Sebastian Telfair, born June 9, 1985, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American former professional basketball player who competed in both the NBA and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Drafted 13th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2004 NBA Draft, Telfair emerged from a highly celebrated high school career at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. He is also a cousin of former NBA star Stephon Marbury and the half-brother of former NBA player Jamel Thomas.
Quick Facts of Sebastian Telfair
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sebastian Telfair |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| High School | Abraham Lincoln (Brooklyn, NY) |
| NBA Draft | 2004, Round 1, 13th overall (Portland Trail Blazers) |
| Career Span | 2004–2017 |
| NBA Teams | Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder |
| CBA Teams | Tianjin Ronggang, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Fujian Sturgeons |
| Major Awards | Mr. Basketball USA (2004), New York Mr. Basketball (2004), McDonald’s All-American (2004) |
Early Life and Family
Sebastian Telfair was born to Erica and Otis Telfair, a Vietnam War veteran. Growing up in the Surfside Gardens projects of Brooklyn, he developed his basketball skills on local courts. At Abraham Lincoln High School, Telfair became one of the nation’s most coveted high school basketball prospects. Ranked the No. 2 point guard and No. 6 overall player in the 2004 class by Rivals.com, he initially committed to the University of Louisville under coach Rick Pitino. However, a tragic shooting near his family’s apartment prompted him to turn professional instead.
Professional Career
Portland Trail Blazers (2004–2006)
Telfair was drafted 13th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2004. During his rookie season, he averaged 6.8 points and 3.3 assists per game. Despite flashes of potential, he faced media scrutiny and challenges establishing himself as a starting point guard. A thumb injury in December 2005 temporarily sidelined him, allowing teammate Steve Blake to assume the starting role.
Boston Celtics (2006–2007)
In June 2006, Telfair was traded to the Boston Celtics, wearing jersey number 30. However, after one season, the Celtics did not retain him for the following year.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2007–2009)
In July 2007, Telfair joined the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Kevin Garnett trade. Here, he enjoyed his best NBA season, averaging 9.3 points and 5.9 assists per game. In July 2008, he signed a three-year contract extension with Minnesota.
Later NBA and CBA Stints
Telfair played for multiple NBA teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2013, he transitioned to the Chinese Basketball Association, joining Tianjin Ronggang, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, and later Fujian Sturgeons, where he concluded his professional career in 2017.
Legal Issues
Telfair faced multiple legal challenges during and after his career:
- 2006–2008: Arrested for felony weapon possession; received three years’ probation and a three-game NBA suspension.
- 2017: Arrested for weapons and marijuana-related charges; sentenced in 2019 to three and a half years in prison, later overturned by the New York Court of Appeals in 2023.
- 2021–2025: Involved in a fraud case with former NBA players defrauding the league’s health plan; pleaded guilty in 2023 and sentenced to three years probation, with a six-month prison sentence scheduled for August 2025 for probation violations.
Legacy and Biographical Coverage
Telfair’s high school career has been documented extensively. He is the subject of Ian O’Connor’s book The Jump: Sebastian Telfair and the High-Stakes Business of High School Ball and Jonathan Hock’s documentary Through the Fire, which chronicles his decision to join the NBA directly from high school. Despite challenges, Telfair remains a notable figure in basketball history, remembered for his early promise and perseverance.
