JJ Hickson
A high-flying forward whose NBA career was a testament to raw athletic power and resilience across multiple teams and continents.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: September 4·Millennials
Biography
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, JJ Hickson's basketball journey was defined by explosive athleticism. After a single standout season at North Carolina State, he entered the 2008 NBA Draft, catching the eye of the Cleveland Cavaliers who selected him in the first round. His early years were spent in the long shadow of LeBron James, but Hickson carved out a role as an energetic rebounder and finisher around the rim. His professional path was nomadic, taking him from Cleveland to Sacramento, Portland, and Denver, with each stop showcasing his relentless hustle. When the 2011 NBA lockout halted play, he didn't sit still, taking his talents to Israel for Bnei HaSharon, demonstrating a global dedication to the game. While never a star, his nine-year career was a model of physical perseverance, a player who maximized his gifts through sheer effort.
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.
JJ was born in 1988, 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 JJ Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
JJ's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 19th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2008 NBA Draft.
- Played nine seasons in the NBA for five different franchises.
- Averaged a career-high 12.7 points per game during the 2011-12 season with the Sacramento Kings.
- Played professionally in Israel for Bnei HaSharon during the 2011 NBA lockout.
Did You Know?
He was named the ACC Rookie of the Year for the 2007-08 college basketball season.
In high school, he was a teammate of NBA player Gani Lawal.
He recorded his first career triple-double with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014.
“I attack the glass like every rebound is my last meal.”
