Ryan Anderson (basketball, born 1988)
A sweet-shooting big man whose lethal three-point accuracy helped pioneer the modern 'stretch four' role in the NBA.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: May 6·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Anderson arrived in the NBA with a specific, valuable skill: he could shoot the lights out, and he could do it at six-foot-ten. At a time when power forwards were still expected to operate primarily in the paint, Anderson's comfort far beyond the arc made him an early prototype of the modern stretch forward. His breakout season came with the Orlando Magic in 2012, where he led the league in three-pointers made and won the Most Improved Player award. That performance cemented his reputation as a floor-spacing specialist. While defensive limitations followed him, his offensive gravity was undeniable, creating driving lanes for teammates. Journeys with New Orleans, Houston, and Phoenix followed, each team seeking to harness his unique shooting touch. His career stands as a footnote in basketball's tactical evolution, a proof of concept for the shooting big man.
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.
Ryan 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 Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ryan'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
- Won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2012 while with the Orlando Magic.
- Led the entire NBA in three-point field goals made during the 2011-2012 season (166).
- Averaged a career-high 19.8 points per game in the 2011-2012 season.
- Played a key role for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging double-digit scoring for several seasons.
Did You Know?
He was a McDonald's All-American in high school and California's Mr. Basketball in 2006.
Anderson's girlfriend, Gia Allemand, died by suicide in 2013, a tragedy that deeply affected him and which he has spoken about publicly.
He played only one season of college basketball at California before declaring for the NBA draft.
“My job is to stretch the floor and make the defense pay.”
