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Baylor guard Jared Butler on Thursday remained positive regarding his future in the NBA after the league reportedly referred him to a Fitness-to-Play panel this week.
It was reported on Tuesday that Butler would need to be cleared by the panel in order to play or practice in the NBA. The panel consists of three physicians, one who is recommended by the NBA, another by the NBPA and the third by the first two physicians.
Butler was reportedly diagnosed with a heart condition when he first committed to play at Alabama in 2018. He then transferred to Baylor and was later cleared to play as a full participant in each of the past three seasons with the Bears.
Players are referred to the panel when they and a team disagree over whether or not they should be playing.
Butler, who declined to speak about the report, said his plan all along was to skip the on-court workouts and participate only in interviews at the combine. In the meantime, he has leaned on his faith during this time of uncertainty, according to Bryan Kalbrosky of HoopsHype.
Jared Butler, on staying positive as he waits to hear if his heart condition is cleared and he can play in the NBA:
"I have the faith and genuinely believe that God has a purpose for my life. Whatever that is or outcome or circumstance I'm put in, I'm pretty grateful for it."
— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) June 24, 2021
Butler is widely considered to be a first-round pick after a strong junior campaign with Baylor. He was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player after scoring 17 points in the Final Four and 22 points in the national title game.
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds and two steals in 30 games last season, earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in the process. He shot 41.6% from 3-point range on 6.2 attempts per game on the season.
Butler is projected to be selected 26th in the Rookie Wire NBA Mock Draft.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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