John Lucas III
A resilient point guard who carved out an NBA career against the odds and now shapes future talent as a respected development coach.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 21·Millennials
Biography
John Lucas III's basketball life is a story of pedigree and perseverance. The son of a former NBA star and coach, he was born into the game, but his path was never guaranteed. Standing well under six feet tall in a league of giants, Lucas relied on sheer grit, a high basketball IQ, and a deadly outside shot. His professional journey was a global odyssey, taking him from the NBA Development League to stints in Spain, Italy, and China before he finally secured a lasting spot in the NBA. His most memorable moment came hitting a game-winning shot for the Chicago Bulls against the Miami Heat's 'Big Three' in 2012, a signature play for a player who always fought for his place. After his playing days, Lucas seamlessly transitioned into coaching, drawing on his vast experience to mentor young players, first with the Minnesota Timberwolves and now in the WNBA, helping to develop the next generation of professional talent.
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.
John was born in 1982, 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 John Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
John's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
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 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played point guard for six different NBA teams across eight seasons, including the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets.
- Hit a game-winning jump shot to defeat the Miami Heat in March 2012 as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
- Currently serves as a player development coach for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, contributing to their championship success.
- Enjoyed a prolific college career, playing for both Baylor and Oklahoma State University.
Did You Know?
His father, John Lucas II, was the number one overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft.
He played professionally in Spain, Italy, and China before solidifying his NBA career.
He and his father are one of only a few father-son duos to have both played in the NBA.
He was a standout high school player in Texas, winning a state championship.
“They said I was too small, so I made my shot and my will unbreakable.”
