Shawn Bradley: Former NBA player paralyzed after bicycle accident

Former NBA player Shawn Bradley is paralyzed after he was hit by a car while cycling.

In a statement from the Dallas Mavericks on behalf of the 48-year-old, the devastating tragedy that occurred two months ago was highlighted.

,THAT’S CRAZY’: Insane NBA comeback amazes fans

‘GOAT SHIT’: LeBron James surprises fans with $3 billion transfer

Bradley was hit from behind by a car while riding his bike near his home in Utah.

Bradley, one of the tallest players in NBA history at 7.9 feet (229 centimeters), was riding his bike about a block from his St. George home on Jan. 20 when he was hit, suffering a traumatic spinal cord injury, the statement said.

Bradley, who was selected second in the first round of the 1993 draft by Philadelphia, has been in the hospital since his accident and is undergoing cervical spine fusion and rehabilitation.

“With his wife Carrie by his side 24/7 and supported by a great team of rehabilitation specialists and his family, Bradley is in good spirits,” the statement said.

“He plans to use his accident as a platform to raise public awareness of the importance of bicycle safety.”

Bradley played one season in college in 1990–91 before serving as a missionary in Australia for two years.

After his return he was drafted.

NBA world shocked by Shawn Bradley’s accident

“Doctors have told him his road to recovery will be long and arduous and may be even more physically challenging than playing professional basketball,” the statement said.

Bradley spent the last eight or more seasons of his 12-year NBA career with the Mavericks, who acquired him from the New Jersey Nets in 1997 as part of a nine-player trade.

Two years earlier, the 76ers had traded Bradley to the Nets.

Bradley averaged at least three blocks per game in his first six seasons, and in the season he was traded to Dallas, he averaged 3.4 blocks (an NBA record).

His career averages were 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.

“Shawn has always shown incredible determination and fighting spirit,” said Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

“We wish him all the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family.”

with AAP