In the 1990s, Shawn Bradley was one of the most polarizing players in the NBA. It was mainly due to his 7-foot-6 frame. He was such a unique figure in the game he even appeared in Michael Jordan’s Space Jam movie.
Sadly, the Dallas Mavericks, one of Bradley’s former teams, announced that the former second overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers had gotten into an accident when he was riding his bike and was struck from behind by a vehicle. The accident has left the former center paralyzed.
Bradley is remembered by most as a member of the Mavericks as he spent the majority of his career in Dallas. However, we here at The Sixers Sense certainly send our thoughts and prayers to him and his family, and it seems only fitting to reflect upon his career in Philadelphia.
What Bradley meant to the Philadelphia 76ers.
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In the summer of 1992, superstar Charles Barkley was traded from the Sixers to the Phoenix Suns and it was a beginning of a long rebuild for Philly. After a very bad season without Barkley, the 76ers ended up with the second overall pick.
Philadelphia selected Bradley over the likes of Anfernee Hardaway, Jamal Mashburn, Sam Cassell, and Nick Van Exel. Despite, Bradley not living up to the label of being a second overall pick, Bradley still was a positive contributor as a member of the Sixers.
For his 76ers tenure, Bradley averaged 9.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks. In his two full seasons with Philly, Bradley averages in blocks per game had him ranked fifth and third respectively in those years. During his third season, he was traded to the then New Jersey Nets.
Bradley wasn’t the flashiest player the Philadelphia 76ers had ever drafted, but he was an important part of the rebuilding team while a member of it. Yet again, we at The Sixer Sense wish nothing but the best for him and his family moving forward.