Former Dallas Mavericks big man Shawn Bradley was involved in a terrible bike accident that has now left him paralyzed.
Bradley was struck from behind by an automobile while riding his bicycle on Jan. 20, 2021. Bradley was only a block from his home in St. George, Utah, at the time.
The incident left Bradley paralyzed. He suffered a severe spinal cord injury and underwent neck fusion surgery. Bradley spent eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehab, and doctors have told him he will have a very long and challenging road to recovery.
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “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.”
Bradley is said to be in “good spirits” and is planning to use the tragic event to bring public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.
Bradley was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the second overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. He spent brief periods with the Sixers and New Jersey Nets before playing for the Mavericks from 1997-2005.