Terrence Williams
A first-round NBA talent whose explosive athleticism and playmaking vision dazzled fans before his career took an unexpected turn.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: June 28·Millennials
Biography
Terrence Williams arrived in the NBA with the swagger and skill set of a future star. The New Jersey Nets selected him 11th overall in 2009, captivated by his combination of size, court vision, and highlight-reel dunks honed at the University of Louisville. His rookie season offered flashes of brilliance—triple-doubles that hinted at a unique, point-forward potential. However, inconsistency and off-court challenges prevented him from cementing a lasting role. Williams became a basketball journeyman, bouncing across several NBA teams and overseas leagues, his professional path shorter than many anticipated. His story remains one of unfulfilled potential, a reminder of how difficult it is to sustain success at the sport's highest level, yet his athletic peak was a spectacle that left a mark on those who watched.
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.
Terrence was born in 1987, 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 Terrence Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Terrence's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 11th overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2009 NBA Draft.
- Recorded two triple-doubles as an NBA rookie, showcasing rare all-around ability for a wing player.
- Served as senior co-captain for the 2008-09 Louisville Cardinals, leading them to the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight.
- Named the Big East Conference Player of the Year in 2009 after a standout collegiate season.
Did You Know?
He was a high school teammate of NBA point guard Brandon Jennings at Oak Hill Academy.
Williams is a talented visual artist and has shared his drawings and paintings on social media.
He won the NBA's Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award for April 2010.
“I see the whole floor; my job is to make the right pass.”
