NBA: I'm really just an ordinary coach

When a certain moment came, with the smiling old man walking onto the stage, the 2002 draft officially began.

NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Looking at this old man, Tang Feng's eyes also became more solemn.

It was this unremarkable old man who brought the NBA to a whole new height, a height that no one dared to imagine before he took over as NBA commissioner.

At the same time, in order to promote the influence of the NBA worldwide, this old man also did his utmost.

It's a pity that he chose the wrong successor after all. It can also be said that from his successor, you can more deeply understand how strong this old man's ability is.

After a brief opening, David Stern went straight to the point.

"The Houston Rockets selected..."

He flipped open the card handed to him by the staff. Although he had received the news before, when he saw those two words, he couldn't help but smile even more brightly.

"Yao from China���！"

The draft was not held in the main arena, but in the New York Theater in Madison Square Garden.

At this moment, the New York Theater, which can accommodate more than 2,000 people, was already full.

When David Stern read out the Rockets' selection, in addition to the sparse applause, there were more boos.

Tang Feng laughed and his eyes inadvertently saw the last few rows of the theater, where a few crazy Chinese fans were waving big signs in their hands, which read"We love Yao Ming". In the first round of the draft, all the rookies selected have their own five minutes, standing up and hugging their families, going on stage to shake hands with Stern, accepting congratulations, and speaking on the stage.

However, due to some special reasons, Yao Ming did not appear at the draft, but on the other side of the ocean.

The time that originally belonged to Yao Ming was replaced by interviews from the other side of the ocean and interviews with the Rockets on the big screen.

Similarly, the shots that originally belonged to Yao Ming were almost all aimed at Jay Williams from Duke University at this time.

The undisputed best college player in the United States.

It is clear that this rookie, who won many honors during his college years, has a look of disdain and dissatisfaction on his face.

"Tang, do you think your compatriot can gain a foothold in the NBA and prove himself worthy of the No. 1 pick?"Pritchard asked curiously.

"Of course, he is the best player of this year."Tang Feng said without hesitation:"If we have this year's No. 1 pick, I will choose him without hesitation."

"Oh? You think so highly of him?" Pritchard raised his eyebrows and said,"In fact, in the eyes of more people, Jay Williams is the best rookie of this year. If we don't consider other factors and choose from a purely basketball perspective, Jay should be the top pick."

"Haha, college is college and NBA is NBA. Playing well in college does not mean that they can make a name for themselves in the NBA."Tang Feng laughed and said,"I know what they are thinking. The Rockets' choice is more based on the huge market for Yao, right?"

Pritchard nodded and said,"I have seen Yao's video. Although he is very tall and has good skills, his body is too thin and it is difficult for him to adapt to the confrontation at the NBA level."

Tang Feng smiled without comment, looked around, and said slowly,"The more they shout now, the more their faces will hurt in the future. Of course, the premise is that they have to have the face and will not selectively forget what they said."

"You think so highly of him, have you ever thought about getting him?" Pritchard asked

"Do you think it is realistic to get a player like Yao who has a huge market behind him from a pure businessman?"Tang Feng curled his lips and said,"Of course, if my team has Kobe, Vince, Allen, Kevin, who have a huge fan base and are highly praised by the league, it may be possible, but the question is, do we have them?"

Pritchard smiled bitterly and nodded.

Five minutes passed quickly.

"With the second pick, the Chicago Bulls selected...Jay Williams from Duke University."

Without any surprise, this year's best college player in the United States was selected by the Bulls.

There were also waves of warm congratulations and applause at the scene.

When Tang Feng heard the new No. 2 pick take the microphone from David Stern, thank him, and announce in a high-profile manner that he would prove himself to be the one and only in the new season, a playful smile appeared on his face.

"The Golden State Warriors selected...Mike Dunleavy from Duke University"

"The Memphis Grizzlies selected...Drew Gooden from the University of Kansas"

"The Denver Nuggets selected...Nikolozgotishvili from Georgia."

With the internationalization of the NBA, more and more non-American players are entering the NBA.

However, this year's situation is unique in that there are two non-American players in the top five picks.

Before traveling through time, Tang Feng had no impression of this player.

It was only when he read the scout report that he discovered that there was a rookie predicted to be ranked 4-10 in the draft.

When he saw the scout report saying that this player might become the second Nowitzki, Tang Feng was speechless.

Not to mention Nowitzki, even if he could gain a foothold in the NBA, it would be a luxury, otherwise he would definitely have some impression.

As for the Nuggets' choice, Tang Feng only Well done.

With the Nuggets completing their selection, the next No. 6 and No. 7 picks belong to the Trail Blazers, and he no longer has to worry about being snatched by the teams ahead.

Unlike Yao Ming, who was selected as the No. 1 pick, this big man from Georgia did come to the scene.

At this moment, he is celebrating with his family.

At this time, Pritchard also communicated with the assistant general manager of the Cavaliers who came to the scene and told him about the Trail Blazers' choice.

Since the Nuggets made their choice, Brian, who has been secretly observing the Trail Blazers' movements, changed his expression slightly.

The Trail Blazers did get the No. 6 pick of the Cavaliers.

At this point, he can only pray that the Trail Blazers don't choose the high school student they are interested in.