Jānis Timma
A versatile Latvian forward whose powerful play and three-point shooting made him a fan favorite across European basketball leagues.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Latvian basketball player·Birthday: July 2·Millennials
Biography
Jānis Timma carved out a respected career as a professional basketball player, known for his toughness, scoring ability, and signature headband. The 6'7" small forward from Valmiera made his name in the Latvian league before becoming a journeyman across Europe's top competitions. He played in Spain, Russia, Turkey, and notably had a standout season with Khimki in the VTB United League, where his all-around game flourished. Timma was a stalwart for the Latvian national team, representing his country in multiple EuroBasket tournaments. His playing style combined physicality with a smooth outside shot, making him a difficult matchup. His unexpected death in 2024 at the age of 32 shocked the basketball community, cutting short a career that had seen him become one of Latvia's most recognizable sporting exports.
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.
Jānis was born in 1992, 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 Jānis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jānis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the VTB United League MVP in the 2016-17 season while playing for Khimki Moscow Region.
- Represented Latvia in three EuroBasket tournaments (2015, 2017, 2022).
- Won the Latvian Basketball League championship with VEF Rīga in 2012.
- Selected to the All-EuroCup First Team in 2017.
Did You Know?
He was selected 60th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2013 NBA draft, though he never played in the league.
Timma had a large, distinctive tattoo of a samurai warrior spanning his entire back.
He played for eight different professional clubs across six countries in his career.
His father, Andris Timma, was also a professional basketball player in Latvia.
“You play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.”
