Asthma is a widespread condition thought to be primarily hereditary. But many don’t realize how prevalent the condition is among elite athletes. You’d be shocked to know how many of your favorite NBA stars have asthma.
The list of NBA stars with asthma includes Hyland DeAndre Jordan, James Harden, Juan Howard, Dennis Rodman, and JaVale McGee. These NBA stars have gone on to have outstanding careers regardless of their struggles with asthma.
It may seem shocking that people playing such a demanding sport as basketball could do so successfully while suffering from asthma, but it does happen. Read on to learn how they pulled it off.
1. Hyland DeAndre Jordan
34-year-old American professional basketball star Hyland DeAndre Jordan, who currently plies his trade for the Denver Nuggets, is one of the many basketball players dealing with asthma.
Jordan was first diagnosed with the condition as an NBA rookie playing for the Clippers at age 19. Before his diagnosis, he complained to his coaches about experiencing early fatigue and breathing difficulty, not knowing it was asthma.
Jordan has managed the situation well with inhalers and has had a profitable career since then.
2. James Harden
The 96ers’ James Harden is one of the league’s top players. But would you believe that the scorer who has put in a tremendous amount of work all his career and gained an iron man reputation has asthma?
James’ asthma problems started when he was a child. However, he has fought hard to manage the situation with inhalers and still plays for long periods without his condition adversely affecting him.
3. Juan Howard
Most people know former NBA star Juan Howard for his defensive heroics while playing for the Miami Heat. But only a few realized that the star forward struggled with asthma while playing.
The current Michigan Wolverines head managed his asthma well and produced excellent performances. He became an advocate for asthmatic children after his retirement.
4. Dennis Rodman
NBA legend Dennis Rodman almost missed out on his successful career because of asthma and allergies. Luckily, he was diagnosed early and received professional help to control the worst of his asthma symptoms.
The five-time NBA champion became one of the greatest rebounders ever in the NBA. He had an illustrious career that earned a spot in the NBA hall of fame.
Today, he lives a mostly quiet life in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a stark contrast to his life during his sometimes tumultuous and frequently-in-the-news career.
5. JaVale McGee
Like many NBA stars, JaVale McGee’s asthma wasn’t diagnosed early. He had been struggling with his breath while playing in college, but he was only diagnosed with athletic asthma in 2010 when he played for the Wizards.
McGee started managing the condition with drugs and inhalers immediately after his diagnosis. He got in better shape and became a much better player once he realized what was causing his poor breathing.
However, McGee had another setback in December 2018. The NBA star was exposed to pneumonia due to his asthma condition. He was hospitalized for days before recovering.