Darren Collison
A lightning-fast point guard whose quiet consistency and sharp decision-making made him a reliable starter for a decade in the NBA.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: August 23·Millennials
Biography
Darren Collison's basketball journey is a testament to steady excellence over flash. Emerging from a powerhouse UCLA program where he ran the floor for future stars, he carried a reputation as a cerebral and speedy floor general into the 2009 NBA draft. His rookie season was a revelation; thrust into a starting role due to injury, he delivered with a poise that belied his years, nearly averaging a double-double. That set the tone for a ten-year career defined not by All-Star appearances, but by a dependable, low-turnover presence for teams like the Pacers and Kings. He was the engine who could score efficiently, distribute wisely, and pressure the ball, making every team he played for immediately more organized. His retirement in 2019, at a time when he could still contribute, was a surprise, underscoring a life and identity built beyond the court.
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.
Darren 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 Darren 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
Darren'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
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2010 after averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists for New Orleans.
- Led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage during the 2017-18 season, hitting 46.8% of his attempts for Indiana.
- Started 461 of his 708 regular-season NBA games, serving as a primary point guard for multiple playoff teams.
- Won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award in 2009 as the nation's top senior player 6 feet tall or under.
Did You Know?
He majored in Sociology at UCLA.
He and his wife are devout Jehovah's Witnesses, a faith that played a role in his retirement decision.
He led the Pac-10 in assists during his sophomore year at UCLA.
He recorded a triple-double in just his 13th NBA start as a rookie.
“My game is built on speed and making the right read every single time.”
