As the 2023-24 NBA season unfolds, the Milwaukee Bucks boast a roster like no other. While superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard naturally grab the headlines, the Bucks also showcase a distinct brother quartet – Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, as well as Brook and Robin Lopez. These remarkable duos are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to NBA siblings who have shared the court. From the Antetokounbros to the Wilkins brothers, let’s delve into the intriguing world of basketball’s dynamic duos.
In 2019, the Antetokounmpo brothers, Giannis and Thanasis, first united as teammates and have been inseparable ever since. Their partnership reached its zenith in 2021 when they led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship, solidifying their position among the most formidable sibling pairs in the league. Notably, in March 2021, the Antetokounmpo brothers faced their younger sibling, Kostas Antetokounmpo, showcasing yet another trio of siblings who have made their mark in the NBA. Additionally, the Antetokounmpo brothers teamed up with their youngest brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, in the 2022 All-Star Game skills challenge, further emphasizing the unity and talent within the family.
Brook and Robin Lopez, the towering twins, were drafted just five spots apart in 2008 and enjoyed a season together with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019-20. However, Robin Lopez temporarily left the team before reuniting with his brother this year. Beyond their NBA stints, the Lopez brothers’ basketball journey started much earlier. They were teammates in both high school and college with the Stanford Cardinal, fostering a deep bond that would later manifest in their professional careers. Furthermore, the Lopez brothers etched their names in history by sharing the court with the Antetokounmpo brothers and the Holiday brothers in 2019, cementing their status as part of a unique basketball legacy.
In the 2013 NBA draft, the Morris twins, Markieff and Marcus, were selected just five minutes apart. The Phoenix Suns nabbed Markieff at No. 13, swiftly followed by the Houston Rockets choosing Marcus at No.14. Two years later, Marcus Morris was traded to the Suns, reuniting the twins on the same team. For two seasons, the Morris brothers brought their synchronized talent to the court and made history in March 2013 as the first twins to start for a team in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. This milestone further solidified their bond and showcased their unique abilities.
The Holiday brothers, Aaron and Justin, formed a formidable duo during their time with the Indiana Pacers, and later briefly with the Atlanta Hawks in the 2022-23 season. Aaron experienced a career-high in scoring while playing alongside his brother in Indiana, while Justin also excelled with his second-highest points-per-game average. It is worth noting that the Holiday brothers are not the only siblings in their basketball circle; they are also the brothers of Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday. In 2019, the Holiday brothers made history as the first trio of brothers to appear on the court at the same time during an NBA game when the Pacers played against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Goran and Zoran Dragic share a unique story as they played together not only in the NBA but also in high school and college. The Dragic brothers, along with the Morris twins, briefly formed a remarkable quartet as teammates with the Phoenix Suns. When they were subsequently traded together to the Miami Heat, it marked the start of Goran Dragic’s successful tenure with the Heat. This dynamic duo holds the distinction of being the first pair of brothers, alongside the Morris twins, to play on the court simultaneously for the same team in NBA history.
Caleb and Cody Martin, the Martin brothers, experienced the joy of playing together during their time with the Charlotte Hornets. Although Caleb went undrafted, he signed with the Hornets, who had previously selected Cody in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft. The Martin brothers shared the court for two seasons before Caleb Martin joined the Miami Heat, ultimately leading to their separation. Despite the parting, their journey as siblings-turned-teammates serves as a testament to the unbreakable bond that basketball can cultivate.
Dominique and Gerald Wilkins embody the spirit of brotherhood in the NBA. After a season overseas, Dominique Wilkins opted to sign with the Orlando Magic, enabling him to play alongside his younger brother, Gerald. Although Dominique’s time with the Magic was brief, with only 27 games played, and Gerald’s appearances were limited to just three games, their joint NBA campaign marked a remarkable and sentimental milestone in their basketball careers.
In the vast landscape of the NBA, where individual stardom often takes center stage, the presence of brothers on the same team serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful bond that family shares. From the dazzling Antetokounmpo brothers to the synchronized success of the Morris twins, these dynamic duos showcase the beauty of basketball, where siblings unite to chase a common goal. As the years unfold, we can only anticipate the emergence of new brotherly partnerships that will add the next chapter to this captivating narrative.
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