Baylor standout Isaiah Austin was a projected first-round pick in the 2014 draft before hearing the devastating news that he would no longer be able to pursue his NBA dream.
Isaiah Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome days before the NBA Draft, which is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Doctors recommended that he quit playing basketball immediately.
That was until Thursday.
"“Ever since the draft, I’ve been getting checked by my doctor; and through those checkups, we’ve been monitoring my heart, making sure that nothing has changed, and he said that I am stable,” Austin said via his Instagram account."
Austin was cleared to play and will begin workouts in hopes to get signed by a team as soon as possible.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a moment between the 15th and 16th pick of the 2014 draft to honor Austin as a ceremonial pick. He was given an NBA cap and a standing ovation for his efforts at Baylor and his courage throughout the process.
"“I am cleared. I am about to be out here pursuing my dream. Ever since my doctors told me that I was cleared, it’s been in my mind: I want to go chase this. It’s always been my dream. At the same time, I’m a God-fearing man, and I believe that everything happens in life for a reason. So why would God put it in my doctor’s heart to say that I was cleared if he didn’t want me to go and chase my dream and share my testimony with millions of people around the world.” (per espn.com)"
Here is a list of five potential teams that could take a chance on Austin moving forward through the rest of the season: