Chris Singleton (basketball, born 1989)
A versatile defensive stalwart who brought hustle and length to the NBA after a standout career at Florida State.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 21·Millennials
Biography
Chris Singleton carved out a professional basketball career defined by defensive versatility and a blue-collar approach. At Florida State, he blossomed into one of the nation's premier defenders, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors with his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes. Selected 18th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2011 NBA Draft, his rookie season showed promise, but he settled into the role of a hard-nosed rotational forward. His offensive game was workmanlike, built on energy plays and corner threes, while his true value lay in his defensive switchability. After three seasons in Washington, his journey took him across the globe, with significant stints in Europe and Asia, where he continued to be a valued contributor for his defensive intensity and professional demeanor.
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 1989, 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 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
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
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 while playing for Florida State University.
- Selected in the first round (18th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards.
- Played three seasons in the NBA, appearing in 148 games primarily as a defensive specialist.
- Won the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) championship with the Beijing Ducks in 2015.
Did You Know?
He was a highly-rated football wide receiver in high school before focusing solely on basketball.
He led the ACC in steals during his final collegiate season at Florida State.
After his time in the NBA, he had a successful career overseas, playing in countries including Russia, China, and Spain.
He is known for his extensive tattoo work, including a large map of the world on his torso.
“Defense wins games; I take pride in shutting down the other team's best player.”
