Jodie Meeks
A sharpshooting guard who authored one of the most explosive scoring nights in Kentucky basketball history before carving out a decade-long NBA role.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: August 21·Millennials
Biography
Jodie Meeks scored 54 points against Tennessee in 2009, a University of Kentucky single-game record that still stands. Born in 1987 in Tennessee, the quiet guard drained 10 three-pointers in that performance and became a second-round NBA draft pick. His professional career was defined by adaptability: he never became a star but evolved into a valued role player who spaced the floor with shooting. He played for seven teams over ten seasons, culminating in a 2019 NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, where his veteran presence and professionalism were assets. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, joining the New Orleans Pelicans staff.
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.
Jodie 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 Jodie 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
Jodie'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
- Scored a University of Kentucky record 54 points in a single game against Tennessee in 2009.
- Won an NBA championship as a member of the 2019 Toronto Raptors.
- Led the NBA in free-throw percentage (90.5%) during the 2013-14 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Set a Kentucky single-game record with 10 three-pointers made during his 54-point performance.
Did You Know?
His full name is Orestes Jodie Meeks II.
He was teammates with both Kobe Bryant on the Lakers and Stephen Curry in high school at the Stephen Curry Select Camp.
He played for the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G League during the 2021-22 season before retiring.
His father, Orestes Meeks, played college basketball at Old Dominion.
“Shooters shoot; you find your spot, and you let it fly.”
