Edy Tavares
A towering defensive force whose incredible wingspan and shot-blocking prowess anchor one of Europe's best basketball teams.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Cape Verdean basketball player·Birthday: March 22·Millennials
Biography
Edy Tavares is a physical marvel who has turned his extraordinary gifts into a dominant basketball career, albeit on a different path than expected. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, his initial NBA stint was brief, a common story for raw, project big men. Instead of fading, Tavares embarked on a journey of refinement in Europe, where his game blossomed. At Real Madrid, he transformed into the continent's most fearsome defensive presence. Standing 7'3" with a wingspan nearing 7'9", he patrols the paint with an intimidating aura, swatting shots and controlling the glass. His development into a skilled finisher and intelligent defender has made him the cornerstone of a dynasty, proving that supreme impact can be found by mastering a specific, crucial role at the highest level outside the NBA.
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.
Edy was born in 1992, 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 Edy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Edy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
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
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the EuroLeague championship with Real Madrid, earning the EuroLeague Best Defender award in the same season.
- Named to the All-EuroLeague First Team as a dominant defensive center.
- Led the EuroLeague in blocks for multiple seasons, establishing himself as its premier rim protector.
- Became a key player for the Cape Verde national team, leading them in major international competitions.
Did You Know?
He did not start playing organized basketball until he was 17 years old.
He worked as a fisherman and in construction in Cape Verde before his basketball talent was discovered.
He holds the record for the longest wingspan ever measured at the NBA Draft Combine.
His full name is Walter Samuel Tavares da Veiga.
“My height is a tool. I use it to protect the rim and change the game.”
