I Want to Join the NBA!
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the media swarmed Lin Tianhui. The recent NCAA championship and his performance as the Most Valuable Player had catapulted him into the limelight, making him the center of attention.
As the flashbulbs popped and reporters eagerly awaited his response, Lin Tianhui stood with a calm, confident demeanor. He had just received an incredible boost from the system, and his confidence was at an all-time high. The prospect of facing off against players like Michael Jordan was now a challenge he felt ready to embrace.
When a reporter finally asked the burning question—whether he planned to stay in college or enter the NBA draft—an expectant silence fell over the crowd.
Lin Tianhui took a deep breath, preparing to make his much-anticipated announcement.
"I have won the NCAA championship, and the university has no further challenges for me. I am eager to face higher-level competition and challenge stronger opponents. Therefore, I will be participating in this year's NBA draft!"
The response sent shockwaves through the assembled crowd. It was as if Lin Tianhui had just declared his intention to reshape the future of basketball. The media frenzy that followed was intense, with headlines proclaiming his entry into the draft as a monumental event, akin to Michael Jordan's return to the NBA.
Teams across the league had already been eyeing Lin Tianhui, but now, with his official declaration, the urgency and competition for his draft position intensified. The spotlight was firmly on him, and every team was recalibrating their strategies to secure this extraordinary talent.
"There is still room for manipulation; we must go all out!" said Gregg Popovich, the Spurs' general manager. Despite the Spurs having an excellent season and securing a top playoff spot, Popovich's focus was on the draft. His interest in Lin Tianhui had been piqued long before the finals, recognizing the player's potential early on.
Popovich had initially believed Lin Tianhui would be a second-round pick, making it plausible for the Spurs to secure him. However, as Lin's performance continued to exceed expectations, it became clear that his draft position would be much higher. The possibility of Lin being a number-one pick now seemed likely, which was both a challenge and an opportunity for Popovich.
The prospect of adding Lin Tianhui to his team was thrilling, but Popovich also saw a chance to position the Spurs for a dynasty by potentially acquiring both Lin Tianhui and Tim Duncan in consecutive drafts. It was an ambitious plan, but one that could solidify the Spurs' future dominance.
Meanwhile, in the Celtics' office, Red Auerbach enjoyed a celebratory cigar, reflecting on the intriguing developments in the draft market.
"This year's draft market is certainly interesting," he mused, contemplating how Lin Tianhui's decision would impact the league.
Across the league, other general managers and coaches were similarly engrossed in the draft scenario. Jerry West of the Lakers looked contemplative but was determined not to miss out on Lin Tianhui. Pat Riley of the Heat, along with Cotton Fitzsimmons of the Suns, was also strategizing to secure this promising Chinese talent.
As teams prepared for the draft, it became clear that the top three positions had become highly contested. Lin Tianhui's entry into the draft had set the stage for a dramatic and highly competitive selection process, with every team keen to position themselves for a chance to draft him.
The draft would not only be a test of strategic acumen but also a high-stakes game of timing and negotiation. Lin Tianhui's future in the NBA was now a matter of intense speculation, and the basketball world was eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his journey.