Colorado forward Cody Williams is poised to make history during the 2024 NBA Draft by potentially being selected within the first 30 picks. This achievement would place him alongside his brother, Jalen Williams — the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft — as part of an elite group of siblings who were both drafted in the first round. Cody Williams is currently ranked No. 11 in the CBS Sports NBA Draft Prospect Rankings.
Recent Examples of First-Round Sibling Duos
Amen and Ausar Thompson (2023): The Thompson brothers made history by being the first twins selected in the top 10 of the same draft. Amen, Thompson went No. 4 to the Houston Rockets, and Ausar followed immediately at No. 5 to the Detroit Pistons. Their selection from the Overtime Elite program highlighted the growing recognition of alternative pathways to the NBA.
Keegan and Kris Murray (2022, 2023): The Murray brothers have also etched their names in the record books. Keegan was the No. 4 overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in 2022, while Kris was selected No. 23 by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023. Despite not being high-level draft prospects initially, their impressive performances at Iowa significantly boosted their draft stock.
Lonzo and LaMelo Ball (2017, 2020): The Ball brothers remain the only siblings to be top-three picks in the NBA Draft. Lonzo was selected No. 2 by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, while LaMelo went No. 3 to the Charlotte Hornets in 2020. Despite Lonzo’s career being jeopardized by a knee injury, LaMelo has emerged as a rising star in the NBA.
Historic Sibling First-Rounders
Marcus and Markieff Morris (2011): The Morris twins were drafted back-to-back in the 2011 NBA Draft. Markieff was picked 13th by the Phoenix Suns, followed by Marcus at No. 14 by the Houston Rockets. Both brothers have enjoyed lengthy NBA careers, with Markieff playing for the Dallas Mavericks and Marcus recently traded to the Washington Wizards.
Brook and Robin Lopez (2008): Brook and Robin Lopez both declared for the NBA Draft after two seasons at Stanford. Brook was a lottery pick at No. 10 by the New Jersey Nets, while Robin was selected 15th by the Phoenix Suns. Brook has evolved into one of the best defensive centers and a proficient 3-point shooter, while Robin continues to be a valuable veteran presence in the league.
Bernard and Albert King (1977, 1981): Bernard King was drafted seventh overall by the New Jersey Nets in 1977, and his brother Albert was picked 10th overall by the Nets in 1981. Bernard had a Hall of Fame career, while Albert played for nine seasons in the NBA.
Gene and Purvis Short (1975, 1978): Gene Short was selected ninth overall by the New York Knicks in 1975, while his brother Purvis went fifth overall to the Golden State Warriors in 1978. Purvis enjoyed a successful 12-year NBA career, while Gene played only 34 games in the league.
Russ and Ron Lee (1972, 1976): Russ Lee was drafted sixth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972, while his brother Ron went 10th overall to the Phoenix Suns in 1976. Russ had a brief NBA career, while Ron played until 1982 before continuing his professional career in Italy.
Conclusion
If Cody Williams is selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, he and Jalen Williams will join a distinguished group of sibling duos who have both been drafted in the first round. This milestone underscores the unique achievements of these family pairs and adds another chapter to the rich history of sibling success in the NBA.
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