Chapter 33

"Boss, are you sure you want to do this?"

In the Miami Heat's office, the vice president, looking very nervous, asked Pat Riley, who was sitting on the sofa with his eyes closed.

Pat Riley did not open his eyes, but his tone was very firm: "Yes, I'm sure."

"But," the vice president said worriedly, "Isn't this too risky? He's just an unknown nobody who has never proven himself."

"A bird may fly in the wrong direction, but a flock of birds never will. I trust Derrick Rose's judgment, I trust Michael Jordan's judgment, and I trust my own judgment even more." Pat Riley slowly opened his eyes, stood up, and gazed at the street scene lit up by the evening lights, saying with great determination: "Send a message to the Bucks, telling them we are willing to trade Ricky Davis and our second-round picks for the next two years for their first-round pick."

"Boss, I still have to say, this is too risky. We already have Haslem, Marion, and the second overall pick; we don't need another small forward," the vice president tried hard to persuade Pat Riley to veto the trade.

"But none of them can shoot threes, and none of them have the strength to defend against big centers." Pat Riley was very decisive; he had made up his mind and would not change it: "Go ahead and submit the trade, and don't delay."

Seeing Pat Riley's firm resolve, the vice president had no choice but to go through with the trade request.

While Pat Riley was busy, Michael Jordan was also excitedly rubbing his hands, repeatedly telling the staff around him: "As long as Yang falls to the 21st pick, we will immediately choose him. If someone takes him, we will do whatever it takes to trade for him. Remember, there are no non-tradable players on our team."

Michael Jordan's enthusiasm made the staff somewhat nervous; most of them thought he was confused again. They no longer trusted Michael's judgment, as since 2005, he had never chosen a correct rookie, and Okafor was already his peak achievement. Therefore, they had no faith in Yang.

"Miami Heat has selected the forward from Kansas State, Michael Beasley!"

As Stern announced the second overall pick, the audience applauded. For everyone, this was not a surprising choice. Whether Beasley or Rose was chosen first, the second pick would definitely go to the other, which was a given.

However, Yang felt a bit disappointed. He had also dreamed of being selected by Miami with the second pick, but realistically, it was not going to happen.

Beasley, wearing the Heat's cap, smiled and declared on stage that he was ready to become a great player. Yang was not surprised by this boastful statement. Neither was anyone else; in fact, over 80% of people agreed with it, as the kid's college stats were incredibly impressive, averaging nearly 26 points and 13 rebounds per game, something many NBA Hall of Famers never achieved in college.

But the NBA is not the NCAA, and everything is still uncertain.

Next, the third pick, the Timberwolves selected O.J. Mayo, which was also not a surprise.

Then, the soon-to-be-moved Seattle SuperSonics selected Russell Westbrook. Westbrook put on the cap with a cool style, hugged his family and friends, and then came over to high-five Yang, whispering in his ear: "Yang, we promised to surprise you."

Saying this, he ran up to the stage.

Yang suddenly felt very touched, just as Lu Xueyan had said, it was truly remarkable to have someone willing to sacrifice their own interests to cheer for a friend.

On stage, Westbrook started thanking his elementary school coach, then his high school coach, and his college coach and teammates. Finally, he turned to Yang and said: "Hey, all the NBA managers, that's my brother, Yang from China. Although he's not tall, his strength is enough to kick many people's butts. I've seen him beat many big guys to the ground. I hope a team will choose him; he will definitely surprise everyone. I'm sure."

After saying this, he gave Yang a V sign and bowed off the stage.

With two popular rookies praising Yang, all eyes in the room focused on him. They wanted to see who this person was, who could have such charm that two talented point guards would campaign for him.

Yang, being scrutinized by everyone, felt a bit embarrassed and wanted to lower his head. But Lu Xueyan whispered to him, "Lift your head up; you're the star now."

Reminded by Lu Xueyan, Yang immediately straightened his chest and smiled at everyone.

David Stern's attention was also drawn to Yang. He had seen Yang's profile and had considered whether the NBA should create another Chinese star, but Yang's stats were too unimpressive, so he didn't take it seriously. However, he was surprised by the attention Yang was getting and wondered, "Could this guy really have amazing talent?"

With the league's 'top dog' David Stern paying attention, fans around the world joined in the discussion, all curious about the sudden emergence of Yang, as he was a complete mystery.

In China, the news caused a stir. Everyone was wondering when such a figure had emerged in China.

When Houzi and his friends heard the news, they immediately called each other, excited like they had won the lottery. They never expected their good friend, who had fought alongside them for four years, to enter the draft and gain such fame, with the NBA's top pick advertising for him.

Damn, when Brother Yang comes back, we have to give him a good beating. And he must get me some Derrick Rose autographs.

Houzi and his friends thought happily, but they didn't really believe Yang would be selected. To them, it was a fairy tale; the NBA was a battlefield of gods, too far out of reach. So, they thought their good friend had no chance, but they were still very happy that he had a connection to the NBA, which was enough to brag about for the rest of their lives. Saying, "Do you know the Yang who entered the draft? He's my brother," would make them shine with glory.

Next, the Grizzlies selected Kevin Love and then traded with the Timberwolves, getting a small cut.

The Knicks selected Gallinari, possibly because of his father's good relationship with D'Antoni, making it the biggest surprise of the night so far.

Then, the Clippers selected Eric Gordon. After thanking his family and friends, Gordon mentioned Yang again: "As Rose and Westbrook said, Yang is a good player, and I won't repeat it. I hope my team will select him; I look forward to playing alongside him."

Eric Gordon's words caused another stir in the room, but not as intense as the previous two, as it was the third time that night, and people were somewhat numb.

Meanwhile, in the Miami Heat's office, Pat Riley received exciting news: the Bucks had agreed to trade with the Heat, but on the condition that Ricky Davis's contract must be signed and then traded. Pat Riley did not hesitate and immediately agreed.

Soon, Stern at the draft site received the envelope for the eighth pick. When he opened it, he was clearly stunned for four or five seconds, his eyes full of disbelief, and he couldn't help but glance at Yang.

Then, he loudly announced, "In the 2008 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks have selected the forward from China, Yang!"

As soon as Stern said this, the entire room went wild, with everyone exclaiming in disbelief. At the same time, fans around the world who were following the draft also went crazy. Yang's name had been mentioned three times, and they were surprised, but they never expected the unknown Yang to be selected eighth. Had Milwaukee gone mad? Had they not learned from their mistake with Yi Jianlian last year?

Compared to the crazy fans, Michael Jordan in the Bobcats' office was even more furious.

"F**K!" Michael Jordan roared, picked up a desktop computer beside him, and smashed it on the floor, sparks flying, scaring the staff in the office into silence.

"The damn Milwaukee people, they must be trying to rob me. Someone must have leaked the information, damn spies!" Michael Jordan raged, spewing profanities.

After cursing for about three or four minutes, Michael Jordan slumped into the sofa, weakly saying, "Tell the Milwaukee people that we are willing to trade Raymond Felton for Yang."

"It's too late, sir. Milwaukee has already traded with the Miami Heat," the staff member whispered.

"What?" Michael Jordan roared, walked over to see the trade information, and immediately started cursing again: "Damn old fox, playing so dirty... F**K!"

...

[The fifth update is here. I will still have five updates tomorrow. I need your votes and favorites. I'm just a little away from the homepage. Help me get there, and I promise to make it even more exciting and happy for you!]

[Thank you to "Duan Jiang Can Yue" for the full praise and to "Chun Li Shi" for the tip.]

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