Nate Robinson, the former NBA dunk champion, is undergoing a kidney transplant. Last year, he said he “doesn’t have long to live” without the surgery. Now, Robinson is finally getting a second chance at life.
Former Knicks Star Will Undergo Kidney Transplant
The former Knicks guard will turn 41 in May. He announced on his Instagram that he would be undergoing a kidney transplant. He wrote,
“I’m here to celebrate and thank the LORD for all he has done in my life. Today is the day I get my new kidney. Thank you to all the people that sent prayers and texted my phone giving me encouragement and love. Ur a foo if you dnt believe in GOD and the miracles he performs! Amen.”
He included an orange image with the message, “2/7/25 Friday LFG.” Last June, he revealed in an interview with Men’s Health that his kidneys were functioning at less than 15% of their optimal capacity. The news came nearly a year after the former dunk champion said he didn’t have long to live if he didn’t get a new kidney.
Robinson was officially diagnosed with kidney disease in 2006. For a long period, he managed the disease by checking into hospitals for dehydration and vomiting. However, in 2020, a bad case of COVID-19 led to the start of his dialysis treatment. At that point, that was the only option he had left.
Robinson Left A Mark On The NBA
Robinson was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2005 and immediately dealt to the Kicks. He spent about five years with New York. During his 11-year NBA career, he played for the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Oklahoma City Thunder. His best days were in a Knicks uniform. During the 2008-09 season, Robinson averaged 17.2 points and 4.1 assists on 43.7% shooting from the floor.
He remains the only three-time slam dunk champion. During his best days, he won the contest by dunking over Shaquille O’Neal. He also dunked over Dwight Howard dressed in a Superman cape, dubbing himself “KryptoNate.” During his time in the NBA, Robinson defied the limits of his frame. He did things nobody his size had done previously.
Fun fact: After leaving the NBA, Robinson played professionally around the world for a few years. He even won MVP honors in Venezuela.
The NBA Saved His Life
Robinson learned about his kidney disease through his time in the NBA. While playing for the Knicks, team doctors warned him about his high blood pressure. Robinson said they tried to stop him from playing if his pressure was too high. Diabetes and high blood pressure are among the leading causes of kidney disease.
Robinson didn’t want to stop playing, so he would tell them to stop checking. In 2006, after his diagnosis, the doctors warned him that his kidneys would likely fail in his 30s. Yet, he said that he felt like he was Superman. With the kidney transplant operation, Robinson will get a new chance at life.
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