Former NBA Star Nate Robinson Announces He Will Undergo Kidney Transplant

Former NBA guard Nate Robinson, a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, announced on Instagram Friday that he is undergoing a kidney transplant.

In Oct. 2022, Robinson announced that he had been undergoing treatment for renal kidney failure over the past four years.

The 40-year-old Robinson played 11 NBA seasons from 2005-2016, averaging 11.0 points per game.

The 5'9" Robinson played for the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans.

Robinson's NBA career is best known for his tremendous Slam Dunk Contest exploits. He's the only player to ever win the contest three times, taking the title in 2006 (his rookie year), 2009 and 2010.

Robinson was a great in-game dunker, too, an incredible feat considering his height.

He carved out a solid career otherwise, though, overcoming the limitations of height to play in the league for a decade-plus after starring at Washington.

Robinson's best season was 2008-09, when he finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year race after averaging 17.2 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.

He also fared well for the 2012-13 Bulls as a sixth man, notably posting 16.3 points and 4.4 assists in the playoffs that year.

Robinson has obviously dealt with some serious health battles in his post-NBA life, but thankfully, he's getting the help he needs on the road to full recovery.