Jeremy Evans
A high-flying forward who soared from obscurity to win the NBA's most electrifying individual competition.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 24·Millennials
Biography
Jeremy Evans carved out a memorable NBA career defined by one spectacular moment. The Arkansas native, a slender forward from Western Kentucky, was a second-round draft pick by the Utah Jazz in 2010, never expected to be a star. His game was built on relentless energy and breathtaking athleticism, which he channeled perfectly in 2012. That year, Evans captured the NBA Slam Dunk Contest crown with a now-legendary leap over a painted portrait of himself. While his role was often as a situational energizer off the bench, his seven-year journey through the league, including stops in Dallas and Atlanta, proved the staying power of a player who maximized his unique physical gifts. His legacy is that of the ultimate specialist, a man who turned aerial artistry into a permanent highlight.
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.
Jeremy 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 Jeremy 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
Jeremy'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 the 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with a creative jump over a painted portrait.
- Played seven seasons in the NBA for the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, and Atlanta Hawks.
- Was selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round (55th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft.
Did You Know?
His 2012 Slam Dunk Contest win was aided by a custom-made, smaller basketball he could palm more easily.
He played college basketball at Western Kentucky University, leading the Hilltoppers to the NCAA Tournament in 2008 and 2009.
He holds the NBA record for highest player efficiency rating in a single game (min. 5 minutes played), scoring 10 points with 3 rebounds in just 5 minutes for a PER of 123.1 in 2013.
“I just try to bring energy every time I step on the floor.”
