In the world of NBA high-flyers, few names carry as much weight as Cedric Ceballos. Known for his showmanship and his iconic blindfolded dunk that secured the 1992 Slam Dunk title, Ceballos has a unique vantage point on the evolution of the game’s greatest leapers.
I recently caught up with the former All-Star on Scoop B Radio to discuss the “supernatural” athleticism of Vince Carter, the magnetic charisma of Anthony Edwards, and the calculated business decisions that kept LeBron James off the Dunk Contest stage throughout his legendary career.
Cedric Ceballos Q&A on Scoop B Radio
During this exclusive sit-down, the former Lakers and Suns star peels back the curtain on the mechanics of flight and the psychology of NBA stardom.
Ceballos breaks down the technical brilliance of “Vinsanity,” identifies which young stars are carrying the torch of athleticism today, and offers a candid take on why the game’s biggest icon, LeBron James, chose to protect his brand rather than chase a Dunk Contest trophy.
This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity and space. Make sure to check out the Full Interview with Cedric Ceballos here.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: First off, how have you been? What’s life looking like for you lately?
Cedric Ceballos: I’m good man. It’s a great day in L.A., I can’t complain. I took a 400-500 walk from the house to get here so… [laughs]
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Looking at the evolution of Vince Carter, when did you first realize just how high his potential was?
Cedric Ceballos: From Day One at North Carolina. I didn’t get to see him in high school or before that as an All-American at McDonald’s… I got to see highlights after the dunk contest, but that’s when he was already in the league. Half man, half amazing—he’s just tremendous off the two-foot. I really don’t see him jumping off the one leg but, his two-foot is just ridiculous. He’s got some extra muscles or something in there… springs? I don’t know! Vince, help us out! Why do you jump so high?
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: That athleticism was one-of-one. In your opinion, who is the “next” Vince Carter?
Cedric Ceballos: That is a GREAT question. I wouldn’t put Vince in Michael and Dr. J’s category. Vince is just on his own. So putting somebody new in there… maybe Jalen Green, but he’s a little shorter at this time. Maybe Green will have that ability.
But as far as leaping? It’s tough, man. Speaking of another Green that played for Houston and Phoenix too—that guy Gerald Green is just bananas. He doesn’t get a lot of credit for success because he wasn’t on successful teams a lot. But probably young [Jalen] Green.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Shifting to the current stars, what do you like about Anthony Edwards? Where do you see him in 10 years?
Cedric Ceballos: I like his smile, his warmth, and his honesty. You can see his fun for the game all over his face. When he’s disappointed, you can see it too. His smile isn’t “Magic-esque” because Magic did everything with a smile, but you do see the passion. I think that’s why people gravitate to him as old-heads—because he’s explosive, he’s charismatic, and you really know what you’re dealing with when you’re playing against him. If he’s feeling it and he’s on fire, the WHOLE stadium, the whole world, the camera… EVERYONE is going to know about it!
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: There is always that “what if” regarding the Slam Dunk Contest. Do you think LeBron James ever enters it on his way out the door?
Cedric Ceballos: [laughs] He had a chance his rookie year and he didn’t. After that rookie year, anything after that would damage his credibility and his career. It’s not really if he wins it—because he’s supposed to win it—it’s that if he loses it.
He lost in the McDonald’s All-American Game, you know what I’m sayin’? I think it was the young Laker… Shannon Brown. Shannon Brown beat him, but he was a little bit not as famous as LeBron and they gave it to LeBron. I think he knows that his brand would’ve been tarnished if he did it after his rookie year and if he had lost.
Wrapping It Up
Whether reflecting on the legends of the past or scouting the superstars of the future, Cedric Ceballos remains one of the game’s most insightful and candid voices.
His breakdown of the “risk vs. reward” nature of the Dunk Contest serves as a reminder of how much the league has shifted since his days of soaring through the air in Phoenix and Los Angeles.
As the game continues to evolve, Ceballos’ appreciation for the passion and personality of players like “Ant-Man” proves that while the dunks may change, the heart of the game remains the same.
