Former NBA center Shawn Bradley suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, according to a statement released by the Dallas Mavericks on his behalf.
On January 20, Bradley was hit by a car from behind while riding his bicycle a block from his home in St. Louis. George, Utah, drove. He underwent neck fusion surgery and has been hospitalized and rehabilitated for the past eight weeks.
“With his wife, Carrie, by his side 24 hours a day and supported by an incredible team of rehabilitation specialists and family, Bradley is in a good mood,” the statement read in part. “He plans to use his accident as a platform to make the public more aware of the importance of bicycle safety.”
The 7-foot-6 Bradley (48) was the overall number 2 in the 1993 draft, selected by the Philadelphia 76ers after spending two years on a Mormon mission to his freshman at BYU. He averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks during his 12-season NBA career and has spent the past eight-and-a-half years with the Dallas Mavericks.
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in the statement. “Shawn has always been incredibly determined and has shown a fighting spirit. We wish him all the best in his recovery. He will always be part of our Mavs family.”