DeAndre Liggins
A defensive specialist whose relentless hustle carved out a decade-long NBA career against the odds, becoming a valued journeyman across the league.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: March 31·Millennials
Biography
DeAndre Liggins emerged from Chicago's tough streets to the bright lights of Kentucky, where his defensive intensity became his calling card. While not a primary scorer, his tenacity on the ball and ability to guard multiple positions made him a unique asset. After being drafted in the second round in 2011, he embarked on a classic basketball odyssey, bouncing between the NBA, the G League, and international teams. His persistence paid off with a key rotational role on the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship team, proving that defensive specialists have a vital place in the modern game. Liggins's career is a testament to the power of carving out a specific, indispensable niche.
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.
DeAndre was born in 1988, 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 DeAndre Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
DeAndre's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won an NBA Championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
- Named the NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 while playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
- Earned SEC All-Defensive Team honors in 2011 during his final season at the University of Kentucky.
Did You Know?
He was teammates with NBA MVP Derrick Rose at Chicago's Simeon Career Academy.
Liggins led the SEC in steals during the 2010-2011 college basketball season.
He played for 10 different NBA franchises over his professional career.
“My role is to lock down the best player and change the game with defense.”
