Check out my new fanfic. A cote x hikigaya crossover.
Please give it a go š
***
On June 28, 2000, at the Target Center in Polis, the NBA Draft officially began.
In the future, this draft would be rated "F" by ESPN columnist David Schoenfield, but on the morning of the 28th, general managers of various teams were still full of anticipation, ready to welcome the Rookies.
Knicks General Manager Grunfeld also flew to Minnesota.
Picking a hype man wasn't a big deal, but mainly because it was uncomfortable staying in New York!
The championship parade was great, and the MSG documentary was nearing completion.
Ewing was envisioning his retirement tour, Oakley planned to stay in New York, and Larry Johnson planned to sign a retirement contract after his 12-year mega-contract ended.
Allan Houston, who was in a contract year next season, was quiet, but his agent had already announced that a championship guard needed a big contract!
Rashard Lewis, from the bench, also needed a new contract, and his agent stated that Lewis deserved to be a starter and welcomed offers from any team.
James Dolan boasted to the New York fans that not only would they win the championship next season, but they would also play beautiful basketball, averaging 110 points per game!
After the owner spoke, there were no further instructions, and Clay Lee expressed his stance and left.
New York fans hoped the Knicks could find the next Ewing and that big-name players would join the team during the offseason!
The New York Media had already projected a championship even before the new season began!
Sports column articles in major newspapers analyzed a lot, finally pointing their targets at the big fish of the offseason, the free agentsāTim Duncan and Grant Hill!
Tim Duncan hadn't even made a statement yet, but the New York Media already believed he would definitely choose to join the Knicks, replace Ewing, and serve New York for a lifetime.
Grant Hill hadn't spoken since his injury, but the New York Media had already imagined that he had fallen out with the Detroit Pistons and intended to join the Knicks!
After all, they had old teammate Allan Houston and the NBA's only superstar, Lee.
The combination of the three could definitely be described with one word:
"Win!"
The New York Media didn't care about role players, but if these two failed to join the Knicks, then it would be the General Manager's problem!
Before the free agency market opened, the New York Media was already hyping themselves up, and the New York fans who read the newspapers were also pleased.
If they could sign these two, they could indeed dominate the next decade.
The first overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft belonged to the Nets, and Kenyon Martin was ultimately selected by the Nets.
The Grizzlies selected Stromile Swift with the second pick.
The Clippers selected Darius Miles with the third pick.
The Chicago Bulls, who kept their first-round pick, selected Marcus Fizer with the 4th pick.
The Knicks staff watched David Stern maintain a smile throughout, announcing the names of each Rookie player, and couldn't help but ask in a low voice:
"Where are we going next? To San Antonio or to Detroit?"
Grunfeld came back to his senses, first hearing David Stern announce:
"With the 28th pick, the New York Knicks select Jake Voskuhl from the University of Connecticut."
The starting center for last year's NCAA champions, Lee's alumnus, Grunfeld made a good gesture when there were no better options.
A late first-round Rookie was highly likely to leave the team within a year.
The big man Todd, selected last year, couldn't even get playing time, and this Rookie wouldn't have better treatment next season.
Flexible big men with size were very popular in the market.
There were simply too few excellent big men.
Second-round picks were even less worth paying attention to.
Grunfeld pondered for a moment, then immediately made up his mind:
"First to San Antonio, Allan will help us contact Grant. We'll split into two groups and get these things done as quickly as possible!"
Lee wasn't concerned about the draft or the team's affairs.
This offseason, he had to re-sign his contract with Nike, and there were also some sponsors coming to visit.
He was recently preparing to buy a house in Manhattan.
He had been renting an apartment in Manhattan for the past few years, but now that his wallet was full, there was no need to shortchange himself.
Ivanka had already screened many options for him, finally settling on a townhouse in the Upper East Side.
Although the houses there looked ancient from the outside, after several renovations, the interiors were very modern.
Buying a house here wasn't to show off his status, but because the house had investment properties, meaning it was a worthwhile purchase and could even make a small profit in the future!
In the morning, they looked at a few townhouses near Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In the afternoon, they continued house hunting in the area.
When they arrived at a house in the Financial District, Ivanka quietly said:
"The real estate agent wants to sell this confiscated house, and they might not have told you some information."
"This house used to belong to Jeffrey Jordan, I came here when I was little, and although the decor has changed a bit, I remember it very clearly!"
"The house from this morning was very good. Although it was a bit smaller, it was enough to entertain friends, and six floors were sufficient. The facade was better preserved, and it would likely appreciate in value in the future."
Some memories suddenly appeared in Lee's mind, and when he looked at the house again, his gaze was a bit strange, "The pervert's houseā¦"
Noticing Lee's expression, Ivanka whispered again, and after a brief tour, they quickly left.
Seeing Ivanka eager to squeeze into the driver's seat, Lee helplessly pressed her into the passenger seat.
Ivanka, dressed in a black suit dress, was a bit regretful.
She really liked this black Lamborghini and had even worn matching clothes, but after almost having an accident that morning, Lee had to drive again.
"The second floor of that house this morning could easily accommodate 100 people, and the renovated party space was also beautiful."
"The third floor has a library and a study, the children's bedroom on the fourth floor needs to be re-renovated, and the home theater on the fifth floor is also good."
"The sixth-floor outdoor area can also be used for parties, and it would be even better with a sunroom!"
"22 guest rooms, 9 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 3 terraces. Besides needing more bathrooms, the small garden in front is also beautiful. Although not large, it will definitely appreciate in value in the future."
Clay Lee calculated as he drove, realizing he would have to leave most of the rooms in that house empty.
Decades ago, a sign of upper-class individuals was a constant stream of "visitors" in their homes.
To entertain these "visitors," they needed to set aside a large number of empty rooms, various drinks and foods, and venues ready for parties at any time.
Allowing guests to relax and enjoy themselves freely at home was also a hallmark of the upper class.
"It seems I don't have enough friends yet, but that really is a beautiful house!"
Hearing Lee's words, Ivanka smiled again, very confident in her own taste.
Her attractiveness depended entirely on her current weight.
Lee turned to look at Ivanka, who had lost a lot of weight recently, and invited her again:
"Do you want to go to France for a vacation in July? Consider it a small gift for your help."
"My pocket money is running low," Ivanka said softly, then quickly added, "But going to France for a trip is no problem!"
"..."
On July 1st, the NBA free agency officially opened, and New York fans began to eagerly await news about Tim Duncan and Grant Hill.
Both were free agents, and after entering the free market, they would surely receive offers from various teams.
July conveniently entered a freeze period, making it easy for star players to travel around, visit different cities, and enjoy free meals, without worrying about expenses for the entire month.
The Orlando Magic had been very active in the draft, having already traded away four players, clearly indicating that the management had big plans for this offseason!
Detroit Pistons fans were also angered by the New York Media's arrogant recruitment.
Ewing had recruited Allan Houston back then, and now they wanted to poach Grant Hill?
If free agent Grant Hill really joined the Knicks, then the years of development would have been wasted again, all for the benefit of their opponent.
Although the influence of the Detroit media was waning, they continued to try and retain Hill while also mocking the Knicks:
"New York Pistons!"
General Manager Grunfeld flew to San Antonio after the free agency opened, and he quickly discovered his competitors: Doug Rivers and Orlando Magic General Manager John Gabriel had also flown there.
San Antonio sports media also realized that things were serious.
Tim Duncan had not refused, but had actively contacted various teams.
However, to the relief of San Antonio Spurs fans, Duncan did not directly defect:
"I want to visit other teams first. I'm not interested in joining a team that defeated me in the Finals."
Duncan's firm statement in an interview left San Antonio Spurs fans with mixed feelings: their superstar was highly unlikely to join the Knicks, but there was a significant possibility he could be lured away by the Orlando Magic!
To show respect for Duncan, the San Antonio media began to call for Gregg Popovich's dismissal again!
On the morning of the 2nd, Grunfeld could only watch as Duncan, who had greeted him, accepted the Orlando Magic's invitation with his entire family.
Grunfeld felt a bit dejected after being rebuffed, but he quickly received feedback from the other side: Grant Hill was willing to hear the Knicks' plan.
That afternoon, at the Tarrytown training center, James Dolan accompanied Grant Hill on a tour of the Knicks' practice facility.
The curly-haired owner was very fond of Grant Hill: good image, explosive play style, excellent on both offense and defense, and polite to everyoneāhe was simply a model player!
"This is our training center. We still need to add more advanced training equipment later."
"The Knicks are the only team in the NBA with an independent training facility."
After proudly painting a grand picture, James Dolan continued to accompany Grant Hill on a tour of the training facility.
Throughout the process, Hill did not show much emotion, responding with a smile the entire time.
Enthusiastic New York fans even appeared in Tarrytown, shouting Grant Hill's name outside the training facility.
In the afternoon, Clay Lee also appeared at the training, accompanied by Allan Houston and Jeff Van Gundy.
As a big fish in the free agency market, the Knicks mobilized all their star players to show respect.
Jeff Van Gundy, in an interview, also appeared eager for talent, smiling as he replied:
"If Hill chooses to join, he can indeed improve the team's offense. I really like his performance on the court!"
Allan Houston was naturally very happy to see his old teammate.
"Hill also did it!"
His old teammate was also choosing to leave the Detroit Pistons.
"Playing in New York is great, but sometimes you have to adapt to the media environment here."
"But I believe you won't have this trouble. The New York Media all like you!"
"As for working with Lee, it's not difficult at all. He will constantly get the ball into your hands."
Grant Hill, dressed in a light gray suit, immediately nodded upon hearing these words.
Seeing Lee walking towards him, he immediately promised his old teammate with a serious expression:
"I believe in your sincerity. If nothing unexpected happens, New York will indeed be my first choice!"
"..."
....
https://discord.gg/mjcCSyu7Yr
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)