All I Really Want Is To Play Basketball

If you understand the story behind the NBA, then you know how "fair, open and impartial" the NBA's draft lottery is...

Compared with the star-studded 1996, 1997 is indeed not a big year for the draft.

So David Stern shouldn't have had to worry so much.

However......

All of this has to start with a man who spent four years in college and was labeled by scouts as "if you don't select him with the No. 1 pick, you're crazy"...

For him, the Celtics would not hesitate to trample on their past honors;

For his sake, Popovich figured Robinson and Wilkins were sleepy and needed rest;

For him, the top of the NBA in the 1996/97 season was so brutally killed, and those "championship teams" at the bottom...

Just have so much fun.

As we all know, since the NBA introduced lottery rules, the worse the team's performance, the higher the probability of getting the No. 1 pick.

In 1995, with the addition of the Grizzlies and Raptors, the NBA further revised the lottery rules.

The trajectory of history has already quietly changed.

The Celtics got last place with a record of 12 wins and 70 losses as they wished, which also means that they will have nearly a quarter chance of winning the No. 1 pick.

Of course, even if their probability of winning the No. 1 pick is 99.99%, they still won't get the No. 1 pick.

Therefore, Auerbach, who was familiar with Stern's tactics, did not place all his hopes on the No. 1 pick from the beginning.

In order to ensure that the Celtics can select a hot man, Auerbach played the legendary double insurance this time.

Before the trade deadline, he acquired another pick from Dallas that had a chance to land Duncan.

At the same time, Auerbach also vigorously promoted Van Horn, calling him Bird's successor, trying to confuse the attention of other teams.

Unfortunately......

How well Auerbach knew Stern, how well Stern knew him...

Therefore, among the four correct answers that are most likely to win the No. 1 pick, the Celtics are the first to OUT.

Right now, Stern is worried about how to choose a "fair, open and just" answer among the other three options.

In Su Feng's previous life, the three options were originally the 76ers, Grizzlies and Spurs.

However, because the 76ers had already won the No. 1 pick in 1996 and selected Iverson, the 76ers were the second OUT team after the Celtics that year.

But in this life, with the 76ers successfully reaching the playoffs, that is to say, this choice would have been OUT early...

It no longer exists.

Now, the teams replacing the 76ers with this option are:

New Jersey Nets.

There is no doubt that the 76ers are destined to become the team that disrupts the league in this life...

Because in the regular season, while they were beating up the Nets... they lost to the Nuggets, led by Mark Jackson, who had not yet gone to the Pacers.

As a result, because the Nets lost a few more games, and the Nuggets' morale was boosted after defeating the 76ers, they won a few more games, so...

The Nets naturally became a worse team than the Nuggets.

So now the question is, among the three options of the Nets, Grizzlies and Spurs, who does Stern prefer?

First of all, in the Stern era, as teams that were new to the league, the league generally would not give these newly-joined teams the top pick in order to avoid suspicion.

In Su Feng's previous life, no matter how poorly the Grizzlies and Raptors performed, their best pole position during this period was the second best example.

So, now it's a choice between the Nets and the Spurs.

And this is where Stern is troubled.

Because in Su Feng's previous life, after the Grizzlies, 76ers, and Celtics all went out one after another, among these four answers, only the Spurs were left.

According to the draft lottery rules of this period, there are still a few teams that have the opportunity to select the No. 1 pick, but Stern, who is good at playing balance beam, will not choose this answer from other teams.

After all, becoming stronger by being bad is Stern's own rule.

Now that this year's No. 1 pick is Duncan, if the shady story goes too far, who will follow the rules in the future?

So, here comes the question again…

Do the Nets hope to defeat the Spurs in this battle for the No. 1 pick?

The answer is: yes.

Because after buying the Nets, Nets owner Lewis Katz has been increasing investment in the Nets in recent years, hoping to build a team that can compete for the championship.

In Su Feng's previous life, it was under this man that the Nets built a team that reached the finals for two consecutive years.

Of course, after two consecutive defeats in the finals, Katz turned back to play ice hockey.

But, at least for now, Stern is satisfied with Katz's investment.

Because in this era when everyone is losing money, if there are no such stupid young people, how can the NBA continue to play?

But......

In 1993, after Pete Holt and 22 other investors crowdfunded to acquire the Spurs, Stern also admired Holt's passion for basketball.

So... Stern has a headache.

At the critical moment, Jokezi, whose status has been declining recently, gave advice. He said to Stern:

“I recommend giving the No. 1 pick to the Nets.

After the Knicks fought with the Heat this season, the negative impact was too serious.

If the Nets can rise through this pick, then the rising Nets will have a geographical advantage over San Antonio. "

In order to restore his precarious position in Stern's mind, I don't know if the "Joke" kid will be beaten to death by Spurs fans from another dimension. Anyway...

He changed history on this night.

"I also agree with Adam's suggestion.

Although many of Adam's previous suggestions are questionable in my opinion, I know Lewis Katz well.

After receiving the No. 1 pick, he will definitely continue to invest, which is a good thing for the future development of the NBA. "

Just when Stern's heart began to waver, Mark gave him a shot in the arm in time.

After hearing that his two assistants had reached a rare consensus, Stern no longer hesitated. Next, he looked at the two of them and said: "Then...

What kind of pick should we arrange for the Bostonians? "

Joke and how smart Mark is?

They all know that it is fake that Stern arranged the pick for the Celtics. It is true that he forced Auerbach to retire by arranging this pick for the Celtics.

If you know enough about the history of the Celtics and Auerbach's influence in this league, then you know how much Stern wants Auerbach to retire quickly at this moment.

In Su Feng's previous life, the reason why the Celtics' management had experienced nearly ten years of turmoil was related to Auerbach's angry retirement.

But if Auerbach doesn't retire...

With his influence, among other things, the Green Army management personnel currently serving in this league...

They will all use the tricks you are familiar with to blood transfuse the Green Army crazily.

In the future, Danny Ainge can just win over a few brothers and build a Celtics team with the Big Three, let alone his teacher Auerbach?

To give a simple example, take Su Feng's current trading value. Su Feng's current trading value is definitely as high as five stars.

Maybe you can exchange some fair chips for Su Feng in the game, but it is absolutely impossible in reality.

However, once Auerbach returns...

The Celtics can rebuild through the way you play the game.

It may seem that their trading chips will be fair, but this depends on the premise and basis that the other party will definitely trade with them.

Therefore, this is why the more Auerbach wants Duncan, the less Stern will give him Duncan.

What international joke are you kidding? If Auerbach comes out again, how will the future coaches still mess around?

What if you create another team that monopolizes the NBA? How should I run it?

Stern is not a joke, so his gameplay will not be as limitless and low-end as a joke.

"I think, what about giving the Celtics the second pick?

Haven't they always wanted a successor to Larry Bird? "Joke gave his advice with a smile, and glanced at Mark while pushing up his glasses.

After getting the joke suggestion, Stern looked at Mark again. At this time, Mark, who was well prepared, said: "Believe me, David, Keith's character is destined to not become the next Larry." ..."

Stern knew that among the three of him and Mark, Mark was the one who knew the game best. After all...

It was Mark who firmly believed that Su Feng would be able to fight back then.

Well...now that Mark has said so, Stern also knows exactly how to arrange the next draft lottery ceremony.

Alas, the life of a CEO is so boring and boring...

In Stern's view, the only pity is that there is really no market in Africa. Otherwise, sending jokes there would be a really good choice...

…

It has been two days since the 76ers were eliminated.

Just as Su Feng, who was practicing hard, remembered, the Heat finally defeated the Knicks in the tiebreaker, and Mosaic also eliminated the SuperSonics.

Damn Uncle Mu!

Because for the Heat right now, to be honest...Riley is the one who really gave the Hawks his head, right?

As for Mosaic, although their tiebreaker with the Sonics was extremely dangerous,...

In this situation where the Jazz were delayed by the Lakers for one more round, Hong Kong Zhen and Su Feng didn't know who would get the tickets to the finals between Mosaic and the Jazz.

And just as Su Feng was strengthening his "power", Boston...

Whether it's Miller Carr or the management staff of the Green Army...

Everyone can hardly remember the last time they saw Auerbach in such high spirits.

"Teacher...your body?"

There is a saying that Miller Carr is not greedy for power, because in his opinion, if Auerbach is willing to come back, then he is willing to even let him work as a stadium cleaner.

Because in the eyes of the Celtics brothers, Auerbach...is a god-like existence.

"Don't worry, kid, you are still the head coach of this Celtic team and I will stand behind the scenes to support you."

Auerbach smiled and patted Miller Carr on the shoulder. At this moment, his smile was more than bright.

A few hours ago, the NBA draft lottery ceremony ended.

The team that won the 1997 No. 1 pick was...

New Jersey Nets.

And it was the Celtics who got the second pick.

As for the one who got the third pick, it was the Spurs.

The Celtics acquired the sixth pick in the first round from the Mavericks trade.

Originally, when the draft lottery results came out, people were lamenting that Stern would not let Auerbach coach Duncan.

but......

In Su Feng's previous life, he was able to use Van Horn to fool the people of San Antonio, which meant that the management's IQ was far lower than that of the Spurs...

Will also fall into the trap!

Shortly after the draft lottery results came out, Auerbach called the Nets office.

'Look, we help you select Van Horn, plus we give you our No. 6 pick and Walker, who has great potential, how about you help us select Duncan? ’

The Nets are rebuilding...

I couldn't bear it when I heard about this bargaining chip.

What?

Anthony Walker plus Van Horn, and the sixth pick in this year’s first round?

'Yes, after all I am old too.

I hope to leave some good karma to my children after I retire.

If the Celtics need help in the future, I hope you can remember today's kindness. ’

The Nets front office was moved by Auerbach.

It turns out...

There is still a gap in IQ among the NBA front office.

Compared with the Spurs front office, which Su Feng could not fool no matter how hard he tried in his previous life, in this life... the Nets front office has been limped by Auerbach.

Even before the draft, the Nets took a fancy to Van Horn.

Before it was revealed that he was unfit to coach in the NBA, the Nets' front office had always obeyed Calipari, the Larry Brown disciple.

In Calipari's view, Cassell, who was acquired before the trade deadline, will form an unsolvable partnership with Van Horn next season.

but......

The Nets, who unexpectedly won the No. 1 pick, really couldn't resist the temptation brought by Duncan.

But now, someone has stepped forward to help us solve this problem.

This is the problem that if Duncan is not selected with the No. 1 pick, the general manager will be sent to a mental hospital.

Anthony Walker will complement the Nets' forward and defensive line, and the Nets can even have the sixth pick in the first round in 1997.

Calipari is not Popovich. He immediately believed that this transaction was very promising.

After all, no matter how good Duncan is, according to Calipari's calculation, Van Horn + Walker + the sixth pick in the first round are "greater" than Duncan.

So the Nets agreed to the deal.

In Boston, Auerbach was delighted.

Tim Duncan, after dreaming about him for a whole season, Auerbach has even foreseen the picture of Duncan establishing immortal achievements for the Celtics in the future.

Not to mention Anthony Walker, in fact, as long as the Nets are willing to agree to this deal, then in Auerbach's view, there is no one the Celtics cannot trade.

Even if the Nets have enough salary space, Auerbach would be willing to send all the Celtics players to New Jersey.

Don't ask, just ask because Duncan smells so good.

Of course, the final deal between the Nets and Celtics will be completed in the draft.

Prior to this, Auerbach only announced the news that he would return next season to his direct disciples.

"Then what should we do next, teacher?" Millerkar looked at Auerbach and asked.

"Let Keith come over for a tryout, and by the way... because I didn't get the No. 1 pick, my health is getting worse and I may not live much longer.

We first gain people's sympathy through public opinion. "

Auerbach knew that Stern was not an ordinary shrewd person, so before the deal was completed, he...

It needs to be sold badly first.

Because only in this way, Stern will not impose interference in the future.

Kangkang...he's just a poor...bad old man who wants Duncan but can't get it.

In Su Feng's previous life, when it was determined that Duncan would not be available, the Celtics would have hired Pitino as head coach and concurrently as general manager. As a result, Pitino was unpopular, which led to various infighting among the top brass of the Green Army. However, in this life... .....

With Auerbach confirmed to return, the entire Green Army management quickly took action.

So under Auerbach, will Duncan succeed?

The answer is definitely yes and definitely.

After all, Popovich is indeed a great head coach.

But in fact, in Su Feng's previous life, it was wrong for many people to attribute Duncan's success entirely to Popovich.

Because as we all know, Duncan suffered the first serious injury in his career in 2000, and because of that knee ligament strain, Duncan's subsequent speed and jumping dropped a lot.

Then from 2004 to 2005, Duncan suffered from plantar fasciitis.

So here comes the question. Is it true that Popovich fucked Duncan to the death as the pundits said?

You'll know just by looking at Duncan's playing time.

From the 1997/98 season to the 2002/03 season, Duncan's average playing time was nearly 40 minutes per game. How could he be so good?

Duncan's success is because he is very patient.

As for reducing Duncan's playing time, we have to wait until the 2004/05 season.

However, if Popovich can do it, can’t Auerbach do it?

In Su Feng's previous life, whether it was Russell or Robert Parish, who among them had been raped by Auerbach?

Especially during the Parish period, Auerbach had a premonition that as the intensity of future games would become more and more intense, the playing time of inside players must be protected.

so......

"Maple Emperor" who is practicing hard...

Su Feng, who had a dream of becoming weak in the East and strong in the West to improve his data, didn't know that fate would play a big joke on his "little emperor" in the summer of 1997...

…

"Huh? You want to go to China with me?"

On the 20th, in this era of extremely tense relations between labor and management, Su Feng, who knew that he could not interfere with management decisions, did not pay much attention to the upcoming draft.

In Su Feng's view, even if the 76ers don't make reinforcements, the lineup is still good enough.

He could hint at Davis, but Krause and Berlinberg are both people with their own ideas. At the moment, you may not believe it. The only thing Su Feng cares about is Davis's contract renewal.

The 76ers were quite successful in rebuilding during this period in their previous life, so whether Davis will renew his contract with the 76ers is the focus of Su Feng's decision on whether to start the "Wandering Blacksmith" plan.

Although Su Feng has a high reputation now, it is not easy to "force out" the team's management. In this era, he will be targeted by the management to ruin his reputation.

Each era has different gameplay, so in addition to hinting that he is only willing to play for Davis, Su Feng can only adopt a wait-and-see attitude for the time being.

Anyway, Su Feng had many options for the next step, but the only one he did not choose was to let himself be angered.

However, just when Su Feng was "burying his head in training", that day, he suddenly received a call from Kobe.

"Well... I want to train with you."

Shortly after the Lakers were eliminated, Kobe hired several trainers in Los Angeles to fuck him to death.

But...compared to the kings of trainers hired by Su Feng, can the trainers hired by Kobe compare to Su Feng's group of loyal ministers?

Of course not!

So Kobe made up his mind to go wherever Su Feng goes this summer!

You see, you can also make a living by the way, tsk, the plan works, perfect!

"Okay...but let me tell you first, this summer, I may have to play on behalf of the Chinese men's basketball team."

Although he has not officially received an invitation from the Basketball Association, Su Feng knows that this summer, in addition to going home to visit his parents, he will definitely have to play for the national team.

If Su Feng remembers correctly, in the next Asian Championship, the men's basketball team will defeat West Asia.

Um......

The reason for the men's basketball team's defeat this time has nothing to do with its own strength. UU Reading www.uukanshu.net It was purely because everyone in the team was injured, and Zhang Bin's coaching ideas were problematic. As a result, the men's basketball team was stolen by the South Korean team. Chicken success.

Anyway... the smiles of Xiao Yao, Da Zhi, and Lao Hu must be protected, and the Asian Championships will more or less give them some iron value.

As the saying goes, no matter how small a grasshopper is, it is still meat.

Just like that, in a daze, Su Feng suddenly felt that the pressure on his shoulders was even greater.

But speaking of it...if Su Feng remembers correctly, 17-year-old Xiao Yao seems to be 222 centimeters tall, right?

"If I have the chance, I really want Dayao to call me Brother Feng!"

Su Feng thought happily while feeling his damn seniority.

…

PS: The 5800-word chapter has been delivered! Please beg for recommendation votes, collections, rewards, and subscriptions!