Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking the 12 groups of siblings suiting up in the NBA this season

By Holden Walter-Warner

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks gets together with and his brothers Kostas Antetokounmpo #37 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Milwaukee Bucks prior to the start of a basketball game against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 6, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks gets together with and his brothers Kostas Antetokounmpo #37 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Milwaukee Bucks prior to the start of a basketball game against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 6, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Lonzo Ball
LaMelo Ball, Lonzo Ball NBA (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

8. Lonzo and LaMelo Ball

The Ball brothers have a spot waiting for them at the top of this list once they’re on the court and healthy. But if we’re being honest with each other, they should really be at the bottom of this list, considering neither has played yet this season.

For Lonzo, the path to taking the court this season seems unclear, as his injury has been surrounded by confusion and mystery. The Chicago Bulls star tore his meniscus in January. He was expected to miss weeks, but ultimately missed the rest of the season after a rehab setback. Those problems seemed to linger into the offseason.

There’s no timeline for Lonzo to retake the court, which is a shame considering the all-around fun he brings to the game. The 25-year-old isn’t elite in any one category, but his ability to contribute across the spectrum, including on defense, makes him essential to Chicago’s success.

For LaMelo, the path to taking the court also seems unclear. He’s had a nagging ankle injury and the coach has updated the status of the Charlotte Hornets star ahead of each game, ruling him out day by day. He briefly returned to the court, only to step on a fan’s foot and aggravate the ankle injury, already ruling him out for another game.

When healthy, LaMelo is arguably the most exciting player in the entire league, a dynamic guard ready to take Chris Paul’s place in the pantheon of electric floor generals. He won Rookie of the Year in 2021 and went to his first All-Star Game in 2022, ultimately averaging 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game. He’s a perennial All-Star and an MVP candidate in waiting.

It would be remiss not to mention the third Ball brother, who almost joined his injured brothers here. LiAngelo signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Hornets, but was waived before the season and wound up back in the G League. The soon-to-be 24-year-old is still looking to make his NBA debut.