[Evan_MilbergParticipant]

Amazing story. Per ESPN:

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18175535/former-baylor-bears-star-isaiah-austin-diagnosed-marfan-syndrome-2014-said-doctors-cleared-return-basketball Isaiah Austin says he’s cleared to play! I have to say, I’m shocked. What are the odds he ends up on an NBA team next year? Teams are always looking for high-upside big men.

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 Very surprised he was cleared but I’ll be rooting for him to succeed.  I can’t imagine what is was like to be days from reaching the NBA only to have basketball taken from you.  Teams will be thorough with the examination process be sure he’s not at risk if he plays.  

[ph90702]

I hope he can come back and succeed, but I’m afraid of something going wrong.  I’m confused by how things have changed since 2014.

[BleedGreen808Participant]

In his video he mentioned that his doctors didn’t see any changes to his heart due to Marfan’s Syndrome.  I just hope he didn’t go looking for a doctor to clear him like Bosh did.  

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Was down in LA for Nations in late-July, had a friend who invited me to watch a run near Santa Monica. Bunch of overseas pros and towering over everyone was Isaiah Austin. Was a trip to see him and he was not going very hard, though he was a definite presence. The same general things still apply, good not great shooter, did not mix it up inside much at all. Has not exactly put on much girth since his Baylor playing days.

Eventually Nick Young came in rocking adidas capris and was appropriately dominant. Amongst non-NBA guys, who could still hoop at a high level, the speed and athleticism at his size made him stand out quite a bit, and he was just messing around (guess he is not that different from actual NBA Nick Young).

Glad to hear he is cleared, though I think he is a ways away from the NBA. While he had some skill at his size, was not really quick and always struggled with physicality. Definitely wish the best for him and at least saw he could run up and down the floor, even if it was not in a NBA setting. Could just see the difference of how Nick Young impacted the scrimmage versus even someone with the size of Austin. 

[JordanC20Participant]

 He’ll probably start out in the d-league with his size and shooting ability he ought to be called up.

[no skillsParticipant]

 i am happy for him but at the same time am worried. i actually have marfans. you have to be super careful because once that aorta blows its death normally. you have to be super careful with exercise and such. lifting weights can be super bad. you can have joint issues. marfans is a connective tissue disorder basically so you lack the glue of the body keeping you all together. it effects so much of the body, from skelaton out. each of us can have slightly different ways we are effected. like he for example is blind in one eye while i yet to have that. and in most cases it does mean a shorter life, like for me for example they told me i would be lucky to see age 30. i hope he is super careful. and honestly i am not sure a nba team would clear him. i want to see him suceed but i dont want to see him die out there. 

[MatosParticipant]

I didn’t know much about this. Appreciate the info. And although I don’t know you, hang in there homie. 

[no skillsParticipant]

 thank you for your kind words. in many ways i got super lucky that i never was good at basketball because i am not sure i would be alive still. with marfans you often have things that people like a lot in basketball like monster wingspans, huge hands, height etc. but yeah if i were to lift weights and such it would kill me. but yeah i am doing ok. i just deal with things the best i can. i have accepted it. but yeah i feel for austin a lot. i knew he had marfans way before the draft and knew there was no way he would be able to play in the nba. it is hard tho to have people crush your dreams tho. but you value life more. i just cant believe a doctor cleared him to play. 

[HitsterParticipant]

The guy who wrote the Rent musical died of Marfans aged only 35 so it can be a very serious condition and it was what caused him to withdraw from 2014 draft. I’m sure that the NBA would demand he has a very thorough medical before any team under their umbrella signs him.

If he can play then great but just as long as it doesn’t hinder his long term well being.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 He was drafted by the NBA guys so he’s technically a free agent. Hopefully, he does find an NBA team but hey D-League wouldn’t be bad either.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Just glad to hear he is doing well. Not sure his body will be able to withstand the demands of an NBA season (remember he is also blind in one eye in addition to Marfan’s). He wasn’t even necessarily looked at as a guy who was a surefire NBA prospect before the diagnosis. 

Just to throw a crazy scenario out there (not expecting this to happen) what if a college team was willing to offer him a scholarship.? Would he still have eligibility? He was technically drafted by the NBA but never by an actual team and never signed with an agent if I’m not mistaken. 

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 I can see a summer league invite in his future if his medical checks out. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 Even if he’s medical clearance is legit, there’s no way he’s ready for NBA basketball next year. This will be a process, not just medical testing, but intense physical training…. I’m really hoping he can weather it all. 

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