Ranking best NBA sons of former players in league today: Warriors have multiple second-generation stars
The sons of Basketball Hall of Famers Scottie Pippen and Shaquille O'Neal will play for the Los Angeles Lakers' Summer League squad after both went undrafted. While Scotty Pippen Jr. and Shareef O’Neal are a couple of the newest players' sons to potentially make an NBA roster, there are a plethora of current second-generation players who have achieved greatness and in many cases surpassed their fathers.
In the spirit of family ties, here are the top 10 sons of NBA players in the league today, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Stephen Curry, Warriors
The reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP is the preeminent player's son today and arguably of all time. The son of Dell Curry has won four NBA championships in eight years and is widely hailed as the greatest shooter of all time. To top it all off, the baby-faced assassin played some of the best basketball of his career on the biggest stage at 34 against a top-flight defense in the Boston Celtics.
2. Devin Booker, Suns
Melvin Booker’s son already has one NBA Finals appearance under his belt and made All-NBA First Team for the first time this past season. The 25-year-old has averaged over 22 points per game in six of his seven seasons for the Phoenix Suns. He scored 70 points — tied for 10th-most all-time in a single game — against the Boston Celtics in March 2017.
3. Darius Garland, Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers' ball-handling wizard is fresh off his first All-Star appearance after putting up 21.7 points and 8.6 assists (sixth-best in the NBA) per game last season. The 23-year-old son of seven-year NBA player Winston Garland will hope to make his first playoff appearance next season.
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4. Andrew Wiggins, Warriors
The Toronto native wrapped up the best season of his career, winning an NBA championship and making his first All-Star appearance. The son of Mitchell Wiggins played a pivotal role in the postseason and will remain important for the Warriors' efforts next year in defending the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
5. Domantas Sabonis, Kings
The six-year NBA pro averaged 18.9 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, the third consecutive season he averaged a double-double in points and rebounds. The son of the Lithuanian legend Arvydas Sabonis has some of his dad’s passing chops as he averaged 5.2 assists per game.
6. Jalen Brunson, free agent
Rick Brunson’s son elevated his game in the postseason — 21.6 points per game on 46.6% shooting — when the Dallas Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference finals. The Villanova product is one of the most coveted unrestricted free agents in the league this offseason.
7. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
At 22, JJJ made his first All-Defensive First Team and is primed to take another step next season with the up-and-coming Memphis Grizzlies.
8. Jerami Grant, Blazers
The son of Harvey Grant and nephew of Horace will get a new beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers next season. The combo forward averaged 20.9 points per game in two seasons with the Detroit Pistons.
9. Klay Thompson, Warriors
The third Golden State Warrior to make the list and another name in the discussion of greater shooters of all time just won his fourth NBA title. After missing two consecutive seasons due to ACL and Achilles injuries, Mychel Thompson’s son proved his 3-point shooting had not left him.
10. Al Horford, Celtics
The son of Tito Horford — the first Dominican-born NBA player — displayed his significance in the Boston Celtics' Finals run this past season at the age of 36.
Honorable Mentions
Tim Hardaway Jr., Mavericks
Seth Curry, Nets
Kevin Love, Cavaliers
Cole Anthony, Magic
Gary Payton II, Warriors
Austin Rivers, free agent
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA sons: Best kids of former players in the league today
