Thaddeus Young
An NBA ironman whose consistent two-way play and high basketball IQ made him a valued contributor for over a decade and a half.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: June 21·Millennials
Biography
Thaddeus Young entered the NBA as a teenage first-round pick out of Georgia Tech, bringing a raw, athletic package to the Philadelphia 76ers. He didn't become a flashy superstar, but instead carved out a remarkably durable career as the ultimate professional. Coaches valued his versatility—a forward who could guard multiple positions, score efficiently around the basket, and generate steals with quick hands. His journey saw him become a veteran leader for teams like the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls, often serving as the steadying force for younger rosters. Young's legacy is one of understated excellence; his name sits in rare statistical company with all-time greats, a testament to his well-rounded, night-in, night-out production that kept him in the league long after his draft classmates had retired.
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.
Thaddeus 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 Thaddeus Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Thaddeus'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 over 1,100 regular season NBA games, a mark of exceptional longevity and durability.
- Ranked fifth in NBA history in combined statistical benchmarks for points, rebounds, steals, and shooting efficiency alongside legends like Larry Bird and LeBron James.
- Averaged a career-high 17.9 points per game during the 2013-14 season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Was a key starter for the Indiana Pacers teams that made consecutive playoff appearances in the late 2010s.
Did You Know?
He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2007 after his single season at Georgia Tech.
Young is an avid chess player and has spoken about how the game improves his basketball mind.
He founded the Young for Youth Foundation, focusing on education and wellness for children.
He led the NBA in total steals during the 2010-11 season with 166.
“I just try to go out there and be the glue guy. Do whatever it takes to win.”
