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Chapter 58: Draft Night (7000 words long chapter, please add monthly votes and recommend votes)
6 month 28 day.

Inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York.
As soon as Qin Yue walked into the green house with his parents, Rachel and Evans, he saw those pairs of eyes full of resentment.

Tonight, among the players invited into the green room, except for a few high school players and Villanueva, all the others were defeated by Qin Yue.

Therefore, when he noticed Qin Yue walking into the little green house, a fear of Qin Yue came from the bottom of his heart.
It immediately came to the minds of these talented players.

In contrast, it was Villanueva, who had defeated the Demon Deacons with Connecticut in the 03/04 season, who not only took the initiative to greet Qin Yue
Moreover, after politely shaking hands and hugging Qin Yue, Villanueva looked around with a smug look on his face.

At that moment, the eyebrowless warrior was clearly telling others with his silent expression:
——We are different.

In the small green room, Paul and his brother CJ, who were sitting at the next table, looked very nervous.

Because of Qin Yue's relationship.
On the eve of the draft, when making draft predictions, the answers given by various media outlets were not completely consistent, but at least they were completely opposite.

TNT TV station Barkley commented: "In addition to the undisputed No. 2005 pick in the draft,
The other picks seem to be marked with X factors at present. No one knows how the teams that fail to draw the first pick will choose. This will be the most chaotic year in history. "

The most undisputed year for the No. 1 pick and the most confusing year for the rest of the draft.

The appearance of Qin Yue triggered a huge butterfly effect.
The feelings of these talented players sitting in the small green room tonight towards Qin Yue can only be described as extremely complicated.

In the past month, many players have had to accept tryout invitations that were not originally planned because they didn't know which team would select them.

You know, in the NBA, for many players who originally had good draft prospects, more tryouts are not necessarily a good thing.

Because of more trials.
It could also expose their weaknesses, causing their draft stock to drop.

"How was your tryout in New Orleans?" Qin Yue asked curiously, looking at Paul who was sitting next to him.

Hearing this, Paul frowned and said, "Coach Byron Scott invited me to have a meal together afterwards, but..."

"but?"

"But I feel like the Wasps might be more interested in someone else."

Qin Yue never expected that his appearance would bring about such a big change in Paul's life.

After all, historically, before the 2005 draft, many people believed that Paul would be selected in the top three or even the second pick.

Who could have thought
Had he successfully won the NCAA championship in his college career, would Paul not be criticized in the future for not even touching the finals since entering college? Why would he have such a miserable life?

"I think you should be more optimistic. After all, anything can happen tonight." Looking at Paul, Qin Yue comforted him.

On the side, CJ also encouraged Paul: "Always greet tomorrow with an optimistic heart, Chris, this is our family's famous saying."

In addition, before the draft begins
In order to make the parents, who were obviously not used to such occasions tonight, feel more natural, Qin Yue chatted with Qin Yong and Sun Qi in Chinese while waiting.

"Mom, Dad, you really don't plan to come to America and live with me?"

"No, you're older now and need more private space."

Although Qin Yong and his wife have been looking forward to spending more time with Qin Yue since they celebrated his 21st birthday last year, it is not easy for Qin Yue, who has become more independent, to spend more time with him.
However, Qin Yong and his wife hope that he can have his own space.

Of course, in addition to this, since Qin Yue, who is about to become the No. 1 NBA draft pick, has decided that the wealthy old Qin can even retire early.
So next, Qin Yong, who has always been longing for traveling around the world, also looks forward to embarking on the dream-chasing journey that he has been planning in his mind for ten years with his wife.

Qin Yue chose to understand and support the decision made by this rather avant-garde pair of parents on this day.

"Don't worry, we will come to the United States to spend some time with you after each stage of our trip."

At this moment, looking at Qin Yue's heroic face.
Qin Yong, who had decided to return home after the draft to brag to his neighbors before starting his round-the-world travel plan, laughed.

7:40 p.m.
Amidst the boos and curses, NBA Commissioner David Stern officially took the main stage.

As usual, after Stern finished his polite remarks, he still gave the Warriors, who had the No. 1 pick, a few minutes to consider the matter.

These were several extremely agonizing minutes.

For Warriors fans, they are already prepared to welcome the Overlord.

But why.
How could this time pass so slowly?
at last
The envelope containing the Warriors' choice was handed to Stern under the watchful eyes of everyone.

At this time, Stern, who already knew the answer, still joked mischievously: "Let's see if the Warriors will make a surprising choice."

At this moment, Stern's playful joke instantly broke the defense of Warriors fans who were originally very fond of him.

You damn old thing.
Could you please quickly pronounce that name loud and clear?

No surprises.

The next second, Stern announced the Golden State Warriors' choice to the world:

In 2005, the Warriors selected Qin Yue with the first pick in the first round.

At the scene, when the dust settled, many Chinese reporters immediately sent their pre-prepared press releases back to the other side of the ocean.

China has welcomed its second NBA No. 1 draft pick at this moment!

For the already happy Chinese basketball fans in the early 21st century
The news that Qin Yue was successfully selected as the top draft pick is like you went to eat and ordered only one table of Manchu Han banquet, but the hotel insisted on giving you two tables and also said to you:

Don’t worry about wasting it. If it’s not enough, we can still give you another table.

There couldn't be a better moment.

"The Golden State Warriors made an extremely correct decision. This is a historic moment. The Warriors welcomed their Messiah as they wished." Barkley commented on TNT TV.

At the scene, after hugging his parents, Rachel, and Evans one by one, he put on the Golden State Warriors cap with his iconic bright smile.
The next moment, Qin Yue turned around and walked towards the main stage with his head held high.

Tall, heroic, handsome, and upright - this was the impression Qin Yue gave to everyone on the evening of June 2005, 6.

In the eyes of his parents, he is the pride, the glory, and the greatest work of the couple.

In the eyes of his friends, he is safe and reliable, the kind of good brother you would like to live and die with.

He is the Messiah of Warriors fans and the Overlord of Chinese fans
"Congratulations, Qin."

On the main stage, Stern shook hands and hugged Qin Yue with a kind face.

Unlike others, in Stern's eyes, Qin Yue is a gift from God to the NBA.

Especially after Qin Yue took a photo with him in perfect harmony.

Unlike those young people who are so excited when they are selected that they don’t know what to do, and unlike those young people who show excessive desire
In short, Qin Yue gave Stern the first impression
It can only be described as perfect.

Stern felt that he had fallen in love with this young man whose smile was even sweeter than those of Iverson and Anthony.

"Go and give the interview."

After patting Qin Yue’s back gently, Stern pointed to the interview channel and said to Qin Yue.

At the moment he walked towards the interview channel, Qin Yue actually wondered whether the Warriors would trade him.

But it is obvious that even if you point a gun at Chris Mullin at this moment, Mullin will tell you calmly: "Want me to trade Qin? Then you'd better shoot."

In the interview channel, Qin Yue accepted interviews from many media outlets.

The questions these media ask are mostly the same.

It’s just that the American media is more concerned about Qin Yue’s feelings after being selected by the Warriors and his views on the Warriors who selected him.

The Chinese media are more concerned about whether Qin Yue will participate in the Asian Championships this summer.

In response, Qin Yue answered one by one: "Becoming the No. 1 pick in the NBA is undoubtedly true, but even now, it still feels unreal to me.

It’s an amazing feeling and it’s definitely the most exciting moment in my life right now.

To be honest with the Golden State Warriors who drafted me, I can't wait to play for them. I know they have a great group of fans.

As for whether I will become a member of the Chinese men's basketball team this summer? I can only say that it has always been my dream to wear the jersey of the Chinese men's basketball team and win glory for my country. "(Note ①)

During the entire interview, Qin Yue's flawless performance left an extremely good impression on all media outlets.

"His maturity makes me feel that he is more like a politician who has been in politics for many years." Tonight, Shelly Smith, who interviewed Qin Yue for the first time in her career as a reporter, said.

“Indeed, many of the words he used in the interview were clearly carefully crafted.

Speak slowly and clearly, and use simple words." Skip Jackson, who was standing next to Shelly Smith, said.

At this moment, Skip's comment on Qin Yue's "simple words" was not a criticism of Qin Yue.

Because in the United States, where the overall cultural level is hard to describe.
The clearer the logic and the simpler and more reasonable the wording and sentences are, the more likely your supporters will understand what you want to express at the first time.

As a player who had successfully obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology from Wake Forest University when he graduated from his junior year, Skip knew very well that Qin Yue was not incapable of more advanced long and difficult sentences.
It's just that he deliberately made it easier for others to understand him when he spoke, especially when he was interviewed.

If we say that LeBron James, who first entered the league in 2003.
A mature person is like a businessman who has been in business for many years.

At this moment, the young man Qin Yue, as Shelly Smith said, gave people the feeling that he was a politician who had been in politics for many years.

Businessmen and politicians.
What kind of pair of "Crouching Dragon and Phoenix" did Nike sign?
After the interview, Qin Yue, who still had to take pictures, rushed to the next location without stopping.
At the draft, the Atlanta Hawks also used their second pick to make a choice that broke the defense of two teams.

Around 8:05 pm.
The Hawks selected Deron Williams with the second pick in the 2005 first round.

This choice immediately confused the Trail Blazers and Jazz, who had originally planned to trade draft picks at the draft.

“Are the Hawks willing to trade Deron Williams?”

In the back, Jerry Sloan, who was becoming increasingly impatient, grabbed his hair and asked the Jazz's front operations meeting room.

"Hawks refuse to trade, say they don't see Deron Williams as for sale."

A few minutes later, the Jazz's front operations conference room responded to Sloan.

At this moment, looking up at the ceiling, Jerry Sloan felt mixed emotions.

"Portland asked us if we should continue to trade the draft pick as planned?"

Hearing this, Sloan smiled bitterly and said, "Let's trade."

"But Jerry, we can't get Deron Williams anymore."

"The Jazz can't afford another year of slumping. After the trade, use this pick to select Chris Paul.

Although we didn’t invite him to the workout, he is the best point guard in this draft class besides Deron Williams.”

Even though I'm unwilling.

Although it is not known why the Hawks intercepted Deron Williams.

But knowing that he had only one responsibility for the Jazz, Sloan made a decisive decision. Because the Jazz were not like those big teams, and Salt Lake City was not like those cities that had no worries about fans.
The Utah Jazz can't afford to play badly year after year.

Chris Paul
Maybe you're not the player I want most.

But I still hope
I can train you to be the player who can bring hope to the Jazz.

At around 8:20 p.m., the deal between the Trail Blazers and the Jazz was officially reached.

The Trail Blazers will send their 2005 first-round third pick in exchange for the Jazz's 2005 first-round fifth pick, as well as their 2005 second-round pick and 2006 second-round pick. (Note ②)

Then, Chris Paul, who felt that he might even fall out of the top five in the first round, received good news and bad news.

The good news is that after the trade was completed, the Utah Jazz selected him with the third pick in the first round.

the bad news is
In the new season, he has to go to Salt Lake City to play.

However, no matter how complicated his mood was at the moment, Paul could finally let go of his anxious heart.

Now, he's heading to the main stage as the 2005 NBA third pick.

Qin Yue learned that Paul was selected by the Jazz with the third pick.
This happened about 15 minutes later.

At that moment, looking at Paul wearing a jazz hat.
It is really difficult to evaluate Qin Yue.

But there is one thing he can confirm, that is, compared to New Orleans, which will be hit by hurricanes in the future, Paul is likely to have a more glorious career in Salt Lake City under Jerry Sloan's system.

after all
As long as Jerry Sloan, who has always been strict in discipline, is around, there is no way Paul will be beaten by the Nuggets in the playoffs like the "58 tragedy".

In addition, considering Paul's personality, Jerry Sloan, the old coach, will definitely not have the master-disciple split that Qin Yue remembered, which would make him frustrated in the future. (Note ③)

after all
Even Byron Scott admits that Paul is the easiest NBA star to coach.

As Deron and Paul went to Atlanta and Salt Lake City respectively,
At this moment, Qin Yue, who had fully realized how much influence he had brought to the NBA, suddenly had a question in his mind.

If you don't understand, just ask, what level do the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 picks consisting of him, Deron and Paul belong to in the history of NBA draft?
"Speaking of which, how did the Hawks give up their obsession with a forward-guard swingman and choose Deron?"

The next second, Qin Yue thought silently in his heart.

Why did the Hawks choose Deron?

in fact
The answer to this question is not difficult to guess.

Because Qin Yue completely destroyed Marvin Williams on the court in the official match between the ACC League and North Carolina in the 04/05 season, Marvin was eliminated as a backup plan by the Eagles early on.

Although it is not shameful to lose to Qin Yue in college basketball.

But for the Eagles, who only wanted Qin Yue before the draft,
Do you know how uncomfortable it is for them to think of Qin Yue whenever they see Marvin?
A swingman?
In the 05 draft, apart from Marvin, who could bet on his talent, which other swingman was worthy of the second pick?
Is it Webster or Villanueva?
"Choose Deron Williams. At least he is the only player in college basketball who died standing up against Qin's team."

That's why the Hawks used their second pick to select Deron.

There are no techniques, just emotion.

Immediately afterwards, around 8:35 p.m., the Bucks and Hornets officially reached a deal.

The Bucks will send their 2005 first-round fourth pick in exchange for the Hornets' 2005 first-round seventh pick, the Hornets' 2005 second-round draft pick and some cash.

This year, the Bucks, who failed to get the No. 1 pick by playing badly, have always been frugal and naturally have to make careful calculations to get the maximum benefit.

With the fourth pick in the first round of 2005, after the deal was completed, the Hornets decisively took Marvin Williams.

As for the point guard position that Mr. Byron Scott has always wanted the Hornets to strengthen?
It’s okay, Byron. If it doesn’t work this year, there’s always next year.

New Orleans can do without a point guard, but it can't do without a future.

Therefore, after failing to select Paul as originally planned, the Hornets management turned their attention to Marvin, who at least had potential to bet on.

Then, with the fifth pick in the first round, the Trail Blazers, who failed to get the No. 1 pick and had no favorite target, selected Martell Webster.

A player who perfectly fits the Blazers' current situation.

then
With the sixth pick in the first round, the disheartened Michael Jordan personally selected Raymond Felton from North Carolina for the Bobcats.

At this moment, Jordan, who always thought he had excellent vision, not only felt complicated, but there was a moment when Jordan always felt that his heart, which seemed to always be passionate about basketball, had died.

However, since Qin Yue is the true love in Jordan's mind.

So after picking himself up again, how could the never-give-up Jordan admit defeat so easily?
"Start preparing now, at least we still have hope."

Then, with the seventh and eighth picks in the first round, the Bucks and Raptors selected Bogut and Villanueva respectively.

In this life, although the Bucks failed to get the No. 1 pick, they still got Bogut.

However, it was influenced by Qin Yue.
The Bucks selecting Bogut at this moment is not as excited as they were in history.

A barely decent center prospect?

In any case, in the eyes of the Bucks management, Bogut today is definitely not worthy of the title of "White Duncan".

In fact, if the Bucks had no choice, and if the Bucks had not been frugal, Bogut's draft pick this year might even have dropped. After all,
In that game where Qin Yue punished Bogut from all sides, all his shortcomings were exposed, without a single advantage.

After the initial frequent accidents, the 2005 draft seemed to be corrected back to its original historical track at some point.

With the ninth pick in the first round, the Lakers selected the talented high school student Andrew Bynum.

With the tenth pick in the first round, the Magic selected Eric Diogu.

With the 13th pick in the first round, the Bobcats selected Sean May.

With the 17th pick in the first round, the Pacers selected Danny Granger.

However, just when Qin Yue, who had taken a group photo with the other 13 lottery picks, thought that this draft would end here,
"The latest news is that just now, the Warriors and the Nuggets have officially reached a deal."

The Warriors changed their original draft strategy in 2005.

Mullin and Montgomery both knew that Qin Yue would have star potential once he entered the NBA.
Therefore, quickly completing the team building naturally became the top priority of the Warriors uniform team at this year's draft.

This also made them, who were originally going to use a second-round pick to select Monta Ellis,
Turn your attention to the first round.

According to the deal, the Nuggets will send their 2005nd pick in the 22 first round in exchange for the Warriors' first pick in the 2005 second round and the Warriors' second round pick in 2006.

Five minutes later, the Warriors used the 5nd pick in the first round they acquired from the Nuggets to select Jarrett Jack from Georgia Tech.

Jack, who is running for the draft as a junior, is more capable immediately and his performance during the tryout was more stable.

In addition, he and Qin Yue are both from the ACC League.

During the interview, Jack, who knew Qin Yue's style well, expressed to the Warriors management his firm determination to support Qin Yue.

There is no doubt that this is a good deal that even Qin Yue agrees with.

Because compared to Ellis, who needs time to train and is strong in attack but weak in defense.
Maybe Jack is not as talented as Ellis, but as the "main point guard killer" in Qin Yue's memory, not to mention that Jack's game style and personality are more suitable for playing with him.
Based on the following point alone, in Qin Yue's opinion, Jack is more suitable than Ellis for the warriors who don't have much time left for Ellis to level up.

That is, as Mullin and Qin Yue remembered, in February 2005, Speedy Cresston and Dale Davis were traded to the Hornets for Byron Davis, who had just suffered a serious injury at the time.

Considering that the body of the first generation "Bearded Man" is prone to parts failure at any time, "God Jack", who has always performed well whenever there is a problem with the team's main guard throughout his career, is equivalent to having a built-in BUFF in the future Warriors.

"Speaking of which, the Warriors are really determined to play badly this year.
After getting Davis back from the Hornets, they actually let him play for more than 20 games, and they said that this was to allow Davis to recover in the next season.

There is no doubt that the Warriors' selection of Jack through a trade in the 2005 draft was also telling Qin Yue that for his sake, the Warriors would inevitably speed up team building and had embarked on a path that was completely different from what he remembered.

As for Monta Ellis?
In the second round, with the seventh and ninth picks, the Lakers, who have a special liking for high school players this year, selected Ellis and Ronny Turiaf respectively.

Qin Yue felt that Ellis' future in this life was already marked with a huge question mark.

Because Qin Yue knew very well that it was only a matter of time before "Zen Master" Phil Jackson returned to the Lakers.

In addition to the Lakers' game environment, which is always known for its pressure cooker, in Yu Qinyue's eyes, Ellis' only advantage in playing for the Lakers may be that he is a die-hard fan of Kobe.

Of course, given Kobe's personality, this may not necessarily be a good thing.

Then, after the Wizards selected the future Filipino star Andray Blatche with the 27th pick in the second round, the Suns selected Marcin Gortat, who was temporarily unable to enter the NBA, with the 30th pick in the second round, and the Pistons selected Alex Ake with the th pick in the second round.
The 2005 draft came to an end.

On this night when some are happy and some are sad.
As the focus of the world's attention, Qin Yue has deeply realized that he is changing history and that history has been completely changed because of his influence.

Now, stand tall, pack your bags, clench your fists, and look into the distance.
“NBA, here I come!”

……

“The latest news is that the Warriors, Wizards, and Lakers have reached a three-way trade agreement.

The Wizards will send 2001 NBA No. pick Kwame Brown and Laron Profit through a sign-and-trade.

The Lakers will send Caron Butler and Charlie Atkins, while the Warriors will send Derek Fisher and Calport Chaney.

After the deal is completed, Caron Butler and Charlie Atkins will wear Wizards jerseys.

Derek Fisher and Calport Chaney will wear Lakers uniforms.

Kwame Brown and Lalon Profit will report to Oakland." - ESPN News Express

"Although he had a tough time in Washington, the Warriors still believe Kwame Brown still has potential.

In an interview, coach Mike Montgomery claimed that if Brown could focus more on defense, he would become the right-hand man of the "Bully" in the new season. "- San Francisco Chronicle

"Derrick Fisher, back in Lakers uniform, says he can't wait to play with Kobe Bryant again." - Los Angeles Times

"The Wizards recognize Caron Butler's performance and hope that he can assist Gilbert Arenas together with Antawn Jamison." - The Washington Post

……

PS: Aqiao, Aqiao, this chapter is nearly 7000 words long, is it considered a long chapter, is it a combined issue? To this, Aqiao's answer is that there will be another update at 20:00 tonight as usual, and as for 7000 words, it can still be considered a long chapter, right?

Aqiao, Aqiao, why don't you release the story when the draft is about to start? As a basketball writer who has written 1000 million words, Aqiao certainly knows that the subscription rate will be the highest when the draft is about to start. But Aqiao believes that after seeing Aqiao's sincerity, readers will give Aqiao more support.

Before the official release on January 1, Aqiao will try to write more and update more while ensuring the quality, so I also hope that all readers can support Aqiao with a first order on January 8. (Please!)
Note ①: Will this book write about the Chinese men's basketball team? Yes, because this is the men's basketball team in the early 21st century, and Qin Yue wants the support of Chinese fans, so how could he not play for the national team? But A Qiao will try to skip these unimportant games and focus on the NBA.

Note ②: Historically, the Trail Blazers, who won the third pick, traded their third pick for the Jazz's 2005 first-round sixth pick, 2005 first-round th pick, and a future draft pick. In the book, because the Jazz were the fifth pick in the first round, the Jazz's trading chips were naturally different.

Note 3: The story of Sloan and Deron is mentioned in almost every book, so I will not repeat it here. In short, this is a story about a loyal old coach who was completely heartbroken by a rebellious young man.

PS2: I’m begging for collection, monthly tickets, and recommendation tickets for my new book!

(End of this chapter)