Former NBA Dunk Champion Is Pleading for a Lifesaving Kidney Donor, Says Death Is the Next Door

Nate Robinson (Photo by Larry W. Smith-Pool/Getty Images)
The NBA community is excited about the Boston Celtics’ record-breaking 18th championship win. However, amid the celebration, former NBA player Nate Robinson faces a personal battle far removed from the limelight. Robinson is currently waiting for a kidney donor to secure a healthier future and extend his life.

Robinson, who has been undergoing treatment for renal kidney failure since 2018, has been a regular attendee of dialysis sessions. The therapy, though life-saving, has taken a significant toll on him. Now, he wants a kidney donor to come and save him from this situation.

Nate Robinson says that if he doesn’t receive a kidney soon, death is the next door he will walk through, per

@MensHealthMag

“Some days I didn’t want to leave the house; I just didn’t want to do dialysis no more. Some days, I did wanna be here, and do this, until I find a… pic.twitter.com/FTJgBIRoUm

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2024

“Some days I didn’t want to leave the house; I just didn’t want to do dialysis no more. Some days, I did wanna be here and do this, until I find a kidney,” Robinson said.

The former NBA star acknowledges the vital role dialysis plays in his survival. Without it, his life expectancy would drastically shorten.

“Some people’s bodies reject dialysis. And thank God that mine accepts it and I can live. If I didn’t go to dialysis, I wouldn’t live probably longer than a week or two,” he said.

Nate Robinson’s Basketball Career Highlights

Nate Robinson enjoyed an 11-season career in the NBA from 2005 to 2016. The Phoenix Suns initially drafted him as the 21st overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. However, on draft night, he was traded to the New York Knicks, where he spent the first four-plus seasons of his professional career.

Robinson gained significant attention throughout his NBA tenure for his remarkable performances in the dunk contest, in which he won a record three times. His final NBA appearance was with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2015-16 season.

Robinson played for several teams throughout his career, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Chicago Bulls.

Following his NBA career, Robinson continued to pursue basketball internationally. He had stints with Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, the G League’s Delaware 87ers, and Guaros de Lara in Venezuela. Unfortunately, his battle with kidney failure in 2018 forced him to retire from professional basketball.

VIDEO: Stephen A. Smith’s Latest Message About Caitlin Clark And Racism Involves A Wild Reference To Donald Trump

Caitlin Clark, Stephen A. Smith and Donald Trump (Photos via Getty & ESPN)
In a recent episode of First Take, host Stephen A. Smith surprised everyone by discussing the challenges faced by Indiana Fever star player Caitlin Clark. While giving his opinion on the criticism surrounding Clark, Smith mentioned a controversial name. The 56-year-old NBA analyst brought up Donald Trump and discussed how race plays a role in Clark’s controversies.

“There’s a broader issue here that can’t be escaped. And that is this: she is a white young lady. And she’s been a magnet in a way that has benefitted the league in ways that others have not, even though their efforts have been worthy and deserving of being as celebrated, if not even more celebrated…. in the end, if you’re white, you’re bright, you’re right, and as a result, the shine comes your way in the eyes of a lot of people in America.” Smith said.

“You have somebody that’s a presidential candidate. What is his claim to fame? Make America Great Again. What have people interpreted that to mean? Make America White Again… what has that led to? A divide. It is not a divide that is created. It is a divide that is illuminated because it highlights and shows that it’s been in existence all along. And It hasn’t gone anywhere.” Smith added.

Caitlin Clark Racism Controversy

After making her debut in the WNBA, Clark has been involved in numerous controversies on a weekly basis. Recently, her fans have been bringing up her name in discussions about racism, misogyny, and homophobia. During an interview, the 22-year-old Fever player was asked about these topics, and she said that her focus was on basketball. Despite Clark ignoring the fans’ actions, another player, Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington, criticized Clark for ignoring such essential incidents.