Marcus Thornton (basketball, born 1987)
A microwave scorer nicknamed 'The Bucket' who could ignite for 20 points off the bench in a flash for multiple NBA teams.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: June 5·Millennials
Biography
Marcus Thornton entered the league with a simple, valuable skill: he could get buckets in a hurry. The second-round pick out of LSU didn't need plays called for him; he needed a green light. That’s what he found in New Orleans, where he earned All-Rookie honors by bombing away with a fearless confidence. His game was pure, unadulterated offense—pull-up jumpers, drives, and a quick trigger from deep. He became a journeyman, bringing his instant-offense package to seven different teams over eight seasons. Coaches valued him as a sparkplug, a player who could change the temperature of a game in a five-minute stint. While defense wasn't his calling card, on nights when his shot was falling, Thornton was a spectacle, embodying the pure, chaotic joy of a heat-check artist.
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.
Marcus 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 Marcus 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
Marcus'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
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2010 after being selected 43rd overall.
- Scored a career-high 42 points for the Sacramento Kings in a 2011 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Averaged over 18 points per game in his first full season with the New Orleans Hornets.
Did You Know?
His nickname is 'The Bucket' or 'MT3' for his scoring prowess and jersey number.
He played college basketball at LSU, where he was a teammate of future NBA player Garrett Temple.
He led the NBA in three-pointers made per 36 minutes during the 2010-11 season.
“I’m a scorer. That’s what I do. I put the ball in the basket.”
