allendalepharm Chapter 267 A Four-Party Trade! The Draft: A Major Shift in the League's Landscape
Chapter 267 A Four-Party Trade! The Draft: A Major Shift in the League's Landscape
Chapter 267 Four-Way Trade! A Draft Night That Will Dramatically Change the League's Landscape!
Lin Tian spent the day leisurely exploring Washington, D.C., while Bird went to call the Cavaliers to discuss a trade.
Bird even suspected that Webber had forgotten that the draft was tomorrow. Otherwise, why would he suddenly call Lin Tian with only one day left? It would take a lot of effort to negotiate such a big deal in such a short time.
In particular, considering the Cavaliers' current salary structure and roster situation, this trade will likely involve a third party to balance salaries and adjust the roster.
It has to be said that Webber's call to Lin Tian at this time to request a trade really put Bird in a big problem!
Yes, it's just for Bird.
Lin Tian, being such a shameless person, naturally shrugged and acted as a hands-off manager, indicating that it was none of his business and that he was not the kind of guy who would interfere with or influence the team's recruitment plans and trade strategies.
Well... when he answered the phone, Lin Tian confidently stated that he wanted Webber, but once Bird started working, Lin Tian confidently stated again that he was just a player and would not get involved in management matters.
Bird really wanted to slam Lin Tian's head against the hotel room floor and rub it back and forth, then kick him twice, and finally pour ice and hot water over Lin Tian's head!
Only in this way can Bird feel a little better.
Unfortunately, Bird couldn't beat Lin Tian. When Lin Tian said he wanted to go out and see the local customs of the capital, he could only curse a few words helplessly before continuing to study trading strategies.
韦伯在99-00赛季的工资是1100万，他当年和子弹队签下的那份6年5700万的合同，还剩下2年2300万。
Webber also had a player option, meaning he could opt out of his contract early in the summer of 2000 and become a free agent.
On the Cavaliers' side, in addition to Shawn Kemp's large contract, they also have Wesley Posen and Danny Perry on not-so-small contracts. At the same time, they also need to re-sign their outstanding center, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, this summer.
With Kemp's condition being questionable and a clear lack of recovery, the Cavaliers' gamble on a twin-tower lineup has obviously failed! Therefore, their purpose in trading Webber is undoubtedly singular.
Cut losses promptly, reduce expenditures, and decrease total wages; at the very least, reduce wage expenditures for the next few years.
Therefore, compared to All-Star caliber players, the Cavaliers' management clearly prefers draft picks! The good news is that the Pacers have plenty of draft picks!
Moreover, they are all very high-quality draft picks from the bottom-ranked Raptors team!
These two draft picks are worth a lot of money!
Lin Tian went out to play until midnight. When he opened Bird's room door, he found Bird still making phone calls and writing and drawing in his notebook.
Lin Tian was very considerate; he didn't say anything like "You're busy" to provoke Bird.
He was afraid that Bird would suffer a brain hemorrhage.
Lin Tian gently closed the door again and went back to his room to lie down.
To his surprise, his phone rang again as soon as he lay down in bed!
Lin Tian glanced at it and realized it was an international number from overseas.
After considering the exorbitant costs of long-distance calls across the ocean in this day and age, Lin Tian figured that this unknown number was probably not a scam call, as the cost would be too high.
So he answered the phone anyway.
"Hello?"
"Hello, yes, yes, it's me!"
Hmm? This opening sounds just like a scam call!
"Who are you?"
"It's me, it's Brother Lin!"
"Are you Sister Chen?"
Lin Tian frowned and muttered a curse, because the person on the other end of the phone was clearly a man.
"Brother Zhi, how come you can't even speak properly? Here, give it to me, I'll do it." A familiar voice came over; it was Yao Ming's!
"Hey Lin, are you busy?"
"Let's get down to business. Are you guys really that well paid these days? You're just making those long-distance calls to chat idly?" Lin Tian muttered irritably. He'd never been interested in talking to men.
"It's nothing, it's just that Zhi-ge, also known as Da-zhi, is going to participate in the NBA draft this year, but he's feeling uncertain and nervous! He's having trouble sleeping! So he wanted you to give him some advice!"
"Can't sleep? Insomnia? Isn't it daytime where you are?"
"He didn't sleep last night, and looking like this, he probably won't be able to sleep tonight either," Yao Ming muttered again.
"Then let Dazhi answer the phone." Lin Tian thought for a moment and felt that he still needed to give Dazhi a boost of confidence and encourage him.
In his previous life, due to various reasons and many unspeakable factors, he was unable to truly establish himself in the NBA or realize his full potential!
Anyway, Lin Tian felt it was such a pity!
Even if things develop well and everything goes in the best direction, he may not become a player like Nowitzki or an All-Star, but Lin Tian thinks he can definitely become a qualified starter!
This time, with its sudden emergence, the Basketball Association's attitude seems to be different.
Is it possible that this time, he will not encounter any obstacles and will be able to hone his skills, play and train in the NBA, and fully realize his potential?
"Lin, Brother Lin." Dazhi's voice came over.
"Don't worry, you'll definitely be drafted! As far as I know, at least four or five NBA teams are interested in you," Lin Tian said directly. "They have high hopes for you and believe you can establish yourself in the NBA and become a qualified NBA player."
"But I also have to say, your draft position won't be too high, because after all, you haven't played in a truly high-level league. How much of your stats are inflated, and how much they're worth, is something that NBA scouts and coaches are unsure of. So you'll most likely be selected in the second round!"
"Would you choose me, Brother Lin?" After a moment's hesitation, he asked again.
"Do you want to be selected by us?"
"I don't want to." He shook his head without hesitation. "While it's true that you rely on your parents at home and your friends when you're out in the world, I don't like using connections. It's either yes or no!"
"You're a real man!" Lin Tian praised him briefly before saying, "With that in mind, I believe you can definitely make a name for yourself in the NBA! But most importantly, you have to actually play here, not leave halfway through and then quit to participate in some rubbish like the Military World Games or the National Games!"
"Those things will make your team very angry, and they'll give up on developing you, you know what I mean?"
"I understand, Brother Lin!"
"Also, the NBA isn't just about fighting and killing; it's also about human relationships! So if someone can help you, don't refuse!" Lin Tian continued, "It's not shameful to be helped; it's shameful to play poorly. No matter which team you go to, I'll make sure they take good care of you."
"But I also have to say, we really won't choose you. You don't like using connections, and I don't like being accused of helping others get in through connections either. But I believe in you, and I'm sure you can make a name for yourself! You'll definitely be selected! And your pick will definitely be higher than mine!"
"I understand, thank you, Brother Lin!" Dazhi said excitedly, "I feel relieved to hear that! I will definitely work hard!"
"Alright, see you later! This year, let's go to Fukuoka together and beat all of Asia! Then we'll conquer the NBA together!"
"Alright, Brother Lin!" After a few words from Lin Tian, Da Xi was indeed much happier. He just lacked confidence, and now Lin Tian had given him confidence.
"Brother Lin, Brother Lin, what about me?" Yao Ming, who was clearly more outgoing and had a more unrestrained personality, asked, "What draft pick do you think I'll get?"
"You've beaten those American prodigies and top draft picks to a pulp. So where do you think you'll be drafted? It all depends on when you want to come!"
"My plan is to go next year or the year after! I want to win a championship for the Shanghai team, and I also want to hone my skills. I don't want to go back to a half-baked state!" Yao Ming said frankly.
"No problem, just tell me whenever you want to come, and I'll find someone to give you special training."
After hanging up the phone, Lin Tian lay on the bed. If these two guys could have come to the NBA to train earlier, they might actually be stronger than he remembered from his previous life!
So, the Chinese national team might actually be able to make a run for medals at the Olympics and World Championships, and win a few real world championships.
Hmm, he sounds really good! He's got potential!
After a night without incident, the next afternoon, Lin Tian and Bird, who clearly had dark circles under his eyes, arrived at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., ready to participate in the draft that evening, which was scheduled to start promptly at 7:30 p.m.
On the way, Lin Tian saw Elton Brand, who was basically locked in as the number one pick and looked very smug, as well as Lamar Odom, who was lounging around and constantly eating candy, and of course, Baron Davis, who hadn't grown out his beard yet.
The group of kids were very respectful to Lin Tian. After all, Lin Tian had already achieved great success and was a true NBA superstar. They would give him the respect he deserved.
The only exception, the most arrogant guy, was Steve Francis.
As soon as this guy saw Lin Tian, he declared that he was going to beat Lin Tian to a pulp, saying that he was the best scoring point guard in the NBA.
In response to Francis's arrogance, Lin Tian simply said, "I wish you the best of luck in being selected as the second overall pick."
Second place?
Francis was about to laugh when he realized which team had won the second overall pick.
Damn Vancouver Grizzlies!
Nobody would want to go to Canada!
Before the draft, Francis rejected all the Grizzlies' tryout invitations and meetings, making it very clear: I'm not going, you guys figure it out!
Francis hopes to be selected by the Clippers with the fourth pick, or Charlotte with the third pick if that doesn't work.
But Vancouver, the second choice? No way! Absolutely not!
Lin Tian's blessing was truly wicked!
Francis watched Lin Tian's unsteady departure, snorted coldly, and then turned and left.
In his mind, he already regarded Lin Tian as his first enemy in the NBA!
No, the second one!
The first one is Brand, who clearly doesn't have much ability but secured the number one draft pick just because he graduated from a prestigious university!
Why should a short center be selected before him?
First, beat Brand to a pulp, then beat Lin Tian to a pulp!
"Steve Francis's emotions fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 50 experience points."
Oh?
Lin Tian blinked and almost stopped in his tracks.
He was thinking, why not just go and wander around the area where the new talents gather, and see if he can gain more experience, or some other good stuff.
"Lin, hurry up! The draft starts in 40 minutes, and our trade isn't finalized yet! FUXX! I've never been so humiliated in my life! Damn it, it's all your fault! You turned the tables on me. The Cavaliers said they'll trade Chris Webber today no matter what!"
"I've never suffered such a huge loss in my life! And on top of that, I still have to patiently offer them a sufficiently high quote and help them solve their salary problem. Damn it, am I Captain America? Why am I being so helpful?"
Bird grumbled as he turned back upstairs, presumably heading back to the Pacers' draft office. Seeing that Bird was genuinely on the verge of a breakdown, Lin Tian simply followed him to the draft office.
Compared to those few hundred experience points, it's more important to appease Bird's emotions. If this guy really changes his mind and backs out of the deal, Lin Tian will be the one who suffers!
When Lin Tian entered the office, he found that Bird had no time to listen to his comforting words. The guy kept making phone calls, and in just 20 minutes, Lin Tian heard Bird contact 7 teams!
Clearly, Bird is making a big trade involving at least three teams, where each team gets what it wants! And according to NBA convention, the more proactive the team in making the trade, the more likely they are to be at a disadvantage and have to offer a higher price to complete the trade.
As for the Cavaliers, although they claimed they would definitely trade Webber today, they could easily postpone it if they didn't have suitable assets. After all, there are still five months left in the offseason, so they have plenty of time to work things out.
But Bird was afraid that the Cavaliers would make the first move and send Webber to another team, then it would be too late.
From both inside and outside, Bird is really going to get ripped off tonight!
As time went on, there wasn't much Lin Tian could do to help Bird at this point; he just waited.
Then, the time came, and the draft began on time!
This year's number one pick has the opportunity to rise again after only one year. The Bulls, who got the first pick, did not hesitate and selected Elton Brand from Duke University.
Then the Vancouver Grizzlies refused to believe that Francis would risk ruining his career by rejecting them. After Francis refused to try out, meet, provide a health report, and refuse all of the Grizzlies' requests, the Grizzlies still chose Francis!
Then, when the camera focused on Francis, the most unhappy and unwilling second overall pick in history was born. This guy knew what was important, so instead of sitting still in his chair, he went up on stage with a bitter face, put on the Grizzlies' hat, and took a photo with Stern.
But that's the limit for Francis.
He yanked his hat off the moment the group photo ended.
Then, ignoring Stern, he walked off the stage and, during an interview, Francis declared war on the reporter's first question!
"Steve, congratulations on being selected second overall! How about saying hello to the Vancouver fans?"
"Okay, Vancouver fans, you'll never be my fans because I'll never report from Vancouver," Francis said arrogantly. "At worst, I'll play in European or continental leagues. With my skills, I won't starve."
"But I will never play even one second for the Grizzlies in my entire life, that's it."
Francis's words completely baffled the reporter who was interviewing him.
None of my family members understand!
How could you find such a shocking story by conducting interviews with rookies at a talent show?
The second overall pick was so assertive that he refused to report to the team right at the draft. This is definitely the first time in NBA history that such a thing has happened.
Francis has now made his mark on history.
Lin Tian was enjoying the spectacle when Bird suddenly yelled a vulgar curse: "F***! You damn bastards! A bunch of devils who deserve to go to hell! F***! A bunch, no, a whole pile of dog shit! Stinking dog shit!"
Hearing Bird's continuous cursing, Lin Tian couldn't help but say, "How about we just give up? If we really can't get it, then let it go."
Lin Tian was genuinely afraid that Bird would suffer a stroke and die in the office. There was no need for that, absolutely no need!
"Fine? You're messing with me too?" Bird's eyes were red-rimmed, clearly he was out of his mind: "If I can't handle Chris Webber, I'm quitting right here and now!"
After Bird finished speaking, he continued to lower his head, first writing and drawing in his notebook, then picking up the phone and talking to someone.
In the first round of the NBA draft, each team has 5 minutes to consider each pick. In addition, Stern announces the picks, the rookies come on stage to put on their hats, and take photos, so each pick takes about 7 minutes.
From the moment Bird was announced as the second overall pick, he was constantly on the phone, negotiating and bargaining with people until Stern came on stage and announced that the Utah Jazz had selected Andrei Kirilenko from Russia with the 24th pick. Only then did Bird finally stop working.
"YES! FUXX! YES!" Bird shouted several times before looking triumphantly at Lin Tian, saying, "A genius general manager has solved the biggest problem of the century, and Indiana has once again assembled a dream team! This year's best general manager is still mine!"
Seeing Bird's smug look, Lin Tian knew he had definitely succeeded. He immediately offered Bird a glass of water and said solicitously, "Tell me, Larry, show me your skills."
"This is too difficult, Lin! It's really too difficult!" Bird said, taking a sip of water. "Everyone's eyeing Vince, hoping I'll put him on the negotiating table. Ha, ridiculous! How could that be? He's absolutely not for sale! I spend at least half my time explaining Vince's situation to people!"
"But our remaining assets are really not very satisfactory. Fortunately, we still have two first-round draft picks from the Toronto Raptors. Without those two picks, I would definitely have had to trade Vince to get Chris."
"Next is the issue of a third party, because the Cavaliers are determined to reduce their total salary, at least for the next two years, so I have to find a suitable third party! This damn third party can't be some godforsaken place like Milwaukee or Minnesota."
"I won't send my players to that kind of place! FUXX! I'm really, damn it, righteous! This makes my options much smaller. You don't need to know the details of how I negotiated, but after we've reached a pretty good agreement, I still need to call Rick."
"Rick?" Lin Tian asked tentatively, feeling a little more confident.
"Yes, Rick! He's our most important asset in this trade!" Bird said. "But you know, he's never changed teams since he was drafted. He's spent his entire career in Indiana. I have to explain this to him, find him a suitable new team, and give him enough security!"
"Fortunately, I found him, and although Rick was reluctant, he accepted my proposal and we reached a consensus." At this point, Lin Tian knew that what Bird said before was just nonsense to show how awesome he was. What he was about to say was the real main event!
In other words, the transaction details!
By this point, Bird was clearly tired of keeping him in suspense any longer and was eager to show Lin Tian his achievements.
"I reached a sign-and-trade agreement with Rick, and the team signed Rick to a two-year, $1800 million contract with a 1000 million + 800 million pound bonus."
"Then I traded him along with this year's 28th overall pick, the 37th overall pick in the second round, the Raptors' first-round picks next year and three years from now, and our own first-round and second-round picks next year, in exchange for Chris Webber, who will earn $10 million a year."
"The New Jersey Nets acquired Rick, and then traded Kendall Gill, a near-All-Star guard with two years remaining on his $5.6 million contract and the league's second-highest steals last season, and Jim McIlwain, who had a bad contract with a $4.8 million annual salary but a whopping $20 million left over four years."
"The Portland Trail Blazers acquired this year's 37th overall second-round pick and our second-round pick next year, took on Jim McIlwain's contract, and traded away their expiring contract, Walter Williams, who has an annual salary of $375 million."
"Finally, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Chris Webber for our first-round picks this year and next, the Raptors' first-round picks next year and three years from now, as well as Kendall Gill and Walter Williams."
After recounting the complicated four-team trade in one breath, Bird let out a long sigh and said, "Damn it, do you know how difficult this four-team trade was? One minute the Nets said that if they wanted to trade Kendall Gill, they had to trade Jim's lousy contract as well."
"One minute the Cavaliers refused to take Jim's contract because of his past feud with Kemp, demanding a replacement. I had no choice but to bring in a fourth party and offer additional draft picks to find the Cavaliers a decent forward with an expiring contract, while also getting the Trail Blazers to take on Jim's contract!"
"The Trail Blazers are clearly not here to do good deeds. They acquired two second-round draft picks, but their goal isn't just to take advantage of this small win. Judging from their words, they have more to do! After making it to the Western Conference Finals, they're obviously preparing to make some big moves this year!"
"By the way, the most difficult team to deal with is the Cavaliers, who are asking for an exorbitant price. Their demands have actually increased as the negotiations have progressed because another damn Western Conference team has joined the negotiations and offered very aggressive assets. With no other choice, I had to offer an extra first-round draft pick!"
"Lin, now you know how difficult it was for me to close this deal? I had to satisfy all the other buyers' demands at the same time, and I also had to haggle with them! But do you know what I'm most proud of in this deal? I got Rick to New York!"
"Okay, I know, New Jersey is New Jersey, and New York is New York, but I prefer to call New Jersey New York as well, since they're both part of the Greater New York area, right? I know it's not important, but what is important is that in northern New Jersey, there's the largest Dutch-American community in the country!"
"The people there speak Dutch, celebrate Dutch holidays, and follow Dutch traditions. Going there was like coming home for Rick! I essentially sent him home, you understand?"
Lin Tian couldn't be bothered to listen to Bird continue his self-praise.
Anyway, the entire four-party transaction has been sorted out.
The Pacers really went all out this time, giving up team legend Rick Smitz, along with a total of two second-round draft picks and four first-round draft picks! But getting Webber was definitely a great deal!
The Cavaliers acquired two expiring contracts, with Gil being an excellent starter and Williams a quality role player. This trade will save the Cavaliers at least $2000 million over the next few years and also give them a lot of draft picks, allowing them to completely rebuild.
With their star center Jason Williams suffering a serious injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season, the Nets acquired the championship-caliber center Smits and traded away Jim, who had a bad contract. In New Jersey, where there is a large Dutch-American population, Smits' arrival can also help them gain extra attention and better ticket sales.
As for the Trail Blazers, they essentially got two second-round draft picks for free, because shortly after that trade was completed, they announced another trade that shocked the league, in which they sent Jim away as a bonus.
At least on the surface, all four teams got what they wanted and got along well, making it a win-win-win deal!
However, from Lin Tian's perspective, they won't be able to draft any suitable players in the first round this year, and next year and three years from now are not considered strong draft years either. Although the Raptors' draft picks are likely to be high, it's more likely that they won't be able to draft any outstanding players!
The value of these first-round picks is definitely less than that of Chris Webber!
Webber's addition will give the Pacers another truly safe, reliable, and consistent top-tier scorer and ball-handler! His offensive capabilities, passing and playmaking abilities, and his dazzling playing style will definitely become a new attraction in Indiana!
The four-man offensive firepower network consisting of Webber, Carter, Miller, and Lin Tian will definitely become the most terrifying, unstoppable, and dazzling offensive combination in the NBA next season!
The Pacers are destined to have a strong and exciting season next year!
In short: The Pacers made a huge profit!
Soon, the league officially announced this massive four-team trade. While it didn't exactly shake the entire league, many interested individuals quickly began analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team after the trade and their rosters for the next season.
After a thorough analysis, many people came to the same conclusion.
That is, although it seems that the Pacers lost the most, giving up a lot of draft picks and Schmitz, a veteran who had played for the team for 11 years, they got Webber, one of the most talented and stylish power forwards in the entire league!
If Webber can return to the form he had with the Wizards two years ago, the Pacers will be the biggest winner in this trade! They might even be the only winner!
But after this trade, and with Jordan having officially announced his retirement, the Pacers have once again become the top favorite for the Eastern Conference championship!
Their chances of starting the season afresh and winning the championship will greatly increase!
Less than five minutes after securing Webber's services, Webber called: "Lin! You guys did it! Haha, you guys did it! I knew you could do it, Lin! I'll train hard during the offseason and get back in shape! Next season, let's shock the world together!"
This year's draft saw far more trades than just this one, and there were actually quite a few truly groundbreaking trades.
For example, the Magic and the Suns reached an agreement to send Anfernee Hardaway to Phoenix. At the same time, the Magic also sent away Nick Anderson, a team legend who had been with the team since its inception.
After another first-round exit, the Magic traded away two of their key players, officially beginning their rebuild!
The Suns, on the other hand, formed a star backcourt duo of Kidd and Hardaway, a pair that Phoenix fans had high hopes for. Even before the duo was fully formed, Phoenix fans had already given them a very imposing nickname.
"Super Backcourt!"
In addition, on the same day as the draft, another team that was eliminated in the first round also began their rebuild. The Rockets traded away Pippen, who had only played for the team for one year, and sent him to the Trail Blazers, who made it to the Western Conference Finals this year and are determined to go further next year!
If we add to that Hakeem Olajuwon's announcement a few days ago that he would undergo ankle surgery and be sidelined for at least eight months to recover from a long-standing injury, then the Rockets' goal for next season will undoubtedly be the number one draft pick!
While these trades were happening one after another, the draft was proceeding smoothly.
With the 36th pick in the second round, the Dallas Mavericks announced that they will select center Dada from China!
While anxiously training on the other side of the ocean, Dazhi was overjoyed to learn that he had actually been selected. He clenched his fists, nodded repeatedly, and accepted the blessings of his teammates.
The team's head coach this year, Jiang Xingquan, was also generous with his encouragement, telling Da Zhi to play well in the United States and not to disgrace the Chinese players.
It has to be said that perhaps because of Lin Tian's appearance, the Chinese team is no longer so resistant to players going to the NBA. Da Zhi's former team has not imposed various bans and regulations on him, and no one has even asked him to play in the Universiade or the National Games.
Many people had already expressed one thing before the draft!
If you've been chosen, then go! Make a name for yourself and come back!
The fact that the whole process was so smooth and easy, without any obstacles, was completely beyond his expectations. He really didn't expect it to be so easy.
But if he shared this matter with Lin Tian in general terms, Lin Tian would immediately be able to analyze what was going on.
His home team is basically a military unit!
Lin Tian's grandfather's old superior was also from the military.
Since he's already supporting Lin Tian, he'll naturally support Da Zhi, who also plays basketball.
Yes, it's that simple.
Sometimes, for some things, a few words from certain people can solve all the problems!
After being roughly selected, Bird smirked and said, "Your guy got picked. I specifically reserved the 57th pick to help you get him."
"You're keeping the 57th pick so you can buy him at the bottom and give him a consolation prize?" Lin Tian rolled his eyes and said, "Why didn't you keep the 37th pick?"
"Because of those damn bastards, they insisted on that early draft pick." Bird helplessly spread his hands and said, "Come on, let's think about who we should pick with the 57th pick. Maybe we can pick another monster like you, one who fell to the second round?"
"Daydreaming." Lin Tian didn't give Bird any face and directly scolded, "There's only one like me in the entire history of the NBA, so you'd better not fantasize! But speaking of candidates, I actually do have one."
As Lin Tian spoke, he took out a scouting report he had prepared beforehand and handed it to Bird: "This guy has played several friendly matches for Italian club teams, as well as the Argentine national team and our national team."
"Our coaches and players all believe he is exceptionally talented and incredibly skilled! They think he has great potential."
"Since I don't know who to choose anyway, I might as well choose him."
Lin Tian's talk of friendly matches was obviously nonsense. He had no connection with the domestic scene and naturally didn't know which teams his team had played friendly matches against, let alone have anyone recommend rookies to him.
But even though it was a lie, Lin Tian wasn't worried at all.
Since Bird didn't know many Chinese people, he had nowhere to verify whether the matter was true or false.
It's just the 57th pick in the second round. So what if we mess up the draft?
"An Argentinian?" Bird frowned. "An Argentinian can play basketball? Aren't they only good at soccer and tango? Is it possible that after we draft him, all he can do is play basketball?"
"Put away your stereotypes. Not every Argentinian plays football, just like not every Chinese person knows kung fu." Lin Tian waved his hand, indicating that Bird's joke wasn't funny at all.
"But to be honest, I know three Chinese people: Bruce Lee, Jack Cheng, and you. All three of you do know kung fu." Bird nodded seriously, then glanced at the draft report in his hand before making a call to the league.
"With the 57th pick, we select Manu Ginobili, a shooting guard from Argentina currently playing in the Italian league!"
Meanwhile, in another office not far from the Pacers' draft office, Popovich stared wide-eyed in disbelief as the league's vice president went on stage to announce the Pacers' selection. He was completely dumbfounded.
His rhythm was disrupted.
No, how could that be?
How could anyone possibly choose Ginobili?
He was an unknown player who had never even played in a FIBA world championship. Yes, he did win the MVP award in the Argentine domestic league and was the youngest scoring champion and MVP in the history of the Argentine league.
But this is the Argentine basketball league! What does winning the MVP in the Argentine basketball league mean? It's about the same as winning the MVP in the US college table tennis league!
Moreover, even though Ginobili has been playing in the Italian league for the past two years, his performance there has not been outstanding. He is currently playing as a substitute and his average points per game are not even in double digits!
This guy, a guy that 99% of the people in the league don't even know exists, who doesn't know whether he plays with his left or right hand, is actually being challenged by someone?
Crazy!
Fortunately, it was Ginobili who was snatched away, not Duncan. Although Popovich had high hopes for Ginobili, that was all he could hope for. He never imagined that Ginobili would become a two-time All-Star and one of the greatest sixth men in NBA history.
If he could have predicted it, he would have spent more money to buy a higher draft pick to select Ginobili.
Instead of being stingy and only spending one million.
Popovich is now thinking that the 58th overall pick he just bought from the Vancouver Grizzlies for $100 million has been completely wasted.
Or should we tell the people in Vancouver that the deal is off and I'm not buying it?
(End of this chapter)