Joe Ingles
An Australian basketball savant whose unassuming style, pinpoint passing, and deadly three-point shot made him a cult hero and franchise pillar in Utah.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian basketball player·Birthday: October 2·Millennials
Biography
Joe Ingles' journey to NBA relevance is a classic underdog tale. After a strong career in Australia and Europe, he arrived in the NBA as a 27-year-old rookie, seen by many as a temporary fill-in. The Utah Jazz, however, quickly discovered they had a unique basketball intellect on their hands. With a slow-motion gait that belied his sharp mind, 'Jinglin' Joe' became the ultimate glue guy—a deceptively brilliant passer, a lethal three-point shooter, and a defensive irritant who got under the skin of opponents. He formed a legendary partnership with center Rudy Gobert, mastering the pick-and-pop, and eventually became the Jazz's all-time leader in three-pointers made. His value was never in box-score explosions, but in the steady, smart plays that win games. Ingles' success paved the way for other late-blooming international players and cemented his status as an Australian basketball icon.
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.
Joe 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 Joe 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
Joe'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
- Became the Utah Jazz franchise's all-time leader in three-point field goals made.
- Led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage during the 2019-20 season.
- Won a silver medal with the Australian national team (Boomers) at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- Earned All-NBL First Team honors in Australia before beginning his NBA career.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Renae Ingles, a netball star, are one of Australia's most famous sports couples.
Ingles is known for his dry, sarcastic sense of humor and was a frequent subject of the Jazz's behind-the-scenes video content.
He has a twin brother who is not involved in professional sports.
He played for several teams in Europe, including FC Barcelona, before signing with the Jazz.
“I'm not the most athletic, I can't jump, I'm not quick. I've just got to be smarter.”
