Jazz rookie Jared Butler describes getting medically cleared by panel
Utah Jazz rookie Jared Butler on Saturday described the process of getting medically cleared to play next season in the NBA by a Fitness-to-Play panel after previously experiencing a heart condition.
Butler was reportedly diagnosed with a heart condition when he first committed to play at Alabama in 2018. Following the testing results, he transferred to Baylor and was cleared to play as a full participant in each of the past three seasons with the Bears.
The 40th overall pick announced last month that he had been cleared by the panel and was free to resume on-court workouts and exercises. Prior to receiving clearance, he was not permitted to conduct workouts with teams and could only interview and visit with executives and scouts.
The process of getting cleared, as Butler said, was thorough and comprehensive.
Whatever the field of interest is, they get three doctors: One from the NBA, one from the NBA Players Association and those doctors collaborate on getting a third doctor to make it a three-person panel. I got a chance to speak before the panel (along with) my agent and some other representatives I wanted to state my case and give last remarks about why I should play. They deliberated and talked through it and ultimately came to the decision.
Butler was widely considered to be a first-round pick after a strong junior campaign with Baylor but eventually dropped to the second round. His health concerns likely contributed to falling down draft boards, despite receiving full clearance by the panel.
On the court, Butler figures to be a huge steal candidate for the Jazz.
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 likes the fit with the Jazz, on and off of the court.
I like how they shoot a lot of 3s. Obviously, at Baylor, we shot a lot of 3s: Catch and shoot, off the dribble, pick and roll. I’m extremely excited about that and I feel like the culture here is also something I can really adjust to. Just really great people, honestly, and that’s what I’m about. Just trying to be a fit and build up a culture that is an inspiration to other people.
Butler projects to check quite a few boxes for the Jazz given his ability as a floor spacer. He is unsure if he will participate with Utah in summer league, but maintained that he is fully healthy and ready to go if that decision is made.
Utah kicks off summer league in Salt Lake City on Tuesday versus the Memphis Grizzlies.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
Related
Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner 'can't wait' to get to work with Magic
Baylor guard Jared Butler medically cleared to play in NBA
Projected first-round pick Jared Butler stays positive amid uncertainty
List
2021 NBA Draft grades and analysis for all 60 picks
