Former NBA star now works for NBC Sports Bay Area as a reporter
FESTUS Ezeli was part Golden State Warriors history back in 2015 – and Stephen Curry clearly hasn’t forgotten his contribution.
The big man from Benin City in Nigeria played center in Golden State’s championship-winning team.
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Festus Ezeli won the NBA title with Steph Curry and the Golden State WarriorsCredit: Getty
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Ezeli played for the Warriors for four years, including for their first team title in 2015Credit: Getty
It was the Warriors’ first title since 1975 and was the start of a dynasty in the Bay Area.
Ezeli, 34, had a short career in the NBA, lasting just four years at the top level.
He was drafted by the Warriors with the No. 30 overall pick in 2021 out of Vanderbilt.
Ezeli spent four seasons with Golden State and had a short spell with their Development League team – the Santa Cruz Warriors.
His career was derailed by multiple injuries and he had four years away from the game before attempting a comeback.
After the Warriors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals, Ezeli was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
He never played a game for them because of a knee injury and was waived the following year.
The center returned to basketball in 2021 when he joined the Westchester Knicks in the G League.
He played twice for the team before moving to Africa a month later.
But injuries once again caused him issues and his basketball playing career was over.
In his career after basketball, Ezeli is now a reporter covering Warriors games.
He works for NBC Sports Bay Area and covers games in the local market.
The 34-year-old is often on the court for his reports on live broadcasts.
And that proximity with the players led to a funny exchange with Steph Curry at courtside.
Ezeli was talking to camera when Curry video bombed him, and it took about 30 seconds for him to realize.
Curry said “I approve that message” and carried on with his pre-game warmup.
Ezeli laughed it off and continued his report like a solid pro.
His bond with Curry and the Warriors looks like it still runs deep all those years after his crowning glory.
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He is now a sideline reporter for NBC Sports Bay AreaCredit: Getty
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Curry took the opportunity to troll him during a reportCredit: NBC Sports Bay Area
