New York Knicks guard-forward Josh Hart took to social media last night to share a heartfelt and emotional tribute to a beloved family member who recently passed away, moving fans to tears and prompting an outpouring of support from across the NBA community.
In a deeply personal post on Instagram, Hart honored the memory of his late grandmother, who he described as “the heart of our family” and “the foundation of who I am today.” Accompanied by a series of family photos and a short video clip from his childhood, Hart wrote, “You were my biggest fan before I ever stepped onto a court. Your love, your prayers, your words—they carried me through more than you’ll ever know. Rest easy, Grandma. I’ll carry your strength with me forever.”
The tribute quickly went viral, amassing hundreds of thousands of likes and thousands of comments within hours. Teammates, fellow NBA players, and fans alike flooded the comments section with condolences and words of support. Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson commented, “She raised a real one. Love you, bro.” Former Villanova teammates and coach Jay Wright also shared messages honoring Hart’s family and legacy.
Hart, known for his grit, hustle, and leadership on and off the court, has been a central figure in the Knicks’ recent playoff run. However, sources close to the team revealed that he had been playing through emotional pain, keeping the loss private until he was ready to share.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a brief statement acknowledging Hart’s tribute: “The NBA family stands with Josh Hart during this time of mourning. His tribute was a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the game we love.”
Fans attending the Knicks’ home game this weekend have already begun organizing a moment of silence and a fan-led tribute in the stands. The Madison Square Garden digital board will also feature a dedication to Hart’s grandmother during pregame warmups.
In an era where athletes are increasingly open about their emotions and personal lives, Hart’s vulnerability resonated deeply—not just with Knicks fans, but with basketball lovers everywhere. As one fan wrote, “This is more than basketball. This is what it means to be human.”
Josh Hart is expected to rejoin the team later this week. For now, the basketball world stands united in mourning, respect, and admiration for a man who continues to inspire both on and off the court.
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