Cedric Ceballos, an American professional basketball player, made a name for himself in the NBA during the 1990s. Born on August 2, 1969, in Maui, Hawaii, Ceballos grew up in Compton, California, where he honed his skills on the basketball court. He attended Ventura College and later transferred to Cal State Fullerton, where he played college basketball and caught the attention of NBA scouts.
In the 1990 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Ceballos in the second round as the 48th overall pick. He quickly became known for his scoring ability and athleticism. During his time with the Suns, Ceballos developed a reputation as a high-flyer, capable of electrifying dunks and acrobatic plays. His breakout moment came during the 1992-1993 season when he averaged 12.8 points per game and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals, where they faced the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan.
Ceballos's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1994. With the Lakers, he enjoyed some of his best years in the league. In the 1994-1995 season, Ceballos averaged 21.7 points per game, earning him a spot in the NBA All-Star Game. His scoring prowess was on full display, and he became a fan favorite at the Great Western Forum. The following season, he continued to be a vital part of the Lakers' offense, averaging 21.2 points per game.
One of the most memorable moments of Ceballos's career came during the 1992 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He performed a blindfolded dunk, which became one of the most iconic moments in the history of the contest. This creative and daring move earned him the Slam Dunk Contest title and further solidified his reputation as an exciting player to watch.
In 1996, Ceballos was traded back to the Phoenix Suns, where he continued to be a reliable scorer. However, his second stint with the Suns was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time and effectiveness on the court. Despite these setbacks, Ceballos remained a valuable player, known for his ability to score in bunches and provide a spark off the bench.
Ceballos's NBA journey also included brief stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat. While his role varied with each team, he consistently brought energy and scoring ability to the floor. His career in the NBA concluded after the 2000-2001 season, but he continued to play basketball professionally in other leagues, including the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and overseas.
Throughout his NBA career, Ceballos was known for his scoring touch, athleticism, and charismatic personality. He finished his NBA career with averages of 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Ceballos's ability to entertain fans with his high-flying dunks and scoring prowess left a lasting impression on those who watched him play.
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