The NBA's most versatile journeyman was also a second cousin to Kobe Bryant
In short: Cedric Ceballos didn't just play basketball; he lived it in every form imaginable. From winning the Slam Dunk Contest blindfolded to recording hip-hop albums and competing on The Amazing Race, his career serves as a masterclass in professional versatility beyond the court.
Born in 1969, Ceballos established himself as a high-impact small forward during the early 1990s. His peak arrived with the Phoenix Suns, where he led the NBA in field goal percentage (57.6) during the 1992–93 season. He was a postseason standout, notably scoring 21 points to help lead the Suns past the Seattle SuperSonics in a series that took them to the NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls.
His career was defined by high-profile transitions and unique milestones. After being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1994, he led the team in scoring during the 1994–95 season with a 21.7 average and recorded a career-high 50 points on December 20, 1994. Beyond his stats, Ceballos became a cultural figure, appearing on PBS's The Puzzle Place, hosting radio programs, and even collaborating on the 1994 album 'B-Ball's Best Kept Secret' with hip-hop artist Warren G.
In the twilight of his playing days, Ceballos’ career spanned continents and leagues, including stints in Israel, Russia, and the Philippines. He eventually transitioned into coaching and media roles as an emcee for the Suns and a host for 'Nothin' but Net'. Despite facing significant health challenges—including a series of small heart attacks in 2011 and a severe COVID-19 hospitalization in 2021—he remains a notable figure in basketball history, linked by blood to Kobe Bryant as his second cousin.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Cedric Ceballos
- Also: Wikidata — Cedric Ceballos · CC0
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