Shawn Bradley paralyzed in bike accident

Shawn Bradley, who played for three NBA teams during his 12-year career, became paralyzed in January due to injuries sustained in a bike accident, the Dallas Mavericks revealed on Wednesday.

The 7-foot-6 Bradley, the No. 2 pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, was riding his bicycle near his home in St. George, Utah, when a car struck him from behind on Jan. 20.

He had a traumatic spinal cord injury, according to CBS News and other published reports.

As a result, Bradley had neck fusion surgery. What’s more, he’s been hospitalized for eight weeks while coping with physical rehabilitation.

Cuban, Nelson react to news

Reacting to the news of Shawn Bradley’s paralysis, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban released a statement.

“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Cuban said. “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.”

Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson also commented on the unfortunate news.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of Shawn’s injury and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family,” Nelson said in a statement. “In his eight-plus seasons in Dallas, Shawn demonstrated all of the qualities you want in a person representing your organization. He has always exhibited unwavering grit and determination and we are thinking of him at this difficult time. He is a Maverick for life.”

Shawn Bradley career info

Bradley began his NBA career with the Philadelphia Sixers, who drafted him, in 1993. He was traded to the New Jersey Nets in November 1995. The Mavericks acquired him in a trade in February 1997.

He appeared in 832 regular-season games in his NBA career and averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. He led the NBA in blocks (3.4 per game) in 1996-07.

Bradley retired after the 2004-05 season.