June 28th.
Inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York.
The moment Zack walked into the Green Room with his parents, Rachel, and Evans, he was met with gazes full of resentment. Tonight, among the players invited to the Green Room, aside from a few high school players and Villanueva, all others were Zack's defeated opponents. Therefore, upon seeing Zack enter the Green Room, a genuine fear of him immediately welled up in the hearts of these talented players.
In contrast, it was Villanueva, who had defeated the Demon Deacons with Connecticut in the 03/04 season, who not only proactively greeted Zack but also, after a polite handshake and hug, proudly surveyed the room. At that moment, this "Eyebrow-less Swordsman" was clearly telling everyone with his silent expression: "We're different."
Meanwhile, in the Green Room, Paul and his older brother CJ, sitting at the next table, seemed incredibly nervous. Because of Zack, the night before the draft, when predicting the draft order, the answers given by various media outlets weren't just inconsistent; they were completely contradictory.
On TNT, Barkley commented: "Aside from the undisputed number one pick in the 2005 draft, all other picks seem to have X-factors. No one knows how the teams that didn't get the top pick will choose. This is going to be the most chaotic year ever."
The most undisputed year for the top pick, and the most chaotic year for all other picks. As Zack's appearance triggered a massive butterfly effect, the feelings of these talented players sitting in the Green Room tonight towards Zack could only be described as extremely complex. Over the past month, unsure of which team would pick them, many players had to accept tryout invitations that weren't originally in their plans. Keep in mind, in the NBA, for many players whose draft stock was originally good, more tryouts aren't necessarily a good thing. Because more tryouts could also expose their weaknesses, leading to a drop in their draft position.
"How was your tryout in New Orleans?" Zack asked Paul, who was sitting next to him, out of curiosity. Paul frowned and replied, "Coach Byron Scott invited me to a casual dinner afterward, but—"
"But?"
"But I feel like the Hornets might be more interested in someone else."
Zack never imagined that his appearance would cause such a significant change in Paul's life. After all, historically, before the 2005 draft began, many people expected Paul to be picked within the top three, or even as the second overall pick. But who would have thought that in this life, Paul, who successfully won the NCAA Championship in college and wouldn't be mocked for never even touching the final floor in college, would end up in such a miserable situation?
"I think you should still be optimistic. After all, anything can happen tonight," Zack comforted Paul.
Next to them, CJ also encouraged Paul: "Always face tomorrow with an optimistic heart, Chris. That's our family motto!" Just like Sakuragi's persistent optimism, even in the face of daunting challenges.
A Historic Moment: Zack Goes Number 1
Furthermore, before the draft began, to make his parents, who were clearly unaccustomed to such an occasion tonight, feel more at ease, Zack chatted with Fatherg and Mother in during the wait.
"Dad, Mom, are you really not planning to come live with me in America?"
"No, you're older now and need more personal space."
Although since celebrating Zack's 21st birthday last year, Fatherg and his wife had been looking forward to spending more time with Zack, they now wished for Zack, who had become increasingly independent, to have his own space. Of course, in addition, since Zack, about to become the NBA's number one pick, meant the well-off Father could even retire early, Father, who had long yearned for world travel, was also looking forward to embarking on that dream journey with his wife, a trip he had been planning in his mind for over a decade.
Zack chose to understand and support his parents' rather avant-garde decision that day. "Don't worry, every time we finish a stage of our trip, we'll come to America to stay with you for a while." At this moment, looking at Zack's heroic and extraordinary face, Fatherg, who decided to go back home and brag to his neighbors first before starting his world travel plan after the draft, smiled.
At 7:40 PM. amidst boos and shouts accusing of behind-the-scenes manipulation, NBA Commissioner David Stern officially took the main stage. As per tradition, after some pleasantries, Stern still gave the Warriors, holding the number one pick, a few minutes to deliberate. These were excruciating minutes. For Warriors fans, they were already prepared to welcome their Overlord. But why was this time passing so slowly?
Finally, the envelope containing the Warriors' selection was handed to Stern amidst eager anticipation. At this moment, Stern, already knowing the answer, playfully joked, "Let's see if the Warriors will make a surprising choice." This playful joke from Stern instantly broke the composure of Warriors fans, who had originally felt quite fond of him. "You darn old man... Can you just hurry up and read that name out loud?"
There was no surprise. The next second, Stern announced the Golden State Warriors' selection to the world:
With the first overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, the Warriors select Zack.
On site, as the dust settled, many reporters immediately sent back their pre-prepared news releases across the ocean. had, at this very moment, welcomed its second NBA number one overall pick!
For basketball enthusiasts, already fortunate in the early 21st century, the news of Zack being successfully drafted as the number one pick was like going to a restaurant, ordering a single "Manchu-Han Imperial Feast," but the hotel insists on bringing out two tables, and then tells you: "Don't worry about wasting it. If it's not enough, we can bring you another one." There couldn't have been a more wonderful moment.
"The Golden State Warriors made an incredibly correct decision. This is a historic moment. The Warriors, as they wished, have welcomed their Messiah," Barkley commented on TNT.
And on site, after hugging his parents, Rachel, and Evans one by one, with that signature bright smile, wearing the Golden State Warriors cap, Zack turned and confidently walked towards the main stage. Tall, heroic, handsome, imposing—this was the impression Zack gave everyone on the night of June 28, 2005.
In his parents' eyes, he was their pride, their joy, and their greatest creation. In his friends' hearts, he was safe and reliable, the kind of brother you'd wish to live and die with, akin to the unwavering bond between Sakuragi and Mito. He was the Warriors' Messiah, and also Overlord.
"Congratulations, Zack."
On the main stage, Stern shook hands and hugged Zack with a benevolent expression. Unlike others, in Stern's eyes at this moment, Zack was clearly a gift from heaven to the NBA. Especially after Zack and he shared a perfectly coordinated photo op. Unlike those rookies who were so excited they didn't know what to do, and unlike those youngsters who showed excessive desire, in short, Zack's first impression on Stern could only be described as perfect. Stern felt he had already grown fond of this young man, whose smile was even sweeter than Iverson's or Anthony's.
"Go for the interview now," Stern said, gently patting Zack's back and pointing towards the interview corridor.
As he walked towards the interview corridor, Zack did wonder if the Warriors would trade him. But clearly, even if you pointed a gun at Chris Mullin right now, Mullin would calmly tell you: "You want me to trade Zack? Then go ahead and shoot."
Media Scrutiny and Trade Frenzy
In the interview corridor, Zack was interviewed by several media outlets. Most of the questions were similar. American media were more concerned about Zack's feelings after being drafted by the Warriors and his thoughts on the team that selected him. media, on the other hand, were more concerned about whether Zack would participate in this summer's Asian Championship.
To this, Zack replied one by one: "Becoming the NBA's number one pick, without a doubt, even at this moment, I still feel it's unreal. It's a very strange feeling; this is definitely the most exciting moment of my life so far. As for the Golden State Warriors who picked me, honestly, I can't wait to play for them. I know they have a great group of fans. As for whether I will be a part of the men's basketball team this summer? I can only say that wearing the men's basketball jersey and bringing glory to my country has always been my dream." (Note ①)
Throughout the interview, Zack, flawless, left an excellent impression on all media outlets. "His maturity makes me feel like he's more like a politician who has been in office for many years," said Sherry Smith, interviewing Zack for the first time in her career tonight.
"Indeed, many of his word choices during the interview were clearly carefully designed. Speaking unhurriedly, articulate and simple in his wording..." said Skip Jackson, standing next to Sherry Smith. At this moment, Skip's "simple wording" comment about Zack was not a criticism. Because in America, where the overall cultural level is, to put it mildly, inconsistent, clear, simple, and logical phrasing is more likely to make your supporters understand exactly what you want to express immediately.
As a player who had already successfully obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University upon graduating as a junior, Skip knew very well that Zack wasn't incapable of using more advanced, complex sentences; he just deliberately lowered the difficulty for others to understand him, especially during interviews. If LeBron James, who entered the league in early 2003, seemed as mature as a businessman who had been in business for many years, then at this moment, Zack, this young man, as Sherry Smith said, felt like a politician who had been in office for many years.
A businessman and a politician... What kind of "Sleeping Dragon and Phoenix Fledgling" did Nike sign?
The interview concluded. Just as Zack, who still had to take photos, rushed to the next location without stopping, at the draft venue, the Atlanta Hawks made a choice with their second overall pick that surprised two teams.
Around 8:05 PM, the Hawks selected Deron Williams with the second overall pick in the 2005 first round. This selection immediately left the Trail Blazers and Jazz, who had planned to trade draft picks, completely stunned.
"Are the Hawks willing to trade Deron Williams?" Jerry Sloan, whose mood was growing increasingly anxious, asked his Jazz front office war room, pulling at his hair.
"The Hawks refuse to trade, stating that they consider Deron Williams untradable." A few minutes later, the Jazz front office war room replied to Sloan. At this moment, looking up at the ceiling, Jerry Sloan's emotions were mixed.
"Portland is asking us... if we still want to proceed with the draft pick trade as originally planned?" Hearing this, Sloan forced a bitter smile and said, "Trade."
"But Jerry, we can't get Deron Williams anymore."
"The Jazz can't afford another year of tanking. After the trade, use this pick to select Chris Paul. Although we didn't invite him for a tryout, he is indeed the best point guard in this draft class besides Deron Williams."
Despite his reluctance. Despite not knowing why the Hawks would snatch Deron Williams. But knowing his sole responsibility to the Jazz, veteran coach Sloan decisively made his decision. Because the Jazz are not like those big market teams, and Salt Lake City is not like those cities that don't have to worry about fans. The Utah Jazz cannot afford years of tanking.
Chris Paul... Maybe you're not the player I wanted most. But I still hope that I can cultivate you into the player who can bring hope to the Jazz.
Around 8:20 PM, the trade between the Trail Blazers and Jazz was officially completed. The Trail Blazers would send out their 2005 first-round third overall pick in exchange for the Jazz's 2005 first-round fifth overall pick, as well as their 2005 second-round pick and 2006 second-round pick. (Note ②)
Then, Chris Paul, who had originally felt he might even fall out of the top five picks, received some good news and some bad news. The good news: after the trade, the Utah Jazz selected him with the third overall pick. The bad news: next season, he had to play in Salt Lake City.
However, no matter how complex his feelings were at the moment, Paul's constantly anxious heart could finally relax. Now, he would head to the main stage as the third overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.
Zack learned that Paul was selected by the Jazz with the third pick about 15 minutes later. At that moment, looking at Paul wearing the Jazz hat, Zack found it difficult to comment. But one thing he could confirm was that compared to New Orleans, which would later be hit by a hurricane, Paul would likely have a more brilliant career in Salt Lake City, under Jerry Sloan's system. After all, as long as Jerry Sloan, known for his strict discipline, was there, Paul would never suffer a "58-point massacre" against the Nuggets in the playoffs, as in Zack's original memory. Furthermore, given Paul's personality, veteran coach Jerry Sloan would definitely not experience that disheartening falling out with a player that Zack remembered. (Note ③) After all, Paul was even acknowledged by Byron Scott as the easiest NBA star to coach.
And as Deron went to Atlanta and Paul went to Salt Lake City, Zack, having fully realized the immense impact he was having on the NBA, suddenly had a question pop into his mind. Just asking, what level is the combination of him, Deron, and Paul — the first, second, and third picks — in NBA draft history?
"By the way, how did the Hawks let go of their obsession with swingmen and choose Deron instead?" Zack silently wondered in his heart the next second.
Why did the Hawks choose Deron? Actually, the answer to this question isn't hard to guess. Because in the 04/05 season, Zack completely demolished Marvin Williams in their official matchup in the ACC conference against North Carolina, so Marvin was excluded from the Hawks' options early on. While losing to Zack in college basketball wasn't shameful, for the Hawks, who only wanted Zack before the draft, do you know how hard it was for them to think of Zack every time they saw Marvin?
Swingmen? In the 2005 draft, besides Marvin, who was a gamble on talent, what other swingman was worthy of the second overall pick? Webster or Villanueva?
"Pick Deron Williams... At least he was the only player in college basketball who faced Zack's team and died standing." This was why the Hawks chose Deron with their second overall pick. No technique, all emotion.
Next, around 8:35 PM, the Bucks and Hornets also officially completed a trade. The Bucks would send out their 2005 first-round fourth overall pick in exchange for the Hornets' 2005 first-round seventh overall pick, as well as the Hornets' 2005 second-round pick and some cash. This year, unable to secure the number one pick through tanking, the always thrifty Bucks naturally had to meticulously calculate to maximize their interests.
With the fourth overall pick in the 2005 first round, after the trade was completed, the Hornets decisively took Marvin Williams. As for the point guard position that Mr. Byron Scott had always hoped the Hornets would strengthen? No problem, Byron, if not this year, there's always next year, right? New Orleans can be without a point guard, but it cannot be without a future. Therefore, unable to draft Paul as planned, the Hornets management turned their attention to Marvin, who at least had potential worth gambling on.
Next, with the fifth overall pick, the Trail Blazers, who failed to get the number one pick and had no preferred target, selected Martell Webster. A player... perfectly matching the Trail Blazers' current situation.
Then, with the sixth overall pick, a heartbroken Michael Jordan personally selected Raymond Felton from North Carolina for the Bobcats. At this moment, Jordan, who always believed his judgment was excellent, not only felt mixed emotions, but for a moment, Jordan felt that his heart, which always seemed to be passionate about basketball... had died. However, since Zack was the true chosen one in Jordan's heart, after regaining his composure, how could the never-give-up Jordan easily concede defeat? "Start preparing now. At least we still have hope."
Next, with the seventh and eighth overall picks in the first round, the Bucks and Raptors respectively selected Bogut and Villanueva. In this life, despite not getting the number one pick, the Bucks still got Bogut. However, due to Zack's influence, the Bucks, who picked Bogut at this moment, were not as excited as they were historically. Just a barely decent center prospect? In the eyes of the Bucks management, the current Bogut certainly doesn't deserve the title of "White Duncan." In fact, if the Bucks had other options, if the Bucks hadn't been so thrifty, Bogut's draft position this year might have even dropped further, because... in that game where Zack completely dominated him, Bogut exposed nothing but weaknesses, no strengths at all.
And after the initial unexpected occurrences, the 2005 draft seemed to be corrected back to its original historical track at some point. With the ninth overall pick in the first round, the Lakers selected talented high schooler Andrew Bynum. With the tenth overall pick in the first round, the Magic selected Erick Dampier. With the thirteenth overall pick in the first round, the Bobcats selected Sean May. With the seventeenth overall pick in the first round, the Pacers selected Danny Granger.
Post-Draft Trades and Future Outlook
However, just as Zack, who had already taken a group photo with the other thirteen lottery picks, thought the draft would conclude, "Breaking news! Just now, the Warriors and Nuggets have officially reached a three-team trade agreement."
The Warriors changed their original draft strategy for 2005. Since Mullin and Montgomery both knew that Zack possessed star potential as soon as he entered the NBA, quickly building a team naturally became the top priority for the Warriors' front office in this year's draft. And this also led them, who would originally pick Monta Ellis with a second-round pick, to look towards the first round.
According to the trade, the Nuggets would send out their 2005 first-round 22nd overall pick in exchange for the Warriors' 2005 second-round first overall pick and their 2006 second-round pick.
Five minutes later, the Warriors used the 22nd overall pick they acquired from the Nuggets to select Jarrett Jack from Georgia Tech. Jack, who entered the draft as a junior, had stronger immediate impact and performed more steadily during tryouts. Furthermore, he and Zack both came from the ACC conference. During his interview, Jack, who was intimately familiar with Zack's style, even expressed his firm resolve to support Zack to the Warriors' management.
Undoubtedly, this was a good trade, even in Zack's opinion. Because compared to Ellis, who needed time to be coached and was strong offensively but weak defensively, perhaps Jack wasn't as talented as Ellis, but as the "starting point guard killer" in Zack's memory, not to mention Jack's playing style and personality being more suitable for playing with him... Just based on the following point, in Zack's opinion, Jack was more suitable for the Warriors, who didn't have much time to develop Ellis. That is, because Mullin, just like in Zack's memory, traded Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis for Baron Davis, who had just suffered a major injury, from the Hornets in February 2005. Considering the "first-generation Beard" Mr. Davis's body, which could malfunction at any time, "God Jack," who consistently performed well whenever the team's starting point guard had issues throughout his career, essentially came with a built-in "buff" for the future Warriors team.
"Speaking of which, the Warriors' determination to tank this year was really firm... After trading for Davis from the Hornets, they actually let him rest for over twenty more games, under the guise of allowing Davis to fully recover for next season..."
Undoubtedly, the Warriors' decision to trade for Jack in the 2005 draft also told Zack that the Warriors, determined to accelerate team building for him, had embarked on a completely different path from his memory.
As for Monta Ellis? With the seventh and ninth picks in the second round, the Lakers, who were particularly fond of high school players this year, successively selected Ellis and Ronny Turiaf. Zack felt that Ellis's future in this life had been marked with a huge question mark. Because Zack knew very well that it was only a matter of time before "Zen Master" Phil Jackson returned to the Lakers. Coupled with the Lakers' notoriously high-pressure environment, in Zack's eyes, Ellis's only advantage playing for the Lakers might be that he was a die-hard Kobe fan. Of course, given Kobe's personality, this might not necessarily be a good thing.
Then, after the Wizards selected future Filipino legend Andray Blatche with the 17th pick in the second round, the Suns selected Marcin Gortat, who couldn't immediately play in the NBA, with the 27th pick in the second round, and the Pistons selected Alex Acker with the 30th pick in the second round, the 2005 NBA Draft concluded.
On this night of mixed emotions, as the center of global attention, Zack had profoundly realized that he was changing history, and history had been irrevocably altered by his influence. Now, with chest held high, bags packed, fists clenched, and eyes fixed on the horizon, "NBA, here I come!"
"Breaking News! The Warriors, Wizards, and Lakers have reached a three-team trade agreement. The Wizards will send out the 2001 NBA number one overall pick Kwame Brown and Laron Profit via a sign-and-trade. The Lakers will send out Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins, while the Warriors will send out Derek Fisher and Calbert Cheaney. After this trade is completed, Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins will wear Wizards jerseys. Derek Fisher and Calbert Cheaney will wear Lakers jerseys. And Kwame Brown and Laron Profit will report to Oakland." — ESPN News Flash
"Despite a difficult time in Washington... the Warriors still believe Kwame Brown has untapped potential. In an interview, Coach Mike Montgomery claimed that if Brown can be more focused on defense, he will become the 'Overlord's' right-hand man next season." — San Francisco Chronicle
"Donning the Lakers jersey again, Derek Fisher says he can't wait to fight alongside Kobe again." — Los Angeles Times
"The Wizards acknowledge Caron Butler's performance and hope he can assist Gilbert Arenas alongside Antawn Jamison." — The Washington Post
PS1: This chapter is also titled "The Lost Chris Paul."
Note ①: Will this book feature the men's basketball team? Yes, it will, because this is the men's basketball team of the early 21st century, and how could Zack, wanting the support of fans, not represent the national team? However, I will try my best to skip unimportant games and focus on the NBA.
Note ②: Historically, the Trail Blazers, who won the third overall pick, traded their pick for the Jazz's 2005 first-round sixth overall pick, 2005 first-round 27th overall pick, and a future draft pick. In this book, because the Jazz's pick is the fifth overall in the first round, their trade assets are naturally different.
Note ③: The story of Sloan and Deron is basically mentioned in every book, so I won't repeat it here. In short, it's a story of a loyal veteran coach whose heart was completely broken by a rebellious young player.