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Chapter 142: Draft, the new Big Three! (1.1 words updated per day, begging for monthly subscription)

A few days later, the 2007 draft was held as scheduled in the theater at Madison Square Garden.

The Portland Trail Blazers, who held the No. 1 pick, did not hesitate at all and decisively picked up "The Great" Oden with the first pick in the first round.

The scene of the talent show.

The moment Oden was selected as the No. 1 pick, Kevin Durant, who was also a favorite for the No. 1 pick, immediately gave him applause and praise from the bottom of his heart.

Because as early as the previous tryout stage, the New York Knicks had already made a verbal commitment to Durant.

So, compared to becoming the No. 1 pick, Durant certainly wants to wear the Knicks jersey more.

After all, playing for the Knicks
This means that Durant, who is close to the water and gets the moon first, will have more opportunities to drink the bath water of Scarlett Johansson, who was born in New York, in the future.

"KD! KD! KD!"

Durant was selected by the Knicks with the second pick in the first round, which caused waves of cheers at the scene.

This is a rare highlight moment for the Knicks uniform team in recent years.

Donnie Walsh, who succeeded Thomas as the general manager of the Knicks, said in an interview with a smile: "'KD' is definitely a gift from God to New York."

In addition, on the day of the draft, the Knicks also reached a deal with the Cavaliers.

They traded the "great hero" Allen Iverson, who led the team to the second pick last season, to Cleveland, and in return received the Cavaliers' second-round draft pick and Shaquille O'Neal from Cleveland.

As the Knicks' most reliable general manager in the 21st century, Walsh knows that if the team is to be built around Durant, he must be given time to grow.

Therefore, in order to prevent Iverson from affecting Durant's growth, Walsh contacted the Cavaliers management in advance.

In this regard, the Cavaliers' uniform team, which had just suffered a crushing defeat in the finals, felt like it was a blessing from heaven.

虽然艾弗森已经年满32岁，但06/07赛季的“AI”场均仍能砍下“26+7”的数据。

Last season, Mo Williams alone showed the Cavaliers' front office how well James fits in with this type of outside attacking guard.

So, what about the famous Iverson?
What about the Knicks?
Just as Qin Yue remembered, Walsh noticed that most of the 03 golden generation chose the "3+1" contract when they renewed their contracts in advance, so he set his sights on the 2010 free agent market early on.

O'Neal's current contract will expire in the summer of 10.

In Walsh's view, this outdated super center can not only help the Knicks successfully complete their plan to tank, but also, as an inside player, O'Neal will not compete with Durant for the ball.

There is no doubt that this is a deal in which both parties get what they want.

The Cavaliers found a "good man" who was willing to take over O'Neal, and in return he got James a super star teammate who was in his prime.

The Knicks sent away Iverson, who was likely to affect Durant's growth, and officially started their rebuilding plan.

ESPN gave both teams in this transaction an A-minus grade, which is very rare.

The only flaw is that
When he learned that he was traded to Cleveland, Iverson was so heartbroken that he wanted to break his own legs.

Even in the interview, there was no sadness for O'Neal's departure. Knowing that Iverson was about to arrive in Cleveland, James said: "Allen Iverson has always been my idol and role model. I am eager to join forces with him."

Iverson was also reluctant to wear the No. 3 jersey of the Cavaliers.

This is exactly the dilemma the Cavaliers have long faced when recruiting help for James.

If the Knicks hadn't selected Durant and decided to play badly, they wouldn't even be qualified to enjoy a star like Iverson who is in the final stage of his career.

With the third pick in the first round, the Celtics, who could only draw the third pick even though they ranked last in the league, selected Al Horford, who had been psychologically traumatized by Qin Yue in college.

The Celtics, in a blessing in disguise, drafted a hidden gem.

Horford, who was selected to the All-Stars many times in later generations, is a modern inside player with both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Even though he has an extremely eye-catching wife, Horford has proved how self-disciplined he is with his long career in the NBA, which continued until Qin Yue traveled through time.

Then, with the fourth pick in the first round, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Mike Conley.

In Qin Yue's memory, this is a tough guy who can fight on equal terms with all the super defenders of his time.

Conley, who plays in a simple and steady style, is also a treasure player.

2007 was indeed a great year for the draft.

Because the top four picks this year
Except for Oden, the other three brothers all had extremely long peak periods in their careers in Qin Yue's memory.

With the fifth pick in the first round, Jordan, who was still worried about using a chair for his tryout, did not choose Yi Jianlian from China.

Instead, after selecting Jeff Green, the team used him, Matt Carroll, Sean May and a future draft pick to trade for problem teenager Zach Randolph from Portland.

Last season, Randolph averaged 24+10 per game for the Portland Jail.

Unfortunately, even though he played like a star forward, Randolph was unable to gain any exposure in the league.

Since entering the league.
Randolph's off-court appearance makes it hard to believe that he is an NBA player.

Buying illegal guns, beating teammates, driving under the influence, and even possessing drugs
Due to the above reasons, the Trail Blazers want to send the "number one criminal" in Portland Prison away as soon as possible while he still has value.

Originally, the Grizzlies, knowing that the Trail Blazers were selling Randolph, also wanted to get the young forward, but unfortunately.
Jordan, who thought Randolph was child's play compared to Rodman, made a higher offer in the final bid.

TNT TV station, regarding this transaction, Barkley rationally analyzed: "The reason why Michael took a fancy to Zach Randolph, I guess 100% is that in the past two seasons, Zach is one of the few players who can not lose to the Messiah."

"Master Joe" Barkley guessed correctly.

Jordan did not hesitate to send Jeff Green, a talented forward with great potential, to Portland.
It was precisely because he was impressed by Randolph's ability to make brilliant shots in front of Qin Yue even though he was full of fat.

ESPN only gave the Bobcats a C-plus grade on this deal.

He also commented on the potential new players and team owner of the Bobcats in the new season:
A center (Okafor) who has been plagued by back injuries for a long time.

A criminal who could blow up the locker room at any time (Randolph).

A future star of the team with a gang background (Roy).

A scumbag boss (Jordan) who is good at eating, drinking, whoring and gambling and has nothing to do with good people.

How could such a small city like Charlotte gather so many "social elites" overnight?
It has to be said that Jordan's team-building ideas are indeed difficult to evaluate without a God's perspective.

just
Considering that this Bobcats also has Felton and Wallace.

From the perspective of Qin Yue, the time traveler, he actually believes that Boss Joe, who has hit upon the jackpot, has put together a very competitive lineup for the Bobcats.

Immediately after
With the sixth pick in the first round, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Yi Jianlian from China.

Although he was exiled to the bitter cold northwest as soon as he entered the league, Yi Jianlian's agent Feigen did not act like Qin Yue remembered.

Because the Timberwolves, who are currently short of players in the interior, can not only provide Yi Jianlian with the playing time he wants, but also.
In terms of the training of inside players, Minnesota is definitely a paradise for inside players.

Historically, whether it was Al Jefferson who became even more successful in Minnesota, or Kevin Love, or Karl-Anthony Towns who proved that modern centers should play like this by fighting and retreating.
In short, you can question everything about the Timberwolves, but you can never question the growth path that they have tailored for each young inside player based on their characteristics.

Before the draft, Yi Jianlian's team wanted him to be selected by the Timberwolves.

Therefore, this is a two-way choice.

Next, several famous first-round picks in Qin Yue's memory - Joakim Noah, Spencer Hawes, Nick Young, and Wilson Chandler were selected by the Bulls, Kings, Wizards, and Heat respectively.

The Warriors selected Josh McRoberts from Duke University with the 30th pick in the first round.

The Lakers acquired Pau Gasol through a trade in advance. Thanks to Gasol's relationship, they learned early on that Marc Gasol was willing to buy out his contract with his current European parent team to join the Lakers.
So, under the advice of the Lakers scouts, the Lakers management team, which has always paid attention to Gasol, decisively traded the draft pick and selected Gasol with the 25th pick in the first round.

There is no way. The fact that Gasol will be able to enter the NBA next season is insider information that the Warriors management cannot obtain.

And from the perspective of hindsight.
The Warriors could only get the 27th pick in the first round from the Pacers on the night of the draft, and it was difficult for them to intercept the Lakers who wanted to get together the "Gasol brothers". Phil Jackson had already put pressure on Kupchak many times in the middle of last season that the Lakers needed a center.

In addition, D'Antoni was able to convince Gasol to buy out his contract with his parent team with his own money and enter the NBA early.

In addition, Kobe, who is currently in a passionate relationship with Gasol, also put pressure on the Lakers uniform group before the draft, "I believe Paul, his brother will definitely be worth the money as he said."

Therefore, with the combination of the above reasons, Kupchak, who has extensive connections in the league, effortlessly selected a first-round draft pick for the Lakers that would ensure the selection of Gasol.

This is exactly the foundation of a wealthy family that Jerry Buss has earned for the Lakers through decades of hard work.

However, Qin Yue, who had been mentally prepared for this, did not feel regretful about missing Xiaojia.

In the second round, after the Lakers selected Sun Wukong as expected, Qin Yue turned off the TV and began to enjoy his decadent vacation. Now he just wants to enjoy his vacation peacefully and then start the annual holiday special training.

……

Time flies and it is July.

The NBA free agent market has officially opened.

If we say that last year was the year when the Western powers were constantly changing
This year, it is the turn of the Eastern Conference teams to show the world their ambitions.

In order to comfort the soul of "Red Auerbach" with a championship ring, the eloquent Celtics general manager Danny Ainge took the lead in persuading Vince Carter, who will become a free agent this summer.

Carter was impressed by the beautiful blueprint that Angie had planned.

And most importantly
Ainge and Pierce both promised him that Tim Duncan had agreed to join the Celtics.

By now, it's no longer a secret that Duncan wants to leave San Antonio.

Although the Spurs coaching staff led by Popovich publicly stated from time to time that they were confident of retaining Duncan.

But for Duncan, who was unable to get out of last season's Western Conference semifinals, he no longer resists changing to a new environment to continue his career.

However, before planning Carter's future, Ainge obviously had not formally contacted Duncan.

Because we have to deal with Carter first.
Only then could Ainge take Carter's contract and go to San Antonio to convince that great player.

"Tim, now we have superstars like Vince and Paul, and young people with unlimited potential like Al Horford. If you are willing to join us, we will definitely be able to work together to create great things!"

"Um"

"Tim, stop believing in the sweet talk of the San Antonio people. Given the current situation in the Western Conference, the Spurs' lineup is simply not enough to satisfy your ambitions!"

"Ok?"

"Tim, if the Spurs can really strengthen their current roster, why don't they do it? Think about it, in the past few years, which year did the Spurs not think about hitting the championship at the lowest cost?"

"Ah."

"Tim, do you really want to die with the Spurs? You only have three championship rings, and one of them is what Shaquille O'Neal calls an 'asterisk ring.'

You know, your junior has already proved that he is the only candidate for the No. 1 power forward in NBA history with two consecutive championships and two well-deserved FMVPs.

Tim, don't you want to lead the powerful Celtics to defeat your complacent junior while you are still at your peak?"

"Ok!"

With Carter joining, the Celtics have the championship lineup that Duncan wants.

Duncan was also very attracted by the beautiful blueprint planned by Ainge.

Of course, most importantly
Duncan, who didn't know how to face Qin Yue for the rest of his life, really wanted to use a clean contest to continue the battle between the classic inside line and the modern inside line with Qin Yue.

However, if the Celtics want to get Duncan, they can only do it through a sign-and-trade approach.

That is, Duncan first chose to exercise the player option in his original contract, and the Celtics then traded him to the team by balancing salaries.

The reason why the Celtics could only do this had nothing to do with their desire to do Duncan a favor and let him keep a spark for the Spurs.

It's just because they have to do this in order to get Duncan's contract.

7 month 10 day.

Gregg Popovich, knowing that the Spurs were destined to lose Duncan, broke down instantly.

"We have a wolf cub that we can't feed well."

Popovich, completely disheartened, did not participate in the subsequent deal between the Spurs and the Celtics.

Duncan's impending departure was like a heavy punch that hit Popovich in the chest.

Although Popovich wanted to question Duncan in person why he had to leave the city where he had played for ten years.

But Duncan refused a request to meet with any member of the Spurs coaching staff.

"I have dedicated my most precious and best years to San Antonio. Now, I just want to change the environment and continue my career."

Duncan didn't want to live in guilt and escape for the rest of his life.

In the face of the cold reality, I want to continue competing with the junior who has the GOAT halo.
The Spurs' roster is not only unable to meet Duncan's ambitions, but also...
Duncan also wanted to answer Qin Yue's soul-searching questions to him last season in his own way.

then
After the Celtics agreed to send Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair and "White Mamba" Scalabrine to balance Duncan's salary, the deal that shocked the entire Eastern Conference was officially reached.

This is definitely the most celebratory day in the Wild West.

Duncan's departure will inevitably cause the Spurs to withdraw from the championship race.

Qin Yue was also extremely shocked when he learned that Duncan left the Spurs through a trade.

But immediately, he opened a bottle of champagne for himself and his senior.

The reason why Qin Yue opened champagne for himself was that without Duncan, from now on he could completely unload his psychological burden and ask the Spurs for debt.

The reason for opening champagne for Duncan is that Duncan, who no longer wants to be bound by the Spurs, has proved with his actions that he is still the Duncan he was three years ago.

Qin Yue is looking forward to the Celtics, consisting of Duncan, Carter and Pierce, stirring up trouble in the East and competing with them on the court.

However.
For James, who had just received the assistance of his idol Iverson, "The Stone Buddha's Journey to the East" was by no means good news.

In James' view, the Celtics, who have the Big Three in the new season, have far surpassed the Cavaliers in overall strength.

Moreover, just when James was anxious about the team's lineup, ESPN suddenly broke the news: "After a difficult decision between Mo Williams and Anderson Varejao, the Cleveland Cavaliers will not match the Chicago Bulls' 5-year, $3800 million offer for Anderson Varejao due to salary structure considerations."

James remained silent after learning that the Cavaliers gave up on renewing Varejao's contract.

Although in the new season, even if Varejao is given up, the total salary of the Cavaliers will still be as high as 8100 million US dollars, far exceeding the Lakers, Warriors, and Supersonics, and second only to the Knicks.

But James, who is never satisfied with the team's lineup and the number of helpers, still can't understand why the Cavaliers are unwilling to pay more luxury taxes for him.

In James' view, the Cavaliers management's previous promise to strengthen the team was a complete deception and a fraud on him, a young king who was inexperienced in the world.

Everything is business.

James discovered that in this league, there was no one he could trust except himself.

Before the annual holiday training begins
That day, Qin Yue also learned from Artest's agent
Got good news and bad news respectively.

……

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(End of this chapter)