Eric Gordon
A veteran NBA marksman whose lethal three-point shot and clutch scoring have defined his long career across multiple teams.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American-Bahamian basketball player·Birthday: December 25·Millennials
Biography
Eric Gordon's basketball identity was forged in fire from a young age. The Indiana high school phenom became a central figure in a fierce, public recruiting battle, a prelude to a professional life under the spotlight. At Indiana University, he was a one-and-done scoring machine. Drafted seventh overall in 2008, his early NBA years with the LA Clippers were marred by injuries, but they couldn't hide his pure shooting stroke. His career found its purpose with the Houston Rockets, where he evolved into the quintessential sixth man and a cornerstone of their offensive system. Gordon's willingness to launch from deep, combined with a stronger-than-he-looks frame for driving, made him a perfect complement to star guards. He later became a valued veteran presence, his shot-making remaining a premium skill well into his thirties.
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.
Eric 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 Eric Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Eric'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 the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2017 as a key scorer for the Houston Rockets.
- Led the NBA in three-pointers made during the 2016-17 season with 246.
- Won a gold medal with the USA Basketball team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
- Named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2007 after a dominant senior year at North Central High School.
Did You Know?
He holds dual citizenship in the United States and The Bahamas through his father.
Gordon was the subject of a major, heavily publicized college recruitment saga between Illinois and Indiana.
He won the NBA Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend in 2017.
His son, Eric Gordon III, was born in 2016.
“I’ve always been a shooter. That’s what I do.”
