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The Heartbreaking Reason DeAndre Bembry Didn't Attend the NBA Draft

A very heartbreaking story.

The NBA Draft is supposed to be one of the most memorable nights of a selected young baller's life.

After all, being drafted by an NBA squad spells a life-altering moment.

But for one young player, the 2016 NBA Draft was anything but a happy occasion. In fact, it was downright heart-wrenching and the reason is very sad.

DeAndre Bembry skipped attending the draft in Brooklyn on Thursday night because it was too close to his brother, Adrian Potts, 20, being shot and killed in Charlotte on June 11 with the funeral being held last week.

Bembry, a 6-foot-6 small forward out of St. Joseph's, was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 21st overall pick in the NBA Draft last night. Although basketball was understandably not on his mind.

"It's been a very rough time for me," Bembry told the Associated Press. "Me and my mother, I don't know. It seems unreal that my brother isn't here. It's so crazy. I don't know. I don't really want to speak on that. That was like my best friend."

Bembry intends to represent his brother to the fullest with his play in the NBA.

"I just loved that guy," he said, "and I'm definitely going to put more effort out there just for him."

According to reports, Potts was standing in front of an apartment building when he was shot. Three of his friends were shot as well, but are expected to recover. The crime is still being investigated.

What a sad story.

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