At age 69, Nate "Tiny" Archibald undergoes heart transplant surgery

Former NBA player Nate “Tiny” underwent heart transplant surgery, according to former NBA player Rick Barry.
Former NBA player Nate “Tiny” underwent heart transplant surgery, according to former NBA player Rick Barry.

NBA legend Nate “Tiny” Archibald underwent heart transplant surgery recently, according to a tweet sent out by former NBA All-Star Rick Barry.

Archibald, 69, has lived with an incurable heart disease for more than a year. In December 2016, he underwent a health screening that diagnosed him with amyloidosis — irreversible protein buildup that prevents his heart from properly pumping blood to his body.

Archibald played in six All-Star games over the course of his 13-year NBA career. He won an NBA title with the Celtics in 1981, playing with Larry Bird. He also suited up for teams in Kansas City, Milwaukee and Cincinnati, averaging 18.8 points and 7.4 assists per game.

Since he received his health screening in December 2016, Archibald has worked with the NBA to provide healthcare and screenings for retired players who have played a minimum of three years in the league.

In 2017, a new health policy went into effect. Not to mention, Archibald’s advocacy has forced many other retirees to go through health screenings in recent years.

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