Former NBA Star Nate Robinson Reveals Health Battle
Last month former NBA veteran and Seattle, Washington native Nate Robinson revealed that he’s battling kidney failure.
“I am currently undergoing treatment for Renal Kidney Failure and have been privately dealing with it for the last four years. I’m sharing this now because I want to be the voice for all those who are having trouble speaking about this illness and come together for a greater cause—our health,” Robinson wrote."
I was never a vocal leader on the court. I preferred to lead by example, but now it's time for me to speak up and help all those affected by or dealing with kidney disease.“I am grateful for the care and support I’ve received and continue to receive during this process and hope through this announcement that I can help others like me.”
Robinson, a first-round draft pick from Washington in 2005, averaged 11 points and three assists over the course of his NBA career. His last appearance in the league was with New Orleans in 2015-16.
The Seattle-area native won the All-Star Slam Dunk Contest three times and registered 6.807 points and 1.826 assists over the course of his career.
Since his announcement, Robinson has received a lot of support from the NBA Community.
NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who played with Robinson during the 2010-2011 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, had this to say: “I hope he thinks better, and I hope he gets the treatment that he needs. I played with Nate for a year, so I know him a little bit. I wish him the best,” Durant said after the Nets’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
In a recent interview, Jason Terry shared that he spoke with Robinson the other day.
“I spoke to Nate the other day; he’s in good spirits; he's getting treatment, and hopefully, you know, one day, he'll be back healthy,” said Terry.
“That's what we're all praying for, and Unfortunate, but it's life, and he has the support from all his brothers.”
Memphis Grizzlies Vice President of Basketball Affairs, Tayshaun Prince, shared that he wasn’t aware of Robinson’s health but shared that has the support of the whole league.
“I didn’t know anything about it, not just myself, but the whole league wishes him the best. Great competitor on the court, and I’m sure is going to be a great competitor off, definitely unfortunate, just like our ref that past, Tony Brown. everybody’s praying for him, and as I said, the NBA is behind him.”
Dallas Mavericks President of Basketball Operations Nico Harrison added, “You know it’s sad. Hopefully, Nate can take what is going on with him and use it to inspire a lot of the people that watched him. Because he is always beating the odds.”
Mark Cuban shared that kidney disease is no joke.
“Kidney disease is no joke, and I just saw Dikembe Mutombo two months ago. I just hope that great wishes for both of them,” said Cuban.
Nate Robinson played 11 seasons in the NBA with the Knicks, Thunder, Pelicans, Bulls, Nuggets, Clippers, Warriors, & Celtics - notably the latter two, who are this season's Championships favorites at online betting sites.
