Fathers want their sons to follow in their footsteps…just not too closely! That dream holds true for these amazing NBA dads whose talented sons grew up to thrive in the association. Read on for our picks of the 10 most incredible NBA father-son duos throughout history!
The NBA spans generations of hoops stars who passed their passion for the game onto their sons. These basketball bloodlines share an elite lineage called the hardwood.
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10. Jalen and Glen Rose
We begin with a recent entry – current New York Knicks glue guy Jalen Rose and his pops Glen “Big Dog” Rose who averaged over 22 points per game during two seasons for the Charlotte Hornets in the early 90s. The Roses put the family into a family affair!
9. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tim Hardaway Sr.
Two generations of Tim Hardaway give defenses double the trouble. The UTEP Two-Step father-son duo made dropping long-distance dimes their signature family business from the 80s through today.
8. Brent and Jon Barry
Brent Barry electrified crowds with monster throwdown dunks in the 90s and 2000s after dad Jon Barry first lit up scoreboards across the NBA throughout the earlier part of the 90s. This high-flying lineage deserves a Barry special two-for-one entry!
7. Mike and Dan Dunleavy Jr.
A pair of Mike Dunleavys brought talented versatility to the forward position. Son Mike Jr. debuted in the early 2000s after father Dan wrapped up an eleven-year career. Their collected efforts scored places in our hoops hearts.
6. Rick and Canyon Barry
The underhanded free throw lives on thanks to second-generation sniper Canyon Barry perfecting the unorthodox technique popularized by 1960s legend Rick Barry, his sharpshooting pops. Just granny style with a modern twist!
5. Mychal and Klay Thompson
Sharpshooter Klay Thompson leaves defenses shaking in his self-tying sneakers today. But dad Mychal Thompson also terrorized opposing big men in the paint years before as the top pick in the 1978 draft. Their combined impact makes a monumental mark.
4. Bill and Luke Walton
Bill Walton rebounded and outlet passed his way to the Basketball Hall of Fame after a dominant career primarily with the Trail Blazers and Celtics. Years later, his son Luke Walton charged up courts as an ace passer for the Lakers before becoming a coaching great like Pops.
3. Dolph and Danny Schayes
Dolph Schayes overcame anti-Semitism on his path to glory with the Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers in the 1950s and 60s as one of the game’s first superstars. In the 80s, son Danny Schayes brought a bright skillset to six teams that would have made his legendary father proud.
2. Gary Payton and Gary Payton II
The Glove Gary Payton bagged buckets and playfully talked relentless smack throughout the 90s and 2000s. Today, son Gary Payton II mirrors pops’ defensive intensity while flashing Payton-esque athleticism throwing down monster jams. Two Garys for the price of one!
1. Dell and Steph Curry
But the crown for greatest father-son combo goes to Steph Curry, basketball’s greatest outside shooter shaking, bending and snapping modern basketball as we know it today. Not far behind is pops Dell Curry who rained fire from three-point range for five teams in the 80s and 90s. Their combined shooting sorcery makes them the royal first family of the NBA!
From smooth shooters to high flyers and hoops pioneers, these NBA duos shared both basketball genes and unforgettable family bonding created through passing down the game from one generation to the next. Talk about some true dishes from the dynasty dishes!
