Being selected in the NBA in 2005 and a year later, he learned about his damaged kidneys. Since then, Nate Robinson knew he would eventually need a transplant, and in 2022, he revealed he had been battling renal disease. In April last year, the former guard spoke to The Daily Mail, “I know that I don’t have long if I can’t get a kidney.” Finally, the almost two-decade journey is behind him, as he has successfully received a transplant.

“I’m here to celebrate and thank the LORD for all he has done in my life, today is the day I get my new kidney, thank you to all the people that sent prayers and texted my phone giving me encouragement & love !!! Ur a foo if you dnt believe in GOD and the miracles he performs !! Amen.” On Friday, the 3x Slam Dunk Champion revealed that he was going for surgery. Later ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, broke the positive news about the surgery.

“The ex-NBA guard received the new organ during an hours long transplant surgery that began Friday morning at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.” Even Nate Robinson added a photo of him with his mother on his Instagram to share the update with his fans.

It was all possible, thanks to his alma mater, the University of Washington. With their help, the 40-year-old received overwhelming offers of kidney donation. Last fall, the process started, and finally, this year, they found an ideal match. And fans have supported the Seattle native with all their heart and are wishing him well in his phase of recovery.

Nate Robinson has always been upbeat about his next phase

“Later on in life, when I get a kidney, I’m going to be looking back, like, ‘Damn, I really went through all this.’ That kidney I get, I’m going to cherish it. I’m going to treat it like a baby. I’m going to do everything I’m supposed to do.” The former Knicks star told ESPN in 2024. That’s why the fan added, “Amzing news, man. Get well soon Nate.”

Apart from his dunk, Nate Robinson is also loved for his playoff performance for the Bulls. He sank the Miami Heat with 27 points in Game 1 of the 2013 Playoffs. “Praying for recovery We’ll never forget those Bulls Playoff runs.” Crucially, that time, the team was playing without Derrick Rose, who had an ACL tear; despite being the underdogs, Robinson scored 27 points on 8-16 shooting while adding 9 assists and helped the team win the first game.

Another Bulls fan too was elated with the news. “The best basketball news I’ve seen in the passed week. Congratulations @nate_robinson you deserve it bro! Get well! #bullslegend.” Let’s remind you he was part of the franchise for only one season, and yet the fans remember him fondly. Apart from the fans, even the greats of the game called for help when Nate Robinson needed a kidney transplant.

During the entire struggle, the 11-year NBA veteran even tried boxing in 2020. At the time, he knew the issue, but kept it under wraps from the public. “Happy for him. He needed that boxing money for medical bills“, chimed in another reminiscent fan.

In November 28, 2020, Jake Paul faced off against Robinson in a 6-round Cruiserweight boxing match; the NBA star lost in the second round knockout. But in this real-life health scare round, he came back on the other side even stronger. Perhaps that’s why a fan wrote, “🙏 for Nate. Dude was a baller.” Hopefully, the struggles of the former guard are behind him as fans rally behind Nate Robinson.