Gerald Henderson Jr.
A high-flying Duke product who translated his athletic pedigree into a solid eight-year NBA career defined by explosive dunks and mid-range scoring.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: December 9·Millennials
Biography
Gerald Henderson Jr. carried a famous name and the expectations that came with it. The son of a former NBA champion, he forged his own path at Duke University, known for his defensive tenacity and a knack for clutch plays, including a famous game-winning shot in the 2009 ACC Tournament. Drafted 12th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats, he became a bright spot during some lean years for the franchise. Henderson was a classic wing scorer—reliant on a smooth pull-up jumper and capable of posterizing dunks. He peaked as Charlotte's leading scorer before the team's rebirth as the Hornets. Journeyman seasons with Portland and Philadelphia followed, his role diminishing but his professional approach never wavering. His career stands as a successful, if not star-laden, chapter in a true basketball family saga.
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.
Gerald 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 Gerald 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
Gerald'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
- Averaged a career-high 15.5 points per game as the leading scorer for the 2012-13 Charlotte Bobcats.
- Won an NCAA Championship with Duke in 2010 as a key rotation player.
- Hit a last-second game-winning shot against UNC in the 2009 ACC Tournament semifinals.
- Played in 513 NBA games over eight seasons, starting more than half of them.
Did You Know?
His father, Gerald Henderson Sr., won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and famously stole a pass in the 1984 NBA Finals.
He was a standout high school football wide receiver in Pennsylvania before focusing solely on basketball.
He majored in sociology at Duke University.
“I learned from my father that your work defines you.”
