Chris Johnson (basketball, born 1990)
A versatile, high-flying forward who carved out a global professional career with his defensive hustle and explosive athleticism.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: April 29·Millennials
Biography
Chris Johnson's basketball journey is a testament to persistence and adaptability. Emerging from the University of Dayton, where he was a key defensive presence, he went undrafted in 2012—a setback that defined his path. He became a classic 'glue guy,' earning his first NBA contract not with scoring, but with relentless energy, shot-blocking ability for his size, and a willingness to do the hard work. Stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics, and Utah Jazz followed, often on short-term deals. In the NBA, he was a rotational player who could change a game with a chasedown block or a corner three. When his NBA opportunities waned, he didn't fade away; he reinvented himself as a star in top international leagues, from Turkey to Israel to Russia. His career map shows a player who used his elite athleticism and professional attitude to build a lasting, globe-trotting life in the game.
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.
Chris was born in 1990, 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 Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Signed multiple NBA contracts as an undrafted free agent, playing for six different teams over five seasons.
- Led the Israeli Premier League in blocks during the 2018-19 season while playing for Hapoel Holon.
- Won the Turkish Basketball Super Cup in 2022 with Fenerbahçe.
- Played a key role in the University of Dayton's 2012 NCAA tournament appearance.
Did You Know?
He recorded 5 blocks in an NBA game twice during the 2013-14 season, first with Boston and then with Utah.
His twin brother, Chris Wright (also a basketball player), played briefly in the NBA, and they were teammates in the D-League.
He played for Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel, one of that country's most prominent clubs.
He was known for having a remarkable vertical leap, measured at over 40 inches during his pre-draft workouts.
“I earned my spot by guarding the best player every single night.”
