Under the GOAT's curse, the Lakers, led by Kobe, finally completed their grand revival, duking it out with the Celtics for a full seven games. Even though Kobe faced Tony Allen's "death-grip defense" every night during the Finals, only shooting 41% from the field, he still managed to find shooting lanes and hit crucial shots for the Lakers in tight moments.
The Finals concluded perfectly. Kobe, with an outstanding performance of 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, was named FMVP for the first time in his career. At the Staples Center, Kobe was visibly emotional, tears streaming down his face as he said, "I know many people doubted me and this team over the past few years, but today, we proved ourselves with our actions!"
Leading the Lakers back to a championship was hugely significant, both for Kobe and the team. Especially defeating their arch-rivals, the Celtics, in the Finals.
"No one will doubt our choices from back then," Lakers owner Jerry Buss declared while holding the trophy. "Kobe can lead the Lakers to a championship even without Shaq."
Interestingly, on the night the Finals ended, besides lamenting for Duncan, Zack also scrolled past a rather "sour grapes" tweet:
"I'm pretty sure Kobe's gonna be like, 'Shaq, Shaq, how's my ass taste?'"
O'Neal confidently tweeted, "Kobe is just that petty. I know better than anyone that he wanted this championship so badly just to stick it to me."
However... O'Neal, who in this life had been swept twice by Zack's team in the Finals after leaving the Lakers, clearly overestimated his importance in Kobe's mind. In the post-game interviews, Kobe didn't mention O'Neal's name once. Instead, Zack's name was brought up repeatedly by Kobe.
"I'm looking forward to him coming back at full strength next season," Kobe said in an interview. "I know he's considered the best in the world by many, but for me, competing against him is one of the reasons I play basketball."
Zack never thought he'd become one of Kobe's reasons for playing basketball. Despite their usual friction, sitting in front of the TV, Zack couldn't help but puff out his chest at that moment.
---
### Sun Yue: A Champion in the Shadows
Additionally, Sun Yue also became the fourth basketball player in NBA history to win an NBA championship that night. In his championship speech, Kobe didn't forget the "water boy" who had only played 15 regular-season games for the Lakers, averaging 1.4 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.4 blocks.
"No player on our team is superfluous," Kobe said, specifically turning his gaze to Sun Yue. "Sun's full-effort defense against me in every practice helped this team immensely."
Unlike the Kobe of a few years ago, the current Kobe had reached the pinnacle of his career, both in terms of emotional intelligence and basketball skill.
However, Zack didn't quite agree with Kobe's statement at the awards ceremony that he would lead the Lakers to another championship next year. During the Finals, Zack had already begun high-intensity training with Grover's help. Right now, while diligently working to regain his form, Zack was also secretly accumulating the energy to destroy the entire basketball world.
So, how could he possibly agree to Kobe winning again next season? Zack was itching to get back on the court. He couldn't wait to prove himself again next season.
What, you're saying a GOAT needs to prove himself again? Of course! In Zack's view, after every great game, he needs to prove himself again in the next one! One excellent game, or even a perfect season, simply couldn't satisfy Zack's perpetually insatiable drive!
---
### Draft Day Buzz: A "Minor" Year?
The season ended, and NBA teams immediately turned their attention to the upcoming Draft Lottery. However, compared to the past two years, this was widely considered a "minor" draft year, so many teams were trying to sell off their draft picks.
Despite the animosity towards Zack, business is business. The Lakers were ready to swap their 30th overall pick in the first round with the Warriors' 9th overall pick in the second round, and also acquire an additional 2012 second-round pick from the Warriors in this trade. For Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, a late first-round pick in a minor draft year in exchange for a second-round pick from the same year plus a future second-round pick seemed like a good deal no matter how you looked at it.
So, why would the Warriors let the Lakers get such a seemingly good deal for free? Of course, it was because the GOAT had scanned this year's second-round draft list and specifically asked the Warriors' front office for another young player.
Given that Zack's super max contract would officially kick in starting next season, the Warriors were inevitably going to become a high-salary team. In Zack's opinion, they needed quality "child labor contracts" to supplement the roster more than ever. Moreover, even though the Warriors would acquire experienced veteran Bell in an upcoming three-team trade, considering Bell's limited fuel in the tank, the Warriors needed to quickly find a future 3-and-D wing to take over for him.
---
### The Unseen Gem: Danny Green
And so, Zack, noticing Danny Green, a tough guy on this year's second-round draft list, just couldn't resist. In Zack's previous life, Green, known as the "end-all, be-all" of 3-and-D players and the ultimate role player, was famous not only for his diligent defense throughout his career but also for his impressive 40% three-point shooting.
Although historically, Green was drafted by the Cavaliers but couldn't get into LeBron's good graces because James was eager for immediate success, Green later proved his worth with his career achievements as a quality championship piece.
However... the Warriors' front office, who were prepared to use a late first-round pick to bring Green to the GOAT on draft day, couldn't help but feel worried about the GOAT's eye for talent after Green's tryout. As one of the key players in North Carolina's "March Madness" championship run this year, Green's performance in the skill tests could only be described as... indescribable.
First, during shooting drills, he simply couldn't adjust to the NBA three-point line. Second, his defense wasn't as reliable as Zack had claimed. In one-on-one drills, even Anthony Morrow, who wasn't known for his ball-handling, could easily blow past him within the Warriors' team.
"Is he really the captain of the Tar Heels? And he won March Madness with them this year?" Jack, who participated in Green's tryout, asked Zack. "Is the NCAA level really that low now? It seems American basketball is truly declining."
Green's tryout performance was disastrous. And during the interview, Green, who hadn't yet gone through his future hardships, seemed to lack the mental fortitude to play in the NBA, in the eyes of the Warriors' front office.
---
### Zack's Vision: Polishing Rough Diamonds
Despite his full confidence in Green, Zack could only tell the Warriors' front office, "Danny is still a rough gem. I'm confident I can mold him into a two-way wing player. You know, I've always been good at developing young talent."
A rough gem who played four years in college? And what do you mean, "you're good at developing young talent"?
While it was true that under Zack's activation, players on the past Warriors team had all progressively realized their potential, given Green's seemingly fragile mental state in the eyes of the Warriors' front office, they seriously doubted whether Green could even last an hour in front of Zack.
Nevertheless, since he was a young player specifically requested by the GOAT, no matter how many flaws he had, the Warriors' front office could only accept him with tears in their eyes.
---
### Draft Night Drama: Curry's Surprise
On June 25th, the annual NBA Draft was held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Clippers, thrilled, used their first overall pick to select Blake Griffin, who was excellent in every aspect except for his somewhat short wingspan. Griffin, who stood 208cm tall with shoes, displayed astonishing athleticism during his physical tests. His running vertical leap easily exceeded 90cm, and his maximum bench press reps ranked first among his draft class.
However... Griffin's wingspan was only 211cm. This measurement, let alone in the NBA where supermen are abundant, was considered merely average even among regular people for a player of his height. In future generations, among many hypotheticals about NBA players, whether Griffin could dominate the league if he had an extra 10cm of wingspan was always a popular topic. This is because before Kendall Jenner "locked him down," Griffin, who improved every year, not only developed mid-range and long-range shooting in the later stages of his career but also saw visible progress in his passing and ball-handling skills through daily refinement. Griffin wasn't a player who relied solely on athleticism. It's just a pity that his wingspan limited his development to a higher level.
As for Kendall Jenner, who in the NBA is like the "Lu Ma" horse from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" (a horse said to bring bad luck to its owner)? Perhaps Jenner truly brings bad luck. But once this "good horse" turns eighteen, Zack would actually like to experience firsthand if she truly brings bad luck like Lu Ma.
At the draft live event, Curry, who had played against Griffin in a challenge game during college and formed a friendship, immediately stood up and applauded when Griffin was rightfully selected as the first overall pick. At this moment, Curry, even casually chatting with Harden at the next table, clearly had no idea what was about to happen next.
A few minutes later, David Stern returned to the stage, opened the envelope, and read, "With the 2nd pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select Stephen Curry from Davidson College."
Before the draft, in various mock drafts, Curry had only been projected as high as the third pick in the first round (because the Knicks might pick him). He never imagined the Grizzlies would use their second overall pick to select him! Undoubtedly, this was an unexpected turn of events for Curry and his family. Amidst the congratulations from those around him, old Curry suppressed his complex emotions and tightly embraced his son.
Second overall pick! Stephen Curry, the son of Charlotte Hornets legend Dell Curry, became the NBA's esteemed second overall pick! Although the Grizzlies' choice surprised everyone, and even though Curry preferred playing in the Big Apple (New York) over Memphis, the moment he put on the Grizzlies cap, recalling his status as a three-star high school recruit after graduating high school, Curry couldn't help but shed tears.
When dreams become reality, Curry, feeling like he had finally escaped Zack's clutches, was ready to make a name for himself in the NBA. He strode confidently towards the main stage.
---
### The Twist: Curry's Return to the GOAT
Meanwhile, on ESPN, A. Smith, who was still questioning the Grizzlies' pick, immediately received trade information from the front. Since the Grizzlies had selected Stephen Curry for the Warriors as agreed, the three parties—Warriors, Grizzlies, and Suns—who had prepared for this trade all along, naturally finalized their long-planned deal.
Curry officially learned the specific details of the trade when he arrived in the interview area. And then... the baby-faced assassin's expression immediately became priceless. So, the Grizzlies used the second pick to draft me... just so the Warriors could make sure they got me?
And in the interview area, the young Curry unfortunately faced a boomerang effect. "Stephen, you've said before that the Messiah is your idol, that you wanted to play for the Warriors, and that you only tried out for the Warriors. Now you've finally gotten your wish. Can you share your feelings with us at this moment?"
Feelings? Curry's true feelings at that moment were probably as awful as eating a chocolate that tasted like... well, you get the idea. If he could, he'd rather not have been drafted so high!
"I'm very grateful that the Warriors value me so much," Curry said, forcing a smile. "It's an honor to play for the Warriors."
Next, the reporter asked, "Stephen, even though you and the Warriors are a mutual match, the Warriors are a championship-contending team. You might have to prepare to sit on the bench for a long time in your rookie season. What are your thoughts on that?"
Thinking about this, Curry, overwhelmed with sorrow, immediately teared up and said, "I'm very happy to join such a competitive team. Even if I can't play, I believe I can still learn valuable experience."
Finally, the reporter asked, "Are you nervous about playing with your idol?"
Nervous? Curry, who knew how terrible Zack's personality was, probably felt like dying at that moment. Nervous?
"I think this is destined to be an unforgettable experience in my life," Curry said, tears streaming down his face. "The Messiah has always been my role model and one of the motivations that keeps me playing."
Curry clearly needed more time to digest his draft night experience.
---
### The Rest of the Draft
And next, the Knicks, who genuinely intended to pick Curry with the third overall pick, had no choice but to select James Harden from Arizona State University. Hasheem Thabeet, nicknamed "Mutombo II," was not in the Knicks' front office's consideration. This is because, even until 2010, the Knicks would enjoy the "child labor" benefits of two young players, Durant and Westbrook. So, GM Donnie Walsh, who had already been gradually clearing cap space for the Knicks, was more hoping to land one or two "big fish" in the 2010 summer free agency market.
That's right, the Knicks weren't planning on developing their own interior players. Furthermore, before Durant, Westbrook, and Harden's "child labor contracts" expired, the Knicks would still have ample cap space in the summer of 2010 to recruit superstar players.
In front of the TV, Zack, contemplating how to coach Curry, suddenly saw a Knicks team brimming with infinite possibilities appear before him. Given the Knicks' substantial financial power, Zack felt he might even witness an all-MVP Knicks team at some point in the future.
After the Knicks took Harden, the draft continued.
With the fourth overall pick, the Bucks' management, surprised to find Thabeet unexpectedly fall to them, didn't hesitate to draft "Mutombo II."
With the fifth overall pick, the Kings selected Tyreke Evans, who they were most satisfied with during their tryouts. This was a versatile guard who, in Zack's memory, had been praised as "James II." In his rookie season, Evans put up an all-around stat line of "20+5+5." However, due to injuries, Evans, who peaked upon his debut, was also a rare player whose peak was his debut.
With the sixth overall pick, the Timberwolves selected Spanish "Golden Boy" Ricky Rubio. Since he still had a contract with his European club, Rubio wouldn't be able to join the NBA until two years later. In Zack's previous life, Rubio, nicknamed "Lu Yi Zhong" (a play on his poor shooting), had such a stiff shooting touch that you wouldn't believe he was a European player. Throughout his career, Rubio, who even missed wide-open layups multiple times, was essentially a "human rebound-generating machine" in Zack's eyes.
Next, with the eighth overall pick, the Raptors traded up to select DeMar DeRozan. The Grizzlies, using the first-round pick they acquired from the Warriors in the three-team trade, selected Tyler Hansbrough from the Tar Heels.
In Zack's memory, Brandon Jennings, the youngest "50+" scorer in NBA history, was taken by the New Jersey Nets with the tenth overall pick. Jrue Holiday was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the thirteenth overall pick. The Nuggets traded up to get Ty Lawson with the eighteenth overall pick. The New Orleans Hornets selected Jeff Teague with the nineteenth overall pick. The Atlanta Hawks selected Darren Collison with the twenty-first overall pick. The Bulls took Taj Gibson with the twenty-fourth overall pick.
And finally, the Warriors used their late first-round pick to select North Carolina captain Danny Green.
---
### A Legendary Draft Class
That night, Zack could only marvel that 2009 truly deserved its place among the top five NBA Draft classes in his memory. Despite being widely considered a minor year before the draft began, the success rate of the first-round picks this year was incredibly high. And even in the second round, there were hidden gems like Patrick Beverley, Marcus Thornton, and Patty Mills.
Unfortunately, the Warriors' roster couldn't accommodate every single hidden gem. Moreover, considering that these young players also needed sufficient playing time and the right environment to truly develop, Zack decisively turned off the TV after the Warriors selected Green.
The Warriors had secured their desired talent on draft night. After two turbulent years with the team, this was Zack's first time participating in a team's rebuilding efforts. Now, the Warriors needed to focus on developing their young players next season while once again making a run for that damned championship!
---