Former NBA center Bradley paralyzed after being struck by car
Former NBA center Shawn Bradley was paralyzed when a car struck him from behind while he rode his bike near his home in St. George, Utah, on Jan. 20, the Dallas Mavericks announced Wednesday.
Bradley underwent neck fusion surgery to treat a traumatic spinal cord injury. He's been in the hospital for the past eight weeks while undergoing rehabilitation.
Doctors have told Bradley his recovery "will be both long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball," per the Mavericks' statement.
"We are saddened to hear of Shawn's accident. Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit," Mavs owner Mark Cuban said. "We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of the Mavs family."
Bradley, 48, spent 14 years in the NBA after the Philadelphia 76ers selected the BYU product second overall in the 1993 draft.
Over the span of his career with the 76ers, Mavs, and New Jersey Nets, Bradley averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.