Brandan Wright
A fluid and athletic American big man whose high-flying NBA career was defined by elite efficiency and shot-blocking prowess.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 5·Millennials
Biography
Brandan Wright's basketball path was marked by early dominance and a smooth, effortless athleticism that made the game look easy. In Tennessee, he achieved a mythical high school status, winning an unprecedented three Mr. Basketball awards and leading his team to four straight state championships. His single season at North Carolina was a showcase of his potential, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors. Drafted eighth overall in 2007, his NBA journey became one of a specialist extraordinaire. Plagued by shoulder injuries early on, Wright later carved out a vital niche as a hyper-efficient reserve. He mastered the art of the roll to the rim, leading the league in field goal percentage in 2014, and was a persistent shot-blocking threat. While never a star, his intelligent play and reliable finishing made him a valued contributor for teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, embodying the impactful role player.
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.
Brandan was born in 1987, 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 Brandan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Brandan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the NBA in field goal percentage (67.7%) during the 2013-14 season with the Dallas Mavericks.
- Won three consecutive Tennessee Mr. Basketball awards in high school, a state record.
- Named the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2007 after his lone season at the University of North Carolina.
- Won four consecutive TSSAA Division II state championships at Brentwood Academy.
Did You Know?
He wears a size 19 shoe.
Wright was academically eligible to enter college after his junior year of high school but chose to stay for his senior season.
He is cousins with former NBA player and coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
In his NBA career, he had a higher career field goal percentage (67.0% in 2014) than Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal's best season.
“My game was built on length, timing, and finishing above the rim.”
