Why Aren’t You And Your Sibling This Talented? The Most Dynamic Family Duos In Sports
Making it to the professional level in any sport is a tough task. Many might dream of it, but only a select few achieve it. It takes a certain work ethic and dedication to make it to the big leagues, and perhaps it's something in your gene pool as well. Across all sports, there have been close relatives that have played on the same team, or against each other. Seeing a family member make their dreams come true could have been the extra motivation the other relative needed to make it professionally as well. Unless they're both extremely talented and get drafted the same year.
A Little More Curry, Please
In the white jersey, you have one of the most transcendent basketball players to ever shoot a ball. In the blue jersey, you have a brother who aspires to become anywhere as good as his sibling. Steph Curry of the Warriors is a two-time NBA MVP. He is also a three-time champion.
Seth Curry doesn't have nearly as many achievements as his brother, but you can't tell him that. While Seth strives to better himself and catch up to Steph, it seems like Steph is only getting started.
The Hard-Hitting Matthews
Clay Matthews is the terrifying threat on the defensive side of things for the Green Bay Packers. When defenders see him coming their way, prayers are said. Matthews has a long family history of relatives playing in the NFL. Clay's grandpa played in the '50s. Clay's uncle Bruce was even inducted into the Hall of Fame.
As far as the younger generation, you can't forget about his brother, Casey Matthews. Casey's career isn't still going like his brother's, but he did put in five noble years in the NFL: the Eagles for four years and the Vikings for one year.
Carter And McGrady Take Flight
Those who are familiar with basketball know about Vince Carter. Known as "Vinsanity" or Half-Man Half-Amazing, Carter was (and still on occasion is) known for his electrifying slam dunks. He's currently the oldest player in the league so you won't see any more 360 windmills from him.
His cousin, Tracy McGrady, had quite the career himself. Before countless injuries, set his career back, McGrady was one of the best players in the league. Kobe Bryant even said he was the toughest matchup for him. "Iverson, Marbury, Arenas, Melo, Durant - but put Tracy McGrady as the toughest," said Bryant in an interview.
You Can't Out-Coach The Harbaughs
These two might not play on the field with each other, but that doesn't mean they aren't competing. Jim and John Harbaugh make the tough decisions as the head coaches of their teams. Jim currently coaches at Michigan State while John handles things for the Baltimore Ravens.
Before Jim headed to Michigan, he had the opportunity to face off against his brother in a Super Bowl coaching showdown. Jim led his 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII but came up short against his older brother in what was an entertaining game. Would you say they're the best coaching brothers in history?
Twins On Ice
Here are the first set of twins to appear on the list (more to come.) Henrik and Daniel Sedin have played their entire professional careers on the same team, striking goals for the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks drafted them one round apart from each other in the 1999 draft.
Although the Canucks haven't won a Stanley Cup with these two, the twins have helped lead them to 11 post-season appearances. They play perfectly combined, with Henrik's 1,000th point assist coming from Daniel. These two are sure to make the Hall of Fame once they call it quits.
Finesse Meets Power With The Gasol Brothers
Arguably the most talented siblings in the NBA (no disrespect to the Curries), Pau Gasol (left) is a two-time champion. His brother Marc Gasol might not have any rings, but if he were swapped with his brother on those championship teams, there's a good chance that the outcome would have been the same.
Pau is more of a finesse player whose going to make some fancy moves against you. Meanwhile, Marc will use his brute strength and force his way to score. If you have either of them on your ball club, the team gets lifted.
The Upton Brothers
Melvin (formerly BJ) and Justin Upton are quintessential outfield players since 2004 and 2007 respectively. While both of them entered the league with a lot of hype behind them, neither truly lived up to it. That doesn't mean they're bad, however.
Early in Melvin' career, he looked to fulfill his hype as he was the only player to hit 100 home runs and secure 200 stolen bases between 2007-12. Many envisioned Justin as the next Ken Griffey Jr., but that wasn't the case. Neither of them realized their potential but they are still better than many other players.
Morris Twins Mirror Each Other
Markieff (left) and Marcus (right) Morris are twins that play in the NBA. Marcus puts on a jersey for the Boston Celtics, while Markieff plays for the Washington Wizards. Both have played for several different teams during their careers, but have finally found their roles.
They played together for a brief period of time while on the Phoenix Suns, but both were ultimately traded away. Their style of play is almost identical, just like their looks, but Marcus takes a little more pride in his defense.
The Fastest Brothers There Are
To be known is one accomplishment, but what you are known for is of importance too. Kurt and Kyle Busch from NASCAR are both known for being hot-tempered, as much as they are recognized for being fast drivers.
The two are quite accomplished for the number of years they've been racing. Kyle won his first Cup Series championship in 2015 at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup. Kurt saw his first Cup Series victory in 2004 against the great Jimmie Johnson. The two have 48 Cup Series wins between them.
The Greatest Duo In Tennis?
To be great at tennis is one thing, but to be the best as a duo is another accomplishment worthy of its own praise. That's what it's like for the Bryan twins, Bob and Mike. You can tell the two apart by knowing Bob is the lefty and Mike is the righty.
They have been named the greatest doubles tennis team in sports history. As a team, they've won a record 13 Grand Slam titles. You can also add one Olympic Gold doubles medal and a Bronze.
The Competitive Millers
“I didn’t know Cheryl Miller’s little brother played basketball,” Elaine Benes said to Jerry. A joke that flipped gender roles worked well for Seinfeld. In real life, the question might have been the other way around. However, that is no knock on Cheryl, who had an outstanding basketball career. Reggie Miller just might be a little more famous than his sister.
Talent wise, Cheryl might have bee the greatest women's basketball player of her era. In fact, Reggie came home one day very proud of the 30 points he scored in his game, that's when Cheryl told him she was happy for him. Reggie asked how her game went and she says that she scored 105 points. Reggie couldn't believe it.
How Many Watts Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?
By now J.J. Watt's name rings a bell from California to Texas and up to New York. He's the hulking three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. His mission isn't solely set on dominating the NFL, as he is one of the most charitable players in the league. While he's helping make the world a better place, he's still racking up 20.5 sacks in a season.
Meanwhile, J.J. has a younger brother, T.J. He plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers and plays just like his older brother. “It’s like we share the same brain,” T.J. said. Heading into his second year in 2018, T.J. looks to be a force.
Dominating As Sisters
Between the two individually, Serena Williams has 23 Grand Slam titles while Venus Williams has seven of her own. These two might go down as the best sister duo in sports history, not only tennis. Together, they have 14 Grand Slam Doubles titles and three Olympic Gold medals.
The statistics speak for themselves. As individuals, Serena has Gold from 2012 while Venus has Gold from 2000. These two need to have statues erected for their greatness.
Lookout For The Lopez Brothers!
Brook and Robin Lopez are the other huge brothers in the NBA. While the Gasol brothers might have more talent between them, the Lopez brothers are still a formidable duo. Brook likes to focus on the offensive side, using excellent footwork to score. Robin focuses his attention on defense, making sure scores don't get anything easy.
They both have bounced around the NBA and haven't played together since their time in college. Brook made a splash early in his career, earning a spot on the All-Rookie team and becoming an All-Star. Robin might not have as many accolades, but he's in the running for best beard in the NBA.
What's Sharper Than Sharp?
If you happen to be a fan of Shannon Sharpe (left) debating sports with Skip Bayless on Fox Sports 1's Undisputed weekday mornings, then chances are you are familiar with his playing days. Shannon and his brother Sterling Sharpe have some of the best pairs of hands the NFL has seen.
Sterling was an All-Pro receiver whose injuries cut his stellar career short. Meanwhile, Shannon dominated at the tight end position. He retired as the position's all-time leader in yardage, catches, and touchdowns. He also won three Super Bowls along the way.
The Barry's Love Basketball
Jon and Brent Barry have their father to thank. He passed along his hyper-athleticism, and these brothers reaped all the benefits. Rick Barry played back in the '60s and '70s and his sons came around a few decades later.
Brent was quite young when he won the NBA's dunk contest (he jumped from the free throw line.) He then went on to win two NBA championships with the Spurs. Meanwhile, Jon was a great shooter who bounced around eight teams during his 14-year stint.
The Bennett Brothers Only Want To Be Themselves
Michael and Martellus Bennett might be some of the scariest players on the field at any given game. Their large frame and build provide them with the appearance of fierce competitors, which they are, but they're not like that in real life.
The duo is known not to hold back with their interview responses and have been scrutinized in the media many times. They say people come up to them all the time expressing how they wish they were them. "They think it's weird that we're ourselves," Martellus says. "I think it's weird that you're trying to be something you're not."
One Manning Wasn't Enough
The last name Manning is one of legendary status. Peyton Manning's legacy includes riding off into the sunset after a Super Bowl victory, and he also retired with the all-time NFL record in touchdown passes and career passing yards.
Eli Manning, on the other hand, has some impressive performances under his belt as well. Some may call him an average quarterback with two Super Bowl rings, but other "average" quarterbacks don't have as many. Eli steps it up in the post-season when it matters so facing a Manning en route to the Super Bowl has and will always be risky as long as Eli is around.
Two Barbers Are Better Than One
Tiki and Ronde Barber are not far behind in the running for best siblings to play in the NFL. The two of them played together in college at UVA and then were drafted in 1997. Tiki was an All-Pro running back while Ronde was All-Pro on the defensive side of things.
Tiki ended up retiring as a New York Giant and becoming their all-time leading rusher. Ronde played 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Bucs and went to five Pro Bowls. Both won a Super Bowl.
Three Holidays In The NBA
Jrue Holiday (left) and Justin Holiday (right) were already making their own lane in the NBA before the 2018 draft. Then, lightning struck a third time as the Indiana Pacers selected the youngest of the trio, Aaron (middle.) Not only that, but he's projected to become even better than his siblings.
Right now, Jrue happens to be the best, but only time will tell how long that will last. As for their mother, she couldn't be more proud. “I’m excited for all of them,” said their mother, Toya. Any parent would be happy to send three of their of her sons to the NBA.
