Josh Hart’s Championship Victory Lap Isn’t Over Yet

3 min readNEW YORK CITY has had a generational sports summer, and Josh Hart is a big reason why. The Knicks won their first championship in 53 years, with Hart’s relentless rebounding and defense helping power the team through its historic run. The World Cup added to the frenzy, and now the US Open has taken over Queens.The 31-year-old guard is extending his victory lap with a Honey Deuce, the tennis tournament’s signature cocktail. Hart is Grey Goose’s newest ambassador, and the partnership comes with a cheeky campaign in which he holds a mock press conference while scooping the drink’s tennis ball–like honeydew garnish.To mark the partnership, Hart spoke with Men’s Health about the championship parade and a summer unlike any he’s experienced before. Hart didn’t get into his contract situation—he’s eligible for another extension and entering the final season of his four-year deal—but he did tell us how he’d spend a day at the Open, and the one basketball question he’s tired of answering.MEN’S HEALTH: What question are you completely sick of getting at press conferences?JH: Probably anything about my rebounding. I’ve been answering questions about how I get rebounds at my size for nine years now. I don’t really know what new answer people are looking for. I see the ball, I go get the ball, and sometimes I knock a taller person out of the way. That’s pretty much the whole strategy. It’s just will.MH: What’s your perfect day at the US Open?JH: I’d keep the outfit clean but comfortable. Probably a good little Tommy Hilfiger knit polo, some trousers, some clean sneakers, a nice watch. Something that’s elegant and timeless.I’m going to be there for a little while. I can’t just show up wearing something that looks great but is terrible to wear and makes me miserable for three-plus hours.Obviously, some good food, a Grey Goose Honey Deuce, and I’m bringing my wife and a few friends. So, gotta have some of those.MH: Does the pressure of playing tennis alone look terrifying or fun?JH: It looks fun until things start going bad. In basketball, you can make a shot, miss a shot, and you have four other guys who can pick you up. You can miss an assignment, but it’s a group of you out there.No one can really pick you up when you’re playing tennis. You’re out there solo dolo, so it definitely is scary and nerve-racking.MH: What’s one summer experience that hits differently in New York?JH: The summer experience in New York is completely different. Obviously, we won the Finals and the championship, and we had the parade. It was crazy, so that’s super hard to top.Seeing how many New Yorkers came out and hearing from families who had waited generations for that moment—for us winning, for a parade—it shows how deeply the city loves their Knicks. That was something super crazy that you only get in New York.MH: What separates a great watch party from one you want to leave by halftime?JH: First, people actually have to care about the game. I don’t think there’s anything worse than going to a watch party and no one’s actually watching. They’re just in there talking and doing whatever. Like, nah. I’m a sports junkie. If I have a watch party, you’re going to be watching the game.You’ve gotta have a good setup, something comfortable. You’ve gotta have great food and the bar stocked. Obviously, you’ve gotta have some Grey Goose. Throw in some Grey Goose Honey Deuces and you’re lit. You’re going to have a good little party. Those are some things you definitely need.This interview has been edited for length and clarity.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.