Cedric Simmons is an American-born Bulgarian professional basketball player for SeaHorses Mikawa in the Japanese B.League. He was born in the United States, but also holds Bulgarian citizenship, and has played for the senior men's Bulgarian national basketball team. A 6-foot-9-inch-tall (206 cm) power forward-center, Simmons was selected by the New Orleans Hornets, in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft.
Simmons with Olympiacos in 2013
The 2006 NBA draft was held on June 28, 2006, at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. This was also the only time the New Orleans Hornets would draft under the temporary name of the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets as the city of New Orleans was still recovering from the events of Hurricane Katrina after the 2005-06 NBA season.
2006 NBA draft
Andrea Bargnani was the first Italian-born player to be selected as the #1 overall pick. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors.
LaMarcus Aldridge, was picked 2nd overall by the Chicago Bulls. His draft rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Brandon Roy was selected 6th by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His draft rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.