"What positions are currently lacking in the team?"

Bruce said this to head coach Paul Westphal.

Because only the head coach knows what is missing in his tactical system.

"After Oakley left, the team lacked a suitable substitute at the power forward position."

The team's starting power forward is of course Garnett. Regardless of Garnett's ability or pre-draft pick, he must be in the starting position.

Knowing that the team currently lacks a power forward candidate, Bruce immediately found the list of candidates for this class of rookies and checked them one by one.

Sure enough, Bruce really found those people.

"Okay then, let's talk about the rookie targets in this draft."

The "Second Generals" also became serious, especially the head coach Paul Westphal. He knew that Bruce attached great importance to this draft. If the predictions are correct, Kobe's name must be there. After all, he could be invited by Bruce.

Jordan came to train alone. This was the first time in the league, except for the requirements of the Bulls.

Old gangsters don't have such a good heart to help others in private.

"Don't say it, you all know that Kobe will definitely be selected with the No. 4 pick, and the Golden State Warriors' first choice for the No. 10 lottery pick is Antoine Walker. If not, then pick Jay

Main O'Neill."

"Fat Tou Tuo" and "Little O'Neal" are definitely the best at the power forward position among this rookie class.

Of course, don’t forget that there is Sharif Abdur-Rahim, an All-Star-level rookie, in this position. But Bruce knows that he will definitely not be able to select him because his pick is too high. Basically, he

Can't get into the No. 10 pick.

"Fat Toutuo" will only know according to the situation, but "Little O'Neal" will definitely be holding the brick in his hand.

If Bruce really had to choose, he would definitely choose "Junior O'Neal". It would not be a pity to lose "Fat Tou Tuo".

But it still depends on the situation. After all, the draft is full of unknown factors.

Antoine Walker? Jermaine O'Neal?

After learning about Tai Ziye's draft target with the No. 10 pick, "Hengha Erjiang" also checked the draft information.

After a while, head coach Paul Westphal still nodded, not bad, especially Antoine Walker, who has a strong body, diverse offensive methods, and wide passing vision. He is a good candidate. The disadvantage is that

The defense can't bear to watch.

Because Antoine Walker also came to the New York Hanmen for a separate trial, head coach Paul Westphal was quite impressed with him.

It's just that Jermaine O'Neal, sorry for my ignorance, is a rookie who has just graduated from high school. His body has not yet opened up, so he can't make much judgment on the current situation.

General manager Mitch Kupchak and the head coach basically have the same idea. They both believe that Antoine Walker is an excellent choice. If they really have to choose, they will choose Samaki Walker.

But they also know that among all the previous rookies, Prince Bruce is definitely the best, bar none.

Since the draft began in 1992, basically all the rookies selected by the Blues have been great value for money and have made huge contributions to the team.

None of the "Humph Two Generals" can deny this, so no matter who Prince Bruce selects in this draft, they will not be surprised.

But none of them expected that the Blues would select two high school students in this draft.

"Ring ring ring..."

At this time, Bruce's personal phone rang unexpectedly.

Bruce walked to the desk and picked up his phone and saw that it was him.

I'm dizzy and it's not over yet. Didn't I just come to see me a few days ago?

What the hell is this guy doing again?

That's right, the call was from that kid from Cuban again.

Of course, looking for Bruce will definitely not do anything good.

"You'd better have something important to say..."

Bruce was furious and said rudely, "You said that Cuban has been looking for me again and again. Could it be that you can't live without me?"

"It's me, little Bruce, why are you so angry?"

Don, Don Nelson?

What does Old Tang want from me?

How can I use Cuban’s phone number?

"Coach Nelson, I didn't look at the caller ID just now. I didn't know it was you looking for me."

His posture was very low. After all, he was one of the coaches he admired. No matter how dissatisfied he was with Cuban, he still had to give face to Nelson, right?

Bruce signaled the "Second General Humph" to continue studying the rookie list, and went to the balcony to answer the "uninvited" call.

He himself also clearly felt that Old Nelson would come to the Three Treasures Hall for no reason, and he must be looking for something. As for what it was, he still didn't know what it was.

"That's it. I won't beat around the bush. Mark came to me to coach the Mavericks. To be honest, I was moved. But I heard that you introduced me to him. Isn't that right?"

"That's true. I need to bear a lot of responsibility for Mr. Nelson's resignation as head coach of the Warriors."

Yes, although Bruce successfully robbed the Golden State Warriors, he also completely pulled Nelson down. If Bruce had the intention, he would remind Nelson to be more careful when signing a contract with Chris Webber, but what about Bruce?

He didn't even say it, because he knew that as long as he told Nelson, the first-round picks stolen from the Golden State Warriors would be greatly reduced. Based on the profit-seeking standpoint of a businessman, he would definitely not do a loss-making business.

of.

To this day, Bruce also feels that he is sorry for Nelson, a great coach. He will not feel the psychological burden of trying to kill the Golden State Warriors, but it is hard to say that for Nelson.

"It's not bad. I wish you could understand. I'm calling you this time just to make a deal with you."

Make a deal?

"you say."

"I took a look at the current player configuration of the Mavericks. In view of the current limited overall strength of the team, I discussed it with Mark and wanted to trade with your Hanren team. This time I don't want players. I also know that you also did it a few years ago.

After robbing the Mavericks, this time I want the No. 10 pick of the Golden State Warriors that I gave you, what do you think?"

To be honest, it's not that great. The No. 10 pick is for Antoine Walker or Jermaine O'Neal. If I give it out, I'm still playing shit!

It's one thing to apologize to you, but it's another thing to make a deal.

Besides, given the current situation of the Mavericks, except for Grant Hill, they don't have any decent players they can add to this deal.

Refuse, absolutely refuse.

"Don't refuse in a hurry, why don't you listen to our offer first."

Old Nelson is indeed Old Nelson. He is indeed treacherous. He knew that I was not willing to do it, and he also knew how to silence me in advance.

Tell me, let's see what value you can tell me that makes my heart beat.

"Scott Brooks + an unprotected first-round pick in 1999 will trade with you for the No. 10 pick in this year's draft. How about helping the Mavericks, helping that guy Mark, and also helping me."

"I need to think about it."

Bruce saw that Old Nelson had said this, so what else could he say?

Can you still refuse so decisively?

Obviously it's impossible.

If Bruce is really asked to choose, he will definitely be reluctant to pull it. Let’s not talk about one-for-one, which is nothing in itself, but can you guarantee that the first-round pick in 1999 will be high?

If I don’t move forward, what will I do with my trading?

On the other side, Nelson was not at peace, nor was Cuban, who had been waiting next to him, because Nelson himself knew very well that Bruce had the initiative in this transaction, but given the cooperative relationship between Cuban and Bruce

, he made this phone call shamelessly, of course it was also related to his own obsession, that damn deal, so he wanted to be able to recoup every one of them, at least he would have a little balance in his heart.

Not long after, Bruce's helpless voice came from Old Nelson's side.

"Okay, I agree to this deal, but I have a condition. I hope you and Mark can agree."

Nelson really didn't expect that he could get the draft pick back from the most famous "stingy guy" in the league.

It's not easy. Really, if everything is in Bruce's hands, trading from him to a first-round pick would cost him his life.

Nelson also nodded to Cuban, who had been staying aside for a long time, and the latter almost jumped with joy.

"What are the conditions?"

"If there are Chinese players participating in the draft in the future, and if they can be selected, I would like to ask the Mavericks to help select them. There is no problem in using a second-round pick, as long as he can be guaranteed playing time."

Hey, it seems that Bruce also cares about China. A patriotic person can never do such bad things.

Old Nelson was still comforting. After all, he had seen the right person. Bruce was indeed different. He was too special.

"Okay, Mark and I both agree."

Old Nelson also told Cuban about the conditions proposed by Bruce, and Cuban thought about it for a while and agreed. After all, the two are now in a cooperative relationship. Besides, they won't waste much salary space after being selected. If it doesn't fit the team's play style, it won't be a big deal.

Just don't renew the rookie contract after it expires.

Anyway, he won't suffer any loss.

"Okay, then it's settled."
To be continued...