Adreian Payne's touching tribute to Lacey Holsworth at the NBA draft (original) (raw)

(Kirthmon F.Dozier/Detroit Free Press)

Adreian Payne captured the hearts of many basketball fans around the country last season because of his friendship with Lacey Holsworth, a young Michigan State fan who lost her battle with cancer shortly after the NCAA tournament.

Months after her death, Payne honored Lacey at one of the biggest days of his life — the NBA draft — where he brought her mom, Heather, as one of his guests.

So what would Lacey say if she was at the draft?

“She would definitely give me a big hug and tell me she loved me,” Payne said.

Payne, who had a tribute to Lacey in his suit jacket, was selected with the 15th pick by the Atlanta Hawks.

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