After Surviving Near Death Experience, Nate Robinson Reveals Aspirations To Join Isiah Thomas, Jamal Crawford & More

Not everyone gets a second chance at life, but Nate Robinson did—and he’s not wasting a moment of it. Diagnosed with kidney disease all the way back in 2006, the former NBA star quietly battled the condition for years. Things took a sharp turn for the worse in his 30s, and when COVID hit, it was nearly fatal. The virus ravaged his already fragile health, forcing him into immediate dialysis. At one point, Robinson himself admitted that he “doesn’t have long to live” without a donor. And that’s when the miracle stepped in.

The former New York Knicks star’s life took a hopeful turn when a man named Shane Cleveland stepped forward to donate a kidney. For those curious about the man who saved Nate Robinson, Cleveland lives in Bremerton, Washington, with his wife, Kara, and their four daughters, aged 17 to 9. He’s a Central Washington University graduate who once worked as a business journalist. These days, he helps manage IT and digital operations for his wife’s family’s business in Silverdale. But to Robinson, he’ll always be much more than that—a real-life hero.

Now on the other side of that terrifying chapter, Robinson recently appeared on Playmaker, where he reflected on just how much his health struggles impacted his life—and how he’s planning to bounce back. “I remember one time I was driving my daughter to playing a basketball camp out in Portland. It was just me and her. And right when we got there, I got sick. I started throwing up and I had to go to the hospital out in Portland,” he recalled, revisiting the phase when he thought why it had to be him. However, now he realizes that there is always a greater plan from one above all. The plan? Nate Robinson would go on to receive the kidney from Shane Cleveland.

Now that he’s been gifted a fresh start, Nate Robinson isn’t taking anything for granted. His first mission? Helping his daughter with basketball. “I want to get into coaching, of course, helping my daughter. I want to get back in shape. That’s a big thing I want to do,” Robinson said. And with a grin, he admitted he’s aiming to outshine his kids physically: “I want to look better than them when I’m 40.” But that’s just one part of the plan.

The ex-Knicks star’s comeback isn’t limited to just personal goals. He’s now eyeing a professional evolution, too. One that brings him back to the spotlight. “I want to get back doing my TV thing where I let the fans get a glimpse of my next 10 to 20 years of life, see how things are going. That’ll be pretty cool,” he added.

March 13, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Nate Robinson (2) reacts from the bench after a score against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Power Balance Pavilion. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Robinson, who played for had an 11-year NBA career with eight different teams and last played in the league in 2015. He had to quit when his blood pressure got dangerously high. But basketball has been a huge part of Robinson’s life and he isn’t ready to give up on it yet. This one may not be on the hardwood, but what he’s envisioning is a journey similar to that of former players like Isiah Thomas and Jamal Crawford.

Both legends have carved out fulfilling post-NBA lives that blend broadcasting with coaching. Thomas is now the head coach of the Saginaw Soul in the Basketball Super League, while Crawford coaches not only AAU teams but also assists his high school alma mater, Rainier Beach. However, JC has a much more meaningful connection with Robinson. Especially in regards to his health condition.

Jamal Crawford pleaded for Nate Robinson’s help during the time of need

Back in May last year, it had been months since Robinson last shared an update about his health. Then came a heartfelt appeal from Jamal Crawford that month—one that low-key stirred concern among fans. The basketball world was hit with a tough reality: Robinson urgently needed a kidney donor with blood type A+ or O.

Crawford, recognizing the gravity of the situation, shared a video that directly addressed Robinson’s condition. The tweet said it all: “It’s a call for action. One of our most beloved hustlers of all time, Nate the Great Robinson, is in need of a kidney.” Alongside the video, Crawford added, “All the posting we do about stuff that doesn’t matter. We need everyone with this one.”