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

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

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

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

Of course, who is the champion and who is the FMVP, this is already a matter of concern to fans ten days ago.

The 03-04 season is over, and the championship has already been decided.

Today, fans don't care about games, they care about the 2004 NBA Draft.

As the saying goes, the Finals are about two teams, and the draft is about the fate of 30 teams.

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

Although the addition of Charlotte Bobcats gives the league 30 teams.

But the Timberwolves' "yin and yang contract" incident deprived them of a five-year first-round pick.

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

The NBA Draft is as much of a concern as the NBA Finals.

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

Because as early as a few days ago, Wayne received an invitation from the Alliance.

Since Wayne was predicted to be drafted in the lottery, he was fortunate enough to enter the "Little Green House" and became the first Chinese player in NBA history to participate in the draft on the spot!

CCTV has long planned to broadcast the whole 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 the whole world celebrates.

Wayne's news has been circulating in China for more than half a year, and now, he is finally about to cross paths with the NBA.

"Eh, don't say it, Xiao Wei really has the potential to be an entertainment star." When Director Zhang saw Wayne in a suit and leather shoes outside Madison Square Garden, he couldn't help but joke with his colleagues.

When Wayne saw Zhang instructing them, he immediately went up to say hello.

He wore a Chinese red suit today, and his long hair in summer was meticulously combed, looking like an adult.

In fact, Wayne didn't like this hairstyle, but in order to be photogenic in the draft, he was forcibly pulled by Schwartz to do his hair.

As soon as the draft is over, Wayne will have to shave his hair back short.

As an athletic boy, how can you be obsessed with your looks!

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

Originally, his appearance was online, and he dressed up a lot, which is really a bit of an entertainment star.

"Director Zhang, you're here."

"Hey, yes, yes, very energetic! Nervous? Director Zhang said, reaching out and squeezing Wayne's arm.

Good guys, it's thicker again, and a lot of meat hangs in the summer!

"It's okay, it's okay, mainly because I haven't experienced this kind of occasion and don't know what to do." Wayne scratched his head, he was indeed a little nervous.

But it's not that I'm nervous that I can't choose, it's a kind of nervousness about unfamiliar occasions.

Wayne believes that the embarrassment of sitting in a small green room until the second round before hearing his name like Jordan Jr. should not happen to him.

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

As for the walkers...... Schwartz also only told Wayne that they could trade up for draft picks and cut off the Trail Blazers ahead of them.

But whether it can be done or not, Wayne does not know.

"Well, don't worry too much, your mock draft pick is quite high, and I think there's a high probability that you won't be able to drop the lotto. Let's get started. ”

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

After a while, fans across 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.

And then, in thousands of homes, conversations like this took place.

"Dad/Brother/Brother, what are you looking at?"

"It's an NBA draft!"

"The NBA Draft? Is it a powerful variety show? ”

"It's not a question of whether it's strong or not, it's that, that...... Forget it, I can't explain it to you, why do you care about this? ”

"Not much, it's just that this person is very good-looking."

“......”

"What's his name?"

"Wayne."

"Oh, singing?"

“...... If you play basketball, don't ask. ”

"Don't coax me, the guy who plays basketball is called Yao Ming."

“...... Too lazy to talk to you. ”

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

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

The NBA Draft probably began around 2015, and the suits on the players became more and more fashionable.

And now in 2004, everyone's suits are almost exclusively black, dark blue and gray.

Wayne's red is really eye-catching.

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

The flashing lights on both sides of the entrance illuminated Wayne couldn't even 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 alliance, and they will never be so noticeable again.

As soon as Wayne walked into the arena, he bumped into Okafor, the top candidate.

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

As a top candidate, the number of journalists around him is known.

Okafor's smile froze when he saw Wayne. But his strong professionalism still made him smile in front of the camera.

After Paul, the second smirk boy is online.

"Hello, Wei."

"Hello, Emeka."

The two shook hands, and countless camera shots were focused on the pair of March Madness Finals.

They all had the headline in mind: "What sparks will old rivals make in the NBA?" ”

"Good luck today."

"You are the same, I hope you can be the champion."

When Wayne said this, he felt that he was too fake.

Because he knew that Okafor would not be the champion......

If Okafor is the top pick, Orlando's No. 1 won't go to Houston. If he doesn't go to Houston, the memories of a generation of Chinese fans will be gone.

This butterfly effect, thinking about it, is really far-reaching.

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

"Hmm...... It's okay, it's okay, normal friends, he and I are both Schwartz players. Wayne nodded awkwardly.

Pretty good relationship? Yes, it's so good that I want to pinch your son's heart to death......

Wayne sat down with his parents, and Schwartz went to accompany Okafor first. After Okafor's selection is finished, Schwartz will come to Wayne's table.

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

But that's fine, simpler.

Wayne invited Old Sutton, but Sutton said that he was afraid that he would be too embarrassed to cry at the draft, so he politely declined Wayne's invitation.

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

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

His red outfit is simply not too conspicuous.

"Hmm." Bird nodded solemnly.

"How's your talk going over there?"

"It's almost done."

"Nearing completion? That's just not talking. ”

"......" Bird was speechless, if it weren't for Walsh's age, he would really want to punch him with an old punch.

Nima, do you want to put it so bluntly, I force someone to lose face?

Bird knew that the SuperSonics were short of point guards, and last season they could only use the "white man can fly" Brent. Barry went to play as the starting point guard, which shows how lacking people are at this position.

At first glance, Barry Sr.'s assist stats are not bad, and he himself gives the impression that he has a high ball quotient.

But if you look at how many turnovers he has, you don't think he's a qualified starting PG.

The projection No. 2 position is more suitable for the role of Barry Sr., and you let him play PG with the ball, which is really a strongman lock man.

So, Bird took the initiative to quote the main point guard Jamal. Tinsley + 29th pick in the first round and want to trade for Wally. Walker's 12th overall pick.

That is, Wayne is not picked before the 12th pick.

However, Wally. Walker politely declined Bird.

His words are simply translated: "You're afraid you're thinking about fart." ”

"Wayne is a sought-after player, he's played in Seattle and I've seen him play.

So, Larry, such a good rookie, I'm afraid a Tinsley can't be replaced. ”

Jamal. Tinsley, a third-year guard, averaged 8.3 points and 5.8 assists per game last season, played fancy, and was known as "the man who played the NBA like a streetball."

Nope.

That's Tinsley, a qualified, but only qualified, primary point guard.

He does have potential, after all, he is only in the third grade. But Wally. Walker doesn't think such potential is worth a lotto pick.

So, Wally. The Walker Lions opened his mouth widely, saying that he needed Al Harrington, the sixth man of the Pacers last season, who averaged 13.3 points per game!

Add Harrington to the chips and it's something to talk about.

Harrington was an important part of the Pacers, finishing second in the Sixth Man Championship last season, and Antoine was ranked first. The Jamison gap isn't that big.

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

Everyone knows that if Harrington is given more minutes and put him in the starting line-up, he will definitely perform better.

For the SuperSonics, who are aiming to make a run for the playoffs, Harrington is a good addition.

A trade that can not only solve the problem of the starting point guard, but also have one more reliable scorer, isn't he fragrant?

Then the negotiations reached an impasse.

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

Just a few days after the season, Harrington called Bird: "If I can't start next season, then I want to be traded." ”

Harrington was tired of a role like the Sixth Man.

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

So, he's put Harrington on the trade list.

It's just that Bird's plan wasn't to send Harrington to Seattle, he kept Harrington for other purposes.

After all, the Pacers need to bring in more than just Wayne, just one more Wayne can't guarantee that the Pacers will definitely beat the Pistons.

Later, the two sides talked a few more times, but they all went wrong with Harrington. As a result, the deal was put on hold for the time being.

Bird can't help it, of all the lottery teams, the SuperSonics and the 76ers are willing to accept instant power.

The other ones are of little use for instant combat power.

But the 76ers are determined to want Iguodala, and Bird can only find the supersonics.

But Wally. Walker didn't say anything to death, he told Bird last night: "Call me anytime you figure it out, even after the draft starts." ”

Bird is so angry, it's the first time he's been pinched so tightly in his hands!

Just as Bird recalled the whole trading incident, the 2004 NBA Draft officially began. Stern came to power.

On CCTV's side, Mr. Sun Zhengping also began to bring live broadcasts of the draft to fans.

NBA commissioner David Brown. Mr. Stern is about to take the stage to give a speech, and the draft will start soon! Today, Wayne wore a red suit, which was very festive, and I hope he can have a good ending. ”

After a walk-through speech, David. Stern looked at the manuscript paper in his hand, then approached the microphone.

The 29-team game is officially open!

"The No. 1 pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic chose ...... Dwight. Howard, from Southwestern Christian College in Atlanta. ”

With a happy smile, the happy beast happily became the champion.

Okafor, at the other table, sighed depressedly with a depressed expression.

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

If he's a freshman, he wouldn't have Howard.

Chinese fans are so happy that the Magic chose Howard instead of Okafor, which means that the possibility of Mosaic getting the scoring champion Maddie has increased!

"High school player Dwight. Howard became the top pick in this year's draft! Howard, who recently graduated from high school this year, is a big man with a style similar to Garnett, who has excellent ball handling, mid-to-long range shooting, passing, breaking, rebounding and blocking, and his quick feet and good ball control make up for his lack of physical strength. Sun Zhengping immediately introduced the champion to the fans according to the information in hand.

A few years later, when Mr. Sun Zhengping recalled this information, he probably only wanted to say two words: "Pit Dad!" ”

Okafor, like the original history, fell to the second pick, settled in the Bobcats.

Although the perfect smile on his face when he shook hands with Stern, there were actually countless grass and mud horses galloping in his heart.

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

But since the Magic chose to rebuild, Okafor certainly won't be the best choice. There's no way around it, he just talks about bubbles and it's useless.

However, there are also Charlotte benefits in Charlotte, at least Okafor can swipe the data as he wants.

The third pick came to the Bulls, Okafor's little brother Ben. Gordon is honored to be on the list.

Wayne looked at his parents and patted his chest: "Just came to power, the two of them are defeated by me." ”

"Lao Tzu sees that you are dragging very much, you are so fierce, then why are you not the first three people." Wayne's father smiled.

"Hey, no way. In this draft conference, it's not about which one wins and which one ranks high, it's very complicated! ”

The fourth pick, high school genius Livingston, played.

After that, until No. 10, the results of the draft were the same as in Wayne's previous life.

However, the 10th knight is indeed fascinated enough, obviously he already has Mousse, but he chose Luke with such a high order. Jackson, the white small forward......

The Cavaliers' draft is really hard to describe, unless it is James who has a very clear answer, otherwise they really don't seem to be able to pick people.

But Luke. Don't worry, Jackson, he's not the most fascinated yet.

In the future, if nothing else, there will be another one named Anthony. Bennett's guy will be more obsessed than he is.

With the 11th pick, the Warriors were content to take Biderins, who has a professional background.

In fact, the Warriors management struggled with Wayne and Biederins for a while, but ultimately decided that Biedrins, who was already a professional player, was a safer option.

As a result, Wayne is almost certain to be drafted with the 13th pick.

Well, if Wayne were a shooting guard, the 13th pick would have put him on his back for a myriad of attention.

Steve. Patterson also breathed a sigh of relief, the only warrior who could intercept Hu Wayne didn't make a move, and he finally got the hot man he dreamed of!

Wayne, come to the bowl!

At this moment, Schwartz's mobile phone, which was sitting next to Wayne, rang.

He just answered a few times, nodded his head a few times, and hung up.

Then, he leaned into Wayne's ear.

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

"Huh? Seattle? Wayne looked confused, what was this operation.

Going to play IT basketball?

On stage, David. Stern spoke again.

"The twelfth pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, the Seattle SuperSonics selected...... Wayne, from Oklahoma State University. ”

"Wang Defa!?" In the box, Patterson directly wondered if Stern was mistaken by his old eyes.

Seattle SuperSonic? There's no information that they'll pick Wayne!

Or is it ...... Supersonic is chosen for someone else?

Wayne stood up mechanically, but quickly smiled again.

Although the details are not known yet, Wayne can probably guess that it is estimated that the Pacers have survived.

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

Otherwise, you just said "I love Seattle" here, and you immediately found out that you were traded, can you not be embarrassed?

IT basketball has become country basketball again.

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

A stone in his heart finally fell.

For this guy, he did this kind of killer trade 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 for the SuperSonics and eat Portapanko's premium contract tie trade.

Wayne is coming, um, though it cost him dearly, losing the best sixth man who has no other use.

He was solidly taken by Wally this time. Walker sneered.

There is no way, the party that takes the initiative to make a deal is often at an absolute disadvantage.

But it doesn't matter, Wayne can come.

Moreover, Bird can also go to pit others and make up for the loss.

In fact, he already had a new pit man plan ready to execute, but that was the second step.

NBA, isn't it just a friendly and sweet family where you pit me and I pit you.

The people here are friendly, kind and simple.

"Hahaha, Chinese player Wayne was finally drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 12th place! He is the highest-ranked Chinese player in the NBA Draft after Yao Ming, and the second player to be drafted in the lottery! ”

Mr. Sun, like many Chinese fans, cheered.

Wayne walked up to the stage, and David. Old Man Stern handed him a baseball cap for the SuperSonics.

To put this green hat on his head, Wayne refused......

Nima, can't the supersonic hat be changed in color? When Yi Jianlian was selected by the Bucks, everyone wore 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 hard.

Then, there's the classic, handshake with Stern.

The dust has finally settled.

"You've got your wish, Bird. So, can he really help you get closer to the championship? Walsh nervously wiped the sweat from his forehead, and it was estimated that no championship team would do so much in the draft.

"Yes, yes, he'll be able to help us, Donnie." Bird lit a cigar and put on a beep to suppress the start.

The first step in reinforcement can be regarded as a step.