I am Really an Insider

Chapter 79 077: The color of this hat (5K please recommend)

Early in the morning on June 24th, Beijing time, many Chinese fans were waiting in front of the TV with great anticipation, waiting for that special live broadcast.

As early as 10 days ago, the NBA Finals had come to an end.

At the Palace Arena in Auburn Hills, the Detroit Pistons defeated the F4 Lakers 100-87 and won the O'Brien Cup with a total score of 4-1!

This is definitely one of the most surprising endings in NBA history.

Of course, who is the championship and who is the FMVP, this is what the fans were concerned about ten days ago.

The 2003-04 season has ended, and the championship has been decided.

Today, what fans care about is not the game, but the 2004 NBA Draft.

As the saying goes, the finals are about two teams, while the draft is about the fate of 30 teams.

Well, this year, it’s the fate of 29 teams to be exact.

Although the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats brings the league to 30 teams.

But the Timberwolves' "yin and yang contract" incident caused them to be deprived of their first-round draft pick for five years.

Therefore, there are only 29 picks in the first round, and the Timberwolves have nothing to do with the first-round pick.

The NBA Draft attracts as much attention as the NBA Finals.

And this time, this huge influence has also spread to China on the other side of the ocean.

Because a few days ago, Wayne received an invitation from the league.

Since Wayne was predicted to be selected in the lottery, he was lucky enough to enter the "little green room" and became the first Chinese player in NBA history to participate in the draft on the spot!

CCTV has long planned to broadcast the entire draft live, and fans have been looking forward to it for a long time.

So as soon as this news came out, it can be said that everyone was celebrating.

News about Wayne has been circulating in China for more than half a year, and now, he is finally about to interact with the NBA.

"Hey, don't tell me, Xiao Wei really has the potential to be an entertainment star." When Director Zhang saw Wayne in a suit and tie outside Madison Square Garden, he couldn't help but make a joke with his colleagues around him.

After seeing Zhang guiding them, Wayne immediately went up to say hello.

He was wearing a Chinese red suit today, and his hair that was long in summer was combed meticulously, making him look like an adult.

In fact, Wayne didn't like this hairstyle, but in order to appear on camera during the draft, Schwartz forced him to have his hair done.

Once the draft is over, Wayne will shave his hair short.

As a sports boy, how can he be obsessed with his looks?

In 2004, most domestic athletes did not pay much attention to their appearance. So when Wayne appeared in front of everyone, he still surprised many people.

She originally had good looks, and even dressed up specially. She really looked like an entertainment star.

"Director Zhang, you are here."

"Hehe, not bad, not bad, very energetic! Are you nervous?" Director Zhang said, reaching out and pinching Wayne's arm.

Good guy, it’s getting thicker again, and I lost a lot of meat in summer!

"It's okay, okay, it's mainly because I've never experienced this kind of situation before and I don't know what to do specifically." Wayne scratched his head, he was indeed a little nervous.

But it’s not that I’m nervous about not being able to choose, but that I’m nervous about unfamiliar situations.

Wayne believes that the embarrassment of sitting in the little green room until the second round before hearing his name like Jordan would never happen to him.

The Trail Blazers are basically stable, and Wayne still has this confidence.

As for the Pacers, Schwartz only told Wayne that they might trade up the draft picks to intercept them before the Trail Blazers did.

But whether it can be done or not, Wayne doesn't know.

"Well, don't worry too much. Your mock draft pick is quite high. I think there is a high probability that you won't win the lottery. Adjust quickly and let's start the interview."

After Director Zhang finished speaking, he signaled for the camera to prepare.

Soon, fans all over China saw Wayne on the TV.

At this time, I don’t know how many girls who accidentally saw the live broadcast were attracted by the handsome guy on the TV.

Then, in thousands of families, conversations like this took place.

"Dad/brother/little brother, what are you looking at?"

"This is the NBA Draft!"

"NBA Draft? Is it some great variety show?"

"It's not a question of whether it's powerful or not. It's this kind of thing. Forget it, you can't explain it clearly. Why do you care about this?"

"It's nothing, I just think this person is pretty good-looking."

""

"What's his name?"

"Wayne."

"Oh, the one who sings?"

"Basketball player, okay, don't ask."

"Stop coaxing me, the guy who plays basketball is called Yao Ming."

"Too lazy to tell you."

"Tch, forget it if you don't explain, I'll see for myself."

Not only at home, but outside Madison Square Garden, Wayne was also watched and photographed by many American reporters.

The NBA draft will probably start around 2015, and the styles of suits worn by players will become richer and more fashionable.

Now in 2004, everyone's suits are almost all regular styles such as black, dark blue and gray.

Wayne's red color is really eye-catching among them.

After answering a few simple questions from Zhang, Wayne walked into Madison Square Garden with his parents and Schwartz.

The flashing lights on both sides of the entrance made it difficult for Wayne to open his eyes.

For some rookies, this day may be their most high-profile day.

Because a considerable number of them are likely to disappear after entering the league, and will never receive so much attention in the future.

As soon as Wayne walked into the court, he bumped into Okafor, the No. 1 pick candidate.

At this time, this perfect gentleman was being interviewed by reporters.

As a candidate for the No. 1 pick, the number of reporters around him is obvious.

After seeing Wayne, Okafor's smile froze. But his strong professionalism still allowed him to keep smiling in front of the camera.

After Paul, the second Fake Smile Boy is online.

"Hello Wei."

"Hello, Emeka."

The two shook hands, and countless cameras were focused on the March Madness finals rivals.

They all thought about the title: "What sparks will old rivals create in the NBA?"

"Good luck today."

"The same goes for you, I hope you can become the No. 1 pick."

When Wayne said this, he felt like he was being too fake.

Because he knew Okafor would not be the No. 1 pick.

If Okafor were the No. 1 pick, Orlando's No. 1 would not go to Houston. If he doesn't go to Houston, a generation of youthful memories of Chinese fans will be gone.

This butterfly effect is really far-reaching when you think about it.

"Awe, I think you have a good relationship." After shaking hands with Okafor, Wayne's father asked with a smile.

"Yeah, it's okay, it's okay, just friends. He and I are both Schwartz players." Wayne nodded awkwardly.

Have a good relationship? Yes, it's so good that I want to crush your son to death.

Wayne and his parents sat down, while Schwartz went to spend time with Okafor. Schwartz will not come to Wayne's table until Okafor's selection is completed.

After the family of three sat down, Wayne found that his table was basically the least crowded.

But this is better, simpler.

Wayne did invite Sutton Sr., but Sutton said he was afraid of being embarrassed if he cried at the draft, so he declined Wayne's invitation.

As for Teacher Tony, he can only watch the results of his draft on TV with his extended family at home.

"Wayne is here." At this time, Donnie Walsh saw Wayne in the box.

His red attire is simply not too conspicuous.

"Yeah." Bird nodded seriously.

"How was your conversation there?"

"Nearly done."

"Nearly done? That means we haven't reached an agreement yet."

"" Bird was speechless. If it weren't for the fact that Walsh was older, he would have really wanted to hit him with an old punch.

Nima, do you want to put it so bluntly that I am forcing someone to lose face?

Bird knows that the Sonics are short of point guards. Last season they could only use "white people can fly" Brent Barry as the starting point guard. This shows how short of a man they are at this position.

At first glance, Barry Sr.'s assist data is not bad, and he himself also gives people the feeling of having a high football intelligence.

But if you look at how many mistakes he made, you wouldn't think he is a qualified starting PG.

The shooting second position is a more suitable role for Old Barry. If you let him hold the ball and play PG, it is really a strongman locking the man.

Therefore, Bird took the initiative to offer main point guard Jamal Tinsley + the 29th overall pick in the first round in exchange for the 12th overall pick from Wally Walker.

The premise is that Wayne is not selected before the 12th pick.

However, Wally Walker politely rejected Bird.

A short translation of his words is: "I'm afraid you're thinking shit."

“Wayne is a hot commodity, he played in Seattle and I saw what he did.

Therefore, Larry, such an excellent rookie, I am afraid that Tinsley cannot replace him. "

Jamal Tinsley, a third-year guard, averaged 8.3 points and 5.8 assists per game last season. He is a flashy player and is known as "the man who plays NBA like a street ball."

Gone.

This is Tinsley, a qualified, but only qualified main point guard.

He does still have potential, after all, he is only in his third year. But Wally Walker doesn't think that potential is worth a lottery pick.

So Wally Walker opened his mouth. He said that he needed the Pacers' sixth man last season, Al Harrington, who averaged 13.3 points per game!

Add Harrington to the bargaining chip, and this matter can be discussed.

Harrington is an important part of the Pacers. He ranked second in the Best Sixth Man selection last season, not far behind the first place Antoine Jamison.

Moreover, compared with Jamison, the two are very similar in terms of position and playing style.

Everyone knows that if Harrington is given more playing time and put into the starting lineup, he will definitely perform better.

Harrington is a good addition to the Sonics, who are aiming for the playoffs.

A trade can not only solve the starting point guard problem, but also add a reliable scorer. Isn't he good?

Then the negotiations reached a deadlock.

It's not that Bird is reluctant to part with Harrington. In fact, Harrington is destined to leave this summer.

Because just a few days after the season ended, Harrington called Bird: "If I can't be a starter next season, then I hope to be traded out."

Harrington is tired of being a sixth man.

The Pacers' locker room already has two time bombs in Artest and O'Neal, and Bird doesn't want another whiny Harrington.

Therefore, he has put Harrington on the trade list.

It's just that Bird's plan is not to send Harrington to Seattle. He keeps Harrington for other purposes.

After all, the Pacers need to introduce more than just Wayne. There is no guarantee that the Pacers can defeat the Pistons just by relying on one more Wayne.

Later, the two sides talked several times, but things always went wrong with Harrington. As a result, the transaction was temporarily shelved.

Bird has no choice. Among all lottery teams, only the SuperSonics and 76ers are willing to accept immediate combat power.

The other ones are of little use with immediate combat power.

But the 76ers were determined to get Iguodala, so Bird had no choice but to find the SuperSonics.

But Wally Walker didn't say anything. He told Bird last night: "When you figure it out, call me anytime, even after the draft starts."

Bird was so angry, it was the first time someone had pinched him so tightly!

Just as Bird was recalling the whole transaction, the 2004 NBA Draft officially began, and David Stern took the stage.

On CCTV, teacher Sun Zhengping also began to bring live broadcasts of the draft to the fans.

"NBA President David Stern is about to take the stage to deliver a speech, and the draft will begin soon! Today, Wayne wore a red suit, which is very festive. I hope he can have a good ending."

After a formal speech, David Stern looked at the manuscript paper in his hand and then approached the microphone.

The 29-team betting game is officially open!

"With the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, the Orlando Magic selected Dwight Howard from Southwest Christian College in Atlanta."

Happy Beast happily became the number one scholar with a happy smile.

Okafor at the other table sighed gloomily with a gloomy expression.

At this time, Okafor could only sigh: "It's good to be young."

If he were a freshman, Howard wouldn't be the No. 1 pick.

Chinese fans are so happy that the Magic selected Howard instead of Okafor, which means that the possibility of Mosaic getting the scoring champion Tracy McGrady increases!

"High school player Dwight Howard has become the No. 1 pick in this year's draft! Howard, who just graduated from high school this year, is a big man with a style similar to Garnett. He has excellent ball control, mid- and long-range shooting, passing, and breakthrough His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, quick feet and good ball control make up for his lack of physical strength." Sun Zhengping immediately introduced the No. 1 pick to the fans based on the information he had.

A few years later, when Teacher Sun Zhengping recalled this information, he probably only wanted to say two words: "It's a scam!"

Okafor, as in the original history, fell to the second overall pick and joined the Bobcats.

Although the perfect smile on his face was still there when he shook hands with Stern, in fact there were countless horses galloping in his heart.

Schwartz sighed. He had indeed tried his best to help Okafor build momentum and had communicated with the Magic more than once.

But since the Magic choose to rebuild, Okafor will definitely not be the best choice. There was nothing he could do about it, and it was useless even if he talked about it.

But there are also advantages to being in Charlotte, at least Okafor can brush up the data as he likes.

The third pick is the Bulls' turn, and Okafor's younger brother Ben Gordon is on the list.

Wayne looked at his parents and patted his chest: "They just came on stage, and they were both defeated by me."

"I see you are very tough. If you are so fierce, then why are you not one of the top three?" Wayne's father smiled.

"Hey, there's nothing I can do. In this draft, it's not just whoever wins will be ranked higher. It's very complicated!"

With the fourth pick, high school genius Livingston appeared.

From then on until No. 10, the results of the draft were the same as in Wayne's previous life.

However, the Cavaliers at No. 10 are indeed very attractive. They already have Mousse, but they selected Luke Jackson, a white small forward, with such a high pick.

The Cavaliers' draft is really difficult to explain. Unless the answer is very clear like James, they don't seem to be very good at selecting people.

But Luke Jackson doesn't have to worry, he's not the most obsessed yet.

In the future, if nothing else happens, there will be a guy named Anthony Bennett who will be even more fascinated than him.

With the 11th pick, the Warriors were satisfied with Biedrins, who had a professional background.

In fact, the Warriors management struggled for a while between Wayne and Biedrins, but ultimately believed that Biedrins, who was already a professional player, was a safer choice.

As a result, Wayne is basically certain to be selected with the 13th overall pick.

Well, if Wayne is a shooting guard, it is estimated that the 13th pick will bring him a lot of attention.

Steve Patterson also breathed a sigh of relief. The only warrior who could possibly intercept Wayne Hu did not take action. He finally got the hot man he dreamed of!

Wayne, come to the bowl!

At this time, Schwartz's cell phone rang, sitting next to Wayne.

He just responded a few times, nodded a few times, and then hung up.

Then, he leaned into Wayne's ear.

"Wei, when you are interviewed after being selected, try not to talk about anything related to Seattle."

"Huh? Seattle?" Wayne looked confused as to what kind of operation this was.

Going to play IT basketball?

On the stage, David Stern spoke again.

"With the 12th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, the Seattle SuperSonics selected Wayne out of Oklahoma State University."

"Wang Defa!?" In the box, Patterson directly wondered if Stern had seen it wrong.

Seattle SuperSonics? There is no information that they will choose Wayne!

Or are the Sonics chosen for others?

This damn thing happens to be one pick higher, don’t you think you can play like this!

Wayne stood up mechanically, but soon smiled again.

Although he doesn't know the details yet, Wayne can probably guess that the Pacers have made a complete recovery.

The reason why we don’t talk about Seattle is to avoid embarrassment to everyone.

Otherwise, just after you said "I love Seattle", you immediately found out that you were traded. Wouldn't it be embarrassing?

IT basketball has become country basketball again.

In the Pacers' luxury box, Bird took a deep breath.

A stone in his heart finally fell.

For this guy, he made this kind of killer deal for the first time in his career.

A minute and a half before the draft results were announced, Bird finally relented and agreed to fill in a Harrington to the SuperSonics, and accepted Potapenko's premium contract balancing deal.

Wayne is here, well, although it comes at a great cost to him, losing the best sixth man who has other uses.

This time he was blackmailed by Wally Walker.

There is no other way. The party that initiates the transaction is often at an absolute disadvantage.

But it doesn't matter, as long as Wayne can come.

Moreover, Bird can also cheat others and make up for the losses.

In fact, he already has a new plan to deceive people, but that is the second step.

The NBA is just a big friendly and sweet family where you cheat on me and I cheat on you.

The people here are friendly, kind and honest.

"Hahaha, Chinese player Wayne was finally selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 12th pick! He is the highest-ranked Chinese player in the NBA draft after Yao Ming, and he is also the second player to be selected in the lottery. player of!"

Sun Zhengping, like many Chinese fans, cheered.

Wayne walked onto the stage, and David Stern handed him a SuperSonics baseball cap.

Wayne refused to put this green hat on his head.

Damn, can't the SuperSonics hat be changed to a different color? When Yi Jianlian was drafted by the Bucks, everyone was wearing white hats.

"Congratulations, Wayne, I'm looking forward to your performance." Stern patted Wayne's arm, can you not look forward to it? Here comes another rich man.

Seeing that Stern's smile was a little stiff, Wayne put on his hat bravely.

Then, there is the classic scene of shaking hands with Stern.

Everything finally settled.

"You got your wish, Bird. So, can he really help you get closer to the championship?" Walsh wiped the sweat from his forehead nervously. It is estimated that no championship team will do anything in the draft. So many things.

"Yes, yes, he will definitely be able to help us, Donnie." Bird lit a cigar and pretended to be calm.

The first step of reinforcement has been taken.