Shawn Bradley paralyzed after struck by vehicle while biking

Matthias B. Krause/Icon Sportswire

Former No. 2 overall pick Shawn Bradley paralyzed after being struck by vehicle while biking

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/17/21

Former Dallas Mavericks center Shawn Bradley released a statement Wednesday saying that he recently suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed.

Bradley was biking near his home in St. George, Utah when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. The 48-year-old spent eight weeks in the hospital after neck fusion surgery and says he intends to bring more public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.

"We are saddened to hear of Shawn's accident," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said in a statement. "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."

Here is the full statement from Shawn Bradley and the Mavericks about this tremendously sad accident: pic.twitter.com/QfzoxUGxEw
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 17, 2021

Bradley was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1993. He spent two-and-a-half seasons in Philadelphia before playing for the New Jersey Nets. He spent the bulk of his career, eight and a half seasons, to be exact, with the Mavericks.

In 582 games with the Mavericks, Bradley averaged seven points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. He retired from the NBA in 2005.

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