Baylor’s Isaiah Austin was expected to be taken in Thursday night’s NBA draft. But just days before the event his world got turned upside down.
Austin wasdiagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a disease that would make competitive basketball life-threatening.
But in the middle of the second round, a teary-eyed Austin was “selected” by the NBA, given a hat and a standing ovation in the Barclays Center.
The NBA proved once again, that they take care of their own, even if their own is too sick to make an NBA debut.
Reportedly, the NBA offered Austin a job once he gets his degree. And Baylor also offered the lanky wing-man a coaching job.
Unlike the NFL, the NBA routinely looks after the health and welfare of its players. And stands up to owners, like Donald Sterling, who have racist and controversial views that threaten players.
Kudos to the NBA and to Silver for doing the right thing, and giving Austin something to smile about amid a week of horror.
Follow Philadelphia sports editor Evan Macy on Twitter @Evan_Macy
