There’s just something about certain NBA players that gives off serious “dad energy.” You know the type — steady, responsible, maybe a little goofy, and always down to grill something or fix a squeaky door. These guys seem like they’d help you move, wear New Balance shoes unironically, and tell you to “walk it off” after a sprained ankle.
These NBA stars radiate classic dad-ness through leadership, grounded personality, or love for cargo shorts and postgame handshakes. Here are 20 players who could host a barbecue and simultaneously lecture you about saving money.
20. Shane Battier
Battier played the game like a guy who reads Consumer Reports and stretches before pickup runs. He brought quiet wisdom, dependable defense, and the general energy of a dude who makes a killer chili.
19. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez is a Disney-loving, low-post dad in sneakers. His dry humor and bookworm tendencies scream “Saturday morning cartoons and grocery run.”
18. Tim Duncan
The ultimate dad energy icon — from his stone-faced expressions to his bank shot fundamentals. He wore oversized jeans, never smiled too hard, and still gave off strong “I mow my lawn at 7 a.m.” vibes.
17. CJ McCollum
CJ talks about wine, journalism, and responsibility, as if he’s ready to lead a PTA meeting after practice. He’s got that polished, big-brother energy that makes you feel like you’re in good hands.
16. Marc Gasol
Marc always looked like he’d rather be at a backyard cookout than an All-Star Game. Gruff, thoughtful, and bearded — the man radiated “I own a smoker and use it year-round” energy.
15. Al Horford
Al Horford has been a 40-year-old in a 20-something body. He’s reliable and mature, and it always looks like he just gave someone life advice during a timeout.
14. J.J. Redick
Now that he’s podcasting and wearing cardigans, the dad energy is basically off the charts. He shoots straight, speaks clearly, and feels like the guy who’d coach his kid’s travel team to a state title.
13. Kyle Korver
Korver had the suburban dad starter pack: neat haircut, efficient jumper, and the aura of a guy who owns multiple polos with slightly too long sleeves. He always looked like he’d help you set up your Wi-Fi.
12. Myles Turner
Between his love of LEGOs and thoughtful interviews, Myles Turner gives off modern, creative dad vibes. He’s chill, patient, and seems like he’d build a model train set just because it’s relaxing.
11. Udonis Haslem
Haslem was the Heat’s locker room dad for nearly two decades. He didn’t play much at the end, but kept everyone in line and probably brought snacks.
10. Malcolm Brogdon
He’s nicknamed “The President” for a reason. Brogdon carries himself like someone with a Roth IRA and gives practical birthday gifts like socks or a Home Depot gift card.
9. Pau Gasol
Pau was the wise older brother of the league. Always kind, deeply respected, and could pull off a turtleneck at a parent-teacher conference.
8. Steven Adams
Adams might look like a Viking, but his energy is pure gentle giant dad. Unless you touched the thermostat, he’d probably teach his kids how to fish and never raise his voice.
7. Chauncey Billups
Mr. Big Shot always had his stuff together and looked like someone’s very organized uncle. Smooth, no-nonsense, and gives “trust me, I’ve done this before” energy.
6. Grant Hill
Hill was clean-cut, calm, and always looked like he knew the APR on his car loan. Even during his prime, he had big “assistant coach at youth summer camp” vibes.
5. Nikola Jokic
Jokic feeds horses, drives home in a minivan, and looks permanently tired in the most relatable way. He doesn’t care about the glitz — he wants to win and go home to his kid.
4. David Robinson
The Admiral had discipline, faith, and a military background, so he gives off peak dad energy. He always looked like he had a firm handshake and a solid answer.
3. Mike Conley
Mike Conley is the NBA’s definition of a stable, intelligent, competent adult. He’s the guy who probably brings his tools to fix stuff at friends’ houses.
2. Derrick White
With his rec league mustache and quiet, selfless play, White feels like someone who gets excited about weekend errands. He’s not flashy — he’s practical, prepared, and probably packs snacks.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars Who Were More Team Dad Than Team Diva
1. Fred VanVleet
Undersized, undrafted, and unfazed — VanVleet has full-time dad vibes with part-time superhero instincts. WhetHeays gets the job done without making a big fuss.
Read More: The 10 Most Painfully Boring NBA Players to Watch (Sorry, Not Sorry)
