Time is ticking for 3x NBA Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson, who has been diagnosed with a kidney disease for the last 18 years. According to the former New York Knicks guard, death is next door he will be walking into if he doesn’t receive a kidney transplant. He is waiting for a donor, but there isn’t much time left for Robinson. Where did things go wrong for the 40-year-old?

Robinson lives by the line, ‘Heart over height‘. He was one of the best in the league, known for his enthusiasm and hustle. However, he later realized he gave too much to the league, which did not give him back at the right time.

Robinson, who spoke in a recent interview, revealed a few occasions where he ignored warnings in the early days of his career. During his time with the Knicks, Robinson was warned about his high blood pressure and was advised to take rest. High pressure and diabetes are the major reasons behind kidney diseases. Anyhow, Robinson did not want any hindrances during the prime time of his career. 

He requested the doctors to stop checking until he was diagnosed with a kidney disease in 2006. Robinson started facing some severe health issues. His body would crash due to dehydration, and vomiting, among others, thus affecting his game. He was informed by the doctors that the functioning of his kidneys was declining and that they would fail in his 30s. It was hard for Robinson to believe.

He shared, “I felt like I was Superman. I never thought I would get sick”. He continued to play with medical setbacks only for his fans, but later realized that “the NBA was done with me.” He took his talents abroad, to Venezuela, where he even won an MVP award, after about 15 years in the NBA without an accolade to his name. However, his nightmare has come true, as he continues to battle for his life. 

An emotional Nate Robinson reveals why he wants to stay alive for a few more decades

Life doesn’t end for athletes after retirement. This is the second chapter of life that many love to enjoy, remembering their success, and especially spending more time with their family. That is exactly what Robinson wants. He has not been blessed with it so far. All his time is spent on dialysis and medications. 

He shared in the interview that he desires to stay alive for the next 40 years, spend time with his kids, and his grandkids, and tell them about his stories in the NBA. Robinson is willing to fight for it. He is waiting for a donor, and he will be positive until his last breath. 

“My story doesn’t end here,“ said the former point guard with a lot of confidence. Robinson’s battle against a disease like this is indeed inspiring. Let’s hope this gets a fairytale ending, where he spends his last few years with his grandkids. 

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