The Dallas Mavericks shared some sad news on Wednesday afternoon when they sent out a release that stated former center Shawn Bradley was recently in a very serious biking accident that has left him paralyzed.
Bradley, the 7-foot-6 center who played college ball at BYU and was the the No. 2 pick by the 76ers in the 1993 NBA Draft, was biking in January when he was hit from behind by a car just a block from his house in St. George, Utah. He suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury and had neck fusion surgery.
Bradley spent the last eight and a half years of his career with the Mavs before retiring after the 2004-05 season.
The team released this statement:
The Dallas Mavericks have issued a press release on behalf of former Maverick Shawn Bradley as well as statements from Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson. pic.twitter.com/F9fCtlZ1zJ
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 17, 2021
Here’s more info from ESPN’s Rachel Nichols:
Awful news – Shawn Bradley was riding a bike a block from his house when a car struck him from behind. The accident left him paralyzed, but Shawn is still thinking of others and told the Mavericks he wants to promote awareness & help prevent this from happening to others. pic.twitter.com/PjtQE55RhF
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 17, 2021
Many in the NBA world offered their support and prayers:
I just read the news about Shawn Bradley’s devastating injury. Such terrible news. Speaking for the entire Warriors organization, we send our thoughts and love to Shawn and his family.
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) March 17, 2021
Prayers for Shawn Bradley. A great family man, former teammate and played for us with the @dallasmavs Hoping for a speedy recovery. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/zQ3b8dsFg6
— Avery Johnson (@CoachAvery6) March 17, 2021
Nash, who played with Shawn Bradley with the Mavs for six years, said he only learned about the accident a few hours ago. “It’s obviously heartbreaking…he’s a fun-loving guy…and I hope he remains positive and has a lot of support.”
— Laura Albanese (@AlbaneseLaura) March 17, 2021
We are thinking of former 76er Shawn Bradley and his family. Wishing them all the best during Shawn’s recovery. https://t.co/7joHRz0qNN
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 17, 2021
My heart goes out to Shawn Bradley !
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) March 17, 2021
BYU Athletics offers its heartfelt sympathies to Shawn Bradley and his family. We were devastated to learn of Shawn’s injury and join with all of Cougar Nation in thoughts and prayers for the Bradley family during this difficult time. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/fKLAKZWLP4
— BYU Cougars (@BYUCougars) March 17, 2021
Terrible news about former Mavs center Shawn Bradley. One of the nicest guys to come through here in my time with the Mavs. The Mavs have released this statement on his behalf about a recent automobile-bicycle accident that has left him paralyzed pic.twitter.com/m4kmv6PNbG
— Mark Followill (@MFollowill) March 17, 2021
Prayers for old friend Shawn Bradley, his wife Annette & their family. Spent a lot of time with him @sixers & have enjoyed watching him grow as a person & dad over the years. Always told me that you had to be happy with who you are before you can do for others. true dat. #NBA pic.twitter.com/ZxEy4VV8vC
— Joe Favorito (@joefav) March 17, 2021
