Craig Brackins
A versatile forward whose sharp shooting and high-flying college days led to a globe-trotting professional career across three continents.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 9·Millennials
Biography
Craig Brackins entered the basketball consciousness as a dynamic scoring force at Iowa State University, where his ability to stretch the floor as a big man made him a nightmare matchup. Selected in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets, his path to a stable NBA role proved elusive, leading to a professional journey that became a masterclass in adaptability. Brackins carved out a significant and respected career overseas, becoming a star in top European leagues like Israel's Winner League and the German BBL. His game evolved from pure scoring to include savvy playmaking and rebounding, making him a valued veteran leader for teams in Turkey, Italy, and France. His story is less about unfulfilled NBA promise and more about the successful reinvention of a talented player into a European mainstay.
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.
Craig 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 Craig 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
Craig'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
- Selected 21st overall in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets.
- Named to the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2009 after averaging 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game for Iowa State.
- Won the Israeli State Cup with Hapoel Jerusalem in 2019.
Did You Know?
He was traded on draft night in 2009 from the New Orleans Hornets to the Philadelphia 76ers.
He played for the NBA G League's Maine Red Claws, where he was a teammate of former Celtic Rajon Rondo during a rehab assignment.
His father, Craig Brackins Sr., played college basketball at the University of San Francisco.
“I've played everywhere, and I've learned you have to adapt your game to survive.”
