Pick Westbrook

Chapter 299 Charlotte Worries

a restaurant.

Jordan straightened his index finger and held the cigar cutter in an awkward way to cut the cigar.

"It was in 93 that I accidentally injured the nerve of the index finger and the blood vessels around the index finger by accidentally holding the cigar knife. Unfortunately, the tendon was also severed, leaving the root of the disease."

Jordan handed over a cut cigar, and Li Lai raised his hand to signal that he would not take a sip.

Jordan immediately took the cigar back the moment Li Lai raised his hand. He originally planned to tease Li Lai, but found that Li Lai didn't raise his hand to take the cigar at all.

Jordan laughed and turned into an emoticon, not feeling embarrassed.

Li Lai glanced at the other party speechlessly, and said that Jordan was an old hooligan, and he looked really good now, even at this age, he still looked like a child.

"Michael, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Li Lai said straight to the point.

Because the next game of the Hornets is the last game of this road trip, and it will still be against the Clippers, a playoff contender, so Li Lai does not have as much free time as Jordan.

Seeing how serious Li Lai was, Jordan took a sip of the cigar and still kept smiling and said, "Dude, last time you promised me to return the name of the Hornets to Charlotte, which helped me a lot."

"Meeting you this time also wants to thank you in person."

After speaking, Jordan gestured to the cigar in his hand, saying that it was originally a thank you gift he had prepared for Li Lai.

Li Lai was amused by Jordan, and couldn't help laughing out loud.

"You are also the god of basketball anyway, the owner of the Bobcats, just give me this?"

Jordan lowered his head and let out a goose cry, and Li Lai did the same.

At this time, the two stood up and hugged each other.

Jordan slapped Li Lai lightly on the chest and said, "You're always too serious, so I made a fuss with you. I've already prepared a box of cigars for you."

"Man, thanks again for giving back the team name to Charlotte."

Li Lai also patted Jordan on the head and said, "It doesn't matter. The Hornets were originally the team name of the city of Charlotte. New Orleans has occupied it for many years, and I also planned to change the name for the team."

"But that box of cigars of yours may not be good for me, because I don't like them."

Jordan was in a bad mood when he was patted on the head by Li Lai, but he was also surprised by Li Lai's frankness. When he heard the last three words of the other party's last sentence, he suddenly thought of something.

Jordan said: "It's a pity that none of the socialites in Charlotte can afford it. If I'm in Chicago now, I can invite you out to have fun."

"Dude, next time I'm in Chicago or Los Angeles, I'll take you out to have a good time, just like Chamberlain took me out."

"I also really want to see if you can really fight against Eighteen King Kong alone as the rumors say. This is even more powerful than Chamberlain."

Li Lai quickly waved his hand to indicate that this matter was completely unnecessary, while Qiao Dan looked at Li Lai with a look of understanding, and pointed at Li Lai with a smirk.

After the meal, Jordan said another thing.

"The people down there are saying the Hornets want to trade next year's first-round pick?"

Li Lai wiped his mouth and said, "That's right, the Bobcats seem to be interested in this draft pick?"

Jordan nodded and said, "The Bobcats have been rebuilt several times. Strictly speaking, none of them have been successfully rebuilt, so this time I am determined to select players who can lead the team to success."

"So the first-round pick is of great significance to the Bobcats. I know you want a strong power forward player. You can pick any power forward in our team."

"This is another thank you gift from me."

Li Lai changed into a serious and contemplative look at this time.

There are three power forward players in the Bobcats, one is Derek Brown, one is Boris Diaw, and the other is DJ White.

德里克-布朗是山猫队09年的二轮秀，这赛季场均8分4篮板1助攻的数据，投篮命中率50%，三分球命中率29%。

No matter from the point of view of offense or defense, it is difficult for Derek Brown to meet Li Lai's expectations.

Another DJ White was a low pick in the first round in 08. He is currently Derek Brown's substitute. He might as well be Derek Brown.

As for the last Boris Diaw, Li Lai was slightly moved. This player is also the one with the highest trading value among the Bobcats' power forwards.

"Boris Diaw's peak season was a player who averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He is very suitable to be the axis of the offensive system and is good at conducting the ball."

"Because the Bobcats announced their rebuilding and intend to thoroughly train rookies, the team has reached a consensus with Boris Diaw this season."

"He will not be the team's main player in the next regular season. We will help him maintain his condition and shape, and only give him appropriate playing time in each game."

"I believe that under your coaching, Boris Diaw will be able to perfectly display his abilities."

Jordan knew that Li Lai would be interested in Boris Diaw, so he said it at the right time.

Li Lai raised his eyebrows and looked at Jordan, thinking: What kind of gift is this deal?

If Li Lai remembers correctly, Boris Diaw in his previous life was unable to send him out this season, and the Bobcats finally had to buy him out.

Such a player, now that Jordan actually wants the Hornets to exchange for the first-round pick, this is simply playing Li Lai as a fool.

This old rascal is really an old rascal.

Li Lai said with great interest: "This deal is a good deal, but I can't always take advantage of you, so I plan to send a Bobcats player."

Jordan suppressed the slight excitement in his heart, thinking that this is the die-hard fan he had found for many years, and Li Lai would not give Leonard to the Bobcats.

Jordan asked curiously, "Who is it?"

Li said, "Rashard Lewis."

"What?!" Jordan was stunned for a long time when he heard the name.

He immediately thought of Rashard Lewis' $2100 million contract this season, and his $2200 million contract for the final year of next year.

This is not an expiring contract, but a two-year absolute garbage contract.

Otherwise, the Wizards would not be willing to take their first-round pick to send Rashad Lewis to the Hornets.

Now, Li Lai is going to give such a rubbish contract to the Bobcats?
What a joke!What kind of gift is this.

Jordan raised his hand and said, "Dude, what are you kidding?"

Li Lai said seriously, "Michael, you were the one who joked first."

Qiao Dan was at a loss for words, and suddenly felt that Li Lai, who looked younger than him, was not a young boy at all.

The opponent's experience in player trading is almost like an old slicker who has worked in the management for more than ten years.

Li Lai directly pointed out: "Boris Diaw's ability is naturally there. If he can be won, of course it will also bring a good improvement to the Hornets."

"But Boris Diaw's contract this season is 900 million. This salary is not low. With his current strength, the salary space matching him is about 500 million."

"So strictly speaking, this is a premium contract or even a junk contract. It is impossible for me to exchange a first-round pick for a junk contract."

"Unless the Bobcats take their own first-round pick."

Hearing these words, Jordan waved his hands again and again and said, "No! Absolutely not. The Bobcats' first-round pick is not for sale."

"In this game, you should have seen the strength of the Bobcats team. This season is completely aimed at showing off. This first-round pick must be a high pick next year."

"I also plan to use this first-round pick to select players who can help the Bobcats complete their rebuild."

Seeing how much Jordan cherished this first-round pick, Li Lai was very sorry, knowing that the opponent would most likely not trade this bargaining chip no matter what.

If Li Lai remembers well, the first-round pick of the Bobcats in his previous life was the second pick, but with Mr. Joe's extraordinary vision, he would naturally select a player who will never be remembered in the future, Michael Kidd - Gilchrist.

And the No. [-] lottery in the previous life was owned by the Hornets team that Li Lai now coaches.

However, with Paul staying on the team and Li Lai returning to take charge of the team, the Hornets' first-round pick next year will most likely not become the No. [-] pick, so the Bobcats' first-round pick is of great significance.

In Li's opinion, instead of giving Jordan the draft pick that is very likely to become the No. [-] pick, it is better to choose players who can help the Hornets make a difference.

That's why Li Lai tested Boris Diaw's value for the first-round pick when Jordan proposed it.

Now it seems that Jordan is very important.

The restaurant was suddenly quiet.

Li Lai seemed to have no intention of talking to Jordan anymore.

Qiao Dan looked at Li Lai who had not spoken for a long time, and finally got down to business.

"Brother, you seem to be very discerning in selecting people?"

Li Lai's eyes lit up when he heard this, and suddenly felt that something was going on, he walked over excitedly and patted Jordan on the head and said, "Of course."

"Looking at the players of the Bucks, and then looking at the players of the Hornets today, my selection vision is absolutely top-notch in the league."

Jordan grimaced when Li Lai slapped him, and even wanted to slap him.

Except for Pippen and Kobe who dared to pat his head over the years, Jordan's head has never been patted by anyone else.

The key is that Li Lai's shots are ruthless and accurate, and he has to slap every time before he stops.

Jordan said: "In the draft next year, can you give me some advice?"

Seeing that Jordan didn't even ask for a word, Li Lai shook his head and said proudly, "I don't want it."

Jordan was shocked at the spot, never had he seen such a disrespectful person.

Since he won his second three consecutive championships, both the players and the management in the league are more or less willing to give him some face.

Li Lai, a stunned boy, really didn't intend to save any face for him.

Jordan said helplessly: "Tell me about your request, how can you give me some advice."

Li Lai said, "I want that first-round pick."

Jordan directly held his head and said, "No, the Bobcats only have one first-round pick next year. Why do I need your advice after the trade is gone?"

Li Lai reminded, "Didn't I give you a first-round pick from the Hornets?"

Jordan waved his hands again and again and said, "That's completely different. Don't think I can't understand the current strength of the Hornets. Judging from the game that just ended, you should have a good chance of reaching the Western Conference playoffs."

"At that time, your first-round pick may become the 15th pick in the first round."

Li Lai knew that Jordan couldn't hide the team's strength. The Hornets' defense had begun to take shape. Anyone who had been in the basketball circle for many years could probably see it.

At this time, Li Lai remembered that the Hornets still had two first-round picks for next year, one from the Warriors and one from the Wizards.

Because the Wizards are completely bad and the overall strength of the team is slightly lower, their first-round picks are worth a lot of money.

Li said: "I am willing to package and trade the Warriors' first-round pick to you."

Hearing this, Jordan finally calmed down, and he began to ponder the feasibility of this deal.

This season, the pressure competition in the Western Conference is huge, especially in the lower half of the division. Judging from the strength that the Warriors have shown now, it seems difficult for them to make it to the playoffs.

Therefore, the Warriors' first-round pick trade value is huge, and it doesn't even have to be much worse than the Bobcats.

Jordan looked at Li Lai and said, "But I want the Wizards' first-round pick more."

Li looked at Jordan, his eyes full of unexpected emotions.

The trade value of the Wizards' first-round pick is so large that it is even as valuable as the Bobcats' first-round pick trade.

Originally, Li Lai always thought that Jordan was a guy who was completely ignorant of business affairs because of his previous life's reputation, but now it seems that people all over the world underestimated him.

At this moment, Jordan patted Li Lai on the shoulder, smiled again and said, "If I can become the richest player in the NBA, you should know that I am not stupid."

"Those media reporters are sometimes too stupid and too boring. They can always write anything to attract people's attention."

Li Lai nodded in agreement, then shook his head and said, "I won't make this deal, because I don't look as stupid as I am at my age."

"Michael, if you really want to make a deal, I think we can be fair and stand on equal footing."

Jordan also nodded in agreement, saying: "If the first-round pick of the Bobcats becomes the top three picks in the future, then I hope to choose from the picks of the Warriors and Wizards."

"Of course, you still have to provide me with advice on player drafting, how about that?"

Li Lai was silent and said: "I still lost money in this deal. The Wizards' first-round pick also has the possibility of becoming the top three picks. It's not worth it."

Jordan nodded to express his understanding, but the Bobcats really needed the first-round pick right now, otherwise they would not have negotiated with Li Lai about the trade of the first-round pick.

Just when the two were in a dilemma, Li Lai suddenly thought of something and said: "I have two players, if they can get your personal guidance, it doesn't matter if I suffer a bit from this deal."

After a few hours.

Hammond and Bobcats general manager Rich Zhou discussed the details of the transaction in detail.

Jordan stood on the balcony of the restaurant overlooking the entire city of Charlotte.

"You know, everyone is saying that Jordan is a god on the basketball court, but he is the same in running the team as he was in baseball."

"Same effort, same result."

"They said that so far Jordan has not shown any excellence in team operations, but there are many negative "excellences". We think of Kwame Brown and Morrison again."

At this moment, Jordan looked at Li Lai seriously and said.

"They think I'm an idiot running a team."

"In the early days of taking over the team, I selected talented players based on experience. I hope they can realize their talents as soon as possible."

"But who knew that their minds were so immature."

"Later, I chose to select players from those famous school teams, so as to reduce various contingencies in the draft and increase the fault tolerance rate."

"But these players from prestigious schools may have the ability to stay in the NBA and even become a team's starter, but they don't have the talent to become an All-Star at all."

"In the end, I gave up all suggestions and decided to follow my own heart. I will only choose those players who are mature and determined to chase their dreams."

"Kemba Walker was the first."

Li Lai felt Jordan's heart at the moment, and he also walked into the heart of the basketball god for the first time.

Tian Xingjian, the gentleman is self-improvement.

In fact, Jordan did pay a lot in managing the team.

Regardless of whether he has the ability to manage the team or not, in Li's opinion, he is not as bad as the rumors say.

Li Lai patted Jordan's bald head and said: "The rookie selected by no one is sure to succeed. Because you are Jordan, everyone thinks that your ability to manage the team will be the same as your ability to play on the court. No one can." enemy."

"Of course, except for me."

Li Lai turned his head and glanced at Jordan who was grinning again, and said with a smile, "My eyesight can't go wrong."

Jordan smiled and looked back at the city, expressing his special feelings for this team.

"Charlotte is troubled."

(End of this chapter)