NBA, Yao Ming is back!

TNT Live Studio.

"Welcome to the 1997 NBA Draft Preview, I'm EJ! This is a great year for Duncan, and the number one pick is undoubtedly Tim Duncan—the Spurs and Celtics tanked all year just to get him. But besides Duncan, the rest of the draft is still a mystery, especially with that 17-year-old big man from China who's reportedly causing quite a stir in the scouting world!"

At that time, the hosts of TNT's basketball programs were not yet the well-known Barkley and others.

Because these people are still playing ball right now.

His name is Ernie Jensen. He has hosted "Inside the NBA" since 1990 and was TNT's number one draft host by 1997.

"It's that time of year again for our big draft year analysis. Today, our experts are Hubie Brown, Rick Magerus, John Thompson, and Peter Wechs."

"Welcome all experts and journalists to the scene to analyze this year's draft situation."

After March Madness, the NBA draft has become a hot topic, especially the draft previews, which are currently one of the most watched programs by basketball fans.

TNT now owns the rights to broadcast the talent show live.

Of course, he should occupy the position of the boss.

The people invited here are all very influential; otherwise, how could the fans be convinced? Everyone supports and likes their own players. If you were just an ordinary person commenting, you might smash up TNT's headquarters tomorrow.

Hubie Brown, needless to say, born in 1933, is a former NBA/ABA coach and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Of course, many people in China don't confuse him with Larry Brown. Yao Ming himself didn't understand at first either.

Rick Majerus, the legendary head coach of the University of Utah, had a winning percentage of over 70% during his 30-year college career.

John Thompson, a renowned coach at Georgetown University and an NCAA championship-winning coach, developed top centers such as Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing, and is known for his discipline and tough defense.

Peter Vicki, born in 1943, is a veteran reporter for the New York Post and one of the NBA's top scoopers.

"Let's look at the top ten in the first round. They're all players with immediate impact and exceptional talent. Duncan is number one. Does anyone have any objections?" After Jason finished speaking, the four of them shook their heads, indicating that they had no objections.

Just kidding, what could Duncan possibly have to say? People would only complain if he weren't the number one draft pick.

In the NCAA, Duncan also impressed all the coaches.

None of these renowned coaches with NCAA connections were dissatisfied.

Moreover, elevating the players in NCAA also helps elevate the NCAA platform, so it's a win-win situation.

"OK, Tim Duncan, perfect inside player, defensive anchor + consistent mid-range shot, cornerstone, no controversy, unanimous approval."

Ultimately, the consensus was that he needs no adjustment period. He's a guaranteed All-Star for the next decade, with at least two to three championships. Any team that gets the number one draft pick doesn't need to think twice; they can just pick him blindly.

NBA prospects – no risk involved, he's the cornerstone of any team from the start. A guaranteed All-NBA First Team selection and All-Defensive First Team selection, with a Hall of Fame finish as a minimum. This signing locks in the building blocks for any team for the next decade.

Yes, Duncan is just that tough, tough without any objection. This year is Duncan's year.

Just like 92 was Shaquille O'Neal's year.

Then a white player appeared on the screen.

Keith Van Horn.

Rick Majrus said, "I know him best. Let me introduce him to someone from my school. He's the star white forward from the University of Utah, averaging 22 points and 9 rebounds per game in his junior year. He has an extremely high release point, a standard shooting form, and a three-point shooting percentage close to 40% in college. He's proficient in catch-and-shoot and low-post back-to-the-basket moves. He's known as 'Little Bird,' and I think his draft prospects are second only to Duncan."

"Who's in favor and who's against?" Jason asked.

Hubie Brown had no objection; Van Horn did play well in the NCAA, and calling him "Little Bird" was perfectly acceptable.

Georgetown University's renowned coaches had no objections; they had all witnessed his prowess, and within the NCAA, he was second only to Duncan.

Only Peter Wechs said, "The entire league management likes him, but only the fans prefer Duncan. He has high commercial value, a clean playing style as a white player, and is popular in the market. But frankly, he's not tough enough under pressure and can't handle the physical battles in the East. Bird was a tough player in the paint back then, and he lacks that."

Overall, however, he was overwhelmingly voted to be the runner-up.

Then Billups's image appeared.

"During my two years in college, I led my team to tough matches against top teams. I don't have explosive physical attributes; my jumping ability is average, and my speed is also average. But I'm incredibly calm on the court, never faltering in crucial moments, and I have a natural clutch gene. My defensive positioning is precise, my shots are clean, and I rarely make mistakes."

"He also has weaknesses: mediocre athleticism, lack of explosiveness, and slow first-step speed. These aren't weaknesses in the NCAA, but they will definitely limit his potential in the NBA."

"As for his future in the NBA, I'd consider a reliable traditional point guard who won't make mistakes or cause locker room disruptions. He could be a championship-caliber piece, suitable for rebuilding teams and a safety net for strong teams. I'm optimistic that he'll play a full ten years in the NBA."

Antonio Daniels.

……

Then, starting from here, he said a lot of nonsense.

For example, he is optimistic about John Thompson of Kentucky, believing that he can become a superstar.

They call Tim Thomas the most talented player of this draft class, believing that if he performs well, he can become a long-term star player.

Some believe that Adornal Foyle, the NCAA shot-blocking madman, will become the new Mutombo in the NBA.

Even experts make mistakes sometimes; isn't that normal?

Don't ask, because even experts are human.

They kept talking about Tracy McGrady.

Suddenly, disagreements arose, for a simple reason: he was a high school student, and in the 80s and 90s, the focus was on immediate impact and players who had played college basketball.

High school students are easily taken advantage of.

It is easy for polarized evaluations to emerge.

After all, Kobe didn't play particularly well last year.

Of course, if you only give yourself that much time, you can't expect to do much better. McGrady's high school stats weren't even as explosive as Kobe's.

Furthermore, they believe that McGrady's biggest problem was that he had always studied both basketball and baseball before finally giving up baseball in his senior year of high school, which meant that his muscle shape was somewhat biased towards baseball from a young age.

If you're not a professional, you definitely won't understand the difference. The difference is huge. It's like when Jordan first retired to play baseball; he first had to change his basketball muscle shape to a baseball muscle shape.

He returned to basketball, but his performance on the court declined because of the excessive muscle definition he had developed from baseball. He then spent the entire offseason working on his muscle definition.

That's how he returned to his peak.

Furthermore, the muscle style you develop when you play basketball as a child will influence your overall style in the future.

For example, another number 23 who likes to play rugby.

The playing style is clearly that of rugby.

"Besides, he's too skinny. High school students aren't mature enough. Look at Kobe Bryant last year, didn't he struggle a lot? It's better for him to go to college and get some experience. That way, I can rank him higher, even if he only plays for one year."

This point was agreed upon by the three people present who had experience as NCAA coaches.

Peter Wesley, a former journalist, said that even if they are right, he believes that many teams would be willing to take a gamble in the first round because of McGrady's outstanding physical condition.

However, because McGrady recently lost to a big guy from the East at Nike's All-American High School Camp, I think this will lower his reputation somewhat.

As for the others, some are familiar faces, such as Maurice Taylor, a powerful forward who is quite familiar to Yao Ming and has been in the draft for over a decade.

But this year's so-called "big draft year" has actually seen very few players truly make it big. The number of players averaging over 10 points per game is probably in the single digits, and that's only if you include some who made it in the second round.

So this year's so-called "big year" for the draft is entirely due to Duncan.

Calling him Duncan is absolutely correct.

Then, after the discussion...

They deliberately revealed a mysterious profile picture at the end, first with a question mark, and then slowly unveiled it.

"A tall guy from the mysterious East! Yao!"

Ernie Jensen slammed his fist on the table and said, "Alright, enough of the rambling. Now let's talk about something weird: Yao Ming, the 17-year-old giant from China! His CBA stats are off the charts, his training camp looks promising, even Michael Jordan said he's doing well. What's your honest opinion?"

He received a call from Stern, who told him to give Yao Ming a good shout-out.

To create a good draft pick for Yao Ming.

Logically, this should be an easy task, since these people have never reached a consensus. Unless you're Duncan, who's a top contender, the real highlight is the arguments between them.

I can smooth things over later; achieving this goal isn't difficult.

That's what I thought, but as soon as these people opened their mouths, he...

I was stunned.

Hubie Brown received a call from Philadelphia. He adjusted his glasses and said seriously, "To be honest, this kid is probably a pure 'low-league padding' player! What kind of physicality is there in the CBA? My grandson could probably score 20 points there just by dribbling! Looking at the photos, he's just a skinny stick, with no NCAA experience, no American-style physicality, and no American basketball background. Coming to the '97 center position... well, I reckon Foyle could elbow him away. So, I'd give him a second-round pick at most."

Ernie Jensen: !!

No, how did they go straight to the second round? That's too low.

"I think he still has his strengths. After all, he performed well at the international training camp and the Nike training camp. It is said that he even beat McGrady, the number one high school player in the United States."

"High school players are inconsistent, what's the use of judging them based on one game? McGrady has been properly tested in American basketball, so judging him based on one game is completely useless. How many busts are amazing in training camps but terrible in the NBA? Bradley was a disaster in training camp, otherwise would Philadelphia have wanted him in '93? They were fooled! They were fooled by training camps and tryouts."

"Don't forget, that big guy drafted in '93 is still a joke. Who would dare take the risk now, especially an Asian big guy who's never played American basketball before?"

"He's probably not even as good as Bradley."

Rick Majrus also pretended to say:

"So stop bragging about his height! Bradley is taller than him, and he's just an average blue-collar worker now. Putting him high in the draft is a waste. He's just a high school level player, no college experience, no NCAA testing of his skills, he's probably all show and no substance. CBA stats? Hmm, maybe my dog ​​could do that! Zero physicality, terrible stamina, he'd be exhausted after two quarters! My opinion is, late first round at best, second round as a mascot is fine."

Ernie Jensen: !!!

No, Bradley is a great shot blocker, and with his height alone, he deserves a first-round pick. How come he's just a mascot? Bradley wasn't a mascot, was he?

He also achieved a career high last season with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. He was the block leader. Have you guys overlooked that?

"I think his height alone is an advantage, at least his shot-blocking ability is impressive..."

Jason tried to save face, but he wasn't given the chance.

The two people mentioned earlier weren't the only ones who were privately contacted by the team.

Anyway, Rick Majerus, who just spoke, is thinking to himself: The Pistons got their money's worth!

Let me belittle you to death, no problem!

Anyway, I'm a college coach. Who can argue with him that he lacks experience? He definitely doesn't have college experience; he never went to college.

If it actually succeeds, I'll say, "I underestimated its growth rate back then." If it doesn't, I'll say, "I had a keen eye for talent." It's a sure thing!

This is a huge profit!

"No, no, no, a block doesn't mean anything."

John Thompson chimed in, "I coached Ewing Mourning! This kid? I see him as completely lacking in physicality, strength, and defense. He's just a shorter Bradley Jr.! The league's big men are all muscle monsters now; he'd just get wrecked! He's definitely not going to make the first round. My opinion is... take him or leave him on the fringes of the second round!"

Ernie Jensen: !!!

No, you're all acting as me, right?

It's one thing if one person says it, but why do you all say it together?

Do you dare say that you're not lying when you say these things?

Do you dare say you didn't receive any money?

But now nobody even glances at him.

After all, in capitalist countries, it's only natural to do things for money. Even if the president comes, you can't say no.

John Thompson chuckled to himself: The Magic are pushing me hard, they want me to crush them to death, the more ruthless the better!

I am the godfather of basketball. If I say he's no good, who dares to disagree?

And I said he can't do it now, he doesn't have the body right now, I didn't say he won't be able to in the future.

I'm right, that's a very precise statement.

Peter Vecchi has already been contacted by the Bulls, so it's best to guess him in the second round; that way, they might be able to pick him up in the first round.

"I'm leaking inside information! Nobody in the league's management actually thinks highly of him! Playing international players is too risky. There's the language barrier, the business implications are unknown, it's purely a gamble! CBA statistics are even more inflated than the Pacific Ocean, and the training camp is just kids playing house, don't believe it."

"But Michael said..."

"That's just social etiquette. You can't take it seriously with a kid. Sometimes Michael's words are no different from farts."

"You must not believe it."

Michael, I'm doing this to put him down for you, so don't blame me for criticizing you.

Moreover.

It's rare for the Bulls and Jordan to be on the same page; they've both spoken up, so we should just follow suit and criticize them!

If we can get them to give me some insider information about Jordan, they'll give it to me exclusively.

I'll have a good chance of getting a promotion and a raise then, who cares how many rounds it takes?

Will telling the truth get me a promotion, a raise, and the pinnacle of my life?

This is what I call capitalist professional ethics.

……

Seeing that these people were telling the same story, Ernie Jensen immediately understood.

A setup!

I was definitely set up.

Absolutely!

I'm not stupid, do I not understand such a small thing?

If only one person says that, it's one thing, but if everyone says that, then it's definitely intentional.

You experts are really only good at making money. As long as the money is right, you can make up lies better than the truth!

If they hear this, then... they won't deny it.

expert?

That's just a job where you get paid to do what you say!

If you don't charge money, what's the point of being an expert!

As for the teams that called them...

They were determined to make a quick buck and steal the opportunity.

These teams are probably all thinking, "If I do this, my ranking will definitely be lower."

But as the saying goes...

One monk carries water to drink, two monks carry water together to drink, three monks together...

No one can get a drink of water.

Four monks.

They could make a whole mahjong table.

wrong.

This is very wrong.

It's impossible for a few of you to get together for a mahjong game normally.

Why are we so in sync today?

I can understand why you all think highly of Duncan.

You all have a negative view of an Eastern player you've never seen before?

Oh, I see.

I understand completely now!

You must have received a call from Stern as well.

Intentionally lower the height to create a dramatic effect!

I understand!

You bunch of old foxes, you never even include me in your mahjong games.

"Well, actually I think so too. After hearing what everyone said, I think the second round is too high. If there are still the third and fourth rounds from before, it would be better to put them in that position."

Hubie Brown: ...

Rick Magerus: ...

John Thompson: ...

Peter Vickers: ...

The four exchanged glances and realized that Jason was the most ruthless one.

Ok.

He must have received the most money.

Ah!

That must be it!

At that very moment, David Stern, sitting in his office, was so angry he almost grew twenty centimeters taller!

Wang Defa!?

Fuck you!?

What are you talking about?

If you ruin my Asian cash cow!

I'm not done with you yet!

From now on, whoever you set your sights on, I'll manipulate them behind the scenes and turn them all into "experts and professors"!!!

I, Stern, said it!!!

However, Stern's statement doesn't make much sense. Since he took office, the NBA draft has been rife with rumors and behind-the-scenes manipulations.

Therefore, whether he does it or not.

From other people's perspective.

Those have all been done.

Your crotch is all yellow, so what difference does it make whether you jump into the Yellow River or not?

An annual event in the basketball world.

NBA Draft: The Rise and Fall of the Draft

And so it began.