Andris Biedriņš
A gentle giant from Latvia who became a fan favorite and defensive anchor for the Golden State Warriors during their early revival.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Latvian basketball player·Birthday: April 2·Millennials
Biography
Andris Biedriņš arrived in the NBA as a project—a skinny, 7-foot teenager from Riga with soft hands and raw potential. Drafted by the struggling Golden State Warriors in 2004, his development mirrored the franchise's own rocky path back to relevance. Under coach Don Nelson's chaotic system, Biedriņš evolved from a tentative rookie into a starting center, using his length and surprising agility to become a relentless rebounder and efficient finisher around the basket. His 2008-09 season was a breakthrough, where he averaged a double-double and led the entire league in field goal percentage, a testament to his disciplined shot selection. While injuries later curtailed his prime, Biedriņš's tenure is remembered fondly in the Bay Area. He was a cornerstone of the 'We Believe' playoff team in 2007 and a consistent, hardworking presence during the years before the dynasty, endearing himself to fans with his unassuming demeanor and team-first attitude.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andris was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the NBA in field goal percentage during the 2008–09 season, shooting 62.6% from the field.
- Averaged a career-high 11.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game during the 2008–09 season.
- Was the starting center for the Golden State Warriors' 2007 'We Believe' team that upset the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs.
- Represented the Latvian national basketball team in multiple European Championships.
Did You Know?
He was the first Latvian-born player to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
His nickname among Warriors fans was 'The Latvian Gangbanger,' a playful moniker given by teammate Stephen Jackson.
He owns a professional basketball team, BK Jūrmala, in his native Latvia.
He is an avid fan of professional wrestling and was friends with several WWE performers.
“I was just a tall kid from Riga trying to catch the ball and set a good screen.”
