Justin Anderson (basketball)
A high-flying wing whose defensive grit and explosive athleticism made him a valuable '3-and-D' specialist across the NBA and Europe.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 19·Millennials
Biography
Justin Anderson's game is built on force and effort. At the University of Virginia, he was the defensive stopper and emotional sparkplug for a methodical, top-ranked team, his thunderous dunks providing sudden bursts of offense. Drafted in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks, he found his niche as a prototypical modern role player: a '3-and-D' wing who could guard multiple positions and knock down corner threes. His NBA journey took him from Dallas to Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Brooklyn, each stop valuing his relentless energy off the bench. Never quite securing a permanent starting role, Anderson later embraced a successful pivot to European basketball, where his athleticism and experience shined in the EuroLeague. His career arc reflects that of many athletes—maximizing specific skills, adapting to different team needs, and carving out a lasting professional life in the global basketball landscape through sheer will and physical prowess.
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.
Justin was born in 1993, 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 Justin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Justin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected in the first round (21st overall) of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.
- Played over 200 games in the NBA across five different franchises.
- Won an ACC championship and was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team while at the University of Virginia.
- Transitioned to a key role for EuroLeague team LDLC ASVEL in France, competing at Europe's highest club level.
Did You Know?
He is known for his exceptionally high vertical leap and has participated in NBA Slam Dunk contests.
He majored in Youth and Social Innovation at the University of Virginia.
He is deeply religious and has a tattoo that reads "Faith over Fear" on his arm.
“I bring the energy, the defense, and the hard fouls.”
