What Are Josh Hart’s Ethnicity and Religion? Everything to Know About Knicks Forward’s Family Roots and Beliefs

Josh Hart’s rise has been unstoppable. From Maryland to Manhattan, his relentless hustle, unmatched defense, and clutch performances have made him an asset to the New York Knicks. But beyond the spotlight, there’s more to his story. A story filled with love and undeniable support. So without wasting much of your time, let’s dive into his off-court life, where his impact stretches even further.

Where was Josh Hart raised? A look into the Knicks star’s nationality

Born as Joshua Aaron Hart on March 6, 1995, he was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. However, now he along with his wife, Shannon Phillips, live in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, temporarily as he plays for the Knicks. During his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, he lived in Portland.

While he is American by nationality, his ethnic background is mixed. Here’s how – his father, is African-American, while his mother, is white Caucasian. This mix of ethnicities has given Josh a unique perspective on life, as well as a rich cultural heritage. Growing up in a family with mixed backgrounds helped Josh build resilience and adaptability.

But to fully understand the man Josh Hart is now, we have to go back to the roots.

He was born to parents Moses and Pat Hart and grew up in a family that valued hard work and discipline. Silver Spring, a suburb of Washington, D.C., provided a backdrop for his basketball journey, which was influenced by his parents’ guidance. Both of his parents were sports enthusiasts, as they both were hoopers.

Pat Hart wasn’t just a basketball player for the United States Air Force Academy—she was also a dedicated mom who poured her heart into her son’s dreams. After stepping away from the court, she worked as a waitress at a local country club. But no matter how busy she was, Pat always made sure her son had everything he needed to thrive—whether it was driving him to practice or offering the emotional support that only a mother can give.

She has witnessed her son’s determination, seeing him grow both physically and mentally in basketball. Mrs. Hart never wanted her kids to settle for less, pushing them to reach higher levels of achievement. Pat’s belief in him was unwavering and made a lasting impact on his career.

Meanwhile, his father, Moses Hart, played an equally pivotal role in shaping his basketball career. Moses was passionate about sports and growing up, he played baseball. Did you know he is the nephew of Elston Howard, a New York Yankees legend?

Yup, elite athletic genes right there!

Although he traded the baseball bat for a chef’s knife, Moses Hart’s dedication to his son’s basketball career never faltered. He took his son to late-night practices, ensuring his son had the competitive edge to succeed. Moreover, he often told a young Josh the tales of attending the former 12x All-Star and his late uncle’s games.

Even though he never got to meet the baseball legend (the first black player to play for the Yankees and the American League MVP in 1963), Josh Hart had every reason to look up to Howard. “Someone who’s in your family who got to the highest level … is somebody you aspire to be in your respective sport,” he had said earlier in his career.

With a role model of the highest level in the family, Moses pushed the hoopster to continually improve, not satisfied with mediocrity. He would often bring Josh’s older brother to practice sessions, allowing Josh to compete against him. This fostered a spirit of resilience and determination in Josh. Imagine having a father who would not only push towards studies but also toward sports!

However, he wasn’t their only child.

Josh is the youngest of three siblings. He has an elder brother Moses Joseph Hart, and an older sister Aimee, who have always been supportive. Together, they formed a close-knit family, where each member encouraged one another to strive for success. This family foundation provided the hooper with the strength to face challenges throughout his career.

Beyond the unwavering support of his family, Josh found another source of strength to navigate life’s challenges: his deep connection to faith. It became a guiding light in tough times, shaping his character and fueling his journey to the NBA.

So, why don’t take a look at the veteran guard’s religion?

What religion does Josh Hart follow?

When it comes to religious belief, Josh Hart is one of the hoopers who has always spoken about faith. In fact, it is an integral part of his life, and it shines through in his basketball journey. His posts on social media reflect his deep connection to Christianity. His faith often guides him, especially during crucial moments on the court.

In a post-game interview, Hart revealed how repeating Bible verses helped him stay focused during a challenging playoff game. He said, “My Lord works in mysterious ways. Today, I felt like I didn’t have it at all. The whole game I was reciting Isaiah 40:29. The weak he renews strength. That was the biggest thing. He allows you to walk and not faint. So I felt like I didn’t have it today, but as they say, he works in mysterious ways.”

However, he once shared after the Knicks’ Game 1 victory over the 76ers in the playoffs, an inspiring Bible verse on Instagram—Isaiah 40:31.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Hart paired this with an image from the match, a powerful reminder of his trust in God’s strength.

For Hart, faith is a source of strength in both basketball and life. When faced with adversity, he turns to the Bible, finding comfort and strength through its verses. As he continues to carve out his own path in the NBA, it’s clear that his story is far from over. Reflecting on the role models who shaped his path, Hart once said, “Hopefully, a couple of generations down, someone in my family will be saying the same thing about me.” 

A sentiment that shows, beyond the game, Josh Hart is already building a legacy that will inspire future generations.