#20

While not the best two players to make the list, they certainly are the tallest. As you would expect, both Manute Bol and Bol Bol are known for being exceptional shot blockers. Manute lead the NBA in that category in two of his first four seasons and ended his career averaging over three blocks a game. Bol Bol has played just 328 minutes in the NBA over three seasons but showed tremendous flashes in his high school and (albeit brief) collegiate career. 

Manute Bol

Despite his 7’7″ stature, Manute never really developed a low post game and actually spent a lot of time on the perimiter. In fact, during the 1988-89 season with the Golden State Warriors, Manute took more three-point shots than Mitch Richmond. 

Bol Bol

Bol Bol is ultra talented but hasn’t yet been given the chance to shine. Given the right opportunity, I think he could be special.

#19

Gerald Wilkins was a dynamic shooting guard in the NBA, known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and clutch performances, especially with the New York Knicks in the 1980s and ’90s. His son, Damien Wilkins, followed in his footsteps with versatility, defense, and leadership on the court, carving out a solid NBA career and continuing the Wilkins family’s impact on the game.

Gerald Wilkins

Gerald Wilkins known for his defense and at one time was considered the “Jordan stopper”… along with many others who failed. 

Damien Wilkins

Damien was a solid player at all levels that may have gotten more opportunities than most, because of who his father, Gerald and uncle, Dominique, were. 

#18

The Glove was a defensive force in the NBA, known for his toughness, leadership, and clutch play with the Seattle SuperSonics, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame. His son, Gary Payton II, has followed that same path, bringing intensity, athleticism, and lockdown defense to every game. After working his way up in the league, Payton II became a key contributor for the Golden State Warriors, helping them capture the 2022 NBA championship and showing that defense and hustle never go out of style.

Gary Payton

Gary Payton, known as “The Glove,” had a legendary NBA career defined by his tenacious defense, leadership, and competitiveness. A nine-time All-Star and 2006 NBA Champion with the Miami Heat, Payton was best known for his years with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, and steals. In 1996, he earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award — the only point guard ever to do so. Renowned for his lockdown defense and relentless trash talk, Payton’s impact extended beyond stats, setting the standard for two-way guards in basketball history.

Gary Payton Jr

Gary Payton II, son of NBA legend Gary Payton, has built his own path in the league through defense, hustle, and perseverance. After going undrafted in 2016, he bounced around several teams and the G League before finding his stride with the Golden State Warriors. Known for his elite perimeter defense and energy, Payton II became a key role player during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, his determination and defensive intensity have earned him respect across the league and solidified his place as one of the NBA’s premier on-ball defenders.

#17

Both Gary Senior and Junior worked hard on the basketball court. Dad was a lottery pick. He played for six different teams over a nine-year career which featured five trips to the post-season. Unlike his father, Gary Trent Jr. was a 2nd round draft pick. However, he has already reached heights in the league his father didn’t quite get to by being a full-time starter in just his fourth season. Ironically, both of their careers started with the Portland Trail Blazers. Even more surreal, each player’s second team was also the same: The Toronto Raptors.

Gary Trent

Gary Sr. was not overly talented but he got the most out of himself. He ushered in what I like to call the oblong undersized power forward. 

Gary Trent Jr.

While his father played a more back to the basket game, Gary Jr. thrives from the outside. Good scorer, good defender and still underrated somehow. In 2022 with Toronto, he finished 13th in the NBA in three-point attempts per game. Despite also being a good defender, he is still somehow underrated. 

#16

Just like other families on this list, the Grant’s have a rich basketball history. Horace and Harvey, twin brothers, were born on the 4th of July. Since then, Harvey had three basketball sons in Jerami, Jerian and Jerai. 

Harvey Grant

Harvey Grant is a great guy and was a serviceable basketball player. While he never reached the levels of his twin brother, Horace, he still lasted 11 years in the NBA. 

Jerami Grant
Jerian Grant
Jerai Grant

Jerami Grant has improved every year that he’s been a professional. He’s a more versatile version of his dad. Jerian and Jerai are solid basketball players; international journeymen.

#15

Henry Bibby was a tough, smart point guard known for his leadership, steady play, and key role in the UCLA dynasty and the NBA, including an NBA championship with the New York Knicks in 1973. His son, Mike Bibby, carried that same basketball IQ and leadership into the NBA, becoming a five-time All-Star and one of the league’s most reliable point guards in the 2000s, proving that the Bibby family’s legacy of skill and court vision spans generations.

Henry Bibby

Henry was a solid player and a better coach.  A close friend of mine once said, “Bibby was nice man. He was a tough, solid player. He wasn’t Clyde Frazier… but he was good.” 

Mike Bibby

Mike Bibby was a fan favorite in the NBA. Super solid player with the ability to shoot. Some believe he and his dad were very similar in their style of play.

#14

Ernie “Mr. Outside” Johnson was a legendary player in the ABA and NBA, known for his smooth shooting, leadership, and basketball IQ. His son, Kiki Johnson, has followed in his father’s footsteps by staying connected to the game, carrying forward the family’s love and knowledge of basketball, and continuing the Johnson legacy in the sport.

Ernie Vandeweghe

Kiki Vandeweghe

Kiki was one of the best scorers in the NBA in the 1980’s. 

#13

Glenn Rice was a prolific scorer and three-time NBA All-Star, famous for his smooth shooting and clutch performances, including helping the Miami Heat win the 2006 NBA Championship. His son, Glenn Rice Jr., has carried on the basketball legacy with his own scoring ability and athleticism, playing professionally and showing that the Rice family’s talent for putting points on the board continues in the next generation.

Glen Rice

If Tracy McGrady is in the Hall Of Fame, Glen Rice should be there as well. He was one of the best scorers in the NBA and won a national championship in college at the University of Michigan.

Glen Rice Jr.

Glen Jr was nowhere near as good as his dad but was solid in his own right and played at the highest level. 

#12

I’m not a huge fan of basketball around the civil rights movement because African American players were not given a fair shot, but Dolph deserves to be mentioned.

Dolph Schayes

Dolph was awarded NBA Top 50, Top 75, Coach of the Year (1966) and Hall of Fame. 

Danny Schayes

While not quite the player his father was, Danny was also a shooter. 

#11

Glenn Robinson, “Big Dog,” was a dominant scorer and two-time NBA All-Star known for his athleticism and ability to take over games in the late ’90s and early 2000s. His son, Glenn Robinson III, has followed in his footsteps, bringing energy, versatility, and athleticism to the court, carving out a solid NBA career and showing that the Robinson family’s impact on basketball spans generations.

Glenn Robinson

Big Dog’s college career was legendary at Purdue. His NBA career had some sparks, especially with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was a bucket getter, averaging over 20 points per game in his career. Somehow, he is still overlooked. 

Glenn Robinson III

If his Dad was a Lamborghini, he was a Ford Escape. Four wheels and an engine, but not the same performance. 

#10

Doc Rivers is a Hall of Fame-caliber coach and former NBA player, known for his leadership, defensive savvy, and ability to guide teams to success, including an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. His son, Austin Rivers, has carried on that basketball legacy as a talented guard, bringing scoring, playmaking, and toughness to every team he’s played for, proving that the Rivers name represents both skill and basketball intelligence across generations.

Doc Rivers

Another one of Chicago’s very own, Glen “Doc” Rivers was a good defender and good athlete at the guard spot.

Austin Rivers

Austin was an animal in high school and college. He struggled to find his footing in the NBA before nepotism reared its head and his father signed him to the Clippers, saving his career as a professional.

#9

The lack of a relationship between Walker and Rose is well documented. Rose used this to fuel his career at the University of Michigan and in the League. 

Jimmy Walker

Jalen Rose

The mouth of the Fab 5 and a big guard in the NBA, Jalen’s Detroit toughness and smooth game will never allow him to be forgotten. 

#8

In the first pack of basketball cards I bought as a child, a Larry Nance card of him dunking with those straight legs lay in the middle. While dad was the far more accomplished player, they do play a similar brand of basketball. 

Larry Nance

Nance Sr. was the essence of power forward play in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He was super athletic, strong and played his role.  

Larry Nance Jr.

Nothing flashy here, but playing with LeBron James highlighted Nance Jr’s athleticism.

#7

Tim Hardaway was one of the most electrifying point guards in NBA history, known for his killer crossover, scoring ability, and leadership on the court. His son, Tim Hardaway Jr., has carried on that basketball legacy with his own scoring talent and versatility, becoming a reliable contributor in the NBA and proving that the Hardaway name still stands for skill, competitiveness, and a fearless approach to the game.

Tim Hardaway

The point guard of Run TMC, Tim developed the “killer crossover” that became fundamental to guard play. He was also a great shooter. Doesn’t hurt that he’s from the great basketball city of Chicago. 

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Not at all like his father, Tim Jr. is primarily a catch and shoot player. With very high expectations placed on him, he has carved out a decent NBA career. With an average of more than 13 points per game through nine seasons. 

#6

Mychal Thompson was a versatile and skilled big man, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s known for his scoring, rebounding, and steady presence on the court. His sons, Klay and Trayce Thompson, have carried on the family legacy—Klay as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history with multiple championships for the Golden State Warriors, and Trayce making his mark in Major League Baseball—showing that the Thompson family’s athletic talent spans generations and sports.

Mychal Thompson

Not quite the shooter of his kids, Mychal was a solid scoring option and underrated playmaker, especially for a big. 

Mychel Thompson
Klay Thompson

Klay is one of the best shooters to ever play this game. Mychel never quite reached those heights. 

#5

Bill Walton is a Hall of Fame center known for his dominant passing, rebounding, and basketball IQ, as well as his impact on the Portland Trail Blazers’ 1977 championship run. Despite injuries cutting parts of his career short, Walton’s skill and vision left a lasting mark on the game. His son, Luke Walton, carried that basketball lineage into the NBA, first as a smart, versatile forward and later as a coach, proving that the Walton family’s understanding of the game extends well beyond the court.

Bill Walton

Derek “Pops” Williams has a love hate relationship with Bill Walton but Big Bill was great in college and won an MVP award in the NBA. 

Luke Walton

Luke was not the best player I’ve been around but was the smartest players for sure.  

#4

Rick Barry is an NBA Hall of Famer, celebrated for his scoring, smooth shooting, and unique free-throw style. A Finals MVP and one of the game’s all-time great forwards, he left an unforgettable mark on basketball. His sons—Brent, Jon, and Drew—carried on the family legacy in their own ways: Brent with his sharpshooting, Jon with his versatility and basketball IQ, and Drew making his mark overseas and in coaching, showing that the Barry name continues to influence the game at every level.

Rick Barry

One of the best shooters the game has ever seen, Rick Barry is well known for his unorthodox free throw shooting.  

Jon Barry
Brent Barry
Drew Barry
Canyon Barry

All of the Barry brothers can play. Brent was a great athlete, Jon could shoot the ball and Drew was a very traditional point guard. The lesser known Canyon is most known for adopting his father’s free throw style. 

#3

Joe Bryant, “Jellybean,” had a solid NBA career in the ’70s and ’80s, known for his scoring ability and basketball IQ, and later took his talents overseas to continue playing and coaching. His son, Kobe Bryant, took the game to legendary heights—five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and one of the greatest scorers in history. Kobe combined unmatched work ethic, killer instinct, and artistry on the court, leaving a lasting impact on basketball worldwide while carrying forward his family’s basketball legacy.

Joe Bryant

Bean was a good athlete, solid finisher and above all else, tough. A natural forward with a load of potential. 

Kobe Bryant

Kobe is one of the games best one-on-one players. His inner drive pushed him into being one of the greatest players of all time. 

#2

The Sabonis clan is the best European family to influence the game of basketball. At the NBA level, Arvydas best days were already behind him and with Domantas, his best days might still be in front. 

Arvydas Sabonis

Arvydas is widely considered the best European basketball player of all time.

Domantas Sabonis

Domantas is a  2xNBA All-Star in his career so far.