Jonas Jerebko
A Swedish basketball pioneer who carved out a decade-long NBA career with his relentless hustle and blue-collar work ethic.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Swedish basketball player·Birthday: March 2·Millennials
Biography
Jonas Jerebko grew up in the small town of Kinna, Sweden, a world away from the bright lights of the NBA. His path was unconventional, honing his skills in the Italian league before the Detroit Pistons saw something special. Drafted in 2009, he immediately made an impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Jerebko’s game wasn’t built on flashy scoring; it was defined by energy, defensive versatility, and a willingness to dive for every loose ball. Over ten seasons with four different teams, including a trip to the NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors, he became a beloved locker-room presence and a testament to international perseverance. His success helped pave the way for a new generation of Swedish players dreaming of the league.
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.
Jonas 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 Jonas 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
Jonas'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
- Selected 39th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, becoming the second Swedish-born player ever drafted.
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2010 after a standout first season with the Detroit Pistons.
- Played in the 2019 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors.
- Enjoyed a ten-season NBA career spanning four different franchises.
Did You Know?
He is a part-owner of the esports organization Ninjas in Pyjamas.
His father, Chris Jerebko, was also a professional basketball player in Sweden.
He played for the Swedish national team in multiple European Championships.
“I came from a small town in Sweden where nobody thought the NBA was possible.”
