Top 10 basketball families
On a related note
Twins Robin (left) and Brook Lopez played together at Stanford and now occasionally against each other in the NBA. But the Lopez duo is not hoops royalty yet. Whether it's fathers and sons, siblings, cousins or even husbands and wives, these 10 families have basketball in their blood.
The Kings
Bernard (left) was a scoring machine for the Nets and Knicks in the 1980s, once averaging 32.9 points for a season before a knee injury took away his explosiveness. Albert, his younger brother, had a more modest pro career, averaging 12.1 points in nine NBA seasons. But as a high school senior he was rated the nation's No. 1 prep player, ahead of Magic Johnson.
The Van Arsdales
Tom (left) and Dick were identical twins with nearly identical skills and career achievements. Both starred at Indiana University in the 1960s. Each made the NBA's All-Rookie team in 1966. Both played 12 NBA seasons. Each made three All-Star teams. Tom averaged 15.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in his NBA career; Dick averaged 16.4 and 4.1. Both were excellent shooters, but only one made the playoffs. Tom still holds the NBA record for most games played (929) without a postseason appearance.
Candace Parker and Shelden Williams
This basketball power couple represents the only marriage of current WNBA and NBA players. Parker, also the brother of NBA player Anthony Parker, was the WNBA's MVP in 2008 and arguably remains the league's top player when healthy. Williams, the No. 5 pick in the 2006 draft out of Duke, has been a journeyman forward in the NBA. Still, their 2-year-old daughter, Lailaa, probably will start getting recruiting letters soon.
The Waltons
Bill (right) was one of the greatest college players of all time, winning three National Player of the Year awards and two NCAA titles at UCLA. He won one MVP award and two championships in the NBA, though foot injuries kept him from achieving more. Luke can't measure up to his father literally (he's five inches shorter) or figuratively (he's a role player in his 10th season), but he did get a $30 million contract his dad could only dream of.
The Wilkins
Dominique (left) was called "The Human Highlight Film" for good reason. A phenomenal athlete, he made nine NBA All-Star teams, won two Slam Dunk contests and scored over 26,000 points to earn induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Though overshadowed by his older brother, Gerald (right) had a nice NBA career of his own, averaging 13 points in 14 seasons. Gerald's son, Damien, has played in the NBA for seven years.
Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady
For this relationship, you have to dig a little deeper into genealogy. Their grandmothers were cousins, making them second cousins, but the family resemblance on the court is uncanny. Two of the best athletes in league history, Carter and T-Mac have combined for 15 All-Star selections, two scoring titles (both by McGrady) and a Slam Dunk crown (Carter). They even played together in Toronto.
The Gasols
Pau (left) helped the Lakers win back-to-back titles following his trade to LA in 2008. The Grizzlies received four players and three draft picks in that deal, including the rights to Marc, who has made it look less lopsided by emerging as an All-Star center. He even helped Memphis win a playoff series. Together, the brothers have made Spain a threat to Team USA in international play.
The Bryants
Joe "Jellybean" Bryant was a pretty good basketball player for eight NBA seasons and seven more in Italy. But let's face it. We wouldn't remember him if he wasn't you-know-who's father. Joe helped teach Kobe both basketball and Italian. The result? A bilingual superstar with five NBA championships, two scoring titles, 13 All-Star selections and 27,868 points (and counting).
The Barrys
Rick Barry (left) was an underrated athlete, a surly competitor and one of the best small forwards in NBA history. He also passed down his basketball genes to his five sons, four of whom played professionally, with Brent (middle) and Jon (right) the most successful. Brent won a Slam Dunk title and two NBA championships with the Spurs, while Jon played for eight teams in 14 NBA seasons.
The Millers
Reggie Miller was a five-time All-Star, the best player in Indiana Pacers history and one of the greatest shooters of all time. Still, to many basketball fans, he'll always be Cheryl's little brother. The best women's player of her generation, Cheryl once scored 105 points in a high-school game and finished her collegiate career at Southern California with more than 3,000 points and three National Player of the Year awards. Both are now basketball analysts at TNT. Maybe some day Reggie will join his sibling in the Basketball Hall of Fame.