Julian Wright
A high-flying forward whose relentless hustle on the boards made him a rebounding champion in the Israeli league.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: May 20·Millennials
Biography
Julian Wright's basketball journey was defined by explosive athleticism and a versatile skill set that promised a bright future. Emerging from the University of Kansas, where he was a key component of a formidable Jayhawks team, his professional path took him across the globe. While his NBA tenure showed flashes of his potential, it was overseas where Wright truly cemented his reputation as a force of nature. In Israel, he transformed into a dominant interior presence, leading the entire league in rebounds during the 2014-15 season. His career arc speaks to the adaptability and perseverance required of modern athletes, finding his most impactful role far from his starting point and excelling through sheer physical will.
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.
Julian 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 Julian 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
Julian'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
- Led the Israel Basketball Premier League in total rebounds during the 2014-15 season.
- Played a significant role for the Kansas Jayhawks, a perennial NCAA championship contender.
- Was selected 13th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets.
Did You Know?
He was a McDonald's All-American in high school.
His full name includes 'Emil-Jamaal', reflecting a diverse heritage.
He played for the Toronto Raptors during his NBA career.
“My game is about energy, defense, and making the right pass.”
