Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the Dallas Mavericks logo on the tarp covering the arena seats during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Former NBA center Shawn Bradley was left paralyzed after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle in January, according to details released by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
The 7-foot-6 Bradley was struck from behind near his home in St. George, Utah, on Jan. 20, sustaining a traumatic spinal cord injury that required neck fusion surgery. He has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation.
“His very strong sense of faith is being tested as he participates in grueling physical therapy and learns how to cope with the challenges of paraplegia,” read a statement released by the Mavericks. “Doctors have advised him that his road to recovery will be both long and arduous.”
Bradley, who turns 49 next week, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers out of BYU.
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He averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks over 832 career games (484 starts) with the 76ers, then-New Jersey Nets and Mavericks from 1993-2005. Bradley led the NBA with 3.4 blocks per game in 1996-97 and is one of just 21 players to reach 2,000 career blocks (2,119).
Bradley played eight-plus seasons with the Mavericks from 1997-2005 and ranks second in franchise history with 1,250 blocks, trailing only Dirk Nowitzki (1,281).
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Dallas owner Mark Cuban said in a statement. “Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit. We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family.”
With the support of his wife, Carrie, Bradley “is in good spirits” and plans to use his accident as a platform to promote bicycle safety awareness.
“Bradley asked to convey his deep appreciation for the outpouring of well wishes and prayers he has received from family, friends and fans,” the statement read. “… He does not plan to issue further public updates, preferring to devote his full concentration on his rehabilitation.”
–Field Level Media