The NBA Draft is usually a pretty exciting and surreal time for draftees and their families. It's a life-changing moment that not only marks the realization of dreams but also ensures some degree of financial stability for generations.
But tonight, we got a reminder that Draft night isn't always a happy experience.
For the family of Terrence Clarke, a 19-year-old Duke Freshman who passed away in a tragic car accident, it was quite somber.
To honor his memory, the NBA dedicated to give him his moment and accomplish his dream, even from beyond the grave. It was a really emotional and touching sequence for all who watched:
Kentucky coach John Calipari also paid tribute to the rising star:
I want to take a moment to remind everyone that this would have been Terrence Clarke’s big night as well. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him, his mom, Osmine, and their family. I can only imagine how wide that smile of his would have been hearing his name called.
I’ve got a feeling Terrence will be watching down on his teammates tonight and telling them to relax, enjoy the moment and have fun. That was the kind of person he was.
It was an absolutely awesome act by the NBA to show him some love and respect during the busy draft day, and no doubt meant a lot to his family, who took the stage in his place.
It's never easy talking about the death of a young teenager, especially one who was on his way to such great things.
But today, family, friends, and the entire NBA community shared a collective moment to celebrate and acknowledge his life and achievements -- and that's pretty powerful.
More must-reads: