NBA Father-Son Legacy: When Dads Play alongside their Kids

While it's rare to see a NBA player and their child playing on the same team simultaneously, instances of fathers and sons playing together on the same team within the same season are more documented. This article highlights the notable father-son duos in the NBA's history.

Notable Father-Son Duos in NBA History

The NBA boasts a few instances of father and son playing on the same team during the same season, though not simultaneously. One of the most prominent examples is Dell Curry and his son Stephen Curry, who both played for the Golden State Warriors during the 2009-2010 season. Another instance is Kenyon Martin, who played with his son, Kenyon Martin Jr., for the Houston Rockets during the 2022-2023 season.

Breaking the Silence: A Father and Son on the Court at the Same Time

While a father and son haven't played simultaneously in the NBA, a few instances of father and son playing on the same team have made headlines. The Golden State Warriors, for instance, has a proud legacy of father-son combinations. Dell Curry, a former all-star shooting guard, played alongside his son, Stephen Curry, the legendary point guard, both on the Warriors team during the 2009-2010 season. This combination not only made headlines but also set a precedent in the basketball world.

History in Other Sports

The phenomenon is not exclusive to the NBA. Other professional sports leagues also have instances of father and son playing together:

NBA: Most NBA instances of father-son playing together within the same season involve retired fathers playing before their sons entered the league. Examples include Steph and Seth Curry, Austin Rivers, Jerami and Jerian Grant, Jon Brent and Drew Barry, Mike Bibby, and Kobe Bryant. MLB: Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. played together and even on the same team for a short time, with the latter hitting back-to-back home runs in a memorable 1990 game. NHL: Gordie Howe played with his sons Mark and Marty in the 1970–80 season, a testament to the Howe legacy in hockey. NFL: Although there are no father-son duos playing at the same time in the modern era, the NFL has also seen instances where fathers and sons played for the same team, such as Joe Montana and Christopher Montana.

LaBron James: Pioneering the Future

One of the most exciting father-son duos currently paving the way is LaBron James and his son LaBron Jr. LaBron is attempting to become the first NBA player to have his children play alongside him. If he can maintain his physical condition and avoid injuries, LaBron and his son will make history by playing in the same NBA game. This development would not only be a historic moment but also a fitting tribute to the lasting legacy of the NBA's father-son duos.

As of the latest update, LaBron James and his son LaBron Jr. have become the first ever to play in an NBA game at the same time. This marks a significant milestone in the history of the NBA, highlighting the enduring power of family in the world of professional sports.

For more information on father-son pairs in the NBA, click here.