Did you know that some of the most incredible NBA players share more than just a passion for basketball? That’s right! Many of them are actually related, and their family ties in the NBA can offer unique insights into the world of professional basketball.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating world of family connections in the NBA, from siblings and cousins dominating the court to multi-generational basketball dynasties. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to discover the amazing stories behind some of your favorite NBA players!
Sibling Duos Dominating the Court
When it comes to siblings dominating the NBA, it’s all about the genes! Sharing the same gene pool means siblings often possess similar physical abilities, which can give them an edge on the court. With more than 10 sets of siblings currently playing in the NBA, these brothers (and even twins!) are making their mark on the league.
In this section, we’ll delve into the stories of the Curry, Antetokounmpo, and Ball brothers, who have not only made a name for themselves but have also inspired future generations of basketball players.
The Curry Brothers: Stephen and Seth
The Curry brothers, Stephen and Seth, have been turning heads in the NBA with their incredible three-point shooting skills. Stephen, a seven-time All-Star, has already cemented his place as one of the best shooters in league history. Meanwhile, younger brother Seth boasts a remarkable 43.9% three-point shooting percentage, ranking him third-highest in NBA history.
Their journey to NBA stardom began in their childhood, where they honed their skills under the guidance of their father, Dell Curry, who was also an accomplished NBA player. As they grew older, both brothers played college ball before being drafted into the NBA.
Stephen found his home with the Golden State Warriors, while Seth played for several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, before joining his brother in Golden State.Together, the Curry brothers continue to dazzle fans with their exceptional basketball playing abilities.
The Antetokounmpo Trio: Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas
The Antetokounmpo brothers – Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas – have come a long way from their humble beginnings in Greece. Today, they are making waves in the NBA, with Giannis leading the pack as a two-time MVP. Born to Nigerian parents, the Antetokounmpo siblings developed a strong work ethic and passion for basketball that would eventually propel them onto the world stage.
Giannis, the most well-known of the trio, has achieved incredible success in his career, winning an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks and being named an All-Star after just three years in the league. Thanasis and Kostas have also made their mark in the NBA, with Thanasis playing for the Bucks alongside Giannis, and Kostas securing a spot on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Together, the Antetokounmpo brothers have shown that dedication, hard work, and a shared gene pool can lead the same team to NBA greatness.
The Ball Brothers: Lonzo and LaMelo
The Ball brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo, are two of the youngest stars in the NBA today. Known for their flashy play and impressive skills on the court, these siblings have captivated fans and quickly made a name for themselves in the league.
Lonzo, the older brother, started his basketball journey as a five-star recruit at UCLA before declaring for the NBA draft after just one year. Since then, he has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and now the Chicago Bulls.
LaMelo, on the other hand, was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft, after a stint in the Australian NBL. Both brothers have made a significant impact on their respective teams, proving that the Ball family has what it takes to excel in the world of professional basketball.
Cousins Making Waves in the NBA
Cousins in the NBA share more than just a love for basketball – they also share a unique family bond that can sometimes give them an edge on the court. With several notable cousins playing in the league, such as Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, or Sebastian Telfair and Stephon Marbury, these talented athletes prove that basketball greatness can run in the family.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the careers of these high-flying cousins and the impact they’ve had on the NBA.
Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady
Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, two of the most electrifying players in NBA history, share more than just jaw-dropping highlights – they’re also cousins! These high-flying athletes played together on the Toronto Raptors for two seasons, forming one of the most exciting duos in the league at the time.
Vince Carter, known for his gravity-defying dunks and incredible athleticism, enjoyed a remarkable 22-year NBA career, playing for teams such as the Raptors, New Jersey Nets, and Memphis Grizzlies. Tracy McGrady, on the other hand, was a dominant scorer who won two NBA scoring titles and was a seven-time All-Star.
Both players have left an indelible mark on the NBA, and their cousin connection only adds to their legendary status.
Sebastian Telfair and Stephon Marbury
Brooklyn-born cousins Sebastian Telfair and Stephon Marbury both enjoyed successful careers as point guards in the NBA. Telfair, a former high school basketball standout, was drafted 13th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Marbury, on the other hand, was drafted 4th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and went on to become a two-time All-Star.
Throughout their careers, Telfair and Marbury played for numerous NBA teams, showcasing their skills and passion for the game. Despite their family connection, the two cousins had vastly different playing styles and career trajectories, proving that even within the same family, individual talent and hard work can lead to unique paths to success.
Basketball Families with Multiple Generations
Basketball families with multiple generations in the NBA showcase a strong legacy of talent and dedication to the sport. In these families, the passion for basketball is passed down from one generation to the next, creating a lasting impact on the league.
In this section, we’ll explore the stories of the Barry and Thompson families, who have seen multiple generations of their family members play in the NBA.
The Barry Family Legacy: Rick, Brent, Jon, and Drew
The Barry family is truly a basketball dynasty, with father Rick Barry and his sons Brent, Jon, and Drew enjoying successful NBA careers. Rick Barry, a Hall of Famer and one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, set the stage for his sons to follow in his footsteps.
Brent, Jon, and Drew all went on to play in the NBA, with Brent even winning an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs. The Barry family’s success on the court is a testament to their shared love for the game and the basketball legacy that they have built together.
The Thompson Dynasty: Mychal and Klay
Another family with a storied basketball legacy is the Thompson family. Mychal Thompson, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, paved the way for his son Klay, who has become one of the league’s most formidable sharpshooters.
Klay Thompson, a three-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, has followed in his father’s footsteps and made a name for himself as a key player on the Golden State Warriors. Together, Mychal and Klay Thompson have shown that a strong family bond and a shared passion for basketball can lead to incredible success on the court.
Unexpected NBA Relatives
Sometimes, the family connections between NBA players can be quite surprising! In this section, we’ll uncover some lesser-known family ties in the league, such as the cousin connection between Tobias Harris and Channing Frye, or the family bond between Al Harrington and Dahntay Jones.
These unexpected NBA relatives may not share the same level of fame as their more well-known counterparts, but their family connections remind us that the world of professional basketball is truly interconnected.
Tobias Harris and Channing Frye
Tobias Harris, a standout player for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Channing Frye, a versatile big man who played for several NBA teams, share more than just a love for basketball – they’re actually cousins! Although their family connection might not be widely known, both players have made a significant impact on the league thanks to their individual talents and hard work.
Throughout their careers, Harris and Frye have played for a variety of NBA teams, showcasing their unique skill sets and adaptability. From Harris’ ability to score from multiple positions to Frye’s prowess as a stretch big man, these cousins have proven that they possess the talent and determination needed to succeed in the NBA.
Al Harrington and Dahntay Jones
Al Harrington and Dahntay Jones, both NBA veterans, share more than just a passion for the game – they’re also cousins! Harrington, a versatile forward, enjoyed a lengthy career in the NBA, playing for several teams such as the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. Meanwhile, Jones was known for his tough defense and played for numerous teams, including the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite their family connection, Harrington and Jones each carved out their own unique paths in the league, showcasing their individual talents and determination. As cousins, their shared success in the NBA is a testament to the power of family bonds and the innate talent that can run through generations.
Families with Athletes in Other Sports
Not all families with a passion for sports focus solely on basketball. In fact, some families boast members who have excelled in other sports, showcasing their diverse talents and athletic abilities.
In this section, we’ll explore the fascinating stories of the Noah family, with Joakim Noah dominating the basketball court and his father Yannick Noah excelling in tennis, as well as the Nash brothers, where Steve Nash became an NBA legend while his brother Martin pursued a successful soccer career.
The Noah Family: Joakim and Yannick
Joakim Noah, a former NBA player known for his tenacious defense and rebounding, comes from a family of accomplished athletes. His father, Yannick Noah, is a retired tennis player who won multiple Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles and was once ranked number three in the world.
Joakim’s success on the basketball court, combined with his father’s achievements on the tennis court, illustrates the incredible athletic talent that can run in families. The Noah family’s accomplishments in different sports are a testament to their dedication, hard work, and passion for athletics.
The Nash Brothers: Steve and Martin
Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP and legendary point guard, is not the only athlete in his family. His brother, Martin Nash, is a retired Canadian soccer player who enjoyed a successful career in his chosen sport. While Steve dominated the basketball court with his exceptional playmaking abilities, Martin made a name for himself on the soccer field.
The Nash brothers’ success in their respective sports is a shining example of the power of family support and the limitless possibilities that come with dedication, hard work, and a passion for athletics. Their inspiring story reminds us that talent can come in many forms and that families can share a love for sports across different disciplines.
Summary
In this blog post, we’ve explored the fascinating world of family ties in the NBA, from sibling duos dominating the court to multi-generational basketball dynasties, unexpected NBA relatives, and even families with athletes in other sports. These stories showcase the incredible talent, determination, and passion for the game that can run in families and span generations.
As we’ve seen, the world of professional basketball is truly interconnected, with family bonds playing a significant role in the success of many NBA players. Whether it’s siblings sharing the same gene pool or cousins making waves in the league, these family connections remind us that the love for the game is not just a personal journey, but a shared experience that transcends generations and brings families closer together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair related?
Yes, Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair are related. They are cousins, with Marbury being Telfair’s cousin on his father’s side of the family.
What players in the NBA are related?
It’s always cool to learn that some NBA stars are related to each other. Brothers such as Steph and Seth Curry, Brook and Robin Lopez, and Marcus and Markieff Morris have all played in the league, making for an interesting family tree.
Are there cousins in the NBA?
Yes, there are cousins in the NBA. DeMarcus Cousins is an All-American and was the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, currently playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021-22 season. He has also played for multiple other teams including the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.
Are there any brothers playing in the NBA?
Yes, there are several brothers playing in the NBA right now. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Lonzo and LaMelo Ball are all brothers currently taking to the courts this season.
Sources
1. dunkorthree.com – Brothers Who Are Playing In The NBA (A Complete List)
2. sportskeeda.com – 10 Families inside the NBA – Basketball
3. thesportster.com – 15 Basketball Players You Might Not Know Are Related
4. sportingnews.com – What siblings are in the NBA this season?
5. clutchpoints.com – 14 NBA players who are related to pro athletes
