Paul Zipser
A German forward who defied the odds, going from a second-round NBA draft pick to a key role player for the Chicago Bulls.
Born 1994 (age 32)·German basketball player·Birthday: February 18·Millennials
Biography
Paul Zipser's basketball journey is a testament to the global pathways into the NBA. Hailing from Heidelberg, he developed his game in Germany's Bundesliga before declaring for the 2016 draft, where the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 48th overall pick. His transition to the world's top league was marked by a workmanlike approach; he wasn't a flashy star, but a versatile 6'8" forward who could defend multiple positions and hit the occasional three. Zipser carved out a meaningful role in his rookie season, appearing in 44 games and showing a poise that belied his international rookie status. While his NBA tenure lasted two seasons, his story resonated as that of a player who maximized his opportunity, proving that second-round picks from Europe could contribute immediately. His return to the Bundesliga with MLP Academics Heidelberg represented a homecoming, where his experience at the highest level elevated his status in the German basketball scene.
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.
Paul was born in 1994, 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 Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected by the Chicago Bulls in the second round (48th overall) of the 2016 NBA Draft.
- Played 44 games for the Bulls in his rookie 2016-17 season, averaging over 15 minutes per game.
- Represented Germany in international competition, including at the senior EuroBasket level.
Did You Know?
He shares a birthday (February 18) with NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady.
Zipser played for Bayern Munich's basketball team before entering the NBA draft.
His NBA debut was on November 5, 2016, against the Orlando Magic.
“I learned to compete every single day, no matter the role.”
