Legacy in the Making
When the final buzzer sounded on their playing days, a handful of NBA veterans didn't step away from the game; they stepped onto the sidelines, eager to pass on the lessons that had defined their careers. Chris Paul, a 21‑year NBA veteran, now runs 16U and 17U programs, while Jamal Crawford coaches his son's North West Rotary U16 team and Carlos Boozer, a 13‑year league stalwart, shares his experience with the next generation.
Draft Day Dreams
The impact of these mentorships is already showing up in draft boards and summer circuits. Cameron Boozer, son of Carlos Boozer, was the No. 3 overall pick this year, and JJ Crawford, Jamal's son, sits at the top of the 2029 high school rankings. The youngsters often train alongside prospects such as Tyran Stokes, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, and AJ Williams, the No. 1 player in the 2028 class.
Coaching the Future
Beyond the draft, the fathers are shaping daily development. Eric Dampier Jr., son of former NBA player Eric Dampier, is among the top prospects of the 2028 class, while RJ Evans, son of Reggie Evans, is rising as a sophomore standout at the 3SSB Championships. Chris Paul Jr., the son of the veteran point guard, enjoyed a standout spring and summer, drawing attention as a player to watch.
A National Impact
The mentorship network extends to the national stage. JJ Crawford was the youngest member of the USA U17 team that captured a FIBA World Cup gold medal, and the influence of these fathers reaches international basketball through FIBA's collaborative programs. Their stories illustrate how the sport's legacy is being rewoven across generations, from grassroots courts in South Carolina to the world stage.