NBA Legends You Didn’t Know Had Deadly Diseases
The NBA is a showcase of athletic excellence and larger-than-life personalities. But behind the dazzling dunks and championship banners, some of its greatest stars have faced battles far more daunting than any playoff series. From life-threatening heart conditions to aggressive cancers, these legends played through pain, uncertainty, and fear—sometimes without anyone knowing. Their stories are not just tales of survival, but lessons in resilience, advocacy, and the power of routine health screenings.
Today, we dive into the stories of 11 NBA icons whose careers—and lives—were shaped by deadly diseases. Their journeys reveal the fragility of greatness and the importance of health awareness in the world of professional sports.
Alonzo Mourning: The Warrior Who Refused to Quit
Alonzo Mourning’s legacy is built on ferocity, defense, and a never-say-die attitude. A seven-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, “Zo” anchored the paint for the Miami Heat, averaging 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game over his career. But in 2000, at the height of his powers, Mourning received a diagnosis that threatened to end his career: focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease.
FSGS causes scarring in the kidney’s filtering units, leading to protein loss, swelling, and ultimately kidney failure. Mourning described feeling lethargic, noticing pitting edema in his legs, and seeing foamy urine—a sign his kidneys were failing. “If I did not get a routine physical, I would have ignored it and kept going,” he later said, urging others to pay attention to their own health.
In 2003, Mourning underwent a kidney transplant, receiving the organ from his cousin. Incredibly, he returned to the NBA and, in 2006, won a championship with the Miami Heat—becoming the first player to do so after an organ transplant. Mourning’s health battles didn’t end there; years later, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, caught early through routine screening. After successful surgery, he became a vocal advocate for men’s health, especially in the African-American community.
His message is clear: “Regular health screenings save lives.” Mourning’s survival, 21 years post-transplant, is a testament to both modern medicine and personal resilience.
Pete Maravich: The Magician Who Played With a Broken Heart
Pete “Pistol” Maravich dazzled fans with his ball-handling and scoring, rewriting the record books at LSU with an unthinkable 44.2 points per game. As a five-time NBA All-Star, he averaged 24.2 points per game in the pros, but beneath his brilliance lay a secret: Maravich was born without a left coronary artery, a congenital heart defect so severe that doctors later said it should have killed him long before he ever picked up a basketball.
This missing artery meant Maravich’s heart had to work overtime, compensating in extraordinary ways. On January 5, 1988, at age 40, Maravich collapsed during a pickup game and died of a heart attack. Only then did the autopsy reveal the full extent of his condition—a medical miracle that he had lived so long, let alone become a basketball legend.
Maravich’s story adds a layer of awe to his career highlights, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest feats happen in the face of impossible odds.
Reggie Lewis: A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
Reggie Lewis was poised to become the next great Boston Celtics icon, averaging 20.8 points per game and serving as team captain. But in a playoff game on April 29, 1993, Lewis collapsed on the court, shocking fans and teammates. The initial diagnosis was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—a dangerous thickening of the heart muscle that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Just three months later, Lewis died during an offseason workout at age 27. Toxicology reports ruled out drugs, confirming his death was due to the undiagnosed genetic heart condition. The Celtics retired his number 35, and his passing became a catalyst for increased cardiac screening in athletes—a legacy that continues to save lives today.
Lewis’s tragedy is a sobering reminder of the importance of early detection and the heartbreak of potential lost too soon.
Wilt Chamberlain: The Invincible Giant Felled by Heart Failure
Wilt Chamberlain was the definition of dominance: 100 points in a game, 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game for his career, four MVPs, and a presence so overwhelming that the NBA changed its rules to contain him. Yet, even Chamberlain was not immune to the frailties of human biology.
In 1999, at age 63, Chamberlain died of congestive heart failure, likely exacerbated by myocarditis—an inflammation of the heart muscle possibly caused by a dental infection. In his final months, Chamberlain lost 50 pounds, his once-mighty physique wasting away. His death was a sobering reminder that even the strongest are vulnerable, and that regular medical care is crucial—even for giants.
Moses Malone: Chairman of the Boards, Champion of Health Initiatives
Moses Malone, a three-time MVP and 13-time All-Star, led the Philadelphia 76ers to a dominant championship run in 1983. Averaging 20.3 points and 12.3 rebounds over his career, Malone was a force in the paint. But in September 2015, he was found dead in a hotel room at age 60, the victim of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—chronic high blood pressure and hardened arteries.
Malone’s death, coming just months after fellow big man Darryl Dawkins also died from heart-related issues, sparked serious conversations about the long-term health impacts on retired players, especially centers. The NBPA responded by enhancing health initiatives for retired athletes, offering free cardiovascular screenings and preventive measures.
Malone’s legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements to catalyzing important changes in how the league cares for its former players.
Paul Westphal: A Brilliant Mind Lost to Brain Cancer
Paul Westphal was a five-time All-Star and key member of the Phoenix Suns’ 1976 Finals team. After his playing days, he became a respected coach, leading teams with the same intelligence and creativity he showed on the court. In August 2020, Westphal was diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer.
Despite surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments, the disease progressed rapidly. Westphal passed away on January 2, 2021, at age 70. His battle brought attention to glioblastoma and the need for more research and treatment options. His legacy as a player, coach, and advocate endures.
Bill Walton: Resilience Through Injury and Cancer
Bill Walton’s career was a study in brilliance interrupted by chronic injuries. The 1977-78 MVP and two-time champion battled through 37 orthopedic surgeries, mostly on his feet and back. In his later years, Walton faced prostate cancer, a fight he kept relatively private.
On May 27, 2024, Walton died at age 71 from complications related to prostate cancer. His passing shocked fans who had come to love his colorful commentary and personality. Walton’s death brought renewed attention to prostate cancer and the importance of regular screenings, especially for men over 50.
Despite averaging “just” 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game due to injuries, Walton’s impact on basketball was immeasurable. His approach to health challenges mirrored his playing days: positive, determined, and inspiring.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Triumph Over Two Cancers and a Mission for Health Equity
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer until recently, is a six-time MVP and six-time champion. His skyhook was unblockable, and his career stats—24.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game—speak to his excellence and longevity.
In 2008, at age 61, Kareem was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a rare form of blood cancer. Advances in medicine allowed him to manage the disease with targeted medication. Later, he faced prostate cancer, which he discussed openly in a groundbreaking interview.
Kareem’s advocacy for health equity and early detection is as important as his basketball legacy. He works with UCLA’s health equity program, encouraging men—especially African-Americans—to get regular screenings and take charge of their health. His survival is a testament to medical advances and the importance of awareness.
Dikembe Mutombo: Defender, Humanitarian, Survivor
Dikembe Mutombo, known for his signature finger wag and defensive prowess, is an eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year. But his legacy extends far beyond basketball. In 2006, he opened the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing quality healthcare to a region in need.
In 2022, at age 56, Mutombo was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unlike many in his native Congo, he had access to world-class medical care. Mutombo’s battle with his brain tumor has been managed with determination and positivity, strengthening his resolve to ensure quality healthcare for all.
His story is one of humanitarianism, advocacy, and the belief that “healthcare is a human right for everyone.” Mutombo’s personal health battle has only reinforced his mission to help others.
Nate “Tiny” Archibald: Second Chance Through a Heart Transplant
Standing just 6’1″ in a league of giants, Nate “Tiny” Archibald proved that heart and skill could overcome physical limitations. A six-time All-Star, he achieved the unprecedented feat of leading the NBA in both scoring (34.0 points per game) and assists (11.4 per game) in the 1972-73 season.
Decades after retiring, Archibald was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs, particularly the heart. In 2018, at age 69, he underwent a heart transplant—a second chance made possible by the NBPA’s health initiatives, which had implemented cardiovascular screenings for retired players.
Archibald’s survival is a personal triumph and a vindication of the NBA’s commitment to retired players’ health. His Hall of Fame induction in 1991 celebrated his on-court achievements, but his advocacy for player health may be his most lasting legacy.
Jerry West: The Logo’s Lifelong Battle With Heart and Mind
Jerry West, known as “The Logo” for his silhouette that became the NBA’s symbol, is a 14-time All-Star who averaged 27.0 points per game and won the Finals MVP in 1969—the only time a player from the losing team has received the honor.
For more than 30 years, West lived with atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart beats irregularly and can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other complications. West’s competitive fire was matched by lifelong struggles with depression and anxiety—mental health challenges he bravely discussed in later years.
On June 12, 2024, West died at age 86, with atrial fibrillation listed as a contributing factor. His legacy extends far beyond his playing career; as an executive, he built championship teams for the Lakers and Warriors. His willingness to discuss mental health paved the way for athletes to speak openly about their own challenges.
West’s story is a reminder that even those who seem to have it all—success, fame, wealth—can struggle with invisible battles. His courage in facing health challenges inspired millions.
Conclusion: Lessons From Legends—Health, Resilience, and Advocacy
The stories of these 11 NBA legends reveal a side of sports rarely seen by fans. Behind the glory and the records are battles with deadly diseases—fought with courage, resilience, and, sometimes, heartbreaking loss. Their experiences have driven changes in health policy, increased awareness, and inspired countless others to take charge of their own well-being.
From Alonzo Mourning’s comeback after a kidney transplant to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s advocacy for health equity, from Pete Maravich’s medical miracle to Jerry West’s openness about mental health, these icons remind us that greatness is not just measured in points and rings, but in the battles fought off the court.
Their legacies endure not only in the record books, but in the lives saved and the awareness raised. As fans, we celebrate their achievements—but we also honor their courage in the face of adversity. Their stories urge us all: take care of your health, get screened, and never underestimate the strength of the human spirit.
