Robin Lopez
A 7-foot center known for his relentless rebounding, defensive grit, and an endearing love of Disney theme parks and mascot confrontations.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: April 1·Millennials
Biography
Robin Lopez entered the NBA alongside his twin brother Brook in 2008, but carved out a distinctly different identity. While Brook became an offensive focal point, Robin embraced the blue-collar role of an enforcer. With a signature flat-top haircut and a perpetual scowl during play, he was the archetypal hard-nosed center, setting bone-jarring screens, battling for offensive rebounds, and protecting the rim with physicality. His journeyman career, spanning nine teams, was a testament to his valued, specific skill set—every contender needed a big man willing to do the dirty work. Off the court, the scowl vanished, revealing a quirky, artistic personality obsessed with Disney, comic books, and theme park lore. He was known for his elaborate drawings and his running, good-natured feuds with NBA mascots, turning him into a fan favorite far beyond his statistical contributions.
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.
Robin was born in 1988, 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 Robin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Robin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a key defensive role for the 2012-13 Portland Trail Blazers team that won 54 games and made the playoffs.
- Started at center for the Chicago Bulls for three seasons, providing veteran stability and interior defense.
- Averaged a career-high 11.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game during the 2014-15 season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
- Selected 15th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, one spot after his twin brother Brook.
Did You Know?
He and his brother Brook are the tallest twins in NBA history, both standing 7 feet tall.
He is a passionate Disney fan and amateur cartoonist, often sketching characters and designing his own theme park attractions.
He famously engaged in playful, ongoing battles with various NBA mascots, including the Suns' Gorilla and the Bulls' Benny.
He attended Stanford University and played in the 2008 NCAA Tournament with his brother.
“My job is to set screens, rebound, and protect the paint.”
