Raitis Grafs
A towering Latvian center who anchored his national team for a generation and became a EuroLeague staple with his physical, classic post play.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Latvian basketball player·Birthday: June 12·Millennials
Biography
Raitis Grafs was the bedrock of Latvian basketball in the post-Soviet era, a 6'11" center whose game was built on fundamental strength and unwavering effort. In a sport increasingly favoring mobility and shooting, Grafs carved out a long career by mastering the traditional big-man arts: setting bone-crushing screens, battling for rebounds, and scoring with his back to the basket. He became a fixture for the Latvian national team, his presence in the paint a source of stability as the country sought to reclaim its hoops identity on the European stage. His club journey took him across the continent, with notable success in Poland and Lithuania, and he earned recognition as a FIBA EuroStar in 2007. Grafs never sought the spotlight, but his consistent, blue-collar contributions made him a respected figure wherever he played.
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.
Raitis was born in 1981, 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 Raitis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Raitis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
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
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as a FIBA EuroStar in 2007, recognizing him as one of Europe's top players.
- Had a prolonged and successful club career across multiple European leagues, including the EuroLeague.
- Was a long-time cornerstone player for the senior Latvian national basketball team.
Did You Know?
He played college basketball in the United States for the Valparaiso Crusaders.
He won multiple Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) championships with Žalgiris Kaunas.
His professional career spanned over 15 years across six different countries.
“My job was to set the hardest screens and grab every rebound in my area.”
