Top 10 Father-Son Duos in NBA History

In the world of professional basketball, legacy isn't just built — sometimes it's inherited. The NBA has seen some amazing father-son duos where both generations have made an impact on the game. Whether they were All-Stars, champions, or underrated role players, these families left a lasting impression on the league.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 Father-Son Combos in NBA History — ranked by talent, accomplishments, and the combined impact they’ve had on the sport.

  1. Doc Rivers & Austin Rivers

Doc Rivers: NBA All-Star, NBA champion coach, gritty point guard in the ‘80s/’90s.

Austin Rivers: A solid journeyman combo guard with playoff experience and highlight moments.

Legacy Note: First father to coach his son in an NBA game — creating history on and off the court.

  1. Adrian Griffin & AJ Griffin

Adrian Griffin: Defensive-minded role player turned head coach.

AJ Griffin: Young sharpshooter for the Atlanta Hawks, already showing promise.

Legacy Note: Still early in AJ’s career, but this duo could rise higher in future rankings.

  1. Gary Payton & Gary Payton II

Gary Payton: Hall of Famer, 9x All-Star, 1996 DPOY known as “The Glove.”

Gary Payton II: Elite perimeter defender and NBA champion with the Warriors (2022).

Legacy Note: Defense is in their DNA. GP2 helped lock down the Celtics in the 2022 Finals.

  1. Rick Barry & Brent Barry

Rick Barry: Hall of Famer, NBA champion, one of the best scorers in league history.

Brent Barry: 2x NBA Champion, 3-point sniper, and 1996 Slam Dunk Champion.

Legacy Note: Brent made his mark differently, but both were key to winning cultures.

  1. Juwan Howard & Jett/Jaime Howard

Juwan Howard: NBA Champion (2012), All-Star, and member of Michigan’s Fab Five.

Jett & Jaime Howard: Jett is already in the NBA with more upside to come.

Legacy Note: Early days for the sons, but Juwan’s success and coaching pedigree set the bar high.

  1. Tim Hardaway & Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway: Hall of Famer, 5x All-Star, part of the iconic Run TMC.

Tim Hardaway Jr.: Reliable scorer, sharpshooter, solid role on playoff teams.

Legacy Note: One a crossover king, the other a 3-point weapon. Versatile offensive talent runs deep.

  1. Arvydas Sabonis & Domantas Sabonis

Arvydas Sabonis: International legend, NBA big man with elite passing (too late to the NBA).

Domantas Sabonis: 3x NBA All-Star, triple-double machine, cornerstone for Sacramento.

Legacy Note: Arvydas was dominant overseas; Domantas is building his All-NBA résumé now.

  1. Joe Bryant & Kobe Bryant

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant: Solid overseas/NBA player and coach.

Kobe Bryant: 5× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP, Hall of Famer, and global icon.

Legacy Note: Kobe didn’t just surpass his dad — he became a legend. Joe gave him the roots.

  1. Mychal Thompson & Klay Thompson

Mychal Thompson: 2× NBA Champion with the Showtime Lakers, former No. 1 pick.

Klay Thompson: 4× NBA Champion, 5× All-Star, 2× All-NBA, elite shooter and defender.

Legacy Note: Both are champions, but Klay's shooting makes this duo elite on the all-time list.

  1. Dell Curry & Stephen Curry

Dell Curry: Sixth Man of the Year, one of the best shooters of his era.

Stephen Curry: 4× NBA Champion, 2× MVP, all-time leader in three-pointers made.

Legacy Note: Steph changed the game of basketball. Dell laid the foundation, and Steph built an empire on top of it.

Final Thoughts

While some players follow their own path, others are born into greatness — and then redefine it. These top 10 father-son duos prove that basketball bloodlines are real, and sometimes the sequel can be even better than the original.

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