NBA: The Basketball Miracle

In the 1996 draft, the New York Knicks selected Lee You with the 18th pick and Syracuse University forward John Wallace with the 19th pick;

Then the Knicks selected Walter McCarty from the University of Mississippi with the 21st pick.

Players ranked after 20th were not invited, and the broadcaster only released the players' pictures and basic college data.

Lee is also very familiar with these two players, both of whom he defeated.

The mid-to-late draft is like this, mostly a few players are chosen from the top four teams to scratch the lottery. The NCAA data is indeed inflated, but in the United States, most scouts and managers still prefer college players.

Because the son of New York, Stephen Marbury, was eventually selected by the Timberwolves, the New York fans at the scene sighed, but after Clay Lee was selected at the 18th pick, the Continental Airlines Arena was filled with cheers from New York fans.

In addition to the cheers, there were also scattered Bucks fans shouting:

"We need Marbury!"

The sound was not loud at first, but soon the fans watching the fun around them also joined in the shouting.

At this time, Marbury and Ray Allen, who were being interviewed by TNT host Ernie Johnson, both looked unhappy.

Milwaukee and Minnesota, neither of them liked these two places. Ray Allen didn't even try out for these two teams, but things still went wrong.

The Celtics selected Antoine Walker with the 6th pick.

Originally, rookies ranked lower had no chance to be interviewed, but the draft was held in New Jersey, which is half of New York's home court, so the staff called Lee.

Accompanying the grinning John Wallace, Lee followed the staff to the live interview area of TNT.

Young Ernie Johnson and veteran coach Hubie Brown stood up and shook hands, then sat down on the white sofa.

Noticing that Lee didn't deliberately act mature and grow a beard like Kobe Bryant before, Ernie Johnson asked with a smile:

"Lee, you might the last asian to land in the NBA in 20th century. You are not even 19 years old yet. Does this cause some pressure on you?"

The old coach Hubie Brown also looked at Lee.

"There is no pressure. I studied at the University of Connecticut and I am also very familiar with Madison Square Garden and New York fans."

"In my opinion, the NBA is no different from college basketball, except that some offensive time is shortened and many teams' tactical systems can be traced."

"Most importantly, I like to take on challenges, and entering the NBA early is the best choice!"

Wearing a Knicks cap and a light grey suit, Lee spoke eloquently and appeared very confident.

What Lee said was from his heart. He planned to graduate from high school early and go to college, and then enter the NBA early.

John Wallace, who was still grinning foolishly at the side, subconsciously widened his eyes when he heard Lee's words. This guy was bragging too much!

Ernie Johnson was also stunned, but he reacted faster and smiled again:

"This is a very impressive insight!"

"I think New York fans will love you, John. How does it feel to be selected by the Knicks?"

John Wallace seemed very nervous when he heard the question, and he spoke faster subconsciously:

"I love New York. I have been a loyal fan of the Knicks since I was a child. I can't wait to play in Madison Square Garden!"

Lee on the side subconsciously raised his eyebrows, this answer sounded familiar, he had just fooled the Lakers in this way not long ago.

Old coach Hubie Brown also laughed, he liked to see the new players feel uneasy, and looked at Lee meaningfully.

After everyone talked about their ideals, this impromptu interview ended.

The old coach Hubie Brown didn't say much during the interview, but he started talking at this time:

"The Knicks made an interesting choice. Don Nelson failed to change New York's offense, and Jeff Van Gundy, who took over halfway, still chose to continue Pat Riley's tactical system."

"The coaching staff chose Lee, obviously trying to change the existing offense through players. Maybe during the offseason, the Knicks will try to change the lineup."

"The Knicks lost to the Bulls again this year. They really need to make changes. If they continue to repeat the past tactical system, they are doomed to not win the championship!"

The entire Eastern Conference team was blown up by Michael Jordan. At present, no defense is really effective.

Ernie Johnson felt that the old coach's words made sense. Thinking of Lee's confident look, he also sighed:

"Some talented players can indeed bring their own systems. It's just that next season, the Bulls have a great chance of defending the title. 72 wins is really an incredible record!"

"."

When Lee returned to the stage, he just heard that the Bulls selected Travis Knight from the University of Connecticut with the 29th pick.

Since then, all 29 players in the first round have been selected, and the University of Connecticut has created a new team history with three players being selected in the first round.

Mark Bartelstein still looked a little unhappy. He really wanted Ray Allen to play in a big city. Milwaukee? What the hell was that?

Lee's friends are all very happy at this time. When they are playing in New York, they can drive over to watch the game when they have time, and they can also get together at other times.

The draft was still going on. When Lee returned to his seat, he could see that several new players were not very happy.

Like Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant was also a little disappointed. He lost his hometown basketball and the big city. The Hornets? He might as well go back to Italy to play!

Lakers team representative John Blake was very upset. The first choice of the 24th pick was taken by New York. He had no choice but to contact the Los Angeles team and finally chose Derek Fisher.

Although they were both No. 1 players, Fisher did not have as impressive statistics as Lee, and his performance in the tryout was also mediocre.

Some were happy and some were sad. The 96th draft came to an end after more than two hours.

All the players invited tonight can get a good contract, and for many people, this is also a fate-changing night.

If you want to live a good life, you can't do without US dollars!

Ray Allen kept smiling in front of his family, but after returning to the hotel, he couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Damn it! I didn't try out for either of these two teams. I don't like Milwaukee at all!"

Mark Bartelstein has completely calmed down at this time. The Bucks will definitely not let go:

"We have to prepare for the worst. Even if you stay in Milwaukee, I will get you a big contract!"

Lee didn't say anything. This was in 1996, and he was playing in a small market. Due to the restrictions on broadcasting conditions, his exposure was limited.

Ray Allen is in bad luck.

"Lee, New York is a good fit for you. I have discussed with head coach Van Gundy. They will make lineup adjustments during the offseason. This is your chance!"

Mark Bartelstein gave Lee a reassurance that as long as he performed well in his rookie season, he would definitely not sit on the bench.

Lee nodded and patted Ray Allen's shoulder to comfort him.

Familiar names began to appear in the NBA:

Steve Nash was selected by the Suns at 15th overall, and Jermaine O'Neal was selected by the Trail Blazers at 17th overall.

The 96 golden generation began to come on stage, and the transition from the old to the new officially began at this moment.

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