Dallas Mavericks: Remembering Shawn Bradley’s time with the Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks shared some awful news on March 17. Former center Shawn Bradley was paralyzed in a bike accident in January. Fans can read the Mavs press release here.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Bradley as he continues his recovery. All the best to the Mavericks big man.

In this trying time, let us take a look back at his time with the Mavs. Fans may forget that Bradley was a key role player as Dallas went from a 20-win team to the playoffs. Here is a closer look at his days with the Mavericks.

Remembering Shawn Bradley’s time with the Dallas Mavericks

Bradley was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1993. He spent two and half years in Philly before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. His stay with the Nets lasted just over a year before being dealt to Dallas in Feb. of 1997. The Mavericks were in the midst of a 24-win season as they acquired Bradley as a part of a nine-player deal.

He was immediately inserted in the starting five and produced his best numbers. Bradley averaged 14.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks over the final 33 games of the 1996-1997 season.

He would stay in Dallas for eight more seasons. Bradley’s role went from 28 minutes a night down to 11 in his final season in 2005. The 7’6 big man was a key piece as the Mavericks returned to the playoffs in 2001 for the first time in more than a decade. Dallas reached the second round in his final season before losing to the Suns.

Bradley was a force in the paint. He led the league in blocks in 1997. He was a strong rebounder that was no stranger to making life difficult for the opposition around the rim.

In 2018, Bradley went down as one of the 30 greatest Mavericks of all-time. The list has been shaken up in recent seasons give Dallas’ recent success, but Bradley was an important piece that helped bring them back into contention.

All the best go out to Shawn Bradley and his family. The messages of support have been rolling in since the announcement. Hopefully, he continues to make progress in his recovery. Best wishes.