The NBA honors Isaiah Austin during draft

The NBA on Thursday (Friday, PHL time) took time out from the 2014 NBA Draft to honor Isaiah Austin, an NBA hopeful who was forced to withdraw from the draft due to Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder, affects the body’s connective tissue, which in turn could lead to the weakening of the aorta, a potentially fatal situation, especially for an athlete.

However, the NBA still invited the 7’1” sophomore from Baylor University to watch the event at the Barclays Center in New York. Then, in the middle of the first round, between the 15th and 16th picks, Commissioner Adam Silver said that the NBA was “drafting” Austin, allowing the young man to have his moment by coming up to the stage, which drew a standing ovation from those watching.  

Adam silver is such a classy man! That's love right there. I'm emotional for him. Damn I love that

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 27, 2014

The gesture drew praise from fans online, including reigning MVP Kevin Durant, who described the Commissioner as “a classy man.” - AMD, GMA News