Tim Frazier
An American point guard whose basketball IQ and sheer perseverance carved out a nine-season NBA career against long odds.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 1·Millennials
Biography
Tim Frazier's story is a masterclass in professional survival. A standout at Penn State, he seemed poised for a promising future until a ruptured Achilles tendon during his senior season threatened to derail everything. Undeterred, Frazier embarked on a basketball odyssey defined by ten-minute contracts and two-way deals. He became a quintessential journeyman, logging time with eight different NBA franchises, from Portland to New Orleans to Milwaukee. His game was never about highlight-reel athleticism; instead, he relied on a steady hand, smart decision-making, and a dogged defensive mindset to earn his minutes. Coaches valued him as a reliable backup who could organize an offense and rarely make mistakes. His longevity in the league, sustained without the fanfare of a star, speaks to a deep understanding of the game and an unwavering commitment to doing the little things required to stay on the roster.
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.
Tim was born in 1990, 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 Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played nine seasons in the NBA as a point guard, appearing for eight different franchises.
- Earned first-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive team honors at Penn State in 2012.
- Led the Big Ten in both points and assists during his junior year at Penn State.
- Signed multiple 10-day contracts early in his career, eventually earning standard NBA roster spots through his performance.
Did You Know?
He recorded a triple-double in his first career NBA start for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016.
At Penn State, he is one of only two players in program history to record over 1,000 points and 600 assists.
He is an avid chess player and has spoken about how the game helps his basketball strategy.
“I just need ten minutes to show what I can do for a team.”
