Jordan Hill (basketball)
A high-energy big man whose relentless hustle on the boards carved out a solid decade-long career in the NBA.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: July 27·Millennials
Biography
Jordan Hill's journey to the NBA was one of steady development. A standout at the University of Arizona, he transformed from a raw prospect into a dominant force in the paint, earning All-Pac-10 honors. Selected 8th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2009 draft, his early career was marked by the typical turbulence of a lottery pick on a rebuilding team. It was after a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers that Hill found his definitive role. He became a fan favorite for his boundless energy, specializing in offensive rebounding and providing crucial second-chance points off the bench. While never a star, his willingness to do the gritty work—set hard screens, battle for every loose ball, and protect the rim—made him a valuable rotation player for contenders like the Lakers and later the Indiana Pacers. His career stands as a testament to the impact a player can have by fully embracing a specific, physically demanding role.
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.
Jordan 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 Jordan 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
Jordan'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
- Averaged a double-double (11.0 points, 8.4 rebounds) during the 2014-15 season as a starting center for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Selected 8th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks after a standout season at Arizona.
- Played a key reserve role for the Indiana Pacers team that reached the 2018 NBA playoffs.
- Recorded 20 rebounds in a single game for the Lakers in 2014, showcasing his elite rebounding ability.
Did You Know?
He was a late bloomer in basketball, not playing organized ball until his sophomore year of high school.
At Arizona, he dramatically improved his scoring average from 4.7 points per game as a freshman to 18.3 as a junior.
He once grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in a single game for the Lakers, highlighting his relentless effort.
“I bring energy, rebounds, and defense every time I step on the floor.”
