Emir Preldžić
A uniquely skilled and towering playmaker from the Balkans, he carved out a distinctive European career with his rare combination of guard skills in a forward's body.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Turkish basketball player·Birthday: September 6·Millennials
Biography
Emir Preldžić helped Turkey's national team win a silver medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Born in 1987 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he gained Turkish citizenship and played as a 6'9" forward with a point guard's vision and passing flair. His career spanned Europe's highest levels, notably at Fenerbahçe, where he initiated offense, shot from distance, and defended multiple positions. Never the fastest or most athletic, Preldžić used high basketball IQ and exceptional passing to orchestrate play and create mismatches. His skill and intelligence over pure physicality defined his value in the European game.
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.
Emir 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 Emir 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
Emir'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
- Won a silver medal with the Turkish national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
- Claimed multiple Turkish Basketball Super League championships with Fenerbahçe Ülker.
- Led the 2012-13 EuroCup season in assists, showcasing his playmaking ability from the forward position.
- Earned the EuroCup MVP award for the 2012-13 season while playing for Fenerbahçe.
Did You Know?
He is one of the tallest players in professional basketball history to regularly function as a primary ball-handler and playmaker.
Preldžić was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2009 NBA Draft (57th overall) but never played in the league.
He holds dual citizenship for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey.
His father, Muhamed Preldžić, was also a professional basketball player.
“My height is a tool, but my mind is my real position on the court.”
