10 NBA Players You Didn’t Know Had Kids!

“Hidden Legacies: 10 NBA Stars Whose Fatherhood Might Surprise You”

The bright lights of the NBA often shine so brightly on the court that they leave the shadows of players’ private lives unnoticed. We see them hit game-winners, lift trophies, and dominate highlight reels. But beyond the buzzer-beaters and million-dollar contracts, some of these athletes are also playing the most meaningful role of all: fatherhood.

While a few openly share their parenting journeys, others keep their family life private, letting only a glimpse slip through social media or post-game interviews. This is the untold story of 10 NBA stars whose children are quietly shaping the men behind the jerseys—each one carrying a legacy, a lesson, and a love far greater than the game itself.

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1. Tyler Herro — From South Beach to Sleepless Nights

He was once just a flashy rookie making headlines for his confidence, swagger, and clutch shooting. But behind Tyler Herro’s Miami Heat rise was something deeper—something that changed the trajectory of his career.

In 2022, Tyler welcomed his first child, a baby girl named Zya, with influencer and model Katya Elise Henry—also known for dating fellow NBA player Kyle Kuzma before settling down with Tyler. Zya’s arrival added a new fire to Herro’s game. His focus sharpened, and he began to speak less and work more.

In early 2023, their family grew with the birth of their son, Harlem. Tyler has shared glimpses of his children on Instagram, but he keeps most details locked away from the media. What’s clear is that the birth of his children transformed him—not into a star, but into something even better: a present, dedicated father.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo — The Greek Freak’s Greatest Team

We know him for his dominance, humility, and infectious joy. But off the hardwood, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a different kind of MVP—one raising a growing squad of little Antetokounmpos.

In 2020, Giannis and his girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger welcomed their first son, Liam. The birth came just days before Giannis played in the NBA All-Star Weekend, an emotional moment he later called “life’s perfect balance.” A year later, Maverick was born, and the couple announced they were expecting baby number three in 2023.

Whether on the court or cradling his sons during warm-ups, Giannis radiates the energy of a man who knows what truly matters. The “Greek Freak” may be feared by defenders, but at home, he’s just “Dad.”

3. Dejounte Murray — A Blended Family and New Beginnings

Dejounte Murray’s NBA journey took him from a quiet kid in Seattle to the Atlanta Hawks’ electrifying backcourt leader. But while his career was rising, so was something far more personal: his role as a father.

Murray’s daughter Riley came into his life before he met YouTuber Jania Meshell—herself a mother to a boy named Casey, from her previous relationship with rapper NBA YoungBoy. Together, Dejounte and Jania blended their lives and in April 2023, welcomed a daughter named Iceland Mercedes Murray—a name that sounds like it belongs in a fairytale.

The couple isn’t shy on social media, frequently posting their kids and sharing family moments that show a different side of the stoic point guard.

4. Zion Williamson — Baby Joy Amid Headlines

Zion Williamson has been in the spotlight since high school, but lately, it hasn’t always been for the right reasons. Injuries, speculation, and media drama often overshadow his immense talent. But in 2023, a new chapter began—one filled with pink onesies and late-night feedings.

Zion is expecting a baby girl with his girlfriend Akima, who already has a son from a previous relationship. The two have kept details about their relationship quiet, though fans were quick to notice the luxurious Valentine’s Day gifts Zion gave her—Rolls-Royces, designer bags, and more.

Though fatherhood hasn’t yet redefined his public image, those close to Zion believe the birth of his daughter will light a new fire in him. The NBA world hopes it’s the push he needs to return to greatness.

5. LaMelo Ball — Whispers, Rumors, and Maybe a Baby

LaMelo Ball has been in front of cameras since he was 14, so it’s hard to imagine him navigating anything under the radar. But in 2021, a rumor began to swirl—one that he neither confirmed nor denied.

Reports linked him to Instagram model Ana Montana, 10 years his senior. Fans started to speculate that she was pregnant with his child after cryptic posts, including one with the caption: “In love with a human I’ve never met.”

Despite the buzz, neither has publicly confirmed if LaMelo is a father. Whether it’s true or not, the mere suggestion reveals how even the most scrutinized lives can still hold secrets.

6. Fred VanVleet — Mr. Underrated, Mr. Dad

Fred VanVleet’s story is about proving people wrong. Undrafted. Undervalued. Unshaken. But behind every big shot and playoff moment is a man who’s building something bigger than a career: a family.

Fred and his long-time partner Shontai Neal have three children. Their daughter Sanaa was born in 2018, followed by Fred Jr. in 2019. Their third child was born in early 2023—a moment that came during an emotional storm of personal loss and joy.

“I had a death in the family, a birthday, and a birth all in one week,” VanVleet shared. “Life has a way of reminding you what’s important.”

7. Joel Embiid — Playing for Arthur

2023 was the year Joel Embiid finally secured his MVP crown. But the trophy wasn’t the most meaningful thing in his life—that honor goes to his son, Arthur.

Named after his late brother, who tragically passed away in 2014, Arthur was born in September 2020. Joel and his wife Anne de Paula met in 2018 through mutual friends. She didn’t even know he played basketball at first.

What bonded them were their mutual interests: soccer, the French language, and the dream of raising a family. Now, with a son and a marriage built on shared values, Embiid seems more grounded than ever.

8. Kawhi Leonard — The Quiet Father

Kawhi Leonard is the league’s ultimate mystery. No Twitter rants. No flashy interviews. Just cold-blooded defense and even colder buzzer-beaters. So it’s no surprise that Kawhi has also mastered the art of keeping his family out of the spotlight.

He shares two children with his girlfriend, Kishele Shipley—a daughter, Kaliyah, and a son whose name still hasn’t been made public. Kawhi missed a 2019 Raptors game, citing “personal reasons”—later revealed to be the birth of his son in Canada.

Kaliyah went viral during the Raptors’ championship parade after being photographed napping amid the confetti storm. It was a rare public moment—one that showed the softer side of “The Klaw.”

9. Luka Dončić — Is Baby Luka Coming?

Luka Dončić has achieved more in his early 20s than most players dream of in a lifetime. But even with his every move tracked by fans and media, there’s still room for speculation.

His long-time girlfriend, Anna Maria Goltes, appeared at the Mavs Foundation Ball with a visible baby bump—or at least, that’s what fans claimed. Tweets flew. Photos were analyzed. The phrase “Baby Luka” trended briefly.

Whether she’s pregnant or not remains unconfirmed, but the prospect of Luka becoming a father has fans imagining a new chapter—one where the basketball wizard becomes a bedtime storyteller.

10. Kyrie Irving — More Than Just a Maverick

Few players guard their privacy more fiercely than Kyrie Irving. For all his headlines—both positive and controversial—he remains deeply protective of his personal life. But even Kyrie couldn’t keep one thing hidden forever: his children.

He shares a daughter named Azurie with former Miss Texas Andrea Wilson, born in 2015. Her name honors Kyrie’s late mother. In 2021, he and partner Marlene Wilkerson welcomed their first child together. While the baby’s name remains private, Marlene has shared pieces of their parenting journey on YouTube, often giving fans a rare glimpse into their home life.

In 2023, Marlene posted a pregnancy shoot, suggesting baby number two is on the way.

Final Whistle: The Legacy Beyond the Game

For every dunk, assist, or championship ring, there’s a bedtime story, a diaper change, a first birthday party. These moments won’t go viral. They won’t be on SportsCenter. But for these 10 NBA stars, they mean more than anything they’ve ever done on a basketball court.

In a world where fame and fatherhood often seem at odds, these players remind us that being a dad is the ultimate legacy.

And for the kids? Whether they follow in their fathers’ footsteps or chart their own course, one thing is for certain—they’ve already got courtside seats to greatness.

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