NBA players are arguably the world’s premier athletes, and we marvel at the sheer beauty of their talents. Retirement from that life can be difficult— especially if you’re tethered to a dialysis machine.
Nate Robinson needs a kidney soon, and he’s still waiting like thousands of other Americans. The 39-year-old doesn’t know how long he’ll live if he doesn’t get one.
“I’m not going to lie,” said Robinson, who was recently made available to The Comeback for an interview. “I have good days. I have bad days, but I make the best of it. That’s what I’m doing, is waiting. Hopefully, I get one, and hopefully somebody’s healthy enough to give me a kidney.”
The statistics are grim. According to the latest government data, over 103,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list. Of that number, almost 90,000 need a kidney. And while over 46,000 transplants were performed last year, 17 people die each day waiting for an organ.
Robinson used to worry about getting through the rigors of the regular season. In a league ruled by giants, the 5-foot-9 guard had to work harder than most to stay on a roster. He achieved cult hero status as a sixth man, primarily with the New York Knicks (2005-2009). His exceptional athleticism allowed him to stick around for 11 seasons and be a three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion.
Now Robinson is focused on dialysis three times a week for four hours a day.
“It’s kind of easier because I’ve been doing it for so long now,” he said. “In the beginning, it was tough because I really didn’t want to go. Now that I understand it. I’ve done my homework and I’ve got knowledge on what dialysis does for my body and how it helps people that need it.”
Robinson has goals. He hopes to be healthy enough to achieve them.
As a small guard, he battled his way to becoming an All-Pac-10 first-teamer for his hometown college team, the University of Washington. Robinson led the Huskies to one of their greatest seasons, going 29-6 and earning a No. 1 seed in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. They reached the Sweet 16 before being upset in the regional semifinals against Louisville.
Against considerable odds due to his stature, Robinson was a first-round pick, the 21st overall selection by the Phoenix Suns. He was traded on draft night to the Knicks. Now, as a retired NBA player, he aspires to be a mentor.
“I want to coach high school first. Once I get healthy enough and get a kidney, I’m going to start doing training sessions teaching kids how to work hard, not just working on your hoop game, but your body. Working on hitting the track, hitting the hills, running stairs, getting out in the outdoors, doing stuff, not just with your trainer.
“They want to train, and then they want to only play AAU in full court. They don’t want to learn who they are as a basketball player and as a person. They just want to get straight to the league, instead of going through the process of getting better, and your reward is making it to the league.”
Until then, Robinson can watch a young athlete he knows very well. His son Nahmier Robinson is a cornerback at Colorado playing for Deion Sanders.
“Oh man, it’s fun, him playing with Deion and him being a part of greatness with somebody that’s in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “And somebody that knows what they’re doing. He’s got my son under his wing, and I trust that he’s going to make my son a great young man and a hard worker. So I’m happy.”
Here’s hoping Nate Robinson gets healthier soon to see more happy moments.
To sign up to be an organ donor, please visit here.
