History of Shawn Bradley in Timeline

Shawn Paul Bradley, a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, is a retired professional basketball player notable for his exceptional height of 7'6". Born in Landstuhl, West Germany, while his family was stationed at a U.S. military base, he was raised in Castle Dale, Utah. During his NBA career, he played center for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks, making a name for himself as one of the tallest players in league history.

1949: Birth of Reiner Bradley

Shawn Bradley's father, Reiner Bradley, was born in 1949.

March 22, 1972: Birth of Shawn Bradley

Shawn Bradley was born on March 22, 1972, in Landstuhl, West Germany, at a US military base medical facility.

1986: David Robinson's NCAA Record

Navy's David Robinson set the NCAA single-game record for blocked shots with 14 in 1986.

1987: Start of High School Career

Shawn Bradley began his high school basketball career at Emery High School in 1987.

1990: End of High School Career and McDonald's All-American MVP

Shawn Bradley graduated from Emery High School in 1990. He was named MVP of the West team at the McDonald's All-American Game.

1990: Start of College Career at BYU

Shawn Bradley started his college basketball career at Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1990.

1991: Missionary Work in Australia

Shawn Bradley began his two-year missionary service for the LDS Church in Sydney, Australia, in 1991.

1993: Return from Mission and Declaration for NBA Draft

In 1993, Shawn Bradley returned from his mission and declared for the NBA draft.

1993: Rookie Season with 76ers

Shawn Bradley began his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1993.

1993: Drafted by Philadelphia 76ers

Shawn Bradley was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1993 NBA draft.

1995: Career Best Season Averages

During the 1995-96 season, Bradley recorded career-high season averages in points, rebounds, and blocks.

1995: Traded to New Jersey Nets

The Philadelphia 76ers traded Shawn Bradley to the New Jersey Nets for Derrick Coleman during the 1995–96 season.

March 1996: Career Highs and Triple-Doubles

In March 1996, Shawn Bradley achieved career highs in points and blocks and also recorded his first career triple-double.

1996: Space Jam Appearance

In 1996, Shawn Bradley appeared in the film Space Jam, portraying one of the NBA players who lose their skills.

1996: Traded to Dallas Mavericks

The New Jersey Nets traded Shawn Bradley to the Dallas Mavericks during the 1996–97 season.

1997: 20-20-10 Game off the Bench

During the 1997–98 season, Shawn Bradley achieved a rare 20-20-10 game (points, rebounds, and blocks) coming off the bench.

2000: Leading the NBA in Blocks

During the 2000-2001 NBA season, Shawn Bradley led the league in blocked shots with 228, breaking his own team record for the Dallas Mavericks.

2000: Charitable Donations

During the 2000-2001 season, Shawn Bradley donated $25 for every blocked shot to Bryan's House, supporting children with HIV and AIDS. He also became a spokesperson for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

2001: EuroBasket 2001

In 2001, Shawn Bradley obtained German citizenship through his mother's heritage and played for the German national basketball team in the EuroBasket tournament, finishing fourth.

2005: Retirement from the NBA

In 2005, Shawn Bradley retired from the NBA after playing 7 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.

March 19, 2010: Running for Utah House of Representatives

On March 19, 2010, Shawn Bradley filed to run as a Republican for the 44th District seat in the Utah House of Representatives.

November 2, 2010: Election Loss

On November 2, 2010, Shawn Bradley lost the election for the Utah House of Representatives to incumbent Tim Cosgrove.

2010: Death of Reiner Bradley

Shawn Bradley's father, Reiner Bradley, passed away in 2010.

2011: Tribute Video Appearance

In 2011, Shawn Bradley appeared in a music video tribute to basketball player Jimmer Fredette.

2015: Utah State Records

As of 2015, Shawn Bradley held Utah state records for blocked shots.

2017: Second Marriage

In 2017, Shawn Bradley married Carrie Cannon after divorcing his first wife, Annette Evertson.

2018: Genetic Analysis of Shawn Bradley's Height

In 2018, genetic analysis revealed that Shawn Bradley's exceptional height was due to a rare combination of genetic variants.

2019: Adoption

In 2019, Shawn Bradley adopted Carrie Cannon's three children.

January 20, 2021: Bicycle Accident and Paralysis

On January 20, 2021, Shawn Bradley was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, resulting in a spinal cord injury and paralysis.

2022: Relocation and Rehabilitation

In 2022, Shawn Bradley discussed his ongoing rehabilitation and plans to move to a wheelchair-accessible home in Dallas, Texas. His height presented unique challenges in his recovery.