Chris Wright's Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis ALMOST Derailed Basketball Career
Chris Wright almost never made it to the court again after his health issue almost derailed his career.
Since 2011, Wright has been expanding his empire in basketball to inspire his fans. But as he perseveres to make history in the sports industry, he managed a different record instead that no NBA player did yet.
In 2012 - just a year after his NBA debut - Wright was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). He became the first known basketball player to have the dreaded illness.
In a new interview with ESPN, the 32-year-old recalled the time when he learned about the disease in 2012 and explained how it almost kept him away from playing inside the court again.
He told the news outlet on Wednesday that he was in an overseas league in Turkey when symptoms suddenly developed in him. According to Wright, he initially felt a tingling sensation in his right foot but only thought it was a side effect of his practice and training.
However, the next day, the feeling already spread to the right side of his body, leaving him numb. He recalled not being able to walk or help himself that he fell on the floor and realized he was numb.
The NBA star consulted a doctor afterward and learned about his diagnosis. He was reportedly told he would never be able to play basketball again. But instead of losing hope, Wright continued his passion.
"I never cried one time, I never had that feeling it was over," he said. "I just said, 'We're going to figure this out.'"
Chris Wright's Recovery After MS Diagnosis
When he returned to Maryland, Wright said that he continued to struggle with walking. He even suffered "excruciating pain" that was also caused by the disease.
After finding the right doctor, Wright started receiving his treatment plan that involved a once-a-month injection, TYSABRI. He also had a two-year, 20 pill round of Mavenclad.
"I kept grinding out, told myself I would walk again, run again, jump, shoot, dribble, everything. [Relearning] was the hardest part, but it happened quick," he continued.
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A year after learning his diagnosis, he found himself signed to a 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks and became the first-known NBA player with MS.
Now, he started playing internationally again with Italy's Derthona Basket. He has also since expanded his family after marrying his childhood sweetheart whom he shares three children with.
As of this writing, Chris Wright is already medication-free.
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