warrior godfather

Chapter 216
Amidst the boos of New York fans, David Stern waved his hand to the audience calmly, showing a kind smile on his face.

Every draft meeting, David Stern will be "warmly" welcomed by New York fans. He is used to it. Old New York fans always have privileges. Thanks to the old New York fans, if they can always be so willing to spend money to watch the Knicks feed them x, David Stern is willing to be booed by Knicks fans every day.

He didn't waste time. After the brief opening remarks, he took the envelope with the Wizards logo from the staff, opened it, took out a piece of paper, smiled clearly, and read it slowly:

"The 2010st overall pick in the 1 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected John Wall! He's from Raleigh, NC, and played for Kentucky!"

The applause was everywhere, but it was not enthusiastic. This is a result that people expected. The possibility of Wall being elected as the No. [-] pick is as high as last year's Griffin, almost a certainty.

After hugging with his relatives and friends one by one, Wall put on a hat with the Wizards logo, walked quickly up to the high platform, hugged David Stern, and left a vigorous smile in front of the camera.

With the success of two high-ranked point guards, Rose and Curry, people have high expectations for Wall. He has top speed and excellent organizational skills. The teammates are united, and they all reach the top level of the next generation of super point guards.

After Wall stepped down, the next few candidates were somewhat lackluster. The 76ers selected Ohio State's Evan Turner with the second pick. The omnipotence in the NBA is likely to be omnipotent.

The Nets selected Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors with the third overall pick, an athletic big with outstanding physical talent but rough skills, a conservative choice.

The Timberwolves selected Syracuse University's Wesley Johnson with the fourth overall pick, an offensive guard. The Timberwolves picked Jonny Flynn in the draft last year. High hopes, I think he can take on the heavy responsibility of the team's perimeter.

The Kings selected DeMarcus Cousins ​​from the University of Kentucky with the fifth overall pick. At this time, Cousins ​​is not favored. Although he has excellent static talent, his athletic ability is average and he is very emotional on the court. This makes the first four teams have doubts, otherwise, with his position as a center and his outstanding performance in college, he will definitely not be selected as the fifth overall pick.

There were no surprises in the subsequent picks until the ninth pick. The Jazz selected Gordon Hayward from Butler University. Butler University had a high-ranking rookie for the second consecutive year. This is a remarkable achievement. .

Standing in the box, Zhang Yu showed a smile. Although Stevens suggested that Hayward be recruited into the team, Zhang Yu also taught him carefully, and gave him many useful suggestions, so that he can develop in the direction of all-around Development, the relationship between the two is very good, and Zhang Yu is also very relieved to see Hayward go to a team team that is very suitable for him.

"Boss, Colangelo has agreed to our deal."

At this moment, Larry Riley walked to Zhang Yu from another corner of the box and reported in a low voice.

"Very good. It seems that no team has paid attention to Clay. Our plan should be successful." Zhang Yu nodded slightly.

Larry Riley hesitated for a moment, then said:

"Boss, although Kyle doesn't fit the team's tactical system, he is a very hardworking player, and he is still very young and has potential for development. Isn't it a pity to trade him away like this?"

"You're right," Zhang Yu nodded in agreement, "Kyle is a good player, and he is likely to become a star in the future, but that requires giving him the ball and time to accumulate experience. The Warriors don't have extra balls for him. , and can’t wait that long. I communicated with him, he doesn’t hate the Raptors, and the Raptors are also a good place for him, this is a win-win choice.”

Larry Riley suddenly realized:

"It turns out that I didn't consider this level. I just think that there are not many point guards like Kyle who are both impactful and pass-conscious, and shooting can be practiced. It's just that there is Stephen. , Kyle is really hard to have room to play."

"Don't worry, after Kyle leaves, someone will fill his place." Zhang Yu smiled.

While the two were talking, the draft continued. The Pacers selected Paul George with the tenth overall pick and soon reached No. 13 overall.

David Stern took the envelope handed over by the staff, opened it, took out the paper inside, and read slowly:

"The Toronto Raptors selected Klay Thompson with the 2010th pick in the first round of the 13 NBA Draft! He's from Los Angeles, CA, and played for Washington State University!"

In Madison Square Garden, there was neither grand nor indifferent applause, but Clay, who heard his name off the court, did not show too much surprise. He got up calmly and celebrated with his relatives and friends one by one.

While hugging his father, Mitchell Thompson whispered in his ear:

"Very well, that's it, calm down and don't act too excited."

Clay nodded, let go of Mitchell Thompson, took the Raptors hat handed over by the staff, took it with him, and walked up to the high platform.

The gray-haired alliance chairman held Clay's hand, looked up at him, and showed a gentle smile:
"Congratulations, young man, and I wish you a great career."

Clay smiled and said:
"Thank you... After I become a superstar, I will send you the tickets."

David Stern froze for a moment, then smiled and said:

"I'm looking forward to that day, boy, you are an interesting person. When I receive your tickets, I will definitely go to your game."

In the draft, he has seen all kinds of rookies, but Klay is the first one to send him a ticket.

Later, Clay and David Stern stood side by side, facing the camera, Clay smiled, and suddenly stretched out his hand to turn the brim of his hat to the side, so that the camera could not capture the Raptors logo, and then with David Stern Hugs and compliments, and walks off the stage.

He took off his hat as he walked, and handed it to a staff member in the audience:
"Hey buddy, here it is for you."

The staff member took it subconsciously, and it took a second to react. He looked down at the hat in his hand with skeptical eyes, then looked up at Clay who was leaving, and murmured a little helplessly:
"Is this hat... just given to me?"

And in the Rockets box, a fat man with a wretched face whispered to himself in surprise:

"The Raptors will choose Klay Thompson? When did Colangelo get smart? Well, it seems that the only choice is to change the target..."

He let out a long breath and said in a slightly regretful tone:
"Mike, Klay Thompson was choked by the Raptors, and our target is replaced by...Patrick Patterson!"

After the wretched-looking fat man ordered his staff, he looked at the field again, but the depression in his heart was still lingering.

He is very optimistic about this young man, especially after analyzing Klay's various data, he found that Klay's scoring is very efficient, and there is still the possibility of further optimization, and the defensive end also has potential to be tapped.

So the wretched-looking fat man set Clay as the first target in the draft, but he was cut off by the Raptors, which made him very upset and accompanied by deep confusion.

Shouldn't that idiot Colangelo see Klay Thompson's potential?
……

In the Raptors box, general manager Colangelo breathed a sigh of relief after hearing David Stern pronounce Klay Thompson's name, and the deal with the Warriors seemed to be successfully completed.

"Marseille, I hope Kyle Lowry can be as good as you said." Colangelo said in a deep voice.

On the sofa opposite him, sat a black man with a simple and honest face. Hearing this, he said with a smile:

"Brian, Kyle will only be better than you imagined. I have observed carefully. He is a very tenacious player. He will definitely bring great help to the Raptors. When he can practice shooting, He could even be an All-Star."

He is Masai Ujiri, assistant general manager of the Raptors, who was promoted from the position of Raptors global scouting director last year.

"Really? But his three-point shooting percentage has not exceeded 30% in the past three seasons. Can he really practice shooting?" Colangelo said.

"Of course, have you noticed his free throw percentage? His free throw percentage is stable above 80%. According to my experience over the years, players who are good at free throws can often make good three-pointers." Ujiri explained.

"So according to you, the best shooter should also have the best free throws?" Colangelo laughed.

"In theory, it is true." Ujiri said seriously.

"Hope your theory is right, the deal is done, I can only pray that Kyle Lowry is a good player." Colangelo laughed.

"Of course, I have always been very accurate in seeing people." Ujiri said in a confident tone that did not match his simple and honest face.

This is the last time I will contribute to the Raptors...

Ujiri, who has received an invitation for the position of executive vice president of basketball operations for the Nuggets, thought to himself.

……

While the two were talking, the draft continued to advance and soon reached the No.19 pick.

"With the 2010th pick in the first round of the 19 draft, the Golden State Warriors selected Ed Davis..."

In the audience, Ed Davis heaved a sigh of relief when he heard his name. His original predicted pick was within the lottery zone, but he fell all the way to the No.19 pick, but the Warriors are also good. Last season He has just entered the playoffs and lacks insiders. As long as he performs well, he will definitely get a lot of opportunities to play.

Moreover, the Warriors have a big market. Although Oakland is not very good, it is close enough to San Francisco and life is very convenient. Ed Davis is very satisfied with the Warriors.

He went up to the stage to shake hands with David Stern, and then walked back triumphantly. As soon as he sat down, he saw his manager approaching him solemnly, and whispered in his ear:
"Ed, you were traded to the Raptors. The Warriors traded Kyle Lowry and you for Klay Thompson and the No. 34 pick in the hands of the Raptors..."

Ed Davis' face changed, and he couldn't listen to what the agent said behind him.

Toronto?Who wants to go to that ghost place that can freeze people to death? !
I want to stay in the United States, I want to play for the Warriors...

On the other hand, Mitchell Thompson also told Clay the news, but he was not too surprised. During the trial training, Zhang Yu said that he would definitely trade up the draft pick to pick Clay, and promised him the starting position. Location.

Mitchell Thompson is naturally overjoyed. In the entire NBA, Zhang Yu's promise is undoubtedly the most effective. Even Popovich is under pressure from the boss, but the Warriors are Zhang Yu's words. Can't object.

He immediately stated that he would not let Clay try out other teams and fully cooperate with the Warriors' draft.

Mitchell Thompson is very clear that there are not many coaches in the league who like three-pointers. Zhang Yu and D'Antoni are the two most famous. Last season's top scorer Curry is in the Warriors, and Zhang Yu is recognized as good at training For young players, if Clay can go to the Warriors, that is the best choice.

He didn't consider the Warriors as his first choice before because the Warriors' draft picks were not high, and Clay was likely to be drafted before then. Since Zhang Yu is willing to trade up, Mitchell Thompson couldn't be happier.

When all parties had different ideas, the draft continued calmly, and soon the Warriors' No. 30 pick came.

"The Golden State Warriors took the 2010th overall pick in the 30 first round - Draymond Green! He's from Sekino, Michigan, playing for Michigan State!"

"My God! Drummond, you really entered the NBA! You are a first-round pick!" Mary Green exclaimed from Green's home in Saginaw, Michigan.

"Mom, I told you earlier that the coach would choose me with the 30th pick." Green grinned.

Although he got Zhang Yu's promise during the trial training, he still felt uncontrollable excitement welling up in his heart when he was actually selected.

He is an NBA player, he can play in the NBA!
Mom, when I get my first salary, I'll give you and your siblings a big house...

Green looked at his mother who was crying with joy, and secretly swore in his heart.

Just as the Green family fell into ecstasy, the draft that changed the fate of many people continued.

The second round of the draft was far less eye-catching than the first round. The Warriors selected Belica with the No.30 fourth overall pick in the second round, a name that not many people know.

After declaring his participation in the draft, the power forward from Serbia also stated that he might not come to the NBA to report immediately after being selected, but the Warriors still chose him.

Because the Warriors' second-round pick this year has been traded out before, so far, the Warriors' 2010 draft has also come to an end.

(End of this chapter)