Father-Son Duos of the NBA

Published 06/21/2015, 12:53 PM EDT

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On the occasion of father’s day, here are some of the father-son(s) who have played in the NBA during their professional career. Some duos have won the NBA Championships during their playing careers. Sometimes, both faced each other on the floor as a coach and player. I am sure, each son wishes to follow their dads footsteps and each dad out there would want their child to succeed.

There are many more second generation and third generation basketball players, here is our select few. We wish all father’s out there, a very happy father’s day.

John Stockton and David Stockton

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John Stockton is one of the greatest NBA players and arguably, one of the greatest point guards in the history of the sport. He leads the NBA assists and steals tally by considerable margins and is a 2-time Nainsmith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. His son David, made his professional debut with the Sacramento Kings during the 2014/15 season. After spending time in the NBA D-League, he has been signed by the Kings for the 2015/16 season.


Doc Rivers and Austin Rivers

Doc Rivers had a successful career as a point guard and a coach. He currently is the head coach of Los Angeles Clippers after 9 years with the Celtics. His son Austin Rivers was the 10 Pick of the 2012 Draft. In January 2015, he was traded to Los Angeles Clippers and is now the first son to play under his father in the History of the NBA. They have also faced off on the court, when Austin played for New Orleans.

Bill Walton and Luke Walton

Bill Walton had a successful NBA career winning titles with Portland and Boston and was named the NBA MVP in 1978. He is a member of the Nainsmith Basketball Hall of Fame. His son Luke played for Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland, winning 2 NBA Championships in 2009 and 2010. He is now the assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors and his father is now a basketball commentator. They are the third Father-Son duo to have won the NBA championship in their playing career, but first to win multiple championships each.

Mitchell Wiggins and Andrew Wiggins      

Mitchell Wiggins did not have much of a career in the NBA and played large chunks of his career outside of the NBA. He had success in Greece and France before retiring in 2003. His son, Andrew Wiggins just finished his first year as a professional player with the Timberwolves and has won the 2014-15 NBA Rookie of the year.

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Butch van Breda Kolff and Jan van Breda Kolff

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Butch played his career with New York Knicks in the BAA (predeccsor to the NBA) before starting a coaching career in 1950. He was hired as a coach of the Lakers and made it to the NBA finals twice. His son Jan, joined the NBA in 1976 and his father coached the New Orleans franchise against Jan’s New Jersey Nets. This was the first time a father coached a team against his son in the NBA.

Mychal Thomson and Mychel and Klay Thomson

Mychal Thomson had a career with Portland and Lakers, winning 2 championships with the latter having played along with some of the finest NBA players. His oldest 2 sons are professional Basketball players. Mychel is currently with the Santa Cruz Warriors (The NBA Development League team affiliated with the Golden State Warriors). His middle son Klay currently plays for the Golden State Warriors and was a key member of the squad that won the 2015 NBA Championship. Mychal and Klay are 4 Father-Son pair to have won the Championship.

George Karl and Coby Karl

George Karl played his professional career with San Antonio before starting his coaching career in 1978. Since 1984, he has been head coach of an NBA Franchise and was the 7 coach to cross a 1000 regular season wins. His son Coby is a cancer survivor and plays for Reno Bighorns in the NBA D-League. They are the 3 Father-son to have faced each other in a match.

Matt Guokas Sr. and Matt Guokas Jr

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Matt Guokas Sr played for the Basketball Association of America (predecessor to the NBA) winning the championship in 1947. His son, Matt Guokas Jr played for Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago bulls for a majority of his playing career. Winning the NBA Championship with the 76ers in 1967, he and his father were the first father-son to have won the Championship.

Dell Curry and Stephen and Seth Curry

Dell Curry played in the NBA, primarily with Charlotte Hornets, with whom he holds the franchise records for most points and three-point field goals made. His son Stephen Curry is the 2014-15 regular season MVP and was a key member in the warrior’s team that won the 2015 NBA Championship. His other son, Seth plays with the Erie Bay Hawks in the NBA D-League.

Rick Barry and John, Brent, Drew Barry

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Rick Barry had a successful NBA career winning the 1975 Championship. He was the finals MVP as well. He has been named as one of the 50 greatest players of all time. Three of his sons, John, Brent, Drew have all played professional Basketball.  Brent won 2 championships with San Antonio, making them the second father-son duo to win NBA Championships in their playing days. John followed his father into broadcasting after his playing career.

Mike Dunleavy Sr. and Mike Dunleavy Jr

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Mike Dunleavy Sr. had a 14 year long NBA Career before taking up a coaching role. In a 20 year coaching career, he has managed Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland and Milwaukee. His son, Mike Dunleavy Jr. started his NBA career in 2002 and currently is with Chicago. Both father-son have played for the Bucks and they are the second father-son duo to have faced each other on court.

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