At 7 pm on June 27th, an hour before the start of the draft, the 'red carpet show' began outside Madison Square Garden. The members of the Little Green Room acted like big stars one after another, appearing in hundreds of shots. What may have been the most talked about moment of their basketball careers.
The sports channels of all major TV stations are broadcasting live.
In Madison Square Garden, the Lakers draft office, almost all the Lakers management were here and watching the live TV broadcast.
When Li Ao came on the stage, he brought a few people with him, including a beautiful woman holding his arm, followed by a handsome guy, an old man with great aura, who appeared in Li Ao's live broadcast announcing his candidacy, and a school leader. , as well as the Trojans head coach.
A group of people from the Lakers team sighed as they stared at the handsome guy on the TV screen who was blinded by the flash and walked straight forward, leading the beautiful woman to a trot.
The media is working very hard to build momentum for this year's draft, trying to make people think that this year's draft players are full of talents.
As for the few who will be successful later, they can then accuse this rookie class of being all parallel imports.
No matter what, the media makes money.
It's just that the quality of this year's rookies is really bad. I don't know how many years it has been since they were this bad.
Some rookies really can't even find any points to brag about. They only have one Kenyon Martin to hold up the cards and a few high school students to talk about them.
The media has been busy for a long time, and the enthusiasm of other rookies is not as high as Li Ao's refusal to try out.
Li Ao took time out from his regular work to shoot a movie and made an appointment with a young actor, which was even more popular than the joint trial.
Just like now, in the eyes of the Lakers management, other rookies seem to be destined to serve as foils for Li Ao.
If they don't put in too much effort and don't pay too much attention to this draft, if they are snatched away by other teams, they will be snatched away.
There are so many talented players every year, and many of them are optimistic about them. If they were all beating their chests because they were not selected, they would be depressed to death.
But they had begun to pay attention to the genius of this flower grower very early. They not only took a fancy to the talent, but also took a fancy to the vast Chinese market.
In the preparation stage for the draft, a lot of energy and efforts were spent, multiple trading plans were planned, and substantial offers were made with multiple teams...
I'm really annoyed that I didn't get selected.
After the red carpet entrance, commercials began, followed by pre-draft analysis, and Jeanie Buss turned off the TV.
She was confused: "What are the Grizzlies doing to cause trouble? Without them, Leo's pick expectations would not be so high. I am even worried that the Nets will see the commercial value behind him and draft him."
The logo man said calmly: "If they want to pick him, we have nothing to do. We have tried our best. If he is not selected in the first four picks, we will win this draft."
Kupchak said heartbrokenly: "I thought it would be enough to exchange Glenn for the 13th pick, or Glenn and Rick for the 10th pick, but I didn't expect that in the end we would have to exchange Glenn (Rice) and Rick for the 10th pick. (Fox), AC (Green), and Ron (Harper) will be sent out together, plus this year's first-round pick. Give these to the Magic. They have cleared their salary space and can directly take three top players. If they really get those two, their current main lineup, plus the players we give them, will directly become the strongest team in the Eastern Conference!"
Jerry Buss's reaction was similar to that of Jerry West. He said calmly: "It doesn't matter if the substitutes are gone. We have an OK combination. There are many players who want to hug us, but if you miss the genius, you will really miss it." Well, it is our eternal loss to miss a genius like Leo who is suitable for our style of play.
Phil also feels that this deal is worthwhile. With Leo as the high-position core of the triangle offense, our core lineup will be even stronger and truly dominate everything. "
Kupchak was still unwilling to give in: "But it's still too expensive. I know Leo should be in the lottery, and the fifth pick is no problem, but the Magic's appetite is too big, and this year's fifth pick is not worth it." This price."
The logo man comforted: "You can't blame Leo. In order to join us, he turned down all the trials. He even said, 'I want to complete my studies in Los Angeles,' and 'It doesn't matter if I lose, I study. His grades are very good and he has no worries about not having a job. In this case, he has done everything he can.
I just didn’t expect that the more he does this, the higher the pick will be. Now we can only hope that the Grizzlies will not select him. The news I got is that although Mike Bibby suggested to the Grizzlies to select Leo, the Grizzlies did not Officially issued a trial invitation to Leo, and Leo also rejected the Bulls' trial invitation. Moreover, the Bulls have someone to choose with the 4th pick. They will only select Leo with the 7th pick. Therefore, as long as the Gray If the Bears don't choose, the probability of us getting Leo is still very high. "
After hearing this, everyone else nodded, feeling that there was still great hope.
Only Bass Jr. muttered: "Why do I think Leo saw that his ranking was improving without doing anything, so he just lazy and didn't go to the trial training to save time and date female celebrities."
Jenny Buss heard this and mocked: "Do you think everyone is like you? You are as lazy as a pig and work like a tortoise. Didn't our scouting report write clearly enough? Leo spends 9 days out of 10 in the training hall. , what’s wrong with going to date a female celebrity to relax when you’re tired from training?”
Little Bas looked at his eldest sister angrily, wanting to retaliate but didn't dare.
Compared with his eldest sister, he works as hard as a pig and his efficiency is about the same as that of a tortoise.
Jerry Buss glanced at his silly son irritably, wanting to scold him but reluctant to do so.
There was no way, his other sons didn't listen to him, some started their own careers and refused to take over from him, some wanted to be artists and were away from home every day, so this stupid son stayed with him every day to make him happy.
Although he has no ability, he is at least filial.
After the chat, the Lakers draft office became quiet, either patiently or impatiently waiting for the draft to begin.
They only have the 29th overall pick this year. If the draft goes well, they will give it away. There is no need to discuss it. If it doesn't go well, there will be someone to choose from.
Suddenly, the ringtone of the mobile phone rang, which was particularly harsh in the quiet office. Everyone's eyes were focused on the mobile phone in front of the logo man.
The man with the logo picked up the cell phone on his desk and connected: "Hello, I'm Jerry..."
After a while, the logo man hung up the phone.
At this moment, his expression was as painful as ever.
Bass Jr. asked: "Jerry, why do you look so ugly? Who called?"
Others were also curious. The call coming at this time must be related to the draft.
The logo man responded with a twitching mouth: "The Grizzlies called, they want to use Bryant Levis, Denise Scott, Doug West, Brent Price, Grant Long , trade Rick, Glenn, Derrick, Robert with us."
Bass Jr. cursed on the spot and said, "Are they crazy? This is not robbery, this is taking our money and shitting on our heads!"
Bryant Reeves, a player in the 1995 class, was passable in the first three years of his career. In his best year, he averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game. However, his rookie contract ended and he signed a five-year, $50 million contract. After receiving the big contract, his performance instantly changed from 16+8 the previous year to 10+5, and this season his performance was only 8+5.
There are currently three years and $35 million left on the contract. It's hard to find a worse garbage contract than this.
The contracts of Denis Scott, Doug West, Brent Price, and Grant Long are not high. They have annual salaries between 1 million and 3 million. They are all veterans who have played for many years. , now basically unbeatable, but the contracts still have 2-3 years left, and they were all seven- or eight-year long-term contracts signed in the mid-1990s. Maybe after the trade, these people will retire and their wages will be in vain.
Moreover, the luxury tax clause passed in 1998 will take effect in the 2001-02 season, and it will definitely become a huge burden by then.
The combined annual salary of these five people is basically the same as the four people the Grizzlies want to exchange. The difference is within NBA rules and can be traded directly.
But the value of the players on both sides is completely different. The four Lakers are currently all high-quality assets.
Of those five on the Grizzlies, if Bryant Levis is a garbage contract, the other four are worse than shit.
No matter how bad Buss is in business, he still knows the specific situation of the players of each NBA team. Otherwise, he, a small boss, would not be arranged by Buss to help the logo man and Kupchak. Although Buss loves him very much This is a silly son, but the good management of the team is the capital that he loves his son.
Little Bas cursed, but his eldest sister didn't say anything. This time he should curse.
However, although others were surprised by the outrageous offer made by the Grizzlies, they did not speak immediately. After taking a look at the scolding Buss, they turned their attention back to the logo man.
The logo man was still hurt and said: "When we complete this 4-for-5 deal, the Grizzlies will give us the No. 2 pick, otherwise they will draft Leo."
"Fake!" Kupchak cursed and said, "I said they obviously had no reason to choose Leo, so why didn't they deny what Mike Bibby said? It turned out to be this idea!
They have Bibby, Raheem, and Dixon. If they take four of our players, their main lineup will be complete, and they may make the playoffs, and they will also give away their garbage contracts that occupy 18 million in space. Come on, two of their three core players are on rookie contracts, and there is a maximum salary space. With our four players, maybe they can attract a star to join them. "
Others on the Lakers also wanted to scold the team, and Kupchak basically analyzed the Grizzlies' tricks thoroughly.
The situation is even more difficult now!
The Grizzlies really dare to choose!
Last year, Francis made it clear that he was unwilling to play outside the United States and wanted to play for the Charlotte Hornets, which is very close to his hometown. The Hornets had the No. 3 pick, but the Grizzlies selected him with the No. 2 pick.
Although they were forced to trade Francis in the end, it was enough to show how strong the Grizzlies management was. Moreover, the Grizzlies did not trade Francis to the East, but sent him to the southwest far away from Maryland. It was so cruel.
When everyone doesn't know what decision to make, a guy with a head as strong as the Grizzlies management strongly suggested: "Dad, let's stud!"
Old Bass, who had always been calm, finally didn't hold back this time: "Stud, stud, I should have shot you on the card table from the beginning! Let you stud for the rest of your life!"
…
At the draft, Li Ao led a group of people to the table with his name written on it.
He looked around and saw many players he had played against.
It's just that most of these people's eyes were not very friendly when they saw him.
His last college opponent, the Spartans, had two Green Room picks, Martin Cleaves and Maurice Peterson.
There are also Swift, Mike Miller...and a few opponents whose names I can't remember.
Mike Miller at the next table stood up and greeted enthusiastically: "Leo, I didn't expect you to run for office this year."
Li Ao stepped forward and hugged him, and said enthusiastically: "You have already participated in the election, and the draft prediction is still so high. But I beat you, I think I can also be selected."
"Your mouth is still so annoying. You have to know that this place is full of players who have lost to you. If we join forces, you may not be able to beat us."
Li Ao pursed his lips several times with a confused expression, and replied angrily: "Your confidence is beyond my expectation..."
Li Ao returned to his seat and sat down. Mike Miller directly pulled the chair next to Li Ao and asked: "Leo, at which pick do you think you will be selected? Can you squeeze that disgusting guy down?"
On this topic, Vivian and Liam dragged chairs around Li Ao and watched forcefully.
The three of them followed Mike Miller's gaze, and Kenyon Martin...
Li Ao wondered: "Didn't he be defeated by you? Why are you staring at him?"
"He couldn't afford to lose, so he elbowed me!"
"That's okay. I also elbowed him before the referee noticed it. Besides, he looked fierce, but he was actually a coward. If you are tougher than him, he will be soft."
Mike Miller: (￣ェ￣;)
He really wanted to say something - you think I am you! It is said that you got into hundreds of fights a year, forcing the school to send you to the school team to vent your violent emotions on the court?
Mike Miller is a little sad thinking about this. He has worked hard for so many years and is only expected to be ranked 4-10.
This guy only started playing basketball as a sophomore and has only been playing for a few months. Now his draft expectations are almost the same as him.
Li Ao shook his head and continued: "It shouldn't be possible. My predicted ranking is too high. Some teams that invited me for trial training should just join in the fun. I only spent a little time on their trial training, and I also I didn’t go, I thought I would be drafted in the ideal draft.”
"No. 29 pick? Impossible. You can't fall out of the lottery. You think too much. You can't go to the Lakers." Mike Miller shook his head repeatedly.
"No, it's the 10th pick. They promised to trade for me with the 10th pick." Li Ao felt that it was time to say that the Lakers had already won the championship and there was no need to worry about affecting their morale.
Mike Miller suddenly realized: "No wonder you refused to try out with all teams. It turned out that you were worried that you would be selected by other teams if you performed too well in the trial..."
As he said that, he started to get sour again: "It's great. Los Angeles is a big city. I don't know where I will go. It would be great if it's Chicago. Orlando and Atlanta are also okay, but don't be Cleveland!"
"The Bulls have the 4th and 7th picks, the Magic have the 5th pick, and the Hawks have the 6th pick. You can relax, one of these teams will definitely pick you."
"Thank you for your blessings. I also hope you can go to Los Angeles and we all go to play in big cities!"
The friendship between Li Ao and Mike Miller was forged here.
In fact, the two of them didn't have much interaction with each other, and they even got mad at each other during the game, but they couldn't help but get to know each other in private. They were both enthusiastic and chatty people, and they could withstand ridicule.
With blessings for each other, the two sat together and waited for the draft to begin.
Soon, at 8 p.m., David Stern came on stage to the boos of hundreds of fans.
Not to mention how similar it was to last year, I can only say that after the exact same opening, the NBA 2000 Draft began.
The Nets' envelope is already in Stern's hands.
When Stern opened the envelope, Li Ao's heartbeat accelerated, and he noticed that Mike Miller next to him also stared straight in the eyes.
Although he thought it was impossible, Li Ao still had a picture of playing with Kidd in the future in his mind at this moment.
The Nets shouldn't be so crazy as to trade Marbury for Kidd and send him out as an extra. After all, Kenyon Martin is here...
"Ladies and gentlemen, the New Jersey Nets selected with the first overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft... Kenyon Martin from the University of Cincinnati!"
As Stern read out the name, the picture in Li Ao's mind instantly shattered.
Stern and Kenyon Martin shook hands and took a photo before leaving the stage, and the big screen began to play highlights of Kenyon Martin's flying escapes in the college arena.
Three minutes later, Stern returned to the stage and opened the envelope.
Li Ao doesn't have high hopes for being selected with the second overall pick. The Grizzlies have not had any contact with him.
If I really get selected...can we have a snowball fight in the summer?
"Ladies and gentlemen, the second overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies was... Stromire Swift from Louisiana State University!"
Sure enough, the Grizzlies selected the high jumper, and Li Ao didn't feel discouraged. Although he was almost more popular than everyone else combined, he didn't really feel that he could be selected in the top three picks.
The middle-aged handsome man who put his arms on the table sighed, thinking that there is still a long way to go to improve the relationship with his son...
On the other side, in the Lakers draft office, everyone cheered in unison.
They made the right bet!
The Grizzlies are cheating them!
The Grizzlies' cool operation will make a profit if it succeeds, but if it doesn't succeed, there will be no losses.
Half an hour ago, all of them were furious. At the critical moment, Old Buss calmed down the situation and concluded that they refused to trade and the Grizzlies would never choose it, so he asked the logo man to call back and refuse.
Now everyone on the Lakers breathed a sigh of relief and hugged each other happily.
The Bulls will definitely select Marcus Fizer with the 4th overall pick. This is the news that the logo man found out.
He believes the news is true because Marcus Fizer is almost the adopted son of current Bulls head coach Tim Floyd.
In junior high school and high school, Marcus Fizer was studying in Detroit. The family he stayed at at the time was the home of Tim Floyd, who was an assistant coach at Michigan State University. Over the past few years, the two became closer than father and son.
The Lakers management is ready to give Li Ao a warm welcome ceremony!
Some are happy and some are angry.
In the Grizzlies draft office, Mike Bibby, who forcibly followed the team to New York, was extremely angry at the moment.
He yelled at the general manager: "Al, didn't you promise me to choose Leo?"
Although Mike Bibby didn't like his father, he even hated it.
But he still trusted his father's vision.
He knows very well that the biggest problem with their Grizzlies team is not that the veteran group is bloated, but that the three cores cannot work together.
And although he is brave enough to fight and has good key-ball skills, his aloof personality is not suitable for being a leader.
He learned from his father that the biggest characteristic of young Li Ao was his strong leadership ability, which he did not question at all.
After Li Ao joined the Trojans, he has been paying attention to the qualitative changes he has brought to the Trojans.
After all, it was the team his father coached.
So after receiving a call from Henry Bibby, although Mike Bibby rejected the other party's recommendation and mocked the other party fiercely, he went to the arena the next day to find the general manager to recommend Li Ao.
General manager Al Ford agreed. After he went out and publicly stated that he wanted to select Li Ao, Al Ford did not come out to deny it.
As a result, I had no choice at this time!
Al Ford explained: "I know Leo is very good, and I also believe in you and your father's vision. I know we need a strong leader. Leo has that quality, but he is too young, isn't he?
And I'm worried that he won't want to come to play with us. He only accepted a trial with the Lakers and stated that he wanted to complete his studies in Los Angeles.
I guess he has reached an agreement with the Lakers. I just sent an offer to the Lakers, and they did not reject us immediately, which confirms my guess. Although they finally refused to trade with us, they must have traded Gao Shun. The first draft pick selected Leo. "
Mike Bibby no longer looked angry, but asked without any expression: "I don't know what you want in return from the Lakers, but since they rejected the trade, why don't we draft him?"
"I'm worried that what happened with Francis will happen again. If we draft him and he doesn't want to come to Vancouver, what will we do? Another loss-making deal?"
Al Ford was helpless, and he was relieved to see that Mike Bibby was no longer angry.
As everyone knows, what Mike Bibby is thinking at this moment is - you are worried about him not coming, but you are not worried about me leaving?
…
His eyes returned to the draft meeting.
After another three minutes, after the high jumper's jumping show ended, Stern returned to the stage again.
Li Ao looked at a high school student not far away, Darius Miles, nicknamed 'Little Garnett'.
It is said that the Clippers are very satisfied with this performance in the trial and praise the faster Garnett.
After Stern opened the envelope on the stage, his hands shook when he saw the name, and a hint of surprise flashed across his chrysanthemum smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, in the 2000 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers selected with the third overall pick... Leo, an international student from Los Angeles who came from a flower gardening family!"
Li Ao suddenly heard his English name and didn't react immediately. After coming to his senses, his head turned to the stage and looked at David Stern with an expression of disbelief.
When he saw the big screen picture switching to a photo of him in a suit, his mood exploded!
It's to Los Angeles, but not the Lakers!
(End of chapter)
