J. R. Giddens
A high-flying talent whose NBA career was brief, but who found a second act shaping future players as a college coach.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American former basketball player·Birthday: February 13·Millennials
Biography
J.R. Giddens emerged from Oklahoma City as a blue-chip prospect, his explosive athleticism earning him a coveted spot on the McDonald's All-American roster. His college journey took a winding path, starting at basketball powerhouse Kansas before he found his stride at the University of New Mexico, where he became a conference player of the year. Drafted in the first round by the Boston Celtics in 2008, his professional career never quite matched the promise of his youth, spanning the NBA, the G League, and overseas leagues. After retiring in 2019, he pivoted decisively, moving from the court to the sidelines to lead the women's basketball program at Northern New Mexico College, channeling his hard-earned experience into coaching.
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.
J. was born in 1985, 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 J. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
J.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as a McDonald's All-American in 2003, a top honor for US high school players.
- Named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year in 2008 while at the University of New Mexico.
- Drafted 30th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the championship-bound Boston Celtics.
- Served as the head coach of the Northern New Mexico College women's basketball team.
Did You Know?
He was teammates with future NBA All-Star Jeff Green at the University of Kansas.
He won an NBA D-League (now G League) championship with the Utah Flash in 2009.
His son, J.R. Giddens Jr., is also a highly-touted basketball prospect.
“My athleticism was my ticket, but I had to learn the game.”
