The Dallas Mavericks organization learned of tragic news on Wednesday morning. Former Mavs center and 12-year NBA veteran Shawn Bradley released details through the team revealing he was paralyzed as a result of a bike accident in late-January.
Bradley was riding close to his home in St. George, Utah when he was struck from behind by an automobile. He suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury and has since spent the last eight weeks undergoing rehabilitation.
Mavs owner Mark Cuban was quoted saying the following in the team's release:
“We are saddened to hear of Shawn Bradley's accident,” Cuban said, via Shams Charania of The Athletic. “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.”
General manager Donnie Nelson was also quoted, calling Bradley a “Maverick for life.” The full release can be seen below, per Charania.
Dallas Mavericks release on former NBA center, 7-foot-6 Shawn Bradley who suffered an accident that has left him paralyzed: pic.twitter.com/rgQArg850e
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 17, 2021
Shawn Bradley was the second overall pick out of BYU in the 1993 NBA draft. But he made his home in Dallas, where he played nine seasons.
Bradley retired following the 2004-05 season following years of injury concerns. He overcame a number of physical issues throughout his career to be a productive NBA center, even leading the NBA in blocks per game in 1996-97 and also leading the league in total blocks in 2000-01.
The statement notes doctors have informed Shawn Bradley he faces an uphill battle. Cuban and Nelson assured Bradley and his wife, Carrie, the thoughts and prayers of the Mavericks family are with them.
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