The NBA Draft is a night where many young men’s dream become reality. This year, we saw Andrew Wiggins go number one to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jabari Parker go number two to the Bucks. While, that will likely be a trivia question some time in the future, it was another star who owned the night. Adam Silver had recently taken over as NBA Commissioner and decided to honor someone who would not be drafted that night.
Isaiah Austin played at Baylor for two years before declaring for the NBA draft. Just weeks after announcing his decision and days before the draft, he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that can lead to heart defects and early death. In January of this year, Austin admitted that he was blind in his right eye. It was not from Marfan syndrome, but still tried to keep it a secret from the public.
In between the 15th and 16th pick on the night, Commissioner Silver announced announced Austin as an honorary pick. This allowed him to fulfill his dream of being drafted. Silver continued by offering Austin a job in the NBA front office as long as he completed his education at Baylor. Austin getting drafted was one of the best moments in all of sports this year.
