Montgomery County native Josh Hart is preparing for the biggest stage of his basketball career as the New York Knicks get set to compete in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Hart has been a key contributor throughout the Knicks’ championship run, helping New York capture the Eastern Conference title and move within four wins of an NBA championship. During the 2025-26 season, Hart averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while starting 52 of the 66 games in which he appeared.
Known throughout the league for his toughness, versatility, and relentless rebounding despite standing just 6’4, Hart has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most impactful role players. His ability to contribute in nearly every aspect of the game has made him an important piece of the Knicks’ success.
For Montgomery County basketball fans, Hart’s rise to the NBA Finals represents the latest chapter in a journey that began right here in Silver Spring. Before transferring to Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., Hart attended Wheaton High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the area’s top young players. He made the varsity basketball team as a freshman and earned a starting role during the second half of that season. Hart also spent his youth playing for the Montgomery County Bearcats, where coaches recognized his determination and competitive spirit long before he became an NBA standout.
Even after transferring schools, Hart maintained strong ties to Montgomery County. His mother has been a longtime employee at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, and his father worked as a caterer before retiring.
Following a standout collegiate career at Villanova, Hart was selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He later played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers before finding a home with the Knicks.
In 2023, Hart signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension with New York, securing his place as one of the franchise’s core players. The deal ensured he would earn approximately $94 million through the 2027-28 season.
As the Knicks chase their first NBA title since 1973, many basketball fans across Montgomery County will be watching one of their own take the court on the sport’s biggest stage.
