"Good shot!"
After Ding Yanyuhang scored, everyone on the bench jumped up excitedly, waving their towels.
"That one really fired us up!" Coach Gong even cracked a smile.
The scouts in the front row, who had been dozing off, finally perked up with interest.
"This forward looks solid—good size, good strength."
"Yeah, and he's going up against Oubre, the 15th pick this year. Beating Oubre one-on-one is no small feat."
"He's just a little old. Born in '93. Let's see how he develops."
Hearing their chatter, Chen Yilun's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
Ding Yanyuhang was no longer at the prime age for the draft, but there were still other ways to make it to the league.
Turning 22 this August, he wouldn't really need to go through the draft anymore—the league allowed players 23 and older to sign directly with a team.
It all came down to how well he played this year.
And Chen Yilun wasn't the only one thinking this way. Once the scouts learned his age, they figured they could wait another year. If he kept performing, maybe they could sign him outright without burning a draft pick.
The outcome was already decided, but this was exactly when the scouts paid the most attention.
Soon, Zhou Qi went to work in the paint. He rose over Porter and dropped in a hook shot right over his head.
"This guy looks good too. Born in '96, great measurables. His post moves are still raw, though."
"True! That's Zhou Qi, right? Next year's his draft year. I've heard he's already one of the top big men in the Chinese league. Definitely worth following."
The friendly game ended in a noisy, lively atmosphere.
The Kings defeated the national team without breaking a sweat.
"See? Didn't I tell you? Our basketball is at least fifty years ahead of the rest of the world!" An elderly fan with white hair bragged proudly as he walked away, completely satisfied.
Meanwhile, Chen Yilun had no time to talk to the national team. He was busy dealing with scouts from every direction.
"Alright, alright, see you! And tell Ryan he still owes me a meal! Next time I'm in Phoenix, He'd better pay up!"
After sending off the Suns' scout, Chen Yilun turned around and spotted a tall, striking woman in a tight skirt, with a sultry Latina look, walking toward him.
"Bonnie! Long time no see!" Chen Yilun greeted her with a standard business smile and hugged her.
Bonnie Jill Laflin!
Assistant GM and scout for the Lakers.
The first female scout in league history.
Bonnie was a well-known figure. Once the captain of the Lakers cheerleaders, she had skyrocketed up the ranks in just five years to become part of management.
And she had another identity—the goddaughter of Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
Her rapid rise was always a subject of speculation around league front offices.
"So, how is it? Spot anyone you like?"
"Of course!"
Bonnie's voice wasn't as fiery as her looks suggested—it was soft and delicate. "That Yi Jianlian on your national team. If I'm not mistaken, he used to play in the league, right?"
"Yes," Chen Yilun replied.
"Sixth pick in 2007. Played five seasons in the league, then went back to the Chinese league."
"I watched him today, and he's clearly NBA-level. Why hasn't he tried coming back? Or does he just not like working too far from home?"
"I don't think that's it."
Chen Yilun hesitated, not giving a firm answer.
In his memory, Yi Jianlian had dominated the 2016 Rio Olympics, then signed a ten-day contract with the Lakers. Later, the Lakers even offered him an $8 million annual deal, but Yi turned it down.
"Can you ask him for me? We really need someone who can contribute right away."
Bonnie gave Chen Yilun a flirtatious look, her voice soft and teasing.
"Of course!" Chen Yilun quickly lowered his head to avoid her gaze.
Sure, Bonnie was attractive, but born in 1976, her attempts at acting coquettish just made him uncomfortable.
After finally managing to slip away from Bonnie, another woman immediately came up to him.
"Yilun! We're alumni! I really like this Qi kid. If you hear anything new, let me know first!"
A casually dressed woman grabbed Chen Yilun's arm, dragged him to sit courtside, and started chatting right away.
It was none other than the league powerhouse: Becky Hammon!
Becky's career path was completely different from Bonnie's. She had always been part of North American basketball. A WNBA superstar, she was even named one of the top 15 players in league history in 2011.
After retiring, she joined the Spurs' coaching staff—basically serving as an assistant coach without the official title.
When Chen Yilun left the Spurs last season, Popovich promoted Becky to replace him, making her the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history.
"I know, I know! Just let go first!"
Becky, being the WNBA legend she was, had a grip that nearly crushed his arm.
"I called you here today just so you could meet these young players. We're on the same side! I'd never mess you over. Don't worry—you'll be the first to know if I hear anything."
"Good! At least you've got some conscience."
Satisfied, Becky stood up to leave. That was just her—direct and no-nonsense.
"No dinner tonight. Still got work waiting in San Antonio. I'm heading back tonight."
As she packed up, Becky said, "Next time you're in San Antonio, give me a call. Dinner's on me!"
True to her fiery nature, Becky gave Chen Yilun no chance to respond. She slung her backpack on and strode out of the gym.
"These two really are… complete opposites."
Chen Yilun let out a wry smile and began packing up to leave.
"Beep!"
"Host has unclaimed mission rewards. Please collect them immediately! Rewards will expire if not claimed!"
A cold electronic voice suddenly rang in Chen Yilun's ear.
"Right! I knew I forgot something!"
Chen Yilun smacked his forehead.
At the end of the season, the System had already notified him that his mission was complete and the reward was ready. But back then, he had been locked in a battle of wits with the boss over trading Cousins. In the heat of those meetings, he had chosen to ignore the System's notification.
Collect it now!
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser