Minnesota Sports Forum

Both Andrew Wiggins (son of Mitch) and GR3 are following their dad's footsteps to the NBA. One thing I've noticed is that having an NBA father seems to improve one's chances of having a successful NBA career, especially among current players. Whether this is due to good genes, high expectations, knowing at a young age what it takes to succeed in the NBA, personal mentoring by a former NBA player or a combination of the above, I think its a definite positive.

I think all of the following players have lived up to or exceeded expectations:

1. Kobe (son of Joe, drafted 13th)
2. K Love (son of Stan)
3. Steph Curry (son of Dell)
4. Klay Thompson (son of Mychal, drafted 11th)
5. Al Horford (son of Tito)
6. Mike Bibby (son of Henry)
7. Tim Hardaway Jr. (drafted 24th)
8. Glenn Rice Jr (second rounder)
9. Wes Mathews Jr (undrafted)

NBA pedigree doesn't always help as in the case of Austin Rivers (drafted 10th) or Mike Dunleavey Jr.(drafted 3rd). Going back a ways, Danny Ferry (son of Bob) didn't live up to his #2 overall pick. Danny Manning (son of Ed) may not have lived up to his high expectations (taken #1 overall) but he was a two time all star before his career was shortened by an injury.

In any event, I hope Wiggins and GR3 will have long successful careers as TWolves.

Good post, Ricky. Interesting information.

I believe that there is statistics that say a person who has a parent of some professional experience is significantly more likely to make it (at least break into it) in any sport of their choosing. I don't have a reference, but I've heard it multiple times.

You made a solid list. I'd say Dunlevey is probably more of a success story than a downer. I bet there are at least 20 teams in the league right now that would love ot have him on their roster. Injuries are the only thing that has hurt his career. Was he a star? no., but SFs with his shooting and passing abilities are pretty worthwhile. Similar but better players just got huge deals in Hayward and Parsons. I said it back then but Dunlevey was picked too high in the draft. I liked him , but I thought he was picked too high. Years later though he is still in the league and is at worst a rotation backup wing guy. I'd take that. Great post though I just had to say something about that. lol There are so many more players that have NBA roots coming into the league. Its fun and interesting to see.

Very interesting post, Team Ricky.

I Haven`t heard that we signed GR3 yet ... but when we will, it will be awesome.

We are loaded at SF, though ...