Chapter 2, The Peculiar Expectations of Talent Shows

Let's not talk about fighting anymore, discussing fighting only brings sadness. He is nearly 20 centimeters taller yet still cannot win...

David Stern looked at Milicic, who was still in shock while putting on the Pistons cap, observing the draft prospects on site, some surprised, some puzzled, and some gleeful... He felt that Joe Dumars' choice was not necessarily a bad thing for the league

The team with the second seed is the Detroit Pistons, the first place in the Eastern Conference during the 2002-2003 NBA regular season

When David Stern first took the stage, the aspiring candidates in the green room were still preoccupied with their own thoughts. However, when the envelope was handed to David Stern, the attention of every candidate was drawn to him.

James's mother is right in saying that becoming the number one draft pick guarantees a minimum after-tax income of ten million over four years; however, many young people who hear James's mother's shout feel embarrassed

Upon hearing that the second pick was not Anthony, a fierce chorus of boos erupted from the audience

As in previous years, David Stern delivered an opening speech. At this moment, the draft had actually begun. At 8:03, the staff brought the first envelope to the stage, which contained the Cavaliers' first overall pick.

A child does not dislike their mother for being unattractive... there is no doubt about this aspect regarding Lebang...

And the Pistons really told him during the tryout that they wanted to select him

James can understand Anthony's mindset; even when things are almost certain, there can still be concerns

David Stern seemed to hear nothing but cheers and applause, smiling and enthusiastically saying: "Ladies and gentlemen..."

This is indeed a matter of being on television; every member of the Little Green Room, including Liu Xiu, has inquired about this matter through their agents.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the stage, and the host came to the stage and delivered the opening remarks as per tradition, before moving to the sub-stage

Anthony's friends and family had cheered once, but it abruptly ceased

Anthony's buttocks had already left the chair, yet he remained frozen in place, his posture quite elegant. Liu Xiu beside him had averted his gaze, too afraid to look.

James is now completely relaxed; although it is a matter of great certainty, only after being officially selected can he feel at ease

In just two or three brief seconds, David Stern enjoyed a moment before continuing, "... ... from St. Mary's High School, LeBron James!"

How to view it, the Pistons traded away Michael Curry in order to select him

Who says I cannot defeat you? Let's have a one-on-one match soon

At 8 o'clock, with just 10 seconds to go, NBA Commissioner David Stern stepped onto the stage, perfectly timing his entrance with poise. At exactly 8 o'clock, he confidently arrived at the center of the stage... This was met with a chorus of boos from the hundreds of fans present at the draft, who also had their timing down to a tee.

Anthony was still looking forward to Liu Xiu's unintentional tenderness, but who would have thought that this guy would still be so annoying when he opened his mouth

The top scholar has been announced, and the members of the small green house who did not become the top scholar experienced a moment of disappointment, but the impact was not significant

Without saying anything else, David Stern can already imagine the controversy brought about by the Pistons' choices; what he fears is the absence of controversy

The people around did not hear what James said, but his actions made many feel a sense of shame

During his 4 years in high school, James won the state championship 3 times. In terms of being selected for the All-American high school first team, James was named to the first team 3 times in 4 years, breaking the historical record of two awards held by Garnett, Kobe, Odom, and Kwame Brown since the inception of this award

What is the most important reason that allows Anthony to be genuinely excited about not being the first overall pick?

Do not say, the agents really understand this very well

However, in terms of basketball fans, regarding Anthony, Syracuse is considered a part of New York

Liu Xiu noticed that Anthony beside him was leaning forward, appearing as if he was about to stand up at any moment

David Stern sighed deeply, "Joe Dumars really did something like this..."

After embracing and celebrating with family and friends, James took to the stage, donned a Cavaliers cap, and shook hands with David Stern for a photo.

A few minutes later, David Stern returned to the stage once again, this time directly holding an envelope.

The contestants have long been aware of the movement of the camera positions

In this moment, Liu Xiuzhen wanted to applaud David Stern

The selection of a player in the draft can immediately alter the landscape of the NBA; such occurrences are not unprecedented. Players like Duncan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird have achieved this. In the current context, the combination of Anthony and the Pistons is perceived by many as a potential scenario of this nature

From a certain perspective, James somewhat envies Anthony

The other more than ten members of the small green house on site were also taken aback

Anthony's friends and family have also made preparations to cheer and celebrate

Glancing at his friend beside him who had already accepted the current situation, Anthony silently vowed, "If Jess has no team, even if I am accused of being a rookie acting like a big shot, I will choose my team to sign him; otherwise, I will not report!"

Amidst the cheers and eager gazes, David Stern, with his customary smile, said: "Ladies and gentlemen, in the 2003 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select at the second overall pick..."

After being comforted by his friends and family, Anthony finally managed to force a smile.

Unable to think of a solution, Liu Xiu decided to stop thinking about it. It is not worth wasting brain cells on matters that cannot be resolved.

Liu Xiu was originally 5 years older than the candidates present, and at most, he was 10 years older. Although a man's age does not necessarily indicate greater maturity, he inevitably has richer life experiences. As one grows older, one begins to understand aspects of life that were not comprehensible in childhood.

"Milicic? Who is that?"

If they were to choose a more stable team, they might select Anthony, but if the Cavaliers secure the first overall pick, they would only choose James. If they do not select James with the first overall pick, the Cavaliers have no other option but to relocate.

David Stern, being a professional, immediately spoke into the microphone upon seeing the name: "Ladies and gentlemen, the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is..."

After all, this is something that has been confirmed long ago

As 8 o'clock approaches, the draft conference is about to begin

Although there is anticipation, others have long assumed that James and Anthony will occupy the top two positions.

It is not important; as human beings, one must experience some setbacks in order to grow

But upon reflection, it seems there is nothing much; it is merely a matter of familiarity with the task at hand

The Pistons traded away last season's starting small forward, Michael Curry, after the conclusion of the finals, thereby vacating the starting small forward position

A few minutes later, the ecstatic manager of the Nuggets handed a cap to Anthony, who could barely muster a smile. After stepping onto the stage to shake hands with David Stern, Anthony hurried back to his seat

This time, Liu Xiu had no means to appease Antony in the following events

It is quite rare that the fans on site did not boo, but instead began to cheer, calling out Anthony's name

It has long been rumored that the Pistons have promised Anthony that if the Cavaliers do not select him, their target will be Anthony

Just like buying a lottery ticket, as long as one has purchased it, even knowing that the probability of winning is zero, there is still anticipation in the moment just before the draw

The Pistons' selection was unexpected, but it does not hinder the continuation of the draft.

Seeing that Anthony could no longer maintain his "cool" image, Liu Xiu silently sighed in his heart—"This time, let's not worry about those one hundred and eighty points of healing value..."

Anthony led Syracuse University to win the NCAA basketball championship, and his recognition in New York State is no less than that of LeBron James in Ohio. The prestige of the NCAA basketball championship cannot be matched by the number of high school championships in many states. At present, the actual number of Anthony's true fans in New York State far exceeds that of LeBron James in Ohio

Including Milicic, he is already prepared to join the Nuggets. According to the information he received from his agent, the Nuggets have indicated that they intend to trade Camby for Andre Miller to make room for him

James no longer felt those two gazes; as he turned to speak with his high school teammate beside him, he glanced at Anthony, whose eyes were fixed on the empty stage, his expression betraying an uncontrollable excitement

When David Stern elongated the final syllable, all the draft prospects present... except for Liu Xiu, every draft prospect was eagerly anticipating hearing their name

The table where James was seated immediately erupted with excitement, filled with cheers and congratulatory voices

... ...

James returned to his seat wearing a Cavaliers cap, while David Stern also left the stage. The television broadcast began to play highlights of James's high school career.

"Why me? Why was I chosen by the Pistons?"

Even if it is just a possibility, people believe that the Pistons will make an effort, and the talent and strength displayed by Anthony are genuine and substantial

At the draft event, the participating rookies have returned to a state of anticipation

Anthony thought of Liu Xiu's bizarre expectations for the draft

David Stern opened the envelope, saw the name, and couldn't help but smile with his eyes.

Although Anthony did not reject the invitations from the other 28 teams like James did, he declined all offers except for the top three draft workout invitations, including the joint workouts, and he is completely unfamiliar with Milicic

Every new candidate in each election has the same nature

As his thoughts began to diverge, Anthony temporarily set aside the various negative emotions in his heart, once again feeling a pang of concern about bringing Liu Xiu into the election.

Amid the anticipation of everyone present, David Stern elongated his final note and continued, "... from Serbia, Dako Milisic!"

In general, New Yorkers regard all cities outside of New York City in New York State as rural areas

David Stern, very professional, there was a bit of an adjustment to the absence of murmurs, but there was no pause in his actions as he walked to the center of the stage to open the envelope, yet he clearly froze for a moment upon seeing the name

James's mother jumped up from her chair and exclaimed, "Hahaha, did you see that? My son is a millionaire now!"

Anthony's confidence stems not only from his strong performance and the promises made by the Pistons, but also from the fact that the Pistons traded away Michael Curry, thereby opening up the starting small forward position.

New York fans are quite interesting; although the Knicks did not select Anthony, they are already discussing whether the Pistons, if they had selected Anthony, would have a stable scorer capable of defeating the Lakers or the Spurs to win the championship

The mid-stage of the first round to elimination

Entering the NBA as a second overall pick, and surprisingly joining a championship-contending team, the last player to receive such treatment was named James Worthy

Liu Xiu wanted to comfort Anthony, but Anthony spoke first: "Jess, who is that European center ranked second? I've never heard of him. Has the Pistons gone crazy? Why did they choose him?"

At that moment, James took the initiative to embrace his mother and said, "It will get better; this is just the beginning"

The second position must be that guy...

The secondary stage is a response to unexpected situations, specifically the transactions that occur during the talent selection conference

Dakko-Milisic, do you want to fight him? I heard he is a boxing expert. You can't even beat me, so don't think about challenging him alone. Call me, and the two of us together will definitely make him cry!