Sports stars are always conscious of their body fitness. They exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet. However, life-threatening diseases can affect NBA Players and anyone irrespective of their lifestyle. Karem Abdul Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was diagnosed with blood and bone marrow cancer. He later died of coronary artery disease.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen a number of talented players diagnosed with life-threatening diseases throughout its history. While these athletes have faced the challenge of continuing their careers, they have faced the greater challenge of fighting for their lives. This article looks at ten such players whose inspiring stories of determination and courage have been an inspiration to fans and players alike.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Kareem Abdul Jabbar, a best-selling history author, and documentarian, has been involved in a wide array of cultural and philanthropic endeavors. From coaching the Lakers to completing a film about the first all-black Harlem Rens team, he continues to keep a busy schedule.
Now he’s focusing on chronic myeloid leukemia advocacy. He says his fame and wealth help him get superior medical care, though he admits that Blacks are still at a disadvantage when it comes to health. The NBA legend wants to change that. He writes for WebMD.
Magic Johnson
In a move that shocked the sports world, Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced his retirement from basketball after being diagnosed with HIV on November 7, 1991. The diagnosis pushed him further into the spotlight, where he became a high-profile advocate for HIV awareness and prevention. Johnson credits medication with keeping his HIV at an undetectable level and not developing AIDS.
Magic has never attributed his diagnosis to the hepatitis B vaccine research conducted by Anthony Fauci, despite social media posts spreading this false claim.
Wayman Tisdale
After three years at the University of Oklahoma, Tisdale played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns. He was a three-time All-American and part of the U.S. team that won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics. He later became a smooth jazz guitarist.
He took a leave of absence for a testicular tumor treatment but returned to the sport later. He was a passionate player and deserved his place among the greatest athletes who have battled against life-threatening diseases.
Steve Nash
Regardless of how hard they work and how passionate they are, sports stars sometimes face different phases that can be considered bad luck. One of those is fighting against diseases.
Nash came from Victoria, British Columbia (not exactly a basketball hotbed) and went to Santa Clara University on the only basketball scholarship available to him. He led the Broncos to three NCAA tournament berths and back-to-back WCC regular season titles, then was drafted 15th overall in 1996 by the Phoenix Suns.
He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he blossomed into an NBA superstar alongside second-year teammate Dirk Nowitzki and veteran Michael Finley.
Sean Michael
Sean came into the world as a happy, healthy baby with an unbridled passion for life. He loved Legos, Batman, dinosaurs, and trains. His mother kept a baby book full of newspaper clippings, greeting cards, and pictures.
Then, ten months after his fifth birthday, he lost vision in his right eye to Coats disease. If caught early enough, this condition can be treated with lasers and medication to improve or restore vision. Handa credits Sean’s good fortune to attentive, proactive parents. He also credits the doctors.
Dikembe Mutombo
After his illustrious career in the NBA, Mutombo focused on charitable and humanitarian work. He helped develop the Basketball Africa League and served as a global ambassador for the NBA.
He’s also involved with various medical organizations, including the Special Olympics. He recently helped an 8-year-old boy receive life-changing surgery in Los Angeles.
Dikembe Mutombo, who has a brain tumor, is reportedly getting better. His good friend Alonzo Mourning posted a photo on Instagram of the two smiling together. The two played college basketball together at Georgetown University.
Larry Bird
Bird brought the Boston Celtics back to glory after a long dry spell and elevated the NBA into the mainstream of American culture. His all-around skills redefined the small forward position and revolutionized the way basketball is played.
The Indiana native grew up in the small town of French Lick and attended Springs Valley High School. He then played college basketball for Indiana State University. During his three-year career, the Sycamores made it to the 1979 NCAA championship game. There, he faced Magic Johnson from Michigan State, a matchup that marked the beginning of their lengthy rivalry.
Reggie Lewis
In July of 1993, Boston Celtics star Reggie Lewis collapsed during a game and died. The 22nd overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft, Lewis had a bright future ahead of him and was expected to carry on the Celtics’ dynasty.
Jordan had a lot of respect for Lewis, who was known for his ferocious commitment to defense. He compared Lewis to Detroit guard Joe Dumars, who never talked trash, despite his enormous talents. Jordan said he remembers young Lewis blocking him four times in the same game.
Zeke Upshaw
In October, Upshaw had an echocardiogram at Metro Health Sports Medicine, which is the team doctor for the Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliate. The results were interpreted as normal.
The lawsuit says the medical staff didn’t check Upshaw for a pulse or use an automated external defibrillator, which is on-site at DeltaPlex arena. Bach said it’s important to start basic life-support measures quickly. That’s because the moments immediately after a sudden cardiac event are the best time to try to revive someone. It was too late for Upshaw.
Isaiah Austin
Isaiah Austin, who played two seasons of basketball at Baylor University, was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome just days before the 2014 NBA draft. This genetic condition can lead to severe problems with the aorta, which could rupture and cause fatal heart issues.
The former Baylor center learned about the condition during standard pre-draft medical testing. He decided to stop playing basketball and focused on spreading awareness about the disease. His inspirational story has encouraged others to tower over adversity. He’s also a role model for young people.
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