Damian Lillard
A cold-blooded clutch shooter known for pulling up from the logo and defining loyalty in a modern NBA superstar.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: July 15·Millennials
Biography
Damian Lillard arrived from Weber State with quiet confidence that soon became 'Dame Time'. In Portland he built a reputation on deep, audacious three-pointers and a preternatural calm in game-winning moments. More than a scorer, he anchored the Trail Blazers for over a decade, a star who publicly chose to build a winner in a smaller market. His playoff buzzer-beaters—the series-ender against Houston in 2014, the wave-goodbye shot against Oklahoma City in 2019—are fixed in postseason history. A master of pace and space, his offensive arsenal, including the trademark side-step three, made him one of the most feared late-game operators of his generation. When Milwaukee traded for him in 2023, it was less a departure from his principles than a new chapter for a player whose commitment to winning aligned with an immediate championship push.
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.
Damian 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 Damian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Damian'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
- Named the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2012-13 season.
- A nine-time NBA All-Star and seven-time All-NBA Team selection.
- Led the Portland Trail Blazers to the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
- Won an Olympic gold medal with the USA Basketball team at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
- Ranked among the NBA's all-time leaders in three-pointers made.
Did You Know?
He is a successful rapper who releases music under the name Dame D.O.L.L.A.
He famously wears a wristwatch during games to signify his readiness for 'Dame Time' in clutch moments.
He graduated from Weber State University with a degree in professional sales.
He scored a career-high and franchise-record 71 points in a game against the Houston Rockets in 2023.
“If you want to look good in front of thousands, you have to outwork thousands in front of nobody.”
