Kyle Weaver
A defensive stalwart for Washington State who turned a second-round draft pick into a meaningful, if brief, NBA career defined by hustle.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American basketball player·Birthday: February 18·Millennials
Biography
Kyle Weaver's basketball story is one of a player who maximized every ounce of his ability. At Washington State University, he was the engine of a resurgent Cougars program, a long-armed guard who could defend multiple positions, handle the ball, and make plays in transition. His all-around game earned him Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors and propelled his team to the NCAA tournament. Drafted in the second round by the Charlotte Bobcats, he carved out a niche as a reliable, energy-giving reserve. While his NBA tenure lasted only three seasons, Weaver was the kind of player coaches trusted—a smart defender and unselfish teammate who made the most of his opportunities before continuing his professional journey overseas.
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.
Kyle was born in 1986, 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 Kyle Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kyle's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 while at Washington State University.
- Helped lead Washington State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2007 and 2008.
- Played 143 games in the NBA across three seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats and Utah Jazz.
- Recorded a triple-double in the NBA D-League with the Utah Flash in 2010.
Did You Know?
His father, LaMont Weaver, played college basketball at the University of Wisconsin and was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1975.
He majored in communication at Washington State University.
After his playing career, he returned to Washington State as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team.
“My game was never about flash; it was about doing whatever the team needed.”
