Chapter 24: The 2009 NBA Draft.
On June 14, the Lakers defeated the Magic on the road, winning the series 4-1 and claiming the NBA championship for the first time in seven years.
This was also Kobe Bryant's first championship as the team's leader since Shaquille O'Neal's departure, and he earned his first Finals' MVP trophy.
On June 25, Han Sen, along with other rookies, arrived at Madison Square Garden to attend the 2009 NBA Draft.
It's worth mentioning that not all rookies come to the event.
This isn't related to their draft projections but rather due to the draft rules.
Contrary to what many people imagine, the number of players who enter the NBA Draft by officially declaring is not very large.
For example, this year, including international players, only 103 players registered for the draft. Before the withdrawal deadline, 55 players withdrew, leaving only 48 players remaining.
Will the NBA not have enough players to draft?
The answer, of course, is no.
This is because, according to the rules, NBA rookies have an age threshold of 22. Players under 22 must register for the draft, but once they turn 22, they are automatically entered into the draft.
These 48 players refer to those who officially declared, but there are many more who automatically qualify after turning 22. This is also why this year is considered a "down year" for the draft.
The draft is about selecting potential.
Han Sen knew that Wang Zhelin was drafted while he was asleep, and this was due to the same rule.
In theory, not just Wang Zhelin, but any ordinary person over the age of 22 has a chance of being selected.
Most of these players who automatically qualify for the draft, apart from those who participated in workouts, do not attend the draft event in person.
The draft's main stage was set up inside the arena, featuring a large electronic screen in the background, three smaller screens, and a podium in the center.
Below the main stage was an enclosed area with several round tables. Each table was topped with snacks and fruit, resembling a banquet setup, commonly known as the "Green Room."
The Green Room members are invited by the NBA, specifically players projected to be lottery picks, who can bring their families and friends to attend.
Han Sen, of course, didn't receive such treatment. Like the other uninvited rookies, he sat in the audience section.
However, he wasn't alone. Although Thomas was in the Green Room accompanying someone else, Han Sen's parents were here with him.
The family engaged in casual conversation, and time passed quickly.
When the rookie highlight reels finished playing, the arena erupted in loud boos.
Through the boos, NBA Commissioner David Stern walked out from backstage, smiling as he began his opening remarks, officially kicking off the 2009 NBA Draft.
There were 60 picks in total, divided into two rounds. Stern would announce the first round, and his assistant, Mark Tatum, would handle the second. Teams had five minutes to make each selection.
This is what fans see. What fans don't see is the intense, behind-the-scenes action happening in the offices arranged for team managers on the second floor of the arena.
Every draft comes with trades, and many exciting stories unfold at this stage.
For example, the famous Lakers trade of Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant has always been a fan favorite.
It's worth noting that all NBA trades go through a submission process with the league office.
This is why some trades appear delayed. For instance, a team might draft a player, but they've already traded him to another team. The pick is made based on the trade partner's request.
Kobe, for example, was drafted by the Hornets, but it was the Lakers who wanted him.
Of course, these trades are often leaked by well-known journalists, so the public can sometimes know about them in advance.
The Clippers selected Blake Griffin with the first overall pick;
The Grizzlies took Hasheem Thabeet with the second pick;
The Thunder selected James Harden with the third pick;
…
As the draft began, Han Sen focused all his attention on the stage.
He noticed that most events in this parallel world were the same as the "history" he knew.
The Timberwolves, with both the fifth and sixth picks, failed to select Stephen Curry, which made Han Sen a little anxious.
He felt that if he were the general manager, he could have made a name for himself too.
Curry was eventually taken with the seventh pick by the Warriors, which drew a huge gasp from the crowd.
It was known that Curry didn't work out with the Warriors, and his draft projection had always been with the Knicks.
But that's the nature of the draft— full of surprises.
To deal with these surprises, every team needs a backup plan. Sometimes even the backup plan fails, leading to unexpected selections.
At this moment, Thomas arrived at Han Sen's side.
"Nervous?" Thomas asked as he sat down.
Han Sen nodded.
Even though he was likely to be drafted, it was impossible not to feel nervous.
His draft position was still uncertain, and no one knew when he would be called up.
"Don't worry, the first round looks promising," Thomas smiled reassuringly.
Han Sen nodded again, turning to look at the main stage, his hands subconsciously rubbing together.
Making it to the NBA is every basketball enthusiast's dream, and it was his dream in his previous life as well.
No matter the draft position, tonight would be the realization of that dream.
"I just heard some interesting news."
"About me?" Han Sen turned his head, knowing that Thomas hadn't rushed over from the Green Room just to reassure him.
"Yes, and about the Bobcats," Thomas nodded.
"Larry Brown wants to select you in the first round. He successfully convinced Bickerstaff, but…" Thomas paused, "the plan was vetoed by Jordan."
"That sounds like fake news," Han Sen shook his head.
As optimistic as he was, he knew it wasn't likely for his draft stock to jump from late first round to the lottery.
"Bickerstaff suggested trading down for the Trail Blazers' 22nd pick," Thomas continued. Han Sen didn't interrupt this time, as this scenario sounded plausible.
The Trail Blazers were led by Brandon Roy's young squad at the time, full of quality young players. Even Jerryd Bayless, their 11th overall pick from last year, wasn't getting 20 minutes per game.
Given this situation and the fact that it was a "down year" for the draft, the Blazers were likely to either select an international prospect to develop or trade the pick.
And being selected with the 22nd pick was plausible for him. It was close to the highest promise he had received, which was the Thunder's 25th pick.
"But Michael vetoed it again because he wanted Gerald Henderson."
After hearing Thomas' explanation, Han Sen's expression turned a little strange.
During his workout with the Bobcats, Han Sen had gotten to know Jordan a bit.
Jordan had increased his [hater points] but after unintentionally getting injured, Jordan had specifically instructed Bickerstaff to comfort him. This showed that while Jordan might be petty in small matters, he was reasonable in important ones.
So the idea that "Jordan wouldn't draft him because he broke two of his ribs" wasn't true.
It just meant that Jordan's draft vision remained consistent.
"Well, that's still good news," Han Sen said.
"Yes, your draft stock is rising," Thomas nodded, which was the real reason he came to find Han Sen.
Even though the teams kept their workout details confidential, there are no real secrets in this world.
After chatting with Han Sen, Thomas returned to the Green Room.
As Thomas had mentioned earlier, the Bobcats selected Gerald Henderson with the 12th pick.
Shortly after, the Pacers selected Tyler Hansbrough with the 13th pick.
Hansbrough got up to hug his family, friends, and agent— Thomas.
Thomas hadn't signed any other high-profile rookies this year, but getting Hansbrough into the lottery after four years in college was a testament to his networking skills.
The lottery came to an end.
A few unlucky players were still left in the Green Room, unsure if any of them would sit there until the second round like DeAndre Jordan did last year.
Han Sen began to feel fatigued.
Staying tense for so long was mentally draining.
In previous years, he would have turned off the draft broadcast by now.
After all, the real draw was the lottery picks.
He stretched his joints, then saw Thomas rushing back toward him.
"There's news, the 18th pick…"
Thomas was slightly out of breath from rushing over.
Weekly Power Status
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-- Power
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