Chapter 1, A Member of the Little Green House

Liu Xiu sensed anticipation in Anthony's tone

At first, Anthony did not pay much attention; to him, did it really matter who held the first overall pick?

Anthony has a proud and somewhat straightforward personality, and in the future, he may still be won over by James's social skills, becoming friends.

It was heart-wrenching! Anthony immediately felt the urge to explode, but as his emotions surged, he managed to break free from that imbalanced state of mind, only to be overcome once again by feelings of guilt

Healing value + 67, from Carmelo Anthony

The draft conference is a significant means for the league to create competitors after improving the draft system

This expectation is different from the previous imbalanced mindset; it cannot be considered a negative emotion. Rather, it is the kind of expectation that a top contender should have. What if the Cavaliers ultimately change their mind

Sitting like this, Anthony still exudes an air of pride and confidence, with an added touch of nonchalance

As a leading candidate for the top pick, Anthony naturally received a considerable amount of attention, and consequently, Liu Xiu beside him also garnered a significant amount of coverage

... ...

If it weren't for his mother, coach, and teammates still on the other side of the table, Anthony would want to flip the table over

Although this friend has only been known for a few months and often speaks in a way that can be quite irritating, they always manage to reveal a touch of tenderness in an unguarded moment

After Liu Xiu adjusted Anthony's mindset, he opened the system panel

With a tone of regret, Liu Xiu straightened up suddenly, blinked once, and then leaned back again: "You are right; otherwise, I wouldn't have signed up for the talent show with you. However..."

Do not ask; the answer is talent. James has the ability to make those around him feel as if they are basking in spring breezes, while still having the energy to observe others.

Having come from the same slum, he knew that the anxious-looking boy, who appeared very poor in his attire, could not possibly afford it. However, that day, Richie Paul was in a good mood and gifted him a jersey, thus creating a bond of goodwill. Later, he learned that this boy was a talented high school student from the area, and eventually, it was the boy who took the initiative to befriend him, leading to their friendship.

Kyrie and TJ Ford, the former being hailed as the "Little Stockton" and the latter as the "Little Iverson," are both players from the Big 12 Conference. Over the past two years, they have been in constant competition, and now they find themselves in the same draft class. Regardless of who has the higher draft position, it will intensify their rivalry

... ...

Jesse, what position do you think I will be selected in?

This is what the league desires. Although not all high draft picks can perform well, if one or a few competitors do succeed, it could potentially create a pair of "lifelong rivals"

However

Rich Paul is considered a local celebrity in Akron, where he operates several vintage jersey stores in Summit County, also selling sports equipment. Three years ago, a then-high school freshman named LeBron James stood in front of one of the stores owned by Rich Paul, fixated on a particular jersey.

Once again, Liu Xiu was very pleased to provide Anthony with heartfelt healing

Even if the final expectations fall short, it will only be the emotions that are to be expected, just like the lottery in the Great Penguin Game Empire, where one knows for certain that they will not win the desired reward, yet still curses "damn glasses" when they do not win.

Of course, it is also to enhance one's social skills, starting with local community figures is the most appropriate approach

Little Dongdong is still impressive, casually giving a full score, while the one who looks anxious only received 5 points

Now, sitting at the draft venue, Anthony faces the camera with the same proud demeanor of the NCAA Freshman MOP, his expression calm and nonchalant, seemingly indifferent to the impending draft.

As the key player on the perimeter for the championship team of the 2002-2003 NCAA basketball tournament, Liu Xiu also delivered an outstanding overall performance this season, earning the opportunity to enter the green room.

However, this truly relieved Anthony from the distress of dragging Liu Xiu to participate in the talent selection together

This is an expected situation

The agents of each newcomer entering the small green room have already informed them to pay attention to their appearance once they arrive on site, as the main focus of the audition event will always be on them.

However, entering the Green Room does not guarantee selection for the Lottery Zone. Every year, there are members of the Green Room who do not make it into the Lottery Zone, and it is not uncommon for them to fall out of the first round.

Anthony ... ... this James feels indifferent

On the evening of June 26, 2003, at around 7 o'clock, with only a few minutes left before the start of the 2003 NBA Draft, the members of the green room, which included the "lottery candidates" selected by the NBA officials and the managers of the 29 teams, along with their family and friends, had all arrived at the venue.

Unfortunately, the Cleveland Cavaliers drew the first overall pick

Although the approach to guidance is somewhat unconventional, Anthony has become accustomed to it after knowing each other for such a long time

Anthony struggled to maintain a boss-like expression, gritting his teeth and muttering angrily, "I should have made you sit at a table by yourself"

Liu Xiuhuan glanced around at the other candidates present, then turned back and noticed that Anthony's mindset still seemed to be unbalanced

However, Liu Xiu's elongated pronunciation of "batte" piqued Anthony's curiosity, making him want to hear the next sentence

Seeing his mother happy, James was also very happy. The celebrity from Akron was invited just to save face and make his mother happy

James's mother now feels quite proud, as those once lofty hometown celebrities have now become friends of her son

If it weren't for the cameras around, James would definitely confront him...! ... He is much smaller than that guy!

This year, the members of the Little Green House, along with the aspiring newcomers waiting in the candidate hall, and those who, for various reasons, did not have the opportunity to come to Madison Square Garden, likely all had a figure they most wanted to overcome appearing in their minds as the draft was about to begin

He is only 18 years old

but it will not lead to a mental breakdown as it did before

People are inherently different in temperament.

It is clearly I who brought trouble to Jess, yet I still expect him to enlighten me

The facts have proven that there is a distinction; the Cavaliers should have made it clear during the tryout phase that they would only select James, and that other talents need not apply

LeBron ... ... LeBron ... ...

At this age, with this level of skill, and these university achievements, participating in the NBA draft would surely make one a top pick.

Liu Xiu paused for a moment after drawing out the last syllable and said: "... your current appearance does not align at all with your cool persona. Sit up straight, you are participating in a talent show, do not embarrass yourself in front of the other newcomers. Let your expressions be lively, be arrogantly confident..."

This can also be understood, who made Anthony so unfortunate

Carmelo, I am not saying this to you, but if you participate in the draft next year, who could possibly take your first overall pick

Anthony is very concerned about his appearance, always paying attention to his expressions when he speaks, while Liu Xiu is much more relaxed

After much effort, Anthony finally expressed what he wanted to say. He felt a bit nervous, and upon hearing Liu Xiu's response, he was somewhat touched

It has been more than a month since Anthony signed up for the draft, and he has come to accept this reality. However, upon arriving at the draft event, it is inevitable that he feels somewhat off-balance. He knows there is little chance, yet he still holds onto hope.

Initially, the alliance did not notice this point; once it was discovered, it naturally chose to exacerbate the situation.

Healing value + 99, from Carmelo Anthony

Although the emotional knot has been untied and the imbalanced mindset has been shed, Anthony still holds onto a glimmer of hope

The live draft has already begun on the American cable sports channel

But the other person... James cannot understand!

Each year, the league deliberately selects one or two prospects who are unlikely to be chosen in the lottery, and may not even be selected in the first round, yet possess a certain level of intrigue to enter the green room.

Take a deep breath, don't be angry... Anthony leaned back in his chair, observing the other candidates. Cool my foot, proud my foot, just sit however feels comfortable.

Like others, he was also observing other people while chatting with the friend beside him and acquaintances from previous years

Anthony has always been quite envious; he is already so handsome, yet this guy next to him is actually referred to by the people at their university, Syracuse University, as the most handsome guy on the Orange team

Observing that Anthony's mindset was on the verge of exploding, Liu Xiu felt quite satisfied. However, he refrained from further provoking Anthony, as he needed to show respect to this junior teammate who had been with him for a year, especially since he was following the legendary cool and elegant path.

Although he was utilized by the authorities, Liu Xiu did not feel that he had suffered any loss

I apologize, I was distracted. Looking at these exceptionally talented rookies from the same class, I can't help but imagine the games after entering the NBA

He has two high school teammates and two friends who have taken care of him since childhood; the friends of different ages are several local celebrities from Akron whom he invited.

However, this ability to multitask is not always advantageous

Liu Xiu sitting in that manner gives a feeling of nonchalance

Why is he so handsome, and yet not the top scholar? ... This guy looks so ...? ... Why is he the top scholar?

However, Anthony had already left, and this guy was sizing him up, his gaze leaving him at a loss for words, unsure of what to say. After a moment of scrutiny, the guy looked up at him and smiled, saying, "It's truly inspiring to still be participating in the NBA draft at such an age," and then he walked away

As a freshman and not yet 19 years old, he led his team to win the NCAA basketball championship, averaging an impressive 22.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, earning the Most Outstanding Player award in the Final Four

Upon thinking of this, Liu Xiu could not help but look at the person whom Anthony was staring at.

Is this guy really 18 years old? With such depth and disposition, no wonder he looks so anxious; it turns out it is to match his depth and disposition

James recalled meeting Liu Xiu and Anthony at the hotel arranged by the league yesterday morning. He took the initiative to greet them, hoping to get acquainted, but Anthony merely glanced at him and walked away

I am probably the one who is treated as a gimmick, the core of the championship team's defensive line, and also a Chinese player

This is a temporary issue; once this phase passes, such emotions will fade, and there will be opportunities for making connections.

Rich Paul listened to James's words, feeling both mentally and physically pleased. The genius in front of him, who was set to be the first overall pick in the 2003 draft, was talented, capable, and had a pleasant way of speaking. That vintage jersey from back in the day was not given in vain

Both Sinrich and TJ Ford occasionally exchanged glances at each other

When Anthony first heard the phrase "It's not that I'm saying you," his mind was filled with question marks

The top candidates are now quite displeased with him

Decisively, Liu Xiu comforted, "Rest assured, the people of Cleveland will definitely not choose you"

The focus of attention is on James, as well as on other top draft prospects such as Anthony, Milicic, Bosh, and Kaman ... Liu Xiu is an outlier

However, not everyone focuses their attention on James; there will certainly be some, but the attention is more directed towards direct competitors

As for Liu Xiu, this fellow has a good-looking appearance paired with an ordinary physique, giving him an air of harmlessness, resembling a sidekick of Anthony

Upon discovering that a friend is experiencing a problem with their mindset, Liu Xiu naturally feels the need to offer some comfort

Confidence, arrogance, and open-mindedness

But now, Anthony feels displeased with James.

As his eyes darted around, Anthony's gaze unconsciously fell upon the table in the front right, where sat the man who had not participated in the joint tryouts during the draft trials, but had only attended the Cavaliers' tryout—LeBron James

Available healing value: 3451 points

The senior next to me, who is also a teammate and friend, is simply too infuriating! Anthony really wants to take a swipe at this friend's universally recognized handsome face

The draft conference is about to begin, and Anthony really doesn't know what to talk about, so he decides not to chat and instead observes the other members of the small green room like Liu Xiu.

Half an hour ago, when Anthony arrived at Madison Square Garden for an interview, he appeared indifferent when asked about the matter of the first overall pick

Healing value + 51, from Carmelo Anthony

It was not the first time being mocked for looking old, but at that moment, James was almost genuinely angry

When LeBron James decided to skip college and enter the NBA draft directly, Rich Paul was the first financier to offer financial assistance.

For instance, there are two glaring eyes behind him, making James feel very uncomfortable

At first, Anthony felt sympathy for Liu Xiu, as most of his relatives were in China, and the relatives in the United States were busy with a business trip these days and had no time to come. Now, Anthony is feeling sympathy for himself

James feels a prickling sensation on his back, as the two individuals behind him to the left are constantly staring at him

Looking at Liu Xiu, who was lazily leaning against the back of the chair, Anthony said: "Jess, your chances of being selected in the first round of the draft next year may be higher, but if I'm not around and you stay in college, you definitely won't get enough training. It would be better to take a chance and enter the draft; higher-level competition is more important for you."

Not only Liu Xiu, Anthony, and James were observing the other members of the Little Green House, but the other members of the Little Green House were also paying attention to their competitors