FILE- In this Nov. 22, 1997, file photo, Dallas Mavericks' Shawn Bradley (44) looks to pass as Milwaukee Bucks' Ervin Johnson (40) defends during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at the Reunion Arena in Dallas. Former NBA player Shawn Bradley was paralyzed when he was struck from behind by a vehicle while riding a bike near his Utah home, saying in a statement nearly two months after the accident he intended to bring awareness to bicycle safety. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
BRADLEY JOHNSON
(AP Utah/77WABC)-Former NBA player Shawn Bradley remains hospitalized following an accident in January that left him paralyzed. In a statement, the 48-year-old Bradley says he was left paralyzed after being struck from behind by a vehicle while riding a bike near his home in St. George, Utah.
The 7-foot-6 Bradley was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1993 draft by Philadelphia. The former BYU standout spent most of his 12-year career with Dallas Mavericks. Dallas acquired him as part of a nine-player trade with the New Jersey Nets in 1997. Two years earlier, the 76ers had traded Bradley to the Nets.
The statement went on to say, “with his wife Carrie at his side around the clock, and supported by an amazing team of rehabilitation specialists and family, Bradley is in good spirits.”. Despite his long road to recovery, the statement indicated Bradley ” plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”
“His very strong sense of faith is being tested as he participates in grueling physical therapy and learns how to cope with the challenges of paraplegia,” the statement said. “Doctors have advised him that his road to recovery will be both long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball.”
Bradley averaged at least three blocks per game in each of his first six seasons, including an NBA-best 3.4 the season he was traded to Dallas. Bradley’s career averages were 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks.
“Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family.”
