JaKarr Sampson
A relentless energy player who carved out a decade-long NBA career through sheer hustle, defensive grit, and an explosive athleticism that defied his undrafted status.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American basketball player·Birthday: March 20·Millennials
Biography
JaKarr Sampson's professional journey is a testament to the power of persistence. Coming out of St. John's University, he went undrafted in 2014, a setback that only fueled his motor. Sampson didn't have a refined offensive game; he made his living—and a surprisingly long NBA one—on pure effort. Coaches valued his boundless energy, his willingness to defend multiple positions, and his knack for offensive rebounding and rim-running. He bounced between the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls, never staying long but always leaving an impression with his athletic dunks and defensive versatility. His near seven-foot wingspan on a 6'7" frame made him a disruptive force. While never a star, Sampson's ability to contribute through intangibles allowed him to outlast many more heralded prospects, securing a role in the league for nearly a decade before taking his talents overseas.
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.
JaKarr was born in 1993, 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 JaKarr Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
JaKarr's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 300 games in the NBA across seven seasons with five different franchises.
- Won a national high school championship with Brewster Academy in 2012.
- Earned Big East All-Rookie Team honors at St. John's University in 2013.
- Averaged a career-high 5.4 points per game with the Denver Nuggets in the 2015-16 season.
Did You Know?
His first name, JaKarr, is a combination of his parents' names, James and Karen.
He led the Big East Conference in minutes played per game during his freshman year at St. John's.
Sampson played for the Zhejiang Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association after his NBA career.
“I'm here to bring energy, defend, and do whatever the team needs.”
