The NBA Draft is the night where many basketball players watch their child hood dreams come to life. For some this has been a moment they’ve waited for since the day they first picked up a basketball.
For Isaiah Austin it was a dream that he was denied. This past Sunday he announced that he had been diagnosed with Marfan’s Syndrome, thus bringing his career as a professional basketball player to an abrupt end. The Baylor University star would never be able to compete at the highest level of this game that he’s been preparing for since youth.
Despite no longer being a prospect in the draft, the news did not stop the NBA from acknowledging Austin on the night that he had worked so hard for. Commissioner Adam Silver took a moment to call Austin’s name, and allowed him to walk to the stage as so many of his peers did as well so that he could live out his dream, if only for a few minutes during the night.
Players around the NBA that were watching the occasion took to their personal Twitter accounts to applaud the gesture, and offer their bests to Isaiah Austin. NBA stars Kevin Love, James Harden, and even the current MVP of the league Kevin Durant were among the many to express their thoughts on the heartfelt moment.
S/O @IsaiahAustin for an unbelievable story. Adam Silver did something special tonight. The @NBA is amazing!
— James Harden (@JHarden13) June 27, 2014
Adam silver is such a classy man! That’s love right there. I’m emotional for him. Damn I love that — Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 27, 2014
Happy Isaiah Austin was able to hear his name called at the NBA draft. Very cool to see.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) June 27, 2014
Wowww Tonight, Isaiah Austin plays for all of us. A very classy and thoughtful move by the @NBA #NBADraft #love — Bismack Biyombo (@bismackbiyombo0) June 27, 2014
Classy move by the @NBA letting Austin live his dream #Ilovethisgame
— Jason Terry (@jasonterry31) June 27, 2014
What a great gesture for Adam Silver and the @NBA to do for a terrific young man! Wish to see him do spectacular things beyond basketball. — Nerlens Noel (@NerlensNoel3) June 27, 2014
Wow my heart goes to Isaiah Austin. Class act, great attitude, and kudos to the NBA for letting him live his dream.
— Charlie Villanueva (@CVBelieve) June 27, 2014
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