Genetics plays a big part in NBA players having elite athletic ability. Here are the best players whose fathers also played in the NBA.
Some people would agree that basketball is in the genes. Some NBA players have passed on their talents to the second generation.
While these fathers made an impact in the NBA, some of their sons continued their legacy. On the other hand, others were successful enough to carve out their own. Let’s rank Stephen Curry as the best second-generation NBA star.
10. Jaren Jackson Jr.
The son of NBA champion Jaren Jackson, Jaren Jackson Jr. has made a significant impact in the NBA. He has garnered an All-Star selection and was the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. With Jackson, the Grizzlies hope to return to being a legitimate playoff contender thanks to the 6-foot-10 center proving to be a defensive menace down low.
9. Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson is proving to be a solid young up-and-coming star. Like his father Rick Brunson, both of them are no strangers to entertaining fans in the Madison Square Garden arena. The younger Brunson recently earned his first-ever All-Star Game appearance in his best season thus far before he averaged 32.4 points per game in two playoff series.
8. Darius Garland
Darius Garland is one of the core pieces for the exciting Cleveland Cavaliers. The All-Star guard is also the team’s main point guard. But while Garland is making his presence felt in the NBA, there’s no question that he received plenty of guidance from his father, Winston Garland.
The Garland patriarch played seven seasons in the NBA and suited up for the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
7. Domantas Sabonis
Back in the day, there’s no doubt that Arvydas Sabonis paved the way for European basketball dominance in the NBA. Fast-forward to today, his son, Domantas Sabonis, continues to pass on the legacy.
Although the younger Sabonis missed this year’s All-Star festivities, the three-time All-Star and All-NBA player continues to be a force to be reckoned with for the rising Sacramento Kings.
6. Al Horford
Tito Horford had a brief NBA career, having stopovers with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Bullets. However, his son Al Horford carved out a longer NBA career. The Celtics center is a five-time All-Star and an All-NBA Team player. And he just won his first NBA title as a key bench player for the Boston Celtics.
5. Devin Booker
There’s no question that the Suns are one of the most feared teams in the league thanks to the scoring prowess of Devin Booker. No stranger to dropping as much as 70 in a single game, Booker is also a four-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA team player.
But his accomplishments wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for his father Melvin Booker paving the way for his son. The elder Booker had stints with the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and the Golden State Warriors.
4. Kevin Love
There’s no question that Kevin Love is piecing together a decorated NBA career. Aside from being a double-double machine, Love’s career resume includes an NBA championship, five All-Star Game appearances, two All-NBA Team selections, and the Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
There’s no doubt that Love’s talents stem from his father Stan Love. The elder Love used to play for the Baltimore Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs.
3. Klay Thompson
Considered to be one of the deadliest shooters in league history as one half of the Warriors’ Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson sure made his father Mychal Thompson proud by shooting his way to four NBA championships and five All-Star Game appearances.
Thompson also currently holds the record for most 3-point field goals made in a game with 14. The father-son duo combined for a total of six NBA championships.
2. Stephen Curry
Speaking of the Splash Brothers, the other half is also a certified second-generation NBA star. Like his father Dell Curry, Stephen Curry is capable of shooting the lights out. The younger Curry is arguably the greatest shooter in league history.
Steph Curry leads the league in all-time 3-point field-goal makes. Furthermore, he has also won four NBA championships, one Finals MVP, and two NBA MVPs.
1. Kobe Bryant
Arguably the GOAT of basketball, Kobe Bryant’s work ethic and clutch scoring remains unmatched. The late Bryant led the Lakers to five NBA championships, two of which saw him win Finals MVP.
However, while Bryant’s hard work was often credited for his success, the Black Mamba never acknowledged his parents’ unconditional love and support. The elder Bryant, Joe, used to suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets.
Spencer See is a part-time writer at ClutchPoints focusing on the NBA, evergreen content, and celebrity lifestyle. He is also a lifelong fan of LeBron James. In his free time, he either goes fishing or watches basketball.
