National Basketball Association

NBA honors Isaiah Austin with special selection at draft

Published Jun. 26, 2014 9:40 p.m. ET

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Between the 15th and 16th picks in Thursday night's draft came a very special selection by the NBA.

Commissioner Adam Silver announced at that point that the NBA would let Isaiah Austin fulfill the dream of every young player, making him a ceremonial pick.

Just over a week ago, the sophomore center from Baylor was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the heart. It ended his playing career.

The illness was discovered during a physical for the draft.

The crowd at Barclays Center rose to its feet as Austin, sitting in the waiting area with most of the first-round picks, hugged family members and put on a generic NBA cap. He went up to the stage and posed with Silver, just as all the drafts picks do when they are called.

During the season, the 7-foot-1 Austin revealed he had a prosthetic right eye after multiple operations couldn't repair a detached retina.

Austin, expected to be a high pick when healthy, said he felt he has ''a great story to share.'' He said Baylor coach Scott Drew has already offered him a coaching position with the Bears.

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