Former NBA Slam Dunk Champion Shares Battle With Kidney Disease

Former NBA player Nate Robinson is known to be tough as nails despite his 5-foot-9 frame.

However, it remains that the three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion is still human and is not spared from health matters.

The 11-year NBA veteran shared on Saturday, October 15 that he is undergoing treatment for renal kidney failure, something he has been dealing with for the last four years.

However, Robinson wanted to see his situation in a different light that can benefit others who are going through the same diagnosis.

"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," the former New York Knicks player stated as quoted by Shams Charania of The Athletic .

"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."

Hence, this means that the 21st overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft hid this illness when he faced YouTube Jake Paul in a boxing match in 2020.

Robinson lost to Paul via knockout in the second round.

Just recently, he launched an amateur dunk contest called "Dunk Dynasty."

Among the participants include Michael Purdie, Tony Crosby, Chris Staples, Darius Clark and Jamiko McNair.

In his NBA career, Robinson amassed career averages of 11 points, three assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 618 regular season games.

Moreover, he has appeared in 32 playoff games, norming 8.6 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 rebounds in 17 minutes of playing time.

Aside from the Knicks, Nate Robinson also suited up for other teams that included the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans.