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Cedric Maxwell

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Boston Celtics Hop 4
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Cedric Maxwell
NameCedric Maxwell
PositionSmall forward / Power forward
Weight lb205
Birth date21 November 1955
Birth placeKinston, North Carolina
High schoolKinston High School
CollegeUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte
Draft year1977
Draft pick12
Draft teamBoston Celtics
Career start1977
Career end1988
Years11977–1985
Team1Boston Celtics
Years21985–1987
Team2Los Angeles Clippers
Years31987–1988
Team3Houston Rockets
Career number30, 31, 19
Highlights* 2× NBA champion (1981, 1984) * NBA Finals MVP (1981) * NBA All-Rookie First Team (1978) * No. 31 retired by Boston Celtics * Second-team All-American – NABC (1977) * First-team All-American – AP (1977) * Sun Belt Player of the Year (1977) * No. 33 retired by Charlotte 49ers

Cedric Maxwell is a former professional basketball player best known for his pivotal role on the championship-winning Boston Celtics teams of the early 1980s. Renowned for his clutch performances, high-percentage shooting, and defensive versatility, he earned the nickname "Cornbread" and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1981. After his playing career, he transitioned into a long-tenured role as a radio color commentator for the Celtics.

Early Life and High School Career

Born in Kinston, North Carolina, he developed his basketball skills in a state with a rich hoops tradition. He attended Kinston High School, where he emerged as a standout player and led his team to success. His performances attracted attention from several Division I college programs, setting the stage for his next chapter at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

College Career

Playing for coach Lee Rose at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he quickly became a star for the Charlotte 49ers. In 1977, he led the program on a historic run to the NCAA Tournament Final Four, a feat that put the school on the national map. His outstanding season, where he averaged a double-double, earned him first-team AP All-American honors and the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year award, cementing his status as a top NBA prospect.

Professional Career

Selected with the 12th overall pick in the 1977 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics, he made an immediate impact and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. As a key forward alongside stars like Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, he was instrumental in the Celtics' return to prominence. Known for his efficiency, he led the NBA in field goal percentage twice during his tenure in Boston, which included championship victories in 1981 and 1984. He later played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets before retiring in 1988.

NBA Finals MVP

His defining moment came during the 1981 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. With the series tied 2-2, he famously told his teammates to "climb on my back" before Game 5 in the Boston Garden. He delivered a masterful performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to secure a crucial victory. He continued his excellence, averaging a team-high 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds for the series, earning the Finals MVP award as the Celtics won in six games.

Post-Retirement

Following his retirement, he seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting. He joined the Boston Celtics Radio Network as a color analyst, forming a beloved and long-running partnership with play-by-play announcer Sean Grande. His insightful, candid, and often humorous commentary has made him a fixture for generations of Celtics fans. In 2003, the Boston Celtics honored his contributions by retiring his jersey number 31, raising it to the rafters of the TD Garden.

Personal Life

He remains a popular figure in the New England community, actively participating in Celtics alumni events and charitable endeavors. His nickname "Cornbread" originated from a teammate's remark about his playing style resembling the southern food. He is often celebrated for his pivotal role in bridging the Celtics' championship eras between the 1976 title team and the Bird-Parish-McHale dynasty of the 1980s.

Category:American basketball players Category:Boston Celtics players Category:NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award winners