Josh McRoberts
A high-flying, pass-first big man whose unselfish play and occasional highlight-reel dunks made him a unique role player across a decade in the NBA.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: February 28·Millennials
Biography
Josh McRoberts arrived in the NBA with the pedigree of a Duke Blue Devil and the athleticism of a player who could have been a star in another era. At 6'10", he possessed a guard's vision and flair, making him a fan favorite for his unexpected no-look passes and explosive dunks. His career was a tour of the league—from Portland to Indiana, Los Angeles, Charlotte, and Miami—always valued for his basketball IQ and versatility off the bench. While injuries often hampered his momentum, his best seasons came with the Charlotte Bobcats (later Hornets), where he thrived as a connective, playmaking forward. McRoberts' game was a subtle art of making others better, a skill that granted him an eleven-year career defined more by smart plays than scoring averages.
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.
Josh 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 Josh 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
Josh'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
- Played 11 seasons in the NBA for six different franchises.
- Won back-to-back Indiana state high school championships at Carmel High School.
- Was a key rotation player for the 2014 Charlotte Hornets, helping them reach the NBA playoffs.
Did You Know?
He won the McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest in 2005.
McRoberts was a highly recruited high school player, named a Parade All-American.
He played only two seasons at Duke University before declaring for the NBA draft.
“I always saw the floor, saw the play before it happened.”
