From sparring to superstar

Chapter 100 98. Draft Conference (Last month 1600 monthly ticket plus update)

At 6:27 p.m. on June 7th, an hour before the start of the draft, outside Madison Square Garden, the 'red carpet show' started, and the members of the Little Green Room looked like big stars one by one, leaving behind hundreds of shots Perhaps the most watched moment of their basketball careers.

The sports channels of major TV stations are broadcasting live.

In Madison Square Garden, the Lakers draft office, almost all the Lakers management team came and were watching live TV.

When Li Ao appeared on the stage, he took a few people with him, a beautiful woman holding his arm, followed by a handsome guy, an old man full of aura, who appeared in Li Ao's live broadcast announcing his candidacy, and a school leader people, and the head coach of the Trojans.

A group of people from the Lakers stared at the handsome guy on the TV screen who was blinded by the flash and went straight forward, leading the beautiful woman to a trot, and sighed.

The media has worked very hard to create a buzz for this year's draft, trying to make people think that this year's candidates are full of talent.

As for the few who came out later, they can say that all the rookies in this class are 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 hasn't been this bad.

Some rookies really can't even find a point to brag about. It's just a Kenyon Martin who holds up the cards and a few high school students who are topical.

The media has been busy for a long time, and the enthusiasm of other rookies is not as high as Li Ao's rejection of trial training.

Li Ao spared no time to make a movie and made an appointment with a young actor, all of which were more popular than the joint trial training.

Just like now, in the eyes of the Lakers management, other rookies seem to be destined to serve as a foil for Li Ao.

If they didn't put in too much effort and didn't pay too much attention to this draft, if they were robbed by other teams, they would be robbed.

There are so many talented players every year, and there are many they are optimistic about. If they all beat their chests and regretted because they were not selected, they would have died of depression.

But they started to pay attention to the genius of this florist very early, not only for his talent, but also for the vast Chinese market.

In the preparation stage of the draft, I also spent a lot of energy and effort, planned multiple trading plans, and made substantive quotations with many teams...

I'm really annoyed that this was not selected.

After the entrance red carpet show, the commercials began, followed by the pre-draft analysis program, Jenny Buss turned off the TV.

She wondered: "What kind of trouble did the Grizzlies come to make? Without them, Leo's pick expectations would not be so high. I'm even worried that the Nets will see the commercial value behind him and choose him."

The man with the logo said calmly: "If they want to choose, 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 very heartbroken: "I thought it would be enough to exchange Glenn for the 13th pick, or Glenn and Rick for the 10th pick. (Fox), AC (Green), and Ron (Harper) are sent out together, plus this year's first-round pick, and these are given to the Magic. They have cleared the salary space and can directly eat the top three. Salary, if they really get those two, their current main lineup, plus the players we give, can directly become the strongest team in the Eastern Conference!"

Jerry Buss' reaction was similar to that of Jerry West, and he said calmly: "It doesn't matter if the substitute is gone. We have an OK combination. Most of the players want to hug our thighs, but if a genius misses it, he really misses it." Yes, Leo, a genius who is suitable for our style of play, missed it, and it is our eternal loss.

Phil also thinks that this deal is not a loss. With Leo as the high-position core of the triangle offense, our core lineup will be even stronger and truly dominate everything. "

Kupchak is still not reconciled: "But it's still too expensive. I know that Leo should belong to the lottery zone, and the fifth pick is okay, but the Magic have too much appetite, and the fifth pick this year is not worth it." This price."

The man with the logo comforted: "Leo can't be blamed for this. In order to join us, he turned down all the trials. He even said 'I want to finish my studies in Los Angeles', 'It doesn't matter if I lose, I'll study. Good grades, 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. Now we can only hope that the Grizzlies will not choose him. The news I got is that although Mike Bibby suggested to the Grizzlies to choose Leo, the Grizzlies did not. Officially initiated a trial invitation to Leo, the Bulls' invitation to try out Leo also rejected, and the Bulls have someone to choose at No. If the Bears don't choose, the probability of us getting Leo is still very high. "

When the others heard the words, they nodded one after another, feeling that there was still great hope.

Only Bass Jr. muttered, "Why do I think that Leo is getting promoted after seeing that he doesn't do anything, so he just got lazy and didn't go to the trial training, saving time and dating female stars."

Jenny Buss taunted: "Do you think everyone is like you? Lazy like a pig, work like a tortoise, our scouting report is not clear enough? Leo spends 10 out of 9 days in the training hall , What's wrong with going to a female celebrity to relax after training?"

Little Bass looked at the eldest sister angrily, wanting to retort but dared not.

Compared with his eldest sister, he is indeed as hardworking as a pig, and his efficiency is indeed similar to that of a tortoise.

Jerry Buss glanced at his silly son irritably, wanting to scold him but reluctant.

No way, his other sons didn't listen to him. Some started their own careers and refused to take over his class.

Although he has no ability, he is at least filial.

After talking about this party, the Lakers draft office became quiet, either patiently or impatiently waiting for the draft to start.

They have only one pick at No. 29 this year. If the draft goes well, they will send it out. There is no need to discuss it. If it doesn't go well, there are people to choose.

Suddenly, the phone rang, which was extremely harsh in the quiet office, and everyone's eyes were on the phone in front of the logo man.

The logo man picked up the mobile phone on the desk and connected: "Hi, I'm Jerry..."

After a while, the logo man hung up the phone.

At this moment, his expression was unprecedentedly painful.

Little Buss asked, "Jerry, why is your expression so ugly? Who is calling?"

Others are also very curious. The call at this time must be related to the draft.

The man with the logo twitched his mouth and replied: "The Grizzlies called, they want to use Bryant Levi's, Dennis Scott, Doug West, Brent Price, Grant Long , trade us Rick, Glenn, Derek, Robert."

Little Bass swears on the spot, saying: "Are they crazy? This is not a robbery, it's taking our money and shit on our heads!"

Bryant Reeves, a player in the class of 95, the first three years of his career can still be seen, the best year averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game, but the rookie contract ended and signed a five-year $5 million After the big contract, he instantly changed from 5000+16 in the previous year to 8+10, and this season he only performed 5+8.

There are currently three years and $3 million left on the contract, and it's hard to find a worse garbage contract than this.

The contracts of Dennis Scott, Doug West, Brent Price, and Grant Long are not high. The annual salary is between 100 million and 300 million. They are all veterans who have played for many years. , Now it is basically impossible to move, but the contracts still have 2-3 years left. They are all seven or eight-year long-term contracts signed in the mid-90s. Maybe these people will be faced with retirement after the transaction, and the salary will be paid for nothing.

Moreover, the luxury tax clause passed in 98 will take effect in the 01-02 season, and it will definitely become a huge burden by then.

The combined annual salary of these 5 people is basically the same as the 4 people the Grizzlies want to change back. The gap is within the 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.

The 5 Grizzlies, if Bryant-Levis is a garbage contract, the other 4 are not even as good as stinky shit.

No matter how poor Buss's business ability is, he still knows the specific situation of the NBA players, otherwise he, the little boss, would not be arranged by the old Buss to help the logo man and Kupchak, although the old Buss loves him This stupid son, but the good management of the team is the capital for him to love his son.

Little Bass scolded the street, but his elder sister didn't say anything, so this time he should scold the street.

However, although the others were surprised by the outrageous offer made by the Grizzlies, they didn't speak immediately. After glancing at the scolding Bass Jr., they turned their attention back to the logo man.

The man with the logo was still in pain, and said, "We complete this 4-for-5 deal, and the Grizzlies will give us the No. 2 pick, or they will pick Leo away."

"Vacco!" Kupchak said after cursing, "I said they obviously didn't have a reason to choose Leo, why didn't they come out and deny Mike Bibby's words, so that was the idea!

They have Bibby, Raheem, Dixon, take our four players over, they will have a full lineup, they may make the playoffs, and they will also send their garbage contracts that occupy 1800 million space Let's go, two of their three cores are on rookie contracts, and there is room for a maximum salary. With our 4 players, maybe they can attract a star to join. "

The rest of the Lakers also wanted to scold the street, and Kupchak basically analyzed the Grizzlies' showmanship thoroughly.

The situation is even more difficult now!
The Grizzlies really dare to choose!
Francis made it clear last year that he was unwilling to play outside the United States and wanted to play with the Charlotte Hornets, which is close to his hometown. The Hornets had the No. [-] pick, but the Grizzlies chose him with the No. [-] pick.

Although Francis was forced to trade away in the end, it is enough to see how tough the Grizzlies management is, and the Grizzlies did not trade Francis to the East, but to the Great Southwest far away from Maryland.

When everyone didn't know what decision to make, a guy with a head as strong as the Grizzlies management strongly suggested: "Dad, let's stud!"

The old Bass, who had always been calm, finally didn't hold back this time: "Stud Stud, I should have shot you on the poker table in the first place! Let you stud for a lifetime!"

...

At the draft meeting, Li Ao led a group of people to the table with his name written on it.

He looked around and saw many players who had played against each other.

It's just that most of these people didn't look very friendly when they saw him.

His last opponent in college, the Spartans, had two selections from the Green Room, Martin Cleves and Maurice Peterson.

And 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 election this year."

Li Ao stepped forward to give him a hug, and said enthusiastically, "You have already run for the election, and the pick prediction is still so high, but I beat you, so I think I can also be selected."

"Your mouth is still so annoying. You have to know that there are players who have lost to you everywhere. If we unite, you may not be able to beat us."

Li Ao pursed his lips a few times with a tangled expression, and replied in pain: "Your confidence is beyond my expectation..."

Li Ao returned to his seat and sat down. Mike Miller pulled the chair directly next to Li Ao and asked, "Leo, what pick do you think you will be selected? Can you squeeze that disgusting guy down?"

On this topic, Vivienne and Liam dragged chairs around Li Ao, watching forcefully.

The three of them followed Mike Miller's line of sight, Kenyon Martin...

Li Ao wondered, "Isn't he defeated by you? What are you staring at him for?"

"He can't afford to lose, elbow me!"

"That's okay, I elbowed him too, and the referee hasn't noticed yet, and he looks fierce, but he is actually a coward. If you are tougher than him, he will be soft."

Mike Miller: (￣ェ￣;)
He really wanted to say one thing - you treat me as you!It is said that there are hundreds of fights a year, forcing the school to send you to the school team to vent your violent emotions on the court?

Thinking of this, Mike Miller is a little sour. He has worked hard for so many years, and he is only expected to be selected 4-10.

This guy, he just started playing in his sophomore year, and he has been playing for a few months, and now his draft pick is expected to be almost the same as him.

Li Ao shook his head and continued: "It shouldn't be possible. My predicted pick is too high. Some teams that invite me to tryouts should just join in the fun. They only spend a little time on their tryouts, and I'm still waiting for you." No, I thought I'd be drafted ideally."

"No. 29? Impossible. You can't fall out of the lottery. If you think too much, you won't be able to go to the Lakers." Mike Miller shook his head again and again.

"No, it's the 10th pick. They promised to trade me for the 10th pick." Li Ao felt that it was time to say that the Lakers had already won the championship, so there was no need to worry about affecting their morale.

Mike Miller suddenly realized: "No wonder you refused all team trial training. It turned out that you were worried that the trial training performance was too good and you would be selected by other teams..."

As he said that, he became sour again: "That's great, Los Angeles, a big city, I don't know where I'm going, it would be great if it's Chicago, Orlando and Atlanta are fine too, don't be Cleveland!"

"The Bulls have the 4th and 7th picks, the Magic have the 5th pick, and the Eagles have the 6th pick. Don't worry, one of these teams will definitely pick you."

"Thank you for your blessings, I also hope you can go to Los Angeles, we all go to big cities to play!"

The friendship between Li Ao and Mike Miller was formed here.

In fact, the two didn't have much communication, and they were very popular in the game, but they couldn't help but see each other in private. They are both enthusiastic and talkative masters, and they can stand ridicule.

With blessings to each other, the two sat together and waited for the start of the draft.

Soon, at 8:[-] p.m., amidst the boos of hundreds of fans, David Stern took to the stage.

I don't want to say how similar it is to last year. I can only say that after the opening, the NBA 2000 draft began.

The Nets' envelope is already in Stern's hands.

When Stern opened the envelope, Li Ao's heart beat faster, and he noticed that Mike Miller next to him was also staring straight at him.

Although he thought it was impossible, the image of playing with Kidd in the future still appeared in Li Ao's mind at this moment.

The Nets should not be so brain-twitched that when they trade Marbury for Kidd, they should send him out as an extra. After all, Kenyon Martin has stayed...

"Ladies and gentlemen, the New Jersey Nets selected with the first pick in the 2000 NBA Draft...Kenyon Martin from the University of Cincinnati!"

As Stern read out the name, the picture that emerged in Li Ao's mind instantly shattered.

After Stern and Kenyon Martin shook hands and posed for a photo, they left the stage, and the big screen began to play the highlights of Kenyon Martin flying around the college field.

Three minutes later, Stern returned to the stage again and opened the envelope.

Li Ao doesn't have much hope for being selected with the second overall pick. The Grizzlies haven't had any contact with him.

If he is selected... Can he have a snowball fight in summer?

"Ladies and gentlemen, the 2000 NBA Draft, the Vancouver Grizzlies took... Stromile Swift from LSU!"

Sure enough, the Grizzlies chose the high jumper, and Li Ao didn't feel discouraged. Although he was more popular in the draft than everyone else combined, he didn't really think he could be selected in the top three.

The middle-aged man who put his arms on the table sighed, thinking that there is still a long way to go to get a good relationship with his son...

On the other side, in the Lakers draft office, everyone cheered in unison.

They bet right!
The Grizzlies are cheating them!
If the Grizzlies' showmanship is successful, they will earn blood. If they fail, they will not lose anything.

Half an hour ago, all of them were blown up. At the critical moment, Old Buss calmed down the field and concluded that they refused to trade. The Grizzlies would definitely not choose, and 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 pick Marcus Fizer at No. 4. This is what the logo man heard.

He believes the news is true because Marcus Fizer is almost the adopted son of current Bulls coach Tim Floyd.

In junior high and high school, Marcus Fizer studied in Detroit. The family he stayed at was the home of Tim Floyd, who was an assistant teaching assistant at Michigan State University. After a few years, the two became closer than father and son.

The Lakers management team is ready to give Li Ao a warm welcome ceremony!

Some are happy and some are angry.

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 could even say he hated it.

But he still trusted his father's vision.

He is very clear that the biggest problem of their Grizzlies is not the bloated veteran group, but the lack of connection of the three cores.

As for him, although he dares to fight hard and has good key ball ability, his aloof personality is not suitable for being a leader.

He learned from his father that the biggest characteristic of Li Ao, a young man, is his strong leadership ability, which he does not question at all.

After Li Ao joined the Trojans, he has been paying attention to the qualitative changes brought to the Trojans.

It was his father's team after all.

So after receiving the call from Henry Bibby, although Mike Bibby rejected the other party's recommendation and taunted him severely, he went to the arena the next day to ask the general manager to suggest Li Ao.

General manager Al Ford agreed. After he went out and publicly stated that he wanted to choose Li Ao, Al Ford did not come out to deny it.

As a result, I didn't choose at this time!
Al Ford explained: "I know Leo is good, I believe in you and your father, 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 and play with us, he only had a workout with the Lakers and said he wants to finish his studies in Los Angeles.

I guess he has reached an agreement with the Lakers. I sent an offer to the Lakers just now. They did not reject us immediately, which confirmed my guess. Although they refused to trade with us in the end, they must have traded Gao Shun Leo was selected by a draft pick. "

Mike Bibby's expression was no longer angry, but asked without the slightest expression: "I don't know what you want in return from the Lakers, but since they rejected the deal, why didn't we choose him?"

"I'm worried about what happened with Francis. If we pick him and he doesn't want to come to Vancouver, what should we do? Another loss-making deal?"

Al Ford was very helpless, and he was also relieved to see that Mike Bibby finally stopped being angry.

Little did they know what Mike Bibby was thinking at the moment—you were worried that he wouldn't come, so you wouldn't worry about me leaving?
...

His eyes returned to the scene of the draft conference.

After another 3 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 the performance of this trial, and the praise is the faster Garnett.

After Stern opened the envelope on the stage, his hands trembled when he saw the name, and a chrysanthemum-like smiling face flashed a hint of surprise.

"Ladies and gentlemen, in the 2000 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Clippers selected with the third overall pick... Leo, a Los Angeles international student from a florist!"

Hearing his English name suddenly, Li Ao didn't react immediately. After recovering, he turned his head to the stage instantly, and looked at David Stern with an expression of disbelief.

When he saw the big screen switch to a photo of him in a suit, his mind exploded!
Yes to Los Angeles, but not the Lakers!
(End of this chapter)