Isaiah Austin will finally have a chance to play professional basketball.
Considered a first-round prospect in 2014 NBA Draft, the Baylor product had to put his career on hold after he was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. At the time of his diagnosis, the risk of heart rupture due to abnormally large arteries in his heart was too risky for him to continue playing.
Now, after two long years, the 7’1″center has the chance to become an NBA player.
Austin first announced the news Wednesday on “Thru the Lens.”
He also used Instagram to share an emotional message with his fans.
NBA fans first learned of Austin’s story shortly before the 2014 draft, when his playing career was presumably finished. In an emotional tribute on draft night, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver selected Austin as an honorary draft pick and also offered him a job with the league, so long as he completed his degree at Baylor University.
Having been cleared by doctors, Austin now can be considered a free agent and is able to work out with and sign with any team that deems him fit and useful. As the Celtics are desperate for rebounding improvement and a legitimate interior presence, who knows, maybe they should take a look at him?
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
