Isaiah Austin was once a projected lottery pick in the 2014 NBA Draft but a rare, genetic disorder affecting connective tissues ended his dream. However, doctors have cleared him two years after his diagnosis. Should a team like the Golden State Warriors take a chance on him?
The 23-year-old big man was a standout player for Baylor University and he stands at 7-foot-1 and weighs around 225 pounds. He was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome four days before the draft but NBA commissioner Adam Silver made him a ceremonial pick between the 15th and 16th overall selection.
In a recent interview with Cassy Athena of Thru The Lens, Austin revealed that doctors have cleared him to play the sport of basketball once again. His condition has become stable and he plans on pursuing his ultimate dream of playing in the NBA.
"I would say about four months ago, I was in Minnesota, he cleared me, and labeled me stable. So I'm able to make the choice if I want to go back and pursue my dream again. I am cleared. I am about to be out here pursuing my dream," Austin said.
However, would any NBA team sign him to a deal even though he has no experience playing in the league? Additionally, he has not played competitive basketball in two years and signing him is certainly very risky.
One of the teams that need Austin's skill set is the Golden State Warriors. The number one team in the NBA needs a defensive minded center that can also knock down shots from time to time. Should the Warriors take a chance on him?
Yes, if he can prove that he is 100 percent healthy and he can withstand the competition. He might get his first crack of professional basketball in the coming months. According to Bleacher Report, he still has potential and an NBA D-League or a foreign team could sign him.
