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Hart's Dad: From Chef to Never-Give-Up Coach
11 Jun
Summary
- Moses Hart, a chef, instilled a never-give-up mindset in his son.
- Josh Hart's family home burned down, losing nearly everything.
- Moses Hart is the nephew of Yankees catcher Elston Howard.

New York Knicks player Josh Hart's unwavering determination is deeply rooted in his upbringing, heavily influenced by his father, Moses Hart. Moses, who worked as a chef, consistently taught Josh the importance of resilience and perseverance, emphasizing that giving up is not an option, a lesson Josh has carried to the 2026 NBA Finals.
Tragedy struck Josh's family before his sophomore year of high school when their home was destroyed by an electrical fire. Despite losing nearly all their belongings, Josh observed his parents, a chef and a waitress, face the hardship without complaint, a perspective that significantly shaped his own outlook on overcoming challenges.
Further enriching Josh's familial legacy, his father, Moses, is the nephew of Elston Howard, a pioneering figure as the first Black player for the New York Yankees and a six-time World Series champion. Though Josh never met Howard, he has long cited him as a role model for character and integrity.