Steven Hunter
A 7-foot defensive specialist whose shot-blocking presence anchored NBA teams for nearly a decade before a globe-trotting career finale.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 31·Millennials
Biography
Born in Chicago, Steven Hunter parlayed his towering frame and athleticism into a standout career at DePaul University, catching the eye of NBA scouts. Selected 15th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, he carved out a niche as a rim-protecting center. Over eight NBA seasons with teams like the Magic, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets, Hunter was less about scoring and more about altering the geometry of the paint with his long arms and timing. His professional journey didn't end stateside; he embraced the European circuit, playing in Italy and Greece, adding an international chapter to his basketball story before retiring as a player.
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.
Steven 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 Steven Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Steven'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 15th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2001 NBA Draft.
- Played in 361 NBA games across eight seasons for five different franchises.
- Averaged 1.1 blocks per game in just over 17 minutes of play during his NBA career.
- Extended his playing career internationally with stints in Italy's Serie A and the Greek Basket League.
Did You Know?
He was a McDonald's All-American in high school in 1999.
He played his final professional season for Dinamo Sassari in Italy in 2010-11.
His NBA career field goal percentage was a highly efficient 55.4%.
He shares a birth year (1981) with fellow Chicago native and NBA player Eddy Curry.
“My job was to protect the paint, block shots, and finish at the rim.”
