Cedric Simmons
A journeyman big man who carved out a globe-trotting career, finding a second home and national team duty with Bulgaria.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American-born Bulgarian basketball player·Birthday: January 3·Millennials
Biography
Cedric Simmons's basketball path is a map of professional persistence. Drafted 15th overall in 2006 after a standout season at North Carolina State, the athletic power forward entered the NBA with the promise of defensive energy. His time in the league, however, was brief, spanning parts of three seasons with four different teams. Rather than fade away, Simmons reinvented himself as a quintessential basketball globetrotter. He became a dominant force in leagues across Europe, Asia, and South America, known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and consistent interior presence. His connection with Bulgaria deepened through his tenure with the national team, which he joined after obtaining citizenship. Simmons found a sustained career not as a star, but as a reliable and valued contributor, a player whose longevity and adaptability became his defining professional traits.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Cedric was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cedric Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Cedric's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected in the first round (15th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets.
- Played for the senior Bulgarian national basketball team after gaining citizenship, representing the country in European competitions.
- Built a professional career spanning over 15 years across more than ten countries, including top leagues in Spain, Turkey, and Japan.
Did You Know?
He won an NBA D-League (now G League) championship with the Iowa Energy in 2011.
He played college basketball for North Carolina State, where he led the ACC in blocked shots during his final season.
He has played for professional teams on four different continents: North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.
“I bring energy and defense every night, no matter what city I'm playing for.”
