In the 1996 draft, the New York Knicks selected Li You with the 18th pick and Syracuse University forward John Wallace with the 19th pick;
Later, with the 21st pick, the Knicks selected Walter McCarty of the University of Mississippi.
Players ranked after the 20th pick were not invited, and the broadcasters only released pictures of the players and basic data from the universities.
Li You is also very familiar with these two players, and they are both defeated by his own hands.
This is what happens in the middle and later stages of the draft. Most of them select a few lottery tickets from the top four teams. The NCAA data is indeed watery, but in the United States, most scouts and managers still prefer college players.
Because the son of New York, Stephon Marbury, was finally selected by the Timberwolves, the New York fans at the scene sighed. However, after picking Li You with the 18th pick, the Continental Airlines Arena began to be filled with cheers from New York fans.
In addition to cheers, there were scattered Bucks fans shouting:
"We need Marbury!"
The sound was not loud at first, but soon the fans watching the fun all around started shouting too...
At this time, Marbury and Ray Allen, who were being interviewed by TNT host Ernie Johnson, both looked bad.
Neither Milwaukee nor Minnesota liked these two places. Ray Allen didn't even try out for these two teams, but something went wrong.
The Celtics selected Antoine Walker with the 6th overall pick...
Originally, the lower-ranked rookies had no chance to be interviewed, but the draft was in New Jersey, which is half of New York's home court, so the staff stopped Li You.
Taking along the grinning John Wallace, Li You followed the staff to the TNT live interview area.
Young Ernie Johnson and veteran coach Hubie Brown stood up to shake hands and then sat down on the white sofa.
Noting that Li You did not deliberately act mature and grow a beard like Kobe Bryant before him, Ernie Johnson smiled and asked:
"Lee, you are the first yellow man to land in the NBA. You are not yet 19 years old at this time. Will this put some pressure on you?"
Coach Hubie Brown also looked at Li You. His special skin color brought more attention...
"There's no pressure. I went to UConn and I'm very familiar with Madison Square Garden and New York fans."
"In my opinion, there is no difference between the NBA and college basketball, except that some attack times are shortened. Many teams' tactical systems can be followed."
"The most important thing is that I like to meet challenges. Entering the NBA early is the best choice!"
Wearing a Knicks hat and a light gray formal suit, Li You talked and looked very confident.
Li You spoke from his heart. He graduated from high school early and went to college early, and entered the NBA early. This was all his plan.
John Wallace, who was still giggling on the side, subconsciously widened his eyes when he heard Li You's words. This is a big boast!
Ernie Johnson was also stunned when he heard this, but he reacted faster and smiled again:
“What an impressive insight!”
"I think New York fans are going to love you, John. How does it feel to be drafted by the Knicks?"
John Wallace seemed very nervous when he heard the question and subconsciously increased his speaking speed:
“I love New York, I’ve been a huge Knicks fan growing up and I can’t wait to play at Madison Square Garden!”
Li You on the side subconsciously raised his eyebrows. This answer sounded familiar. He had just fooled the Lakers like this not long ago...
Old coach Hubie Brown also laughed. He liked to see the new players embarrassed, and gave Li You a meaningful look.
After everyone talked about their ideals, the improvised interview ended.
Coach Hubie Brown didn’t talk much during the interview, but now he started talking:
"The choices the Knicks made are interesting. Don Nelson failed to change New York's offense. Jeff Van Gundy, who took over midway, still chose to continue Pat Riley's tactical system."
"The coaching staff's selection of Lee is obviously trying to change the existing offense through players. Perhaps in the offseason, the Knicks will also try to change the lineup."
"This year the Knicks lost to the Bulls again. They really need to make changes. If they continue to repeat the past tactical system, they are destined to fail to win the championship!"
The entire Eastern Conference team has been beaten by Michael Jordan. Currently, no defense really works...
Ernie Johnson felt that the old coach's words made sense, and thinking of Li You's confident appearance, he also sighed:
"Some talented players can indeed bring their own system, but next season, the Bulls are very likely to defend the title. 72 wins, what an incredible record!"
"..."
When Li You returned to the stage, he happened to hear that the Bulls selected University of Connecticut's Travis Knight with the 29th pick.
Since then, all 29 players have been selected in the first round, and the University of Connecticut has created a new team history with three players selected in the first round.
Mark Bartelstein's face is still a little ugly. He really hopes that Ray Allen will go to a big ball market to play. Milwaukee? What the hell is that place.
Li You's friends are very happy at this time. Playing in New York, everyone can drive over to watch the game when they have time, and they can still get together on a regular basis.
The draft was still going on, and Li You, who returned to his seat, was not happy to see several new players.
Like Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant is also a little disappointed. Basketball in his hometown is gone, and so is the big city. The Hornets? Might as well go back to Italy to play ball!
Lakers team representative John Black was very unhappy. The first choice with the 24th overall pick was taken away by New York. In desperation, he contacted the team in Los Angeles and finally chose Derek Fisher...
They are also at the No. 1 position, but Fisher does not have as impressive statistics as Li You, and his performance in the trial training was mediocre.
Some people were happy and some were sad. The 96th draft lasted for more than two hours before it came to an end.
All the players invited tonight will get a good contract, which is a fate-changing night for many people.
If you want to live a good life, you must have a beautiful knife!
Ray Allen kept smiling in front of his family, but when he returned to the hotel, he couldn't stand it any longer:
"Hell! I didn't try out for either team. I don't like Milwaukee at all!"
Mark Bartelstein has completely calmed down at this time, and the Bucks will definitely not let go:
"We have to prepare for the worst. Even if we stay in Milwaukee to play, I will get you a big contract!"
Li You didn't say anything. This was 1996, and he was playing in a small ball market. Due to restrictions on broadcasting conditions, his exposure was limited.
Ray Allen is really unlucky...
"Lee, New York is very suitable for you. I have communicated with coach Van Gundy. They will make lineup adjustments in the offseason. This is your opportunity!"
Mark Bartelstein gave Li You reassurance that as long as his performance is not bad in his rookie season, he will definitely not sit on the bench.
Li You nodded and patted Ray Allen's shoulder next to him to express comfort.
Familiar names are starting to appear in the NBA:
Steve Nash was selected by the Suns with the 15th overall pick, and Jermaine O'Neal was selected by the Trail Blazers with the 17th overall pick.
The golden generation of 1996 began to take the stage, and the transition between the old and the new officially began at this moment.
