For some, the NBA Draft is about seeing which prospects will join their favorite teams. For myself and countless others, it’s about the moment in which an individual’s life is forever altered.
For a majority of the players selected at the NBA Draft, basketball has been their life for as long as they can remember. They’ve had a basketball in their hands more often than not. They’ve felt the incomparable pressure of expectations as a local, national or international star.
They’ve gone from adolescents on the blacktop to stars on the hardwood.
On Thursday, June 26, Isaiah Austin of the Baylor Bears lived out his dream when Adam Silver drafted him into the NBA.
A night of triumph for a man who has overcome tragedy.
Austin, a 20-year-old native of Fresno, California, has been blind in his right eye since middle school. Somehow, he found a way to become one of the most prolific shot blockers in the country and a player who was projected by many to be a late first-round pick in 2014.
As if he hadn’t already been through enough, adversity struck again. This time, it ended his NBA career before it had even begun.
During a pre-draft medical, Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. It’s a career-ending injury that not only threatened his ability to play basketball, but his life.
WebMD provides a definition for those unfamiliar with the life-threatening condition
Marfan syndrome is an inherited disease that affects the body’s connective tissue, which provides the strength, support, and elasticity to tendons, cartilage, heartvalves, blood vessels, and other vital parts of the body.
It goes without saying that Austin made the right decision.
After the Atlanta Hawks selected Adreian Payne of the Michigan State Spartans at No. 15 overall, commissioner Silver put the draft on a temporary hold. Rather than making an announcement for a sponsor, Silver committed an act that will never be forgotten.
With the best pick of the entire 2014 NBA Draft, Silver selected Austin as the newest member of the association.
An incredible moment, to say the least.
As for what’s next in Austin’s career, head coach Scott Drew hopes to bring him back to Baylor as an assistant coach. As an intelligent and, at times, dominant player, Austin certainly has something to teach.
Here’s hoping that Austin’s basketball career is as fulfilling as his life is inspiring.
LeBron James Gets His Wish
On April 7, 2014, the No. 7 Connecticut Huskies completed one of the most improbable championship runs in NCAA history with a 60-54 victory over the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats. The star of the show was lead guard Shabazz Napier, whose magnificent season ended with a game-high 22 points.
As Napier and the Huskies shocked the world, many reacted via social media. Amongst the millions of tweets that were posted, few stood out as much as the one by four-time NBA MVP LeBron James.
LeBron’s focus: Napier’s draft stock.
No way u take another PG in the lottery before Napier. — LeBron James (@KingJames) April 8, 2014
The Miami Heat took notice. Nearly three months later, Napier showed up to the 2014 NBA Draft in hopes of hearing his name called. After 23 picks had passed, the Charlotte Hornets took the former UConn star with the No. 24 selection. Moments later, this happened:
HEAT have traded draft rights to P.J. Hairston, Semaj Christon, future 2nd & cash considerations to Cha. for draft rights to Shabazz Napier. — Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 27, 2014
The trade that LeBron somewhat asked for nearly three months ago was committed. It didn’t take long for James to react.
My favorite player in the draft! #Napier — LeBron James (@KingJames) June 27, 2014
Talk about having pull within an organization.
Before we pretend Miami did this for LeBron and LeBron only, let’s not forget that Napier is an outstanding player. He led the national champion Huskies in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game, as well as three-point field goals made, free throws made and free throw percentage.
Throw in Mario Chalmers’ pending free agency and this decision makes sense for reasons that range far beyond LeBron’s personal preference.
The question on everyone’s mind is simple: is this a strong enough step for LeBron to re-sign with the Heat and believe in his future with the organization? Or will he sign elsewhere this summer?
Free agency begins on July 1. We’re soon to find out.