In the Spurs' private room, Popovich frowned, not only as the Spurs' general manager, but also as the head coach, being directly responsible for almost everything on the team, including the draft.

Since selecting Duncan last year, Popovich feels like he's about to reach the first peak of his career, and with the twin towers of Duncan and Robinson, this year's Spurs are stronger than ever, and they have a chance to reach the top.

When Ji Liang tried out for the Spurs, Popovich began to pay attention to the rookie and was ready to acquire him with the No. 24 pick in the first round.

As a result, he was just cut off by the Nuggets.

"With the 24th pick in the first round, the San Antonio Spurs will have five minutes to make a selection!"

At this time, Stern's voice rang out.

Popovich reacted quickly, quickly picked up the phone on the table, and directly dialed the office of the general manager of the Nuggets.

Soon, the call was connected.

"George, I'm Popovich, and our Spurs are willing to use 24 first-round picks plus some cash in exchange for the rookie you just drafted!"

After the phone was connected, Popovich went straight in, and it was almost too late.

"What, the Lakers also want to get Chi Liang? Wait, I'm willing to ramp up the stakes, plus how about a second-round pick this year? ”

The next moment, Popovich's expression changed, and he never expected that the Lakers were also playing with Chi Liang's idea.

In this case, Popovich upped the stack.

Unfortunately, what Popovich got was the opponent's lion gap, and the Nuggets didn't want a second-round pick, but instead the Spurs' first-round pick next year.

"Popovich, the countdown is coming to an end, if you Spurs still want Chi Liang, you must increase your chips, otherwise we might as well trade with the Lakers!"

"It can't be!"

Popovich said he was angry and hung up the phone with a 'bang'.

Although he is more optimistic about Ji Liang, it is absolutely impossible to let him exchange two first-round picks.

In desperation, Popovich could only settle for the second best thing and chose the 'spare tire' Philippe López.

Unbeknownst to Popovich, when he hung up, George, the general manager of the Nuggets, temporarily changed his mind.

Although he has not been the general manager for a long time, George is also a person who is not profitable and cannot afford to be early, a rookie in the late first round, can be 'valued' by the Lakers and Spurs at the same time, especially Popovich is still very eager, which caused George to be alert and not in a hurry to trade with the Lakers.

George is not stupid, and while the Nuggets haven't tried out for Ji Liang, he's cautious and doesn't want to miss out on any quality rookies.

There is no way, the Nuggets are in a turbulent period now, and only the better the team's results, he can sit firmly on the throne of general manager.

Under George's instructions, a staff member soon collected some information about Chi Liang and handed it to George.

This information, including Chi Liang's physical measurements, average data, college honors, and more.

Age: 19 years old

Position: Control position

Height: 2.03 (barefoot)

Reach: 212

Weight: 102 kg

Strength: maximum bench press 130 kg

Speed: 11.52 seconds for a baseline switchback, 3.32 seconds for a 3/4 half-time sprint

Bounce: 72 cm for bouncing on the spot, 87 cm for running

Honors: Led the Wake Forest Devils Deacons to the Final Four, the best college basketball player on the Atlantic Coast, and the NCAA All-American First Team.

College averages: 16 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds.

Seeing Chi Liang's information, George's eyes widened, and his heart was full of surprise.

From the perspective of physical fitness, Chi Liang can only be regarded as above average in the NBA, and his advantage is that he is very strong, which is enough to be compared with many interior lines.

Even so, with Ji Liang's height and speed, it is easy to be passed by a small guard who is fast.

Of course, this is not the most surprising place, but Chi Liang's average data per game.

Due to inadequate preparation, the staff only found data from March Madness, not the Atlantic Tryouts, which significantly outnumbered the latter.

Even so, Chi Liang's average data per game is enough to be compared with Carter, Olovo Candi, etc.

'In terms of assists, he also has good vision and passing awareness. Also, from a point guard's point of view, his physical fitness may be average, but what if the position is raised? ”

George touched his chin with his right hand, thinking a little more in his heart.

Jingle bell~

It was also at this time that the phone rang again, disrupting George's musings.

It was a call from Jerry West, who is also the Lakers general manager.

George didn't have to guess to know that Jerry West's intentions were nothing more than wanting to trade.

This time, George did not refuse, nor did he agree, but made a procrastination, after all, they did not sign an agreement.

He decided to take a look at Ji Liang's condition first, and if he wasn't satisfied, he would trade him.

On July 1st, the signing day of the new season begins, and teams can start from this day to sign rookies or renew contracts with players whose contracts have expired.

On this day, Chi Liang came to the Pepsi Center in Denver alone, and under the arrangement of a physical trainer, he began to test his physical fitness.

No way, during the draft, many rookie players will more or less choose to 'high' his physical fitness, especially height, for the sake of a higher pick.

When Chi Liang was testing, George stood not far away, watching quietly.

"In other words, his physical fitness is not hydrated, and he can continue to grow taller?"

"Yes, after our testing, his bone line is not completely closed, and it is very likely that he will continue to grow taller in the future!"

After that, the strength and conditioning coach continued: "At the same time, I found his shooting touch to be extremely soft, and his vision, passing awareness and precision were impressive, and I think his template is Scottie Pippen!"

Scottie Pippen, a small forward nicknamed "The Batman," is Jordan's best partner and has been selected as one of the NBA's top 50 superstars.

Of course, this is the upper limit, and in the eyes of the strength and conditioning coach, it is impossible for Ji Liang to reach the height of Scottie Pippen, it is possible that it is a weakened version, and it is more likely that it is a poor version.

"Then it can't be changed!"

As the general manager of the Nuggets, George is well aware of the Nuggets' lineup flaws, that is, the small forward position is the weakest, and there is no reliable small forward.

As for whether Chi Liang can adapt to the small forward position, it is not in George's consideration for the time being.

Soon, under the leadership of the staff, Chi Liang came to the general manager's office.

"You don't have an agent?"

"Nope!"

Chi Liang shook his head, although many agents were more optimistic about him, but they were basically novices, so he was naturally not at ease.

"This is a rookie contract, you can take a look at it first, and if you have any doubts, you can also go to a lawyer!"

As he spoke, George handed the rookie contract to Ji Liang.

When he took over the contract, Chi Liang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief in his heart, even if it was a first-round show, there was a possibility of being cut, especially if he was still in the latter part of the first round.