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Chapter 918 - 386. The Draft Stories (Part 1)_4

Chapter 918: 386. The Draft Stories (Part 1)_4

Zhang Yang nodded, without beating around the bush, directly saying: "DeAndre Jordan."

Jordan finally seized the opportunity and started to rant: "Did you get dumb after losing in the playoffs? He’s a green room member, a lottery pick favorite. What do we use to select him? Trade draft rights with Paul as the chip or use Mike, Raymond?"

Zhang Yang asked back: "If you had the 14th pick, would you select DeAndre Jordan?"

Jordan recalled the scenes from Jordan’s trial and blurted out: "Of course not, only fools would pick him. Did you see his performance in trials? He was crushed by slow and skinny Kufusi, not a single successful offense, either blocked or made turnovers. Not to mention lottery picks, I wouldn’t even choose him in the first round... uh..."

Qiao Tu:

Zhang San: (￣^￣)

Jordan didn’t want to admit it, but he was indeed tempted. Still, he said, "Even if his rank falls, do you think he can shine after we pick him? Maybe you don’t know, he got crushed by Love in combined trials, by Hibbert during Pacers trials, by Kufusi during Jazz trials... Many of those who crushed him, you probably haven’t even heard their names."

Jordan spoke with increasing firmness, as if he was certain selecting DeAndre Jordan would waste the team’s trade resources.

Zhang Yang was not polite either, saying: "He reminds me of an old friend of yours, Michael."

Jordan: "Who?"

Zhang Yang: "Kwame Brown."

Jordan: "...Speak properly!"

Zhang Yang: "Hmph!"

Jordan: "..."

To others, Jordan isn’t someone with a very kind heart, but towards Kwame Brown, he always felt a little guilty, though not much, but it was indeed there.

When he bought the Bobcats, he had thought if someday Kwame Brown couldn’t find a job, he’d lend a hand, sign him, give him a chance. Now Kwame Brown is playing well under Kobe and Garnett’s mentorship, and Jordan is happy for him...

Qiao Tu: Damn Zhang San, poking my spine!

After Zhang San and Qiao Tu started their bickering mode, Coach and Bikstaff switched seats and seriously discussed the potential and feasibility of selecting DeAndre Jordan, lest they get disturbed by those two.

During the combined trials and Jordan’s training camp, they also observed DeAndre, the impression was poor, and because his draft expectations were too high, they hadn’t paid much attention to him, nor considered if he was suitable for their Bobcats’ direction.

After some exchange, Carlisle said: "In terms of characteristics, that Jordan does fit us, but the risk is too high. Bernie, should we take a gamble?"

Bickerstaff gave Carlisle a sideways glance, this old fellow, trying to pass the buck, eh? Getting slyer!

But since Bikstaff is older, it’s only right to should hold some risk for his successor, responding: "Indeed the risk is high, if he doesn’t shine, we’ll suffer a double loss. To give him room to grow would occupy spots and playing time, missing out on summer recruitments, and wasting trade chips. But if he can perform like Max Hill or Buss, we’d profit immensely!

However, we can’t decide now; we need to see his draft situation. If he’s really not picked within the first 20 of the first round..."

Bickerstaff spread out his right hand towards Carlisle, gripping it.

Carlisle was very satisfied, having a daring, nearly carefree superior is indeed great!

...

Upon arriving in New York, Zhang Yang didn’t stay at Jordan’s place, but bid farewell to the management team and coaches and went to the hotel where Harden and DeRozan were staying.

When Zhang Yang arrived, Harden eagerly grabbed him and DeRozan to their room to change into the new suits they bought. DeRozan adorned his suit unwillingly, yet did so earnestly.

Zhang Yang raised his thumbs: "Looking sharp, good taste, but the suit’s not cheap, huh?"

Harden: "My mom maxed out her credit card to buy it for me!"

DeRozan: "I said we shouldn’t buy such suits; neither of us comes from wealthy families. I could just wear my dad’s suit; it looks almost new anyway."

Zhang Yang: "No worries, looking sharp is what counts. Once you’re drafted, you can get your signing money upfront and pay it back."

Harden: "That’s right, my mom said the same, must keep up appearances!"

Thinking about it, DeRozan also agreed. Ever since he announced his participation and lottery predictions, everything in life seemed smoother...

After showing Zhang Yang the suits, Harden and DeRozan carefully hung them up and took Zhang Yang to see their parents and agent. Both families planned to treat Zhang Yang to a meal to thank him for taking care of their kids all these years.

Of course, Zhang Yang wouldn’t refuse; reciprocity is necessary to maintain long-term relationships.

He wouldn’t seek any return for such small favors, but knowing Harden and DeRozan’s family’s personalities, if they took advantage without paying back, the duo might even distance themselves from him.

At the meal, Zhang Yang met Big Luo and Second Ha’s agent.

In the end, Harden chose to sign with Pelinka for stability; Pelinka’s bargaining ability is among the best among agents.

DeRozan’s agent was someone Zhang Yang hadn’t met but remembered the name—Sam Goldfed.

He was one of the few agents who had actively terminated contracts with NBA players.

Here’s the deal, in some future year, Goldfed painstakingly secured a 4-year, $70 million contract for Little Assassin Thomas from the Celtics. When he excitedly shared this news with Little Thomas, Little Thomas rejected it and even publicly demanded Ainge prepare a truckload of money, meaning a hundred-million-dollar contract.

This demand was declined by Ainge + used as a trade chip; Little Thomas later received only a base salary, which made Goldfed angry enough to terminate the contract. Little Thomas gradually moved away from the NBA and started to alternate between the Development League and 10-day short contracts.

Judging from known information, DeRozan’s agent is also quite capable, nothing Zhang San should worry about.

At night, the trio squeezed in one room to play games. Zhang Yang watched Harden pull out a new game console and a pile of game discs... Seems he indeed maxed out the credit card.

Just like during the end of the season when they lived together, Zhang Yang decisively warned Harden again.

Harden: "Yes, yes, yes, I know. Once I get the contract I can spend but shouldn’t go recklessly investing or get tricked by people. You’ve mentioned it many times; I’ve memorized it. I just want to buy all the things I once wanted but couldn’t afford."

DeRozan: "James, although Jack isn’t much older than us, he entered society early and understands more. You should listen to him! Don’t get impatient!"

Second Ha, with a grievance face: "I know, you’re scolding me again!"

Big Luo, Zhang San: "..."