- Stephen Curry leads a lineup of older siblings in the NBA right now
- Younger brothers are less mature in age but not in terms of basketball skills
- There are five pairs of siblings in the league who play major roles on different teams
Even in the world of professional basketball, sibling dynamics often involve an unspoken competition for dominance, and it’s not uncommon for brothers to challenge each other on the basketball court. But what if we were to assemble two dream teams, one comprised of older brothers and the other of their younger siblings, and pit them against each other in a basketball battle of epic proportions?
In this article, we’ll break down the hypothetical matchup, analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, and historical precedents that might help us answer the age-old question: when it comes to basketball, do older brothers have the upper hand, or can the younger siblings rise to the occasion and claim victory in a 7-game NBA series?
Here is what the lineups look like for the current NBA players of different ages but come from the same bloodline.
Older Brothers: Lonzo Ball, Stephen Curry, Mo Wagner, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
Younger Brother: LaMelo Ball, Seth Curry, Franz Wagner, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Robin Lopez
No doubt, each lineup sports a mix of All-Stars and talented role players, but there could only be one winner over a 7-game series and here is the player analysis and eventually, who comes out on top.
Lonzo Ball vs. LaMelo Ball
Lonzo Ball, the older of the two, has established himself as a talented and versatile point guard. Known for his exceptional court vision and passing ability, Lonzo’s playmaking skills would undoubtedly be a crucial asset in this matchup. His basketball IQ and defensive prowess would make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. Lonzo’s experience in the league also gives him a slight edge when it comes to understanding the nuances of NBA-level competition.
On the other hand, LaMelo Ball, the younger and more recent entrant into the NBA, has quickly garnered attention for his flashy style of play and remarkable ball-handling skills. LaMelo’s scoring ability and flair for the dramatic would add an element of unpredictability to the matchup. His creativity in passing and willingness to take clutch shots could make him a game-changer in crucial moments. LaMelo’s youth and exuberance might give him an advantage in terms of energy and resilience over the course of a 7-game series.
Stephen Curry vs. Seth Curry
Stephen Curry, the elder brother, is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in the history of the game. His unparalleled ability to drain long-range shots with remarkable consistency has revolutionized the way basketball is played in the modern era. Beyond his shooting, Stephen’s ball-handling skills and basketball IQ make him a well-rounded offensive force. His experience and championship pedigree also add an invaluable dimension to his game.
Seth Curry, while not as prolific as his older brother, has carved out a niche in the league as an elite sharpshooter in his own right. His quick release and deadly accuracy from beyond the arc make him a constant threat on the offensive end. Seth’s ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates is a valuable asset. Still, the advantage goes to Stephen Curry.
Mo Wagner vs. Franz Wagner
Mo Wagner is known for his energy and tenacity on the basketball court. He has primarily played as a power forward or center during his NBA career, and his style of play is characterized by his ability to hustle for rebounds, set screens, and score in the post.
Franz Wagner, on the other hand, is the younger of the two brothers and is known for his versatility and well-rounded game. As a forward, Franz possesses a smooth shooting stroke, solid ball-handling skills, and the ability to defend multiple positions effectively.
Franz’s versatility and more well-rounded skill set would likely give him an edge. He has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, drive to the basket, and defend effectively, making him a more versatile player overall.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the NBA. As a forward with exceptional size, athleticism, and ball-handling skills, Giannis is a force to be reckoned with. His ability to drive to the basket, finish in traffic, and defend multiple positions makes him an all-around superstar. Giannis has won two MVP awards and led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the older of the two brothers, is known for his energy, hustle, and defensive prowess. He has primarily played as a forward and provides his team with an intense defensive presence and the ability to disrupt opponents’ plays. Thanasis is often used as a high-energy, defensive specialist off the bench, bringing intensity and hustle to his team’s lineup.
In a one-on-one matchup, Giannis’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism would likely give him a significant advantage. His ability to overpower opponents in the post and handle the ball on the perimeter would be challenging for Thanasis to counter.
Brook Lopez vs. Robin Lopez
Brook Lopez is often recognized for his shooting ability and defensive versatility as a big man. Throughout his career, he has displayed a knack for scoring in the post, stretching the floor with his three-point shooting, and protecting the rim on defense. Brook’s offensive versatility allows him to impact the game both inside and outside the paint, making him a well-rounded center.
On the other hand, Robin Lopez is celebrated for his rugged and physical style of play. He excels in traditional center duties such as shot-blocking, rebounding, and setting screens. Robin is known for his hustle and tenacity on the defensive end, often providing a physical presence in the paint that disrupts opponents’ plays.
In a one-on-one matchup, Brook’s scoring ability and floor-stretching capabilities would likely give him an advantage. His skill set is more diverse, allowing him to create scoring opportunities from various spots on the floor. However, Robin’s toughness and defensive prowess could make it a challenging battle in the paint.
Older Brothers Advantages
The “Older Brothers” lineup, featuring Lonzo Ball, Stephen Curry, Mo Wagner, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez, offers a well-rounded and versatile approach to the game of basketball. Lonzo Ball and Stephen Curry bring exceptional playmaking and court vision, ensuring the offense operates efficiently and creatively.
The sharpshooting prowess of Curry, combined with Brook Lopez’s three-point shooting ability, stretches the floor, making it challenging for defenders to focus solely on one aspect of the offense. Mo Wagner’s versatility in the frontcourt allows for a balanced inside-out scoring game, while Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s defensive tenacity and disruptive energy can create turnovers and set the tone on defense.
With several players boasting extensive NBA experience and playoff backgrounds, this lineup not only possesses the skills to excel but also the leadership and adaptability to handle various game situations. Together, they form a potent combination of offense, defense, and experience that could prove formidable in a competitive basketball matchup.
Younger Brothers Advantages
The “Younger Brother” lineup, featuring LaMelo Ball, Seth Curry, Franz Wagner, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Robin Lopez, boasts an intriguing mix of youth, talent, and versatility on the basketball court. LaMelo Ball’s flashy style of play and remarkable ball-handling skills make him a dynamic point guard who can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Seth Curry’s deadly three-point shooting and scoring ability from beyond the arc add a potent offensive dimension, spreading the floor and providing additional scoring options.
Franz Wagner’s versatility and well-rounded game offer a combination of shooting, ball-handling, and defensive skills that can impact both ends of the court. Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the most dominant players in the NBA, provides unmatched athleticism, versatility, and scoring prowess. His ability to drive to the basket, finish in traffic, and excel defensively makes him a true game-changer.
Robin Lopez’s rugged and physical style of play anchors the lineup’s defense and provides a strong presence in the paint, complementing the team’s offensive firepower. The “Younger Brother” lineup also features a potential mismatch with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can exploit his versatility and athleticism to disrupt opponents on both ends of the floor.
While this lineup may lack the experience and championship pedigree of the “Older Brother” lineup, it compensates with youth, energy, and an exciting style of play.
Who Wins A Best-Of-7 Series?
The “Older Brother” lineup takes the first game with a narrow victory. Stephen Curry’s three-point shooting proves to be a significant factor, and Brook Lopez’s rim protection helps secure the win. Giannis Antetokounmpo puts up an impressive performance for the “Younger Brothers,” as he drops 30 points and 14 rebounds, but it’s not enough to combat Steph’s 7-17 shooting from three and Lopez’s five blocks. The Older Brothers win the game 110-105.
In Game 2, the “Younger Brother” lineup bounces back in the second game with LaMelo Ball’s flashy playmaking and Seth Curry’s sharpshooting leading the way. Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates in the paint again with 17 rebounds, and the “Younger Brothers” secure the win with a balanced effort. Despite another 30-point game by Steph, the game ends 117-105 for the younger team.
The series continues in favor of the younger brothers in the third game. LaMelo dominates the game with scoring and playmaking as he posts 24 points and 12 assists including going 4-4 from the three-point line. Stephen Curry is guarded tightly in the game and in a situation where Giannis only scores 19 points, the younger brothers still get the victory in a 101-98 game as Curry’s game-tying three-pointer just rims out at the buzzer.
In a closely contested fourth game, Franz Wagner’s versatility and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance in transition push the “Younger Brothers” to a victory. Seth Curry’s sharpshooting continues to be a key factor, boosting the series to 3-1 as he posts 18 points on six three-point makes. The younger brother come out with a 5-point victory, 113-108, as only Stephen Curry’s offense keeps the series alive (35 points). No doubt, the older brothers will try to close the gap in the next game.
The “Older Brother” lineup regains control in a high-scoring fifth game. Mo Wagner’s inside-out game adds a new dimension, and Brook Lopez’s defensive presence becomes a factor. Stephen Curry has another standout performance with 40 points scored, and the “Older Brothers” inch closer to the series win. The result gives the older brothers a 120 – 115 victory over the younger brothers.
With a chance to eliminate the opposition, the “Younger Brother” lineup delivers a gritty performance in the sixth game. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s all-around excellence (25 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists), combined with LaMelo Ball’s playmaking (12 assists), makes sure that Stephen Curry and company do not find a way to force a Game 7.
Stephen holds his own with 30 points, but he does not get the help needed to slow down Giannis and LaMelo as the series ends in an exciting six games. Due to his numbers and dominance, Antetokounmpo earns Finals MVP honors.
Final Result: Younger Brothers vs. Older Brothers 4-2
Finals MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo
