October is known for its Halloween celebrations, but it is also filled with national and international events. Some of these are the United Nations Day, International Day of Nonviolence, and bullying awareness days. But are there enough reasons for NBA players to celebrate in the month of October? Well, this article answers that question soon. The following is a comprehensive list of popular NBA players born in October, active and retired.

Which NBA Players Have October Birthdays?

The month of October is not currently well-represented in the NBA, but a couple of ones on this list already have the hardware to show for it. Here they are:

Current NBA Players Born in the Month of October

Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (October 30, 1996)

Book may not be the most accomplished player yet among the famous NBA players born in October, but he may very well be on his way in a few years. At only 26 years old, the former Kentucky Wildcat just had an All-NBA First Team selection in 2022 and was named an All-Star in three consecutive years.

Derrick Rose, New York Knicks (October 4, 1988)

Rose is one of the NBA’s biggest “What if” cases. He was a generational athlete, already an MVP at 23 years old and a three-time All-Star at 24. And then the injuries happened, and D-Rose was never the same. He is still worthy of a roster spot as a scorer off the bench, but it’s safe to say his All-Star days are behind him.

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (October 24, 1996)

Brown has grown from a secondary star to a legitimate All-Star partner alongside Jayson Tatum in Boston. He was named an All-Star in 2021 and starred for the Celtics’ deep playoff run, ending in a championship loss to the Golden State Warriors. Still, Brown is currently averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, FG%, and minutes played.

Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls (October 27, 1997)

Ball is among the best defensive guards in the NBA before his injuries. He also made strides as a three-point shooter at the next level. The Bulls are still missing his services, but there is no timetable yet for his return. At this rate, he may no longer realize his potential as a No. 2 overall pick, but he could still be a decent starting point guard for a playoff team.

Mike Conley, Jr., Utah Jazz (October 11, 1987)

Conley is one of the NBA’s all-time nicest guys. He is a three-time Sportsmanship Awardee and is well-liked across the league. Conley’s peak came with the “Grit and Grind” Memphis Grizzlies, but he’s showing he can still run a team this season. He is currently averaging 10 points and eight assists for the Utah Jazz, but don’t be surprised if his injury history and age catch up to him.

Josh Giddey, OKC Thunder (October 10, 2022)

With only two seasons under his belt, Josh Giddey has already compiled five triple-doubles. That’s essentially his game in a nutshell. Giddey does it all for the young OKC Thunder, so don’t be surprised if his name comes up in the all-time triple-doubles list when all is said and done. The Aussie is currently averaging 15 points, seven rebounds, and six dimes to showcase his all-around game.

Another NBA player born in October:

• Michael Carter-Williams. As of 2022, MCW has not announced his retirement. He last played for the Orlando Magic for the 2021-22 season and was waived in February.

Retired NBA Players Born in the Month of October

Here are the October-born players who have already hung the sneakers for good:

Paul Pierce, Celtics/Nets/Wizards/Clippers (October 13, 1997)

“The Truth” was named one of the 75 Greatest Players in the NBA. That alone is a testament to the type of career he had. Pierce was the second-leading scorer in the storied Celtics franchise history, a 10-time NBA All-Star, and a four-time All-NBA member. 

Grant Hill, Pistons/Magic/Suns/Clippers (October 5, 1972)

Hill was considered the prototype of the point forward and was even called “LeBron before LeBron.” But then again, his career was decimated by injuries before he became the face of the league. He did make five All-NBA teams and was an All-Star seven times, but he has the skills to be in the MVP conversation every season. 

Tyson Chandler (October 2, 1982)

Chandler played for nine teams, including two tours of duty for the Mavericks. Chandler won the championship in 2011 as the Mavs starting center and represented the United States team that won gold in the 2012 Olympics. He was not your back-to-the-basket post-up center, but he can anchor a defense like a few could. 

Jermaine O’Neal (October 13, 1978)

O’Neal was a force to be reckoned with in his prime. He was a double-double performer and a fierce rim protector for those Indiana Pacers teams in the mid-2000s. O’Neal made three All-NBA teams and an All-Star in six consecutive years (2002-2007).

Andrew Bynum, Lakers/Cavaliers/Pacers (October 27, 1987)

Another what-if story in the NBA, Bynum’s demise was injuries and attitude. But before he was ravaged by both, he was the starting center of two Lakers championship teams and became an All-Star starter in 2012. 

Lou Williams (October 27, 1986)

Williams is not retired yet and plans to sign with a team that needs his services in the season. At 36, that’s a steep hill to climb, although his scoring prowess off the bench might be needed somewhere. Along with Jamal Crawford, Lou Will won the Sixth Man of the Year award three times.

Other retired NBA players born in October:

• Doc Rivers (October 13, 1961). Rivers became an All-Star in 1988 and a champion coach with the Celtics in 2008. He is currently the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Charlie Ward (October 12, 1970). An adept football and basketball player, Ward claimed the Heisman Trophy, the Davey O’Brien Award, and the College Football National Championship. He never played in the NFL but played for ten seasons in the NBA.
• Gus Williams (October 10, 1953). Nicknamed the “Wizard,” Williams won the 1979 NBA championship with the Seattle SuperSonics.
• Joel Przybilla (October 10, 1979)
• Derrick McKey (October 10, 1966)
• Ryan Hollins (October 10, 1984)

How Do NBA Players Celebrate Their Birthdays?

NBA players earn a lot of money, so you can expect them to be lavish during birthday celebrations. More often than not, they’d also turn in spectacular performances on the hard court during their birthdays. 

As a prime example, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal dropped a career-high 61 on his big day. LeBron James scored 48 on his 25th birthday, while Michael Jordan had 46 on his 29th. Way before that, Dominique Wilkins went berserk the day he turned 27 to the tune of 53 big points.

Outside the court, celebrations are another story. These guys earn millions, and most are not shy about spending zillions for a birthday party with famous singers and rappers performing for them. As they grow older, they might mellow down a little bit, but NBA players celebrations are still a different kind of crazy. 

For example, when Charles Barkley turned 53, his teammates at TNT gifted him 53 dozens of Krispy Kreme. Apparently, 636 pieces of KK donuts are equal to 127,000 calories! That’s probably enough to feed half of Monaco for a day.

Behind the scenes of last night’s epic doughnut prank 🍩😂 #HappyBirthdayChuck pic.twitter.com/1bJh43GEHm

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 19, 2016

Wrapping Things Up: Popular NBA Players Born in October

October is one of the most popular birth months in the United States. That’s why it’s not surprising to see the month represented very well in the NBA.

Some of the most popular NBA players born in October are Devin Booker, Derrick Rose, Jaylen Brown, Mike Conley, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Giddey. Booker has been an All-Star the past three years, while Brown is looking to make it two out of the last three seasons. D-Rose was a league MVP at 23 years old but now rarely plays because of health issues.

The retired NBA players born in October are even more prominent. Paul Pierce, the Boston Celtics great, is among the 75 greatest players in the NBA. Grant Hill was on his way to becoming the face of the league before unfortunate injuries befell him. Jermaine O’Neal, Andrew Bynum, and Tyson Chandler are the other retired basketball players born in October. 

We hope you enjoyed this post! If you did, be sure to check out our other basketball FAQ articles here.

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• Popular NBA Players Born in November
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