Yes, numerous father-son duos have played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) over the league's history. It is a recurring phenomenon that showcases familial athletic talent spanning generations. While many fathers and sons have graced NBA courts, they typically play in different eras, or their careers overlap without them ever sharing the court as teammates or opponents in the same game.
Generations of NBA Talent
The NBA has seen a significant number of instances where a father played in the league, and later, his son also became an NBA player. These legacies often highlight the strong influence of family background and dedication to basketball. The journey from a father's professional career to a son's entry into the league is a testament to perseverance, skill development, and sometimes, a bit of inherited talent.
Below are some of the most notable father-son pairings who have both played in the NBA:
| Father | Son | Notable Teams (Father) | Notable Teams (Son) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Curry | Stephen Curry | Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors | Golden State Warriors |
| Dell Curry | Seth Curry | Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors | Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets |
| Mychal Thompson | Klay Thompson | Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers | Golden State Warriors |
| Bill Walton | Luke Walton | Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Arvydas Sabonis | Domantas Sabonis | Portland Trail Blazers | Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings |
| LeBron James | Bronny James | Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Doc Rivers | Austin Rivers | Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks | New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets |
| Rick Barry | Brent Barry | Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets | Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs |
The Unique Case of Playing in the Same NBA Game
While many fathers and sons have built careers in the NBA, a particularly rare milestone has been the subject of much anticipation: a father and son playing in the same NBA game. This specific scenario, where both individuals are active players on the court during the same contest (either as teammates or opponents), had never occurred until potentially very recently.
The prospect of this historic event has been significantly highlighted by the careers of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James. LeBron James has openly expressed his strong desire to play in the league alongside his son. This aspiration moved closer to reality when Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft, placing them on the same team. If both are on the active roster and play in a regular season or playoff game, they would achieve a truly unprecedented feat in NBA history.
The presence of father-son duos in the NBA underscores the enduring legacy within the sport and provides unique narratives for fans following multiple generations of talent.
