.
On his mother’s side, his grandparents are Raymond Herek and Barbara McAcy Herek.
His maternal grandfather, Raymond F. Herek, was born on August 30, 1956, and died on April 28, 2025.
Raymond’s obituary, published by the Omaha World-Herald, identified Josh and his three younger siblings among his grandchildren.
It also listed another grandchild, Skylar Mass, a member of the extended Herek family.
On his father’s side, Josh’s grandparents are Mark Dix and Jackie Dix, who were named in Kelly Dix’s obituary.
His mother’s sister, Debbie Mass, is also part of the extended family.
These family connections demonstrate the Dix family’s longstanding ties to the Council Bluffs and Omaha metropolitan area.
Josh Dix’s Early Life and Family Background
Josh Dix was born on June 29, 2004, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
He grew up in the community alongside his parents and three younger siblings, attending Abraham Lincoln High School.
During his teenage years, Dix became one of the region’s standout basketball players.
He developed a reputation for his outside shooting, basketball intelligence, and ability to contribute as both a scorer and playmaker.
At Abraham Lincoln High School, Josh served as a three-year team captain and earned First Team All-Missouri River Conference recognition three times.
He also surpassed 1,000 career points during his high school basketball career.
As a junior, he averaged 19.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting approximately 54 percent from the field.
His performances attracted interest from several college basketball programs.
However, his senior season was interrupted by a serious right leg injury.
In January 2022, Dix suffered fractures to his tibia and fibula, bringing his final high school season to an early end.
Despite the injury, the University of Iowa remained committed to his recruitment.
He subsequently joined the Iowa Hawkeyes for the 2022–23 season, beginning a college basketball career that would eventually take him to Creighton and the NBA.
How Josh Dix’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Josh Dix’s family became especially important during his development as a college basketball player.
His decision to remain relatively close to home by attending the University of Iowa allowed him to maintain connections with his family in Council Bluffs.
During his freshman season in 2022–23, Dix appeared in 31 games for the Hawkeyes, averaging 2.0 points per contest.
He gradually improved during his sophomore season, becoming a more important member of Iowa’s rotation.
By the 2024–25 season, he had developed into one of the team’s leading guards.
Dix started all 32 games during his junior campaign, averaging 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
He also connected on 42.2 percent of his three-point attempts, establishing himself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s most efficient perimeter shooters.
One of his best performances came on January 7, 2025, when he scored a career-high 31 points against Nebraska.
Following that season, Dix entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to Creighton University on April 4, 2025.
The move was important for both basketball and family reasons.
Creighton is located in Omaha, just across the Missouri River from Council Bluffs, allowing Josh to return to the area where he grew up.
His mother’s ongoing cancer treatment made this proximity particularly valuable.
In January 2026, Dix explained that living close to home allowed him to spend additional time with Kelly while maintaining his basketball responsibilities.
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott also gave him flexibility to attend to family matters when necessary.
Josh later expressed gratitude for that understanding, particularly after his mother’s death.
Josh Dix’s College Basketball Career at Creighton
Josh Dix joined the Creighton Bluejays for the 2025–26 season, his final year of college eligibility.
His arrival provided Creighton with an experienced shooting guard who had already established himself as a reliable scorer in the Big Ten Conference.
During the season, Dix appeared in 34 games, starting every contest.
He averaged 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while playing approximately 32.9 minutes per contest.
He also reached an important individual milestone on January 4, 2026, surpassing 1,000 career college basketball points in a game against Seton Hall.
Despite experiencing the loss of his mother during the season, Dix continued playing and contributing to the team.
On February 18, 2026, he scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Creighton defeated No. 5 UConn.
He later scored 18 points during Creighton’s Senior Day game against Providence.
His performances helped him earn Second Team All-BIG EAST recognition for the 2025–26 season.
He also received the conference’s Sportsmanship Award, recognizing his conduct and resilience during a challenging year.
Josh completed his college basketball career with 131 appearances between Iowa and Creighton, averaging 9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Josh Dix’s NBA Career With the Oklahoma City Thunder
After completing his senior season at Creighton University, Josh Dix declared for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Although he was not selected during the draft, he received an opportunity to begin his professional basketball career with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On July 3, 2026, Oklahoma City officially announced that it had signed Dix to a two-way contract.
The agreement was confirmed by Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti.
Two-way contracts allow eligible NBA players to spend time with their parent NBA organization and its G League affiliate, providing opportunities for further development.
For Dix, the contract created a pathway to professional basketball after four years of college competition.
He subsequently joined Oklahoma City’s Summer League program and participated in preparations for the 2026–27 NBA season.
On October 6, 2026, Dix appeared in a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 11 points while making three of his five three-point attempts.
His performance demonstrated the outside shooting ability that had established him as an effective college basketball player.
Josh’s arrival in the NBA came just months after his mother’s death, giving the achievement additional personal significance.
Although Kelly was unable to witness his professional debut, her influence remained an important part of the basketball journey that carried him from Council Bluffs to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Dix’s Family
Who is Josh Dix’s girlfriend?
Josh Dix has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains unknown because he keeps his dating life private.
Is Josh Dix married?
There is no verified public information indicating that Josh Dix is married or has a wife.
Does Josh Dix have children?
As of now, Josh Dix has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable basketball publications have not identified him as the father of a son or daughter.
Who are Josh Dix’s parents?
Josh Dix’s parents are Nate Dix and the late Kelly Dix. They raised four children together in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Who is Josh Dix’s father?
Josh Dix’s father is Nate Dix, who has been identified in his official University of Iowa and Creighton University basketball biographies.
Who is Josh Dix’s mother?
Josh Dix’s mother was Kelly Dix, born Kelly Herek. She graduated from Creighton University in 2002 and died on February 4, 2026, following a three-year battle with colon cancer.
What happened to Josh Dix’s mom?
Kelly Dix died from colon cancer at the age of 46. Her death occurred on February 4, 2026, while Josh was playing his final college basketball season at Creighton University.
How many siblings does Josh Dix have?
Josh Dix has three younger siblings named Lydia Dix, Joey Dix, and Grayson Dix. He is the oldest of four children born to Nate and Kelly Dix.
Does Josh Dix have a brother?
Yes. Grayson Dix is Josh Dix’s younger brother. Grayson participated in Creighton University’s Abilities Camp in August 2025, where Josh helped organize basketball activities.
Does Josh Dix have a sister?
Yes. Lydia Dix is Josh Dix’s younger sister. She is identified in his official college basketball biographies and in their mother’s obituary.
Where is Josh Dix’s family from?
Josh Dix was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, near Omaha, Nebraska. His family has longstanding connections to both southwestern Iowa and eastern Nebraska.
Why did Josh Dix transfer from Iowa to Creighton?
Josh Dix transferred to Creighton in April 2025 to continue his basketball career while returning closer to his hometown. His mother’s cancer battle was an important personal reason for the move, allowing him to spend more time with her during her final year.
Which NBA team does Josh Dix play for?
Josh Dix signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 3, 2026, after completing his college basketball career at Creighton University.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
