I recently posed the question of whether the Houston Rockets would consider drafting the son of NBA legend LeBron James. My point in that blog wasn't to create some far-fetched scenario of father and son joining forces in Houston, but it did serve as a reminder that it would be really cool to see these two play on the same court.
We're not saying it will be as momentous as the Griffey brothers hitting back-to-back home runs, but no matter how you feel about Bronny James' long-term potential as an NBA player, there's no denying that seeing them together or against each other for the first time will be a magical sight.
On Father's Day, I want to honor some of the most interesting father-son duos to have graced the sports world. I think it's important to embrace how something as simple as basketball can strengthen a lifelong bond between a parent and child. Seeing all the challenges, perseverance, and life lessons that have been passed down through the game is something I've come to appreciate more as I get older and look back. That's what makes the basketball portrayal stand out. He is good at games It resonates just as strongly as they do.
As for the Rockets, Jabari Smith Jr. remains one of the few second-generation players currently playing for the team. An interesting fact about him and his father, Jabari Sr., is that they both played in the same game as LeBron. He's a real anomaly.
Before Bari, the honor was held by Houston's KJ Martin, whose aerial highlights evoked flashbacks of how great an athlete his father, Kenyon Martin Sr., once was.
Former Rockets player Austin Rivers also made history by becoming the first player to be coached by his father, Doc Rivers, while with the Los Angeles Clippers. Another fun fact? Rick Barry and his sons John and Brent all finished their careers as Rockets.
And you can't think about Rockets basketball without mentioning the honoree, John Lucas Jr. The longtime Rockets member lent his time with the team both as a player and coach, while his eldest son, John Lucas III, appeared in 60 regular season games for Houston over his career. While Jr. is famously known for being the No. 1 pick in the 1976 draft, Lucas III may be best remembered as the player LeBron completely leapfrogged over at one point.
Father-son duos go way beyond Rockets lore. We all know Joe and Kobe Bryant. We have the families of Dell, Stephen and Seth Curry that Houston is dreading. Gary Payton and Gary II have also brought plenty of accolades. Arvydas and Domantas Sabonis are quietly the best duo right now, and we can't forget Michael and Clay Thompson, who won six rings.
With the NBA Finals in full swing, I thought it would be appropriate to mention the second generation of players on each team's roster. Al Horford, another dinosaur by NBA standards, is on the brink of winning his first NBA title. If you've followed Boston Celtics games for any length of time, you won't be surprised to see an excited Tito Horford occasionally pop up on the air, celebrating his son's success.
On the Dallas Mavericks side of things, Tim Hardaway Jr. has something in common with his Hall of Fame father, Tim Sr., as both were teammates with Dirk Nowitzki.
In another world, Jalen Brunson might have played for this Mavs team in the Finals had he not been lured to the New York Knicks by assistant coach and nine-year veteran Rick Brunson.
It's also worth mentioning the late Bill Walton, who along with his son Luke, became the first father-son duo to win multiple titles. As we all know, the Celtics wear a commemorative patch in memory of the recently deceased Walton. He was a legend on and off the court. Rest in peace, Big Red.
As you can see, the NBA is rich in bloodlines, so it's no surprise that we'll see some of the more well-known players in the league in the near future. If you want to feel old, just take a look at the names of the upcoming freshman recruits. I consider myself lucky to have been able to watch some of the greatest players throughout their careers, and I look forward to watching their descendants carry on the tradition.
Happy Father's Day everyone!
