Sebastian Telfair is a name that resonates with basketball fans who remember the early 2000s hype around high school prospects jumping straight to the NBA. A lightning-quick point guard from Coney Island, Telfair was once considered the next big thing—drawing comparisons to legends like Stephon Marbury, his own cousin. But his journey was far from simple, filled with highs, lows, and hard lessons.

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Quick Bio

Category	Details
Full Name	Sebastian Telfair
Birthdate	June 9, 1985 (Age: 40)
Birthplace	Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Position	Point Guard
NBA Draft	2004, 13th overall (Portland Trail Blazers)
NBA Teams	Trail Blazers, Celtics, Timberwolves, Clippers, Cavaliers, Suns
Net Worth	$4 Million (Peak)
Career Earnings	Over $20 Million (NBA & Overseas)
Notable Achievements	McDonald’s All-American, NYC HS Legend

Who is Sebastian Telfair?

Sebastian Telfair was one of the most electrifying high school basketball players of the early 2000s. His explosive speed, court vision, and flashy playmaking earned him national attention, leading to a direct leap to the NBA straight from Abraham Lincoln High School. Though his professional career didn’t reach the superstar heights many predicted, his impact on New York City basketball culture remains undeniable.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Coney Island, Brooklyn, Telfair grew up in a basketball-obsessed family. His cousin, Stephon Marbury, was already an NBA star, setting high expectations for Sebastian. From a young age, he dominated NYC’s competitive streetball scene, earning a reputation as a fearless playmaker.

At Abraham Lincoln High School, he became a national sensation, leading his team to multiple championships while drawing comparisons to Allen Iverson for his fearless drives and clutch performances. His high school career was so legendary that it was documented in the book “The Jump: Sebastian Telfair and the High-Stakes Business of High School Basketball.”

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Sebastian Telfair is 40 years old. Standing at 6 feet tall (1.83 m), he was slightly undersized for an NBA point guard but made up for it with blazing speed, handles, and court vision. His athletic frame and quickness allowed him to break down defenses, though his lack of elite shooting limited his NBA longevity.

Category & Net Worth

Telfair falls under the category of Richest Athletes › NBA Players, with a peak net worth estimated at $4 million. However, despite earning over $20 million during his basketball career, financial mismanagement and legal troubles significantly impacted his wealth.

Adidas Deal & Early Hype

Before even being drafted, Telfair signed a $15 million endorsement deal with Adidas, becoming one of the first high school players to land a major sneaker contract. The deal showcased his marketability and the immense expectations placed on his young shoulders.

Career Earnings

Throughout his NBA career, Telfair played for six different teams, earning salaries with each stop:

Portland Trail Blazers (2004-2006)
Boston Celtics (2006-2007)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2007-2009)
Los Angeles Clippers (2009-2010)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2010-2011)
Phoenix Suns (2011-2013)

After his NBA career, he played overseas in China, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, adding to his career earnings.

Early Life & Basketball Roots

Growing up in Coney Island’s tough playgrounds, Telfair honed his craft against older competition. His family’s basketball legacy (with cousin Stephon Marbury as his mentor) pushed him to greatness early. By his senior year, he was a McDonald’s All-American and New York’s most celebrated high school player since Lamar Odom.

NBA & Basketball Career

Drafted 13th overall in 2004 by the Portland Trail Blazers, Telfair’s NBA career was a mix of flashes of brilliance and inconsistency. While he showed elite passing and speed, his shooting struggles and defensive limitations kept him from becoming a star.

After stints with multiple teams, he transitioned to overseas basketball, where he continued playing professionally until 2017.

Financial & Legal Problems

Despite earning millions, Telfair faced severe financial troubles, filing for bankruptcy in 2018. He also had multiple gun possession arrests (2007, 2017), which further derailed his career and finances.

Real Estate & Post-NBA Life

At his peak, Telfair owned a $3.1 million Miami mansion, which he later sold amid financial struggles. Today, he remains involved in basketball through coaching, mentorship, and media appearances, staying connected to the game that made him famous.

Conclusion & Legacy

Sebastian Telfair’s story is one of unfulfilled potential but undeniable influence. As a NYC basketball legend, he inspired a generation of guards with his fearless style. Though his NBA career didn’t meet expectations, his impact on streetball and high school basketball remains legendary.