Sebastian Telfair facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sebastian Telfair

Telfair posted with his Minnesota Timberwolves jersey during his first stint with the team in 2007
Personal information
Born	(1985-06-09) June 9, 1985 (age 40) New York City, U.S.
High school	Abraham Lincoln (Brooklyn, New York)
Listed height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight	180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
NBA Draft	2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
Pro career	2004–2017
Career history
2004–2006	Portland Trail Blazers
2006–2007	Boston Celtics
2007–2009	Minnesota Timberwolves
2009–2010	Los Angeles Clippers
2010	Cleveland Cavaliers
2010–2011	Minnesota Timberwolves
2011–2013	Phoenix Suns
2013	Toronto Raptors
2013–2014	Tianjin Ronggang
2014	Oklahoma City Thunder
2014–2015	Xinjiang Flying Tigers
2016–2017	Fujian Sturgeons
Career highlights and awards
Mr. Basketball USA (2004) McDonald's All-American Game MVP (2004) First-team Parade All-American (2004) Second-team Parade All-American (2003) New York Mr. Basketball (2004)

Sebastian Telfair (born June 9, 1985) is an American former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chinese Basketball Association. Telfair was chosen as the thirteenth player in the 2004 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. This happened after he had a very successful high school basketball career. He played for Abraham Lincoln in Brooklyn. He had planned to go to the University of Louisville for college. However, he decided to become a professional player instead. Sebastian Telfair is the cousin of former NBA player Stephon Marbury.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Sebastian Telfair was born in Brooklyn, New York. His parents are Erica and Otis Telfair. His father, Otis, was a Marine who served in the Vietnam War. Sebastian grew up in the Surfside Gardens projects in Brooklyn.

He went to Abraham Lincoln High School. There, he became one of the most famous high school basketball players in the country. Experts like Rivals.com thought he was a top player. They listed him as the second-best point guard in the nation in 2004.

Sebastian first decided to play for the University of Louisville. He would have played for coach Rick Pitino. But he changed his mind and chose to go straight to the NBA. This decision was made after a difficult event happened near his family's home.

Professional Basketball Career

Playing for the Portland Trail Blazers (2004–2006)

The Portland Trail Blazers picked Sebastian Telfair as the 13th player in the 2004 NBA draft. On January 1, 2005, he scored 14 points in a game. He also had five rebounds and five assists. In February 2005, his coach made him a starting player.

Telfair averaged 6.8 points and 3.3 assists per game that season. The Blazers had a tough season, finishing with one of their worst records. For the 2005–06 season, Telfair continued as the starting point guard. He sometimes played alongside another young player, Martell Webster.

His performance improved, but some people still thought he could do better. In December 2005, Telfair hurt his thumb. Steve Blake took his place as the starting point guard. Blake had fewer turnovers and more assists. Telfair returned to play on January 9, 2006. He then played as a reserve player, coming off the bench. Even though the team was not going to the playoffs, Telfair scored the winning basket in a game against the Houston Rockets.

Time with the Boston Celtics (2006–2007)

On June 28, 2006, the Trail Blazers traded Telfair to the Boston Celtics. He was traded with Theo Ratliff and a future draft pick. In return, the Celtics sent Dan Dickau, Raef LaFrentz, and a draft pick. Telfair wore number 30 for the Celtics. His usual number 31 was already retired by the team.

By April 2007, the Celtics decided that Telfair would not be returning for the next season.

Playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves (2007–2009)

On July 31, 2007, the Celtics traded Telfair to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This trade was part of a big deal for Kevin Garnett. Telfair was given the number 3 jersey in Minnesota. This was the same number his cousin, Stephon Marbury, wore for the Timberwolves.

The 2007–08 season was Telfair's best as a professional. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.9 assists per game. He also had a great five-game stretch with 40 assists and only four turnovers. On July 22, 2008, the Timberwolves signed Telfair to a new three-year contract. He played for his sixth coach in his fifth NBA season. He played in 75 games, starting 43 of them.

Los Angeles Clippers (2009–2010)

On July 20, 2009, Telfair was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He was traded along with Craig Smith and Mark Madsen. This trade was for Quentin Richardson.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2010)

On February 17, 2010, Telfair was traded again. He went from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was a big trade involving three teams and six players.

Return to Minnesota (2010–2011)

On July 26, 2010, Telfair was traded back to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He returned with Delonte West. They were traded for Ramon Sessions and Ryan Hollins.

Phoenix Suns (2011–2013)

After the NBA lockout ended, Telfair signed with the Phoenix Suns on December 9, 2011. He started a game for the Suns, helping them win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Telfair scored a season-high 21 points in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. In April of that season, he played very well. He averaged 10.9 points and 3.6 assists.

Toronto Raptors (2013)

On February 21, 2013, Telfair was traded to the Toronto Raptors. This trade was for Hamed Haddadi and a draft pick. He became a free agent in the summer of 2013.

Playing in China (2013–2017)

In October 2013, Telfair signed a one-year deal to play in China. He joined the Tianjin Ronggang team in the Chinese Basketball Association.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2014)

On July 15, 2014, Telfair signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played in a game against the Utah Jazz on November 26, 2014, scoring five points. He was released by the Thunder on the same day.

Xinjiang Flying Tigers (2014–2015)

On December 2, 2014, Telfair signed with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. He played for them for the rest of the 2014–15 CBA season in China.

Fujian Sturgeons (2016–2017)

On November 18, 2016, Telfair signed with the Fujian Sturgeons. He played for this team in China until 2017.

About Sebastian Telfair

A book called The Jump: Sebastian Telfair and the High-Stakes Business of High School Ball is about Telfair. There is also a documentary film about him called Through the Fire. This film shows his last year in high school. It also covers his choice to play in the NBA instead of going to college.

Sebastian Telfair is the cousin of Stephon Marbury. Stephon was also a famous basketball player in the NBA and China. Sebastian is also the half-brother of former NBA player Jamel Thomas. While at Lincoln High School, Telfair was the school's all-time leading scorer. This record was later broken by Lance Stephenson in 2009. Telfair was also named Mr. New York Basketball in 2004. His younger brother, Ethan Telfair, also played basketball at Idaho State.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

See also

In Spanish: Sebastian Telfair para niños