Shawn Bradley famous for his nickname “The Stormin’ Mormon” was an American-German Basketball Player. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and New Jersey Nets of the NBA (National Basketball Association). Moreover, Paul belongs to one of the tallest players in the basketball association. As his height is 7 feet and 6 inches.
Sadly, Shawn took the last step towards basketball on 20 May 2005 on the home Court of Mav’s. Bradley got paralyzed after a bicycle crash from the chest down. Due to the incident, he had to retire at the age of 33. However, Bradley was an overwhelming and dependable defender on the court. But Shawn Paul had to live a life apart from Basketball, after 12 pro seasons.
To know the details about the tragic incident of Shawn Bradley life, his exceptional height, professional career, basketball journey, and celebrity life continue reading the article.
What It Is To Know About Shawn Bradley’s Exceptional Height?
Bradley was born in Landstuhl, West Germany on 22 March 1972. Because his father worked in US Military Hospital. As per the information, Shawn belongs to a tall family. His father Reiner Bradley and Teresa were more than 6 feet tall.
Therefore, Paul Bradley was 6 feet 8 inches by the end of his junior high school. Whereas, at the end of high school he was 7 feet 5 inches. Once Paul had his DNA test, in which he came to know about his exceptional height. It was not because of any genetics or physical exercises, but it was because of an extremely rare combination of genes in his body.
How Bradley Started His Basketball Journey?
Shawn Bradley grew up on a farm. It was outside the small town of Utah. Thus, Shawn and his siblings use to live in a Church named LDS Church. By then he was already a phenomenal player of baseball, football, and basketball at Emery high school. He studied there from 1987 to 1990. Moreover, in Utah High School history Shawn Paul was the most outstanding basketball player.
During his High school, Bradley achieved many awards and championships.
- Shawn was an All-State award, twice and thrice earned MVP player.
- In senior year, he got 25 points, 9 blocks, and 17 rebounds per contest.
- In many national publications, Paul got mentioned as an All-American. It includes Street and Smith, Parade Magazine, and USA Today.
- At McDonald’s All-American Games, he was the strongest performer. He received the ‘Most Valuable Player Award’ for the Team West.
- Further, Shawn holds Blocked shots at Utah state records in a single game.
In college, Shawn Paul got recruited all across the US. Ultimately, he started playing at BYU, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
- Hence, in his first year, he contributed to shot-blocking. Which led him to a total of 177 blocks in the entire nation.
- Besides, Bradley played as the leading defense in the NCAA Tournament season at BYU.
- Afterward, he received many honors and awards in his first year season.
- Even Shawn Bradley was exceptional at the Western Athletic Conference as a freshman. In addition, there he got All-WAC Newcomer and defense team honors.
- Later, he was eligible for NCAA and got declared at the NBA draft.
How Was The Professional Career of Paul Bradley?
In the history of the NBA draft in 1993, Shawn was the most debated and highly intriguing player. He dominated the game and his support through his tremendous athleticism and size.
Philadelphia 76ers from 1993 to 1995:
- Thus, Shawn Bradley made it to the Philadelphia 76ers as a second pick.
- As he was 7 feet and 6 inches tall, Paul got issued a 76 number on Jersey.
- However, Bradley’s first season had mixed results. Though he was good at blocking shots.
- Yet, he ended his season with 13 doubles in the last 17 games.
New Jersey Nets from 1995 to 1997:
- After leaving the Philadelphia 76ers with not much at games, he started to play for New Jersey in 1995.
- So, Shawn Bradley played 67 games of the year with this new team.
- In addition, he came strong for his fans in the second half of the season. Here, Bradley scored a season-high points.
- Meanwhile, in March 1996, Shawn Paul lifted his game.
- He scored triple-doubles in April as well.
- Later, when the coach of the Nets was replaced many players left the team in which Shawn was also included.
Dallas Mavericks from 1997 to 2005:
- Shawn had some of the best years of his career with the Dallas Mavericks. It was a fresh start in this franchise.
- Paul scored 32 points in the history of Dallas.
- Dallas use to lack defense, which got strong after Shawn joined Mavericks.
- Because of that, he was the best shot-blocker in the league.
- It was a great achievement for Dallas Mavericks in NBA statistical category.
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Shawn Paul Bradley got retired as a player and worked with West Ridge Academy. It was a coeducational private school for the youth at risk in Utah. The principal of the school said;
“Shawn has a great presence—due to his size—and has immediate credibility with the kids. His instant credibility when he’s talking to kids makes him an incredible mentor. He is a great example of someone who has worked hard and been very successful. Being so tall wasn’t always easy for him. He knows about being the ‘odd kid’ and dealing with that.”
Furthermore, Bradley contributed to many charitable events. Still, he was destined to lose his career. Shawn was hit by a motorbike while riding the bicycle on 20 January 2021. Nonetheless, he lost his spinal cord and left with paralysis.
Therefore, in an interview, Shawn Bradley mentioned that he and his family moved to Dallas, Texas as it is a more wheelchair-friendly city. Where he continued his rehabilitation. Bradley famous for his height said that his height became a hindrance in his recovery.
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