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n 2024, all eyes were on Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Two towering rookies. Two unstoppable forces. The Rookie of the Year race was practically a two-man war. But while those two duked it out under the bright lights, something quieter; and honestly, just as impressive, was happening in Oklahoma City. Cason Wallace. The Thunder’s silent weapon.

No over-the-top headlines. No viral dunks. Just rock-solid basketball every night. Wallace didn’t just find a role on one of the West’s best teams; he owned it. Efficiency. Hustle. IQ. And a rare kind of poise for a rookie guard. By the time OKC locked up the No. 1 seed, Wallace had proven he was no fluke. The jump from college to the NBA? He made it look easy. But the real reason he never crumbled under pressure? The two people who built him from the ground up: Mike and Kimberly Wallace.

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Who are Cason Wallace’s parents?

In a league full of big egos and loud personalities, Cason Wallace stands out quietly. The 21-year-old Thunder guard is calm, focused, and grounded; traits he gets from his parents, Mike and Kimberly Wallace. Mike is a well-known youth basketball coach in Dallas, while Kimberly is more reserved and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

Mike once coached both of his sons, Cason and Keaton, and passed down everything he knew about the game. That early training paid off; Keaton now plays professionally too, and Cason followed right behind, getting drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2023.

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Kimberly, on the other hand, was the steady hand at home. She’s always prioritized family and charity, choosing to stay behind the scenes while cheering her boys on. Together, Mike and Kimberly built the foundation that helped Cason rise to the NBA stage.

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Is Cason Wallace the most underrated rookie, overshadowed by Wembanyama and Holmgren's spotlight?

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Who is Cason Wallace’s mother?

Kimberly Wallace, Cason’s mother, prefers to stay out of the public eye, but her unwavering support for her sons is undeniable. She played a vital role in Mike’s recovery during a challenging time when he needed a kidney transplant, demonstrating her strength and commitment to her family. Kimberly also instilled values of humility and gratitude in Cason and his brother, Keaton.

Who is Cason Wallace’s father?

Cason’s father, Mike Wallace, is a well-known figure in the Dallas basketball scene, having coached youth teams for years. He personally coached both Cason and his older brother, Keaton, imparting his knowledge of the game and laying the groundwork for their professional careers. Mike emphasized hard work and family unity, teaching his sons that they are “one.”

When did Kimberly meet Mike Wallace?

Mike Wallace is a respected figure in the Dallas basketball scene. A longtime youth coach, he not only trained local kids but also coached his own sons; Cason and Keaton Wallace, both of whom made it to the NBA. His passion for the game and commitment to mentorship played a direct role in shaping their careers.

While Mike is well known in local circles, Kimberly Wallace keeps a low profile. She’s been a constant support system for her husband and sons. A few years ago, Mike faced a serious health scare when he required a kidney transplant. Thankfully, his close friend John Coyle stepped in as a donor, saving his life and strengthening their lifelong bond.

Throughout Mike’s recovery, Kimberly was by his side every step of the way. Though not much is known about how or when the couple first met, it’s believed they were together long before Mike’s coaching days began.

What ethnicity are Cason Wallace’s parents?

Mike and Kimberly Wallace are African-American and proudly hail from Dallas, Texas. Their roots in the city run deep, and that’s why the 2023 NBA Draft held extra weight for the family. As the 10th pick approached, the Wallace household held its breath; because that pick belonged to their hometown team, the Dallas Mavericks.

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Cason, a Dallas native like his parents, had grown up idolizing Mavs legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash. So when the team used that pick only to trade it to Oklahoma City, there was understandable disappointment. “I definitely will be fine in Oklahoma,” Cason later said. “There’s not much to do, but it lets you stay focused.”

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Despite the initial letdown, Wallace quickly found his footing with the Thunder. A big part of that? His parents, Mike and Kimberly, were with him every step; helping him adapt, stay grounded, and keep chasing bigger goals.

Inside Cason Wallace’s relationship with his parents

Cason Wallace isn’t just known for his defense; he’s also known for his demeanor. The 21-year-old has always been quiet, respectful, and family-first. That bond with his parents and brother, Keaton, shaped who he is today. Their home was filled with reminders of his journey; trophies, childhood photos, even music. The Oklahoman once reported that his mother, Kimberly, only wanted pictures of Cason smiling around the house.

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But love wasn’t the only thing they gave him. Mike and Kimberly made sure their sons learned to face adversity head-on. Growing up in Hamilton Park; a Dallas neighborhood that wasn’t always safe, the Wallaces didn’t shield Cason from reality. “It’s not always sunny days, but we still have to deal with adversity,” he once said. That early exposure, he believes, helped prepare him for the mental grind of the NBA.

Hamilton Park wasn’t just a home; it was part of his identity. It’s where Kimberly grew up, where the family returned, and what Cason proudly repped on draft night with an “HPT” stitched suit. When given the chance to leave for better basketball exposure, he stayed. Loyalty runs deep in the Wallace house; and that’s showing now as Cason chases greatness with the Thunder.

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Is Cason Wallace the most underrated rookie, overshadowed by Wembanyama and Holmgren's spotlight?

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