Henry Walker (basketball)
A powerful, high-flying wing whose promising career was reshaped by injuries, leading to a determined global basketball odyssey.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 9·Millennials
Biography
Henry Walker, then known as Bill, delivered a 38-point game for Kansas State as a freshman, showcasing the explosive leaping ability that made him a top high school prospect. The Boston Celtics drafted him in 2008, and he threw down highlight-reel dunks for the Celtics and New York Knicks that hinted at his potential. Knee injuries then dulled the elite bounce that defined his game. Walker refused to end his career. He rebuilt himself as a basketball citizen of the world, becoming a prolific scorer in leagues across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. His game matured into a blend of strength and savvy, making him a fan favorite in each stop. Walker’s journey shows that a player can thrive long after the initial spotlight fades.
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.
Henry 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 Henry 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
Henry'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 an NBA D-League championship with the Idaho Stampede in 2016.
- Scored a career-high 22 points in an NBA game for the New York Knicks against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2010.
- Named to the All-Big 12 Rookie Team in 2007 after his season at Kansas State.
Did You Know?
He was a high school teammate of NBA All-Star O.J. Mayo at North College Hill High School in Ohio.
He legally changed his name from Bill Walker back to his birth name, Henry Walker, in 2014.
He won a Chinese NBL championship with the Shaanxi Wolves in 2017.
“My job is to bring energy and defend whenever I step on the floor.”
