Shawn Bradley
From Hoopedia
Shawn 'Shorty' Bradley (born March 22, 1972 in Landstuhl, Germany) is a retired American 7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m) basketball player who played center for the Dallas Mavericks (NBA). Born in West Germany, Bradley grew up in Castle Dale, Utah, in the United States and has dual citizenship.
Contents |
Professional Career
NBA
Bradley was highly regarded as an NBA prospect after playing well for one season with Brigham Young University. In the 1993 NBA Draft, he was the second pick overall. During his first years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Bradley established himself as a decent shot-blocker with limited offensive abilities, denying an average 3.5 shots per game.
The rail-thin Bradley had a tough time against the physical centers and forwards of his generation and had a reputation for being inconsistent and not aggressive when it came to defense. He was also known for getting posterized: at times, he averaged over 4 fouls per game at just under 30 minutes of playing time. After a couple of solid years with the Dallas Mavericks, Bradley developed knee problems. His production steadily declined, and after the Mavericks acquired Erick Dampier in 2004, Bradley found himself on the bench most of the time. He announced his retirement from professional basketball in June 2005.
International Career
Bradley has competed internationally for Germany; he and Dallas teammate Dirk Nowitzki were members of the German national basketball team that finished third (ahead of the USA) at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis. In order to participate in this tournament, Bradley made use of his German roots to obtain German citizenship.
On-Court Altercations
During a March 19, 1996 game between the Vancouver Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets, 6'2" Grizzlies guard Greg Anthony threw a punch at Bradley. On January 25, 2000, during a game against the Golden State Warriors, Bradley was picked up by Warriors forward Mark Davis and slammed on the court. For his part in the scuffle, he was fined $3,000 by the league.
Post-Basketball Career
After his retirement as a player, Bradley became involved with West Ridge Academy, a coeducational private school for at-risk youths in West Jordan, Utah. Bradley's role with the school involves some of the functions of a vice principal, counselor, and coach. Describing Bradley, school executive director Ken Allen 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 make 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."
