NBA News: Former Mavericks Star Left Paralyzed After Bike Accident

Some unfortunate news from the NBA world today as it was announced that 12-year NBA veteran Shawn Bradley has been left paralyzed after being involved in a biking accident earlier this year.

According to an official release via the Dallas Mavericks, Bradley, 48, was struck from behind by an automobile while he was riding his bike just a block away from his home in St. George, Utah last January 20.

Due to the collision, Bradley suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury that has rendered him paralyzed. After undergoing neck fusion surgery, he has been in the hospital for the last eight weeks, undergoing rehabilitation.

The Mavericks, as well as the Philadelphia 76ers--teams that Bradley played for during his NBA career--both expressed their support for the former second overall pick.

A 7-foot-6 beanpole out of Brigham Young University, Bradley was picked second overall by the Sixers in the 1993 NBA Draft. He averaged 10.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and three blocks in his rookie season.

During the 1996-1997 season, Bradley was traded from the New Jersey Nets to the Mavericks. That season, he enjoyed a career-high average of 13.2 points per game.

In his first 33 games with Dallas, Bradley put up 14.6 points per game, pulled down 8.7 rebounds per game, and blocked nearly three shots per game.

For his career, Bradley averaged 8.1 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and 2.5 blocks per outing. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1994 and led the league in blocks at four per contest during the 1996-1997 season.

Bradley shares the distinction of being one the tallest players to ever play in the NBA.