As the 2023-24 NBA season tips off, the Milwaukee Bucks boast a roster that stands out among all other teams. While star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard dominate the headlines, the Bucks also showcase a remarkable quartet of brothers – Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, along with Brook and Robin Lopez. This unique assembly of siblings not only captivates basketball fans but also highlights the history of NBA brother combinations. From the Antetokounbros to the Wilkins brothers, let’s delve into the intriguing world of NBA brothers who find themselves playing side by side.
In 2019, the Antetokounmpo brothers joined forces for the first time and have remained inseparable since. Their bond culminated in a championship victory in 2021, solidifying their place among the most highly regarded brother pairings in the league. Perhaps one of their most memorable moments came in March 2021 when Giannis and Thanasis faced their younger brother, Kostas Antetokounmpo, on the court. This encounter mirrored the Holiday brothers’ showdown, making it another instance of three siblings involved in a competitive NBA game. Additionally, the Antetokounmpo brothers teamed up with their youngest sibling, Alex Antetokounmpo, in the 2022 All-Star Game skills challenge, showcasing their united front.
Selected just five spots apart in the 2008 NBA draft, Brook and Robin Lopez found themselves as teammates during the 2019-20 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Robin Lopez briefly departed from the team before rejoining them this year. Remarkably, this was not the first time the Lopez twins shared the basketball court. They previously played together in high school and during their college years at Stanford University, further reinforcing their strong familial bond. Their collaboration with the Antetokounmpo brothers and the Holiday brothers in a game during the 2019 season added another chapter to their remarkable story.
The Impactful Morris Twins
The Morris twins, Markieff and Marcus, hold a unique position in NBA history. In the 2013 NBA draft, they were drafted just five minutes apart, with Markieff being selected by the Phoenix Suns at No. 13 and Marcus being chosen by the Houston Rockets at No. 14. Two years later, the Rockets traded Marcus Morris to the Suns, allowing the brothers to play side by side. In March 2013, they became the first twins to start for an NBA team, a notable achievement documented by ESPN Stats & Information research. Their pairing on the court showcased the power of sibling synergy and left a lasting impression on NBA fans.
The Holiday Brothers: A Formidable Force
The Holiday brothers, Aaron and Justin, showcased their skills during their time as teammates on the Indiana Pacers for two seasons, with an additional stint on the Atlanta Hawks during the 2022-23 season. Aaron Holiday notably reached a career-high in points while playing alongside his brother in Indiana, while Justin Holiday achieved his second-highest points per game average. As the brothers of Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday, these three siblings made history when the Pacers faced the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. They became the first trio of brothers to share the court simultaneously, an extraordinary moment that reverberated throughout the NBA community.
Zoran Dragic, the younger brother of Goran Dragic, played his lone NBA season with two different teams – the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat. During their time in Phoenix, the Dragic brothers shared the court with the Morris twins, Marcus and Markieff, creating a remarkable scenario where two sets of brothers played for the same team simultaneously. This distinctive achievement etched their names in the annals of NBA history. The Dragic brothers’ journey together began much earlier, as they also played basketball together during high school, college, and throughout their NBA careers.
Cody and Caleb Martin, twin brothers who share a passion for basketball, had the opportunity to play together on the Charlotte Hornets. However, their time as teammates was cut short when Caleb Martin joined the Miami Heat following two seasons with the Hornets. Despite the separation, the Martin brothers showcased an undeniable chemistry during their time together on the court. Their unique connection is a testament to the power of sibling camaraderie in the world of professional basketball.
Gerald Wilkins, the younger brother of Dominique Wilkins, had the chance to play alongside his older sibling during the final year of their NBA careers. After Dominique spent most of his illustrious career with the Atlanta Hawks, he joined the Orlando Magic for his last season, where he was reunited with Gerald. While their time together on the court was limited, the Wilkins brothers proved that even a brief reunion can leave a lasting impact on the familial legacy within the NBA.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ extraordinary collection of brothers, featuring the Antetokounmpo and Lopez siblings, epitomizes the unique dynamics present within NBA rosters. The history of NBA sibling pairings extends far beyond the Bucks, with notable combinations such as the Morris twins, Holiday brothers, Dragic brothers, Martin brothers, and Wilkins brothers contributing to the league’s rich tapestry. These brotherly collaborations remind us of the unbreakable bonds that transcend basketball, demonstrating the enduring power of family both on and off the court.
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