NBA: Goat is actually me

Chapter 29 The story behind the transaction

June 6, 21 hours before the 1987 NBA Draft.

This is the third hour of negotiations between Bulls general manager Jerry Krause and Seattle SuperSonics management.

"OK! OK! Let's both take a step back, okay? You use the No. 5 pick to select Meng, in exchange, we use the No. 8 pick to select Polynice, plus a 1988 second-round draft pick, how about that?"

"Don't even think about it, Jerry, we made it very clear, Polynis plus a first-rounder plus a second-rounder."

The Seattle SuperSonics have a very clear attitude: they can’t afford to lose even a single piece!
Krause was the passive party, and the Seattle SuperSonics could not give in at this time.

Klaus was in a dilemma again.

After a fierce ideological struggle, Klaus gritted his teeth and stomped his feet and agreed.

Several years later, Klaus recalled how he felt at that time.

"It was like I was being robbed. The guys in Seattle knew I was determined to get it, so they asked for an exorbitant price. When I recalled this scene many years later, I realized that it was indeed a robbery, but the robber was me."

Krause agreed to trade Polynice + 1988 first-round pick + 1989 second-round pick for Meng Jin.

Just as the deal was about to be completed, new Bulls assistant coach Phil Jackson pulled Krause aside.

Phil Jackson expressed his disagreement.

The opinion of an assistant coach was insignificant, but Krause still chose to listen to what he said patiently.

Phil Jackson was introduced to the Bulls by Krause himself and is his direct descendant.

Phil Jackson's first sentence: "Meng is very good, but isn't the price too high for an 8th pick plus two draft picks in the next two years?"

Kraus’s response was simple: “You get what you put in.”

Phil Jackson continued: "I know you love him, but I disagree. He is very talented, but if you regard him as an outside player, he is too tall, isn't he?"

Klaus looked confused: "Too tall? Isn't that an advantage?"

Phil Jackson: "It takes twice as long for the ball to come back to him."

"Then let him play inside."

"As an inside player, he has good strength, but he doesn't like to actively seek confrontation, doesn't like to enter the inside to position himself, and doesn't have post-up techniques."

Krause was getting impatient. He stared at Phil Jackson and said, "What do you want to say? Phil."

"I know he is a rough diamond, but it is difficult for us to find an accurate position for him in the team. Compared with Meng, I think Kenny Smith and Scottie Pippen are better choices. They have clear positioning and do not waste two draft picks."

Krause stared into Phil Jackson's eyes. "Phil, if I had to describe the draft in one word, I would use gamble. Some people lost everything in this game, while others made a fortune. For some people, maybe winning $100 or $150 with a $200 bet is enough, but I'm not that kind of person. I would bet $100 to win $500 or $1000. Of course, the corresponding risk would be greater."

Now that Krause has said this, what else can Phil Jackson say?
"I wish you a lot of success, Jerry."

Thus, a great deal was born.

While Meng Jin took the hat, he also looked at David Stern.

In Meng Jin's impression, David Stern is an old man with a kind face.

Standing in front of him at this moment was a middle-aged man who looked energetic and very capable.

While Meng Jin was looking at David Stern, David Stern was also observing him.

David Stern's first impression of Meng Jin was that he was very elegant.

He has a temperament that basketball players don't have, a bit like a Hollywood actor who flirts with everyone.

But it seemed that David Stern was the only one present who felt this way.
After Meng Jin came on the court, many fans in the audience started whispering.

"Who is this Shet?" "Yellow man?"

"Haven't you watched the NCAA finals?"

"Damn, he is Ali from Syracuse? Sorry, I am a bit face-blind and can't tell Asians apart."

"Then you might really be face-blind. You can't even remember such a handsome Asian."

"He seemed to have defeated Jordan?"

"I haven't heard any news about Jordan for a while. I heard he was admitted to the ICU."

Meng Jin had already become famous before entering the NBA, but he didn't like this way of becoming famous because it was all related to violence.

You know, I am obviously a gentle and elegant gentleman!
David Stern whispered in Meng Jin's ear: "Meng, congratulations on being selected. I have been paying attention to you and the Chinese market. I like Chinese culture and I know that many people in China like to play basketball."

David Stern has had his eyes on China for a long time, and he believes that the Chinese market has unlimited potential.

"Mr. President, thank you for your attention to our country. As the first Chinese player to enter the NBA, I am happy to be a bridge between China and the NBA."

The first step in the workplace is to establish a good relationship with your leader.

David Stern may not necessarily help Meng Jin, but it is very easy to harm him. Just give him an Iverson package.

Meng Jin also knew very well what David Stern wanted. As an ambitious man, it was impossible for him not to covet the huge pie of China.

really.

After hearing Meng Jin's words, David Stern's eyes lit up.

"We have to find time to talk."

At this moment, David Stern wanted to move a small chair and talk to Meng Jin about his ideas, his plans for the Chinese market, and how he would promote the NBA in China.

But now is not the right time.

"We'll see each other soon, Mr. President."

Meng Jin said this and walked off the stage.

He was just talking about bridges and such. Although he was Chinese, he didn't know anyone in the domestic sports world.

Help?
But soon, he knew
Fate is so magical.

Fate is so wonderful.

After Meng Jin came off the court, he gave a brief interview to a Columbia radio station, and the TV broadcast screen played Meng Jin's personal highlights.

Just as Meng Jin was about to return to his seat, a voice called him.

"Meng Jin! Here, can I ask you a few questions?"

Since the other party spoke Chinese, it immediately attracted Meng Jin's attention.

Meng Jin looked up and saw a tall man, nearly 2 meters tall, who looked somewhat familiar.

When he looked again, Meng Jin almost lost control of his expression.

Isn’t this Mr. Zhang Weiping?

Young Mr. Zhang.

(End of this chapter)