basketball player

Chapter 123 121: Black Hand

In the basketball world in 2011, many incredible things happened. Among them, the most talked about by fans is undoubtedly the Dallas Mavericks' victory.

At the beginning of the season, no one could have imagined that the single-core Mavericks could reach the finals.After reaching the Finals, no one thought that the aging Mavericks could defeat the Heat's Big Three.

But the truth is, Dirk Nowitzki played one of the best series of his career, and his unsolvable performance on the court made the Big Three eclipsed.

Nowitzki's success told everyone that the crazy accumulation of stars does not necessarily bring you a championship.A suitable system and a strong individual are enough to succeed!

Dallas fans are undoubtedly the happiest fans in the world now. They swept away the haze of being hacked and stood on top of the world.And Nowitzki also got rid of the reputation of "soft guy" in one fell swoop. After winning this championship, the historical status of "old driver" will undoubtedly rise wildly.

A foreign player, single-core led the team to defeat the most powerful combination of stars on the planet.This kind of thing is enough for Nowitzki to brag about for a lifetime.

The Mavericks' championship also made Henson feel unexpected, but now he doesn't care who is the champion this season.Because for Henson, the new season has already started before the joint trial training.

The draft is the battlefield that Henson cares more about!
"Are you sure that your series of plans will be successful?" An hour before the start of the draft, Bird called to inquire about the situation of Henson's draft conference.

Due to Henson's success in the draft in the previous two years, Bird has now given the draft to Henson.Henson only needs to notify Bird after he has arranged everything.

"The draft is a big casino, Bird. Nothing is certain here. But trust me, I'll give you a good result."

Bird did not doubt Henson's ability, because even Bird didn't know whether Henson wanted Reggie Jackson or Leonard.For others, it is even more unpredictable.

"Then you enter the arena quickly, I will wait to see your performance."

"I'm afraid I can't make it, Bird. I left New Jersey this morning and I'm in the Bay Area."

"What are you doing in the Bay Area!?"

"Accompany my girlfriend." Henson replied lightly.

※※※

June 2011, 6, at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.Although there is no NBA game today, the atmosphere in the arena is even stronger than on game day!
In the next few hours, those green young talents will start their careers.Among these geniuses, some may disappear from the crowd, but some may become the next household name.

And the team participating in the draft is also very likely to change the fate of the team because of a decision.

"Good evening, everyone. I'm Mike Breen. I'm here tonight. Together with Greg Anthony, Isaiah Thomas and David Aldridge in the outfield, I will bring you a live broadcast of the NBA draft tonight!"

On the TV, Mike Breen's iconic voice burst into people's ears.Although this year is recognized as a draft year, fans still pay close attention to the draft.

Popovich sat in his small private room, feeling a little nervous.Originally, he planned to trade George Hill for a draft pick in order to get Leonard.

But the Pacers' trade proposal for Holiday disrupted Popovich's plan.

Holiday is undoubtedly a talented point guard. Last season, Holiday averaged 14 points and 6 assists per game for the Pacers, and he already looks like a star.

Popovich has to admit that the Pacers' chips are exciting.But the Spurs didn't immediately agree to the offer, nor did they say no.They are waiting, waiting for the results of the draft.

If a team intercepts Leonard first, Popovich will trade George Hill for Leonard.If Leonard really falls to the 29th pick, the Spurs can directly select the taciturn kid and agree to a deal with the Pacers!
This is the best result, so that the Spurs can kill two birds with one stone!
Meanwhile, in the Pacers' private room, Frank Vogel and Stephen Sellars were sitting together nervously.All Henson said this morning was that everything would go according to plan, and he left with confidence.The Pacers may be the only team with only assistant coaches in the draft.

At eight o'clock in the evening, the 2011 NBA Draft officially began.Vogel felt that his palms were full of sweat, even though Henson had already taken care of everything, he felt extremely nervous.

In the No. [-] pick that people are most concerned about, Kyrie Irving was picked by the Cleveland Cavaliers for his name.Irving put on the Cavaliers baseball cap youthfully and shook hands with David Stern.

Henson didn't know yet that this little defender who was standing on the stage facing the camera would cause him a huge headache in the future.

Subsequently, the Timberwolves chose Derek Williams with the second pick, and the Utah Jazz took Kanter with the third pick.Vogel also became more and more nervous as the pick gradually moved down.

There were no surprises in the top 14 picks, and Leonard was not picked by anyone.At the 15th pick, when it was the Philadelphia 76ers' turn to make a choice, Vogel's body couldn't help shaking slightly.

If the 76ers go back and forth and finally choose Vucevic, then everything is over!

"The 2011th pick in the 15 NBA draft, the Philadelphia 76ers, chose." Stern paused, and Vogel felt his heart almost didn't jump out.

"Choose Kawhi Leonard, from San Diego State University!"

After Stern announced the result, Leonard himself was a little surprised.He accepted the 76ers hat in a daze, apparently not expecting to be picked at No. 15.

"What's going on!? Don't the 76ers want Vucevic?" Popovich frowned and asked Forbud, who had already picked up the phone and was about to call the 76ers.

In the audience at this time, Leonard was interviewed by reporters with a blank face.This guy himself has a "facial paralysis physique", and he is still in a state of bewilderment, so he is even more speechless.

He was still wondering what kind of career he would have in Philadelphia, but less than 2 minutes later, Leonard was the first to experience the ruthless side of the NBA as a business league.

At the same time, in the box of the Spurs team, Forbd had just said a few words before hanging up the phone.

"What did the 76ers say? Did they agree to accept George Hill!?" Popovich asked anxiously. He didn't know why the 76ers, who had never been interested in Leonard, suddenly changed their minds.

Forbud looked frustrated and shook his head. "They have taken the lead in accepting the trade proposal from the Pacers."

"Pacers?" Even Popovich was stunned. Didn't the Pacers keep clamoring for Reggie Jackson?There is no reason!

On stage at this time, David Stern announced a deal.

"In the latest trade, the Indiana Pacers used their No. 23 pick and Josh McRoberts to acquire the No. 76 pick, Kawhi Leonard, from the Philadelphia 15ers."

This transaction did not cause any uproar on the scene. After all, many fans didn't even know who Leonard was.But in the private room of the Spurs, Popovich and Forbd exploded.

Popovich stared at the live big screen, above which was the latest trade advisory.The Pacers cut Leonard, what are they going to do?Taking advantage of the fire?
"Ask the Pacers what it means, what chips do we need to get Leonard back!"

Forbd nodded and made another call for Popovich.But also without saying a few words, Forbud ended the conversation with a cold face.

"Bird said they weren't going to trade Leonard, meanwhile"

"At the same time what?" Popovich knew that something was wrong!

"Meanwhile, they're no longer interested in the Holiday-George Hill trade. We've missed it, Pop!"

Popovich slammed his fist on the table, and he understood everything instantly!
What about Reggie Jackson, what about trading Holiday, they are all smoke bombs that the Pacers put in order to get Leonard!And myself, the experienced self, the seasoned self, has been kept in the dark!

"That bastard!" Popovich yelled, he didn't scold Larry Bird, but the Asian coach!
Popovich knew very well that only Henson Joe could use so many dirty tricks!
At this time, the "bastard" Popovich called was Henson Joe who directed all the farce.

He was under the Golden Gate Bridge, hugging his girlfriend and licking ice cream.

(End of this chapter)