Build a Dream Dynasty

Sitting on a luxurious leather sofa in the VIP private room of Madison Square Garden, Jiang Mingliang was surrounded by Nets president Will Craig and head coach Stevens.

It was the first time to attend such an occasion. To tell the truth, Jiang Mingliang was still a little nervous. Fortunately, the attention of the people around him was all focused on a large LCD TV in the room, and no one noticed Jiang Mingliang's strangeness.

Appearing on the oversized LCD TV is the figure of David Stern.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2010 NBA Draft..."

In the video, Stern was still giving his opening speech when the phone in the room rang. Under Jiang Mingliang's suggestion, Will Craig walked over and connected the phone. Sure enough, he came to inquire about the No. 3 pick in the hands of the Nets.

"The Golden State Warriors want to use Monta Ellis as the main body of the transaction to trade our third overall pick." Will Craig did not reject the deal on the phone just now. From the perspective of the transaction value, it seems that there is talk.

Monta Ellis? The scoring ability is indeed very good, not to mention efficient, but it is indeed versatile, and it is also the kind of scorer that does not compromise in the playoffs. But the shortcomings are also more obvious. First, the offense mainly relies on singles, and it is not stable. Second, the physical quality is average, and the defense can provide too little. It is not in line with the idea of ​​Jiang Mingliang and Stevens to build the team.

"If the Warriors are willing to use Stephen Curry as a bargaining chip, then we can talk. In addition, I will not trade the No. 3 pick for others." Jiang Mingliang replied.

Others' perception of the No. 3 pick in the Nets' hand is just a third overall pick in a year of moderate draft quality. The specific point is the potential insiders like Favors and Cousins, and Jiang Mingliang's recognition of the value of this pick is Paul George, who can reach the league's TOP10 level in the future, will definitely not trade unless he has more attractive chips.

"They want Stephen." After receiving a response from Wil Craig, Warriors general manager Bowers reported to head coach Don Nelson.

"Daydreaming!" Don Nelson's words were not so elegant, and the words beginning with F were spit out.

In the summer of 2008, Baron Davis was poached by the Clippers, and the hot Golden State quick hit came to an end for a while, and the Warriors, who lost their commander, also fell into a period of darkness. But in 2009, Nelson Sr. found a point guard who was more suitable for his philosophy than Davis, Stephen Curry. Although the team's performance declined last season, Stephen Curry's adaptation to the league and his own progress are obvious to all. Even the No. 1 pick, it is impossible to take this treasure away from Donald Nelson.

Of course, there are also some other offers for the third overall pick, but the value of the chips proposed is not enough to impress Jiang Mingliang and Stevens. After Stern's speech, the draft began.

"The selection of the Washington Wizards with the No. 1 overall pick is ... point guard John Wall from the University of Kentucky!"

As for this year's No. 1 draft, there is basically no suspense. Wall is even better than Derrick Rose's physical test data and his excellent performance in college makes his status as the No. 1 pick deserved. Wall took the Wizards hat on stage, shook hands with Stern excitedly, the camera's spotlight flashed frantically, and the reporters had begun to write quickly.

Evan Turner was selected second overall by the 76ers. This is not good news for a forward and guard swingman whose template is McGrady. The 76ers have Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young, the two main strikers, and the outside shooting that this team lacks the most is also Evan Turner's shortcoming. To become a main player, Evan Turner needs to do a lot.

After the draft results of the second-place pick, Jiang Mingliang personally handed the Nets draft envelope to the league staff.

"The choice for the third pick from the New Jersey Nets is..." Stern paused for a moment and continued to read: "Paul George from Fresno State University"

"What? Paul George?" When they heard the name, most people were blinded.

In the previous predictions made by various media for the draft, most of Paul George's rankings were in the range of 10 to 12. The highest predicted pick was only the eighth pick.

A flower show? Go crazy!

Paul George himself was also greatly surprised. Whether it is his agent or the media, most of the estimates for his draft are outside the top eight, and he does not even rule out the possibility of falling out of the lottery.

With a hint of consternation, George put on the Nets baseball cap and came to the stage, enjoying the envy of everyone.

Regardless of the team's prospects, at least being in the top three is an honor.

"Congratulations, child." After a simple hug and taking pictures, George walked off the stage with mixed feelings.

Although Jiang Mingliang, a "scrambler", was at fault, the Timberwolves, who were known for their indefatigable destruction in their previous lives, were still unrepentant, and the fourth pick was left to Wesley Johnson. With the fifth overall pick, the Kings struggled for a long time between Favors, who fell unexpectedly, and Cousins, who was originally planned, and finally selected Cousins. The Warriors, who originally proposed to the Nets to trade the third overall pick and were ready to select Favors, were overjoyed and found a bargain at the sixth overall pick. . . . . . . .

At this time, Jiang Mingliang's attention was no longer paying attention to the draft, but made a phone call.

Through Will Craig's contacts, Jiang Mingliang got in touch with the management of the Timberwolves, Bucks, Bulls, and Thunder, and tried to trade for the 15th to 18th picks. And the chips he is willing to come up with include this year's 29th pick, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams and others.

The Bucks and the Bulls took the lead in rejecting Jiang Mingliang's trade request. The Nets didn't have enough chips to impress them, and the two teams each had promising rookies that had not yet been selected.

Although the Thunder's Presti did not explicitly refuse, the chips he chose to ask the Nets for not only the 29th pick, but also a future lottery-protected pick. If 2011 and 2012 fail to materialize, then the pick will automatically be split into two second-round picks in 2013.

In all fairness, Presti's bargaining chips are quite reliable, whether it's the protection of the draft or the age of the draft pick, it's not aimed at cheating people. But Jiang Mingliang, who knew the quality of the 2011 draft, was reluctant to give up his future first-round pick.

"Let's look at the request of the Timberwolves first." Seeing that Jiang Mingliang was a little hesitant, Stevens suggested.

Devin Harris was traded with the 29th pick in the first round for Alexander Pavlovich plus the 16th pick.

This is the trading chip proposed by the Timberwolves. Although they did not ask Jiang Mingliang for future draft rights, they grafted Pavlovich’s two-year premium contract of 12 million to the Nets. At the same time, before Rubio landed in the league, Find a competitive opponent for Flynn.

Devin Harris was an All-Star two years ago, but his style really isn't the type that Stevens appreciates. Jiang Mingliang also listened to his opinion before trying to trade draft picks to select a candidate who, in his opinion, might meet Stevens' requirements. The white shooter Pavlovich has a serious decline in athletic ability, and the contract price is very bad, but the Nets have enough salary space in the next two years, and it is not bad to use it to fill the poor ghost line.

"What about your opinion, coach?" Jiang Mingliang was already moved, but out of respect, he still needed to ask Stevens.

Touching his chin, Stevens showed a satisfied smile, "I agree with this transaction."

​​