What Happened to Shawn Bradley? From Bike Accident to Paralyzed Legs and Life After Basketball

It was a sight few fans expected to see. Former Dallas Mavericks centre Shawn Bradley, once one of the most imposing figures in the NBA at 7ft 6in, made a rare public appearance over the weeked in Dallas.

Sitting in his wheelchair beside fellow legend Shaquille O'Neal, Bradley greeted his former rival in an emotional moment that immediately went viral. The reunion has not only tugged at the heartstrings of basketball fans but also reignited one burning question: what really happened to Shawn Bradley?

The answer takes us back to a life-changing accident in 2021 that left the former NBA giant paralysed, transforming his world forever.

Early Life and Career Highlights

Born on 22 March 1972 in Landstuhl, West Germany, where his father was stationed with the US military, Bradley grew up in Utah and quickly made waves as a basketball prodigy. His extraordinary height made him one of the tallest players to ever step on an NBA court.

Bradley was drafted second overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He later played for the New Jersey Nets before moving to the Dallas Mavericks, where he built his reputation as a defensive anchor and prolific shot-blocker.

Across his 12-year career, Bradley became a familiar presence in the league, with a cultural footprint that included a cameo in the 1996 film Space Jam.

The Accident That Changed Everything

On a quiet afternoon in January 2021, Bradley's life was shattered just a block from his home. According to an official Mavericks statement, he was struck from behind while riding his bicycle, the impact leaving him with devastating spinal cord injuries.

Doctors performed complex neck-fusion surgery to stabilise his spine, but the damage was irreversible. Bradley spent weeks in hospital and rehabilitation, and specialists later confirmed he had been left paralysed from the chest down. His legs were permanently affected, forcing him to adjust to a new life reliant on a wheelchair.

Living Paralysed: Height, Mobility and Daily Struggles

What makes Bradley's case unique is his sheer size. At 7ft 6in, everyday tasks have become extraordinary challenges. Finding suitable wheelchairs and adapting his home for mobility has required specialist support. Even basic routines like transferring from bed or travelling by car involve carefully designed equipment.

His story highlights how paralysis affects people differently and how towering height compounds the already gruelling adjustments of life after a spinal cord injury.

Mental and Emotional Battles

Bradley has spoken candidly about the mental strain of his new reality. In a 2022 Sports Illustrated interview, he admitted to experiencing dark moments.

'I don't know how I can ease the burden of me,' he said. 'Maybe it'd be better if this was just all over. Yes, those thoughts creep in—and they're real. I can't ever imagine myself acting on those thoughts, but I definitely have them.'

Despite the despair, Bradley credits counselling and the unwavering support of his family for helping him confront the emotional toll of paralysis.

A Viral Reunion with Shaquille O'Neal

Last weekend, Bradley resurfaced in public alongside Shaquille O'Neal at a BIG3 event in Dallas. Footage of the moment spread quickly online, sparking renewed interest in his story. Fans celebrated the sight of the two former rivals embracing, a reminder of Bradley's towering presence in the NBA and the adversity he now faces with courage.

The reunion also reignited global searches into his accident, his paralysis, and his life after basketball. For many, it was a poignant reminder that while Bradley's playing days are long gone, his resilience continues to inspire.