Chapter 585: Rookies

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The NBA organized a joint training camp for up-and-coming rookies every year in late May. The NBA invited about 60 new players to take part in the camp, putting them through a variety of physical and skill-based tests. Every year, scouts, general managers, and sometimes head coaches personally visited the camp and observed the training of the rookies.

If a team spotted a rookie that they liked, they would invite him to participate their team’s rookie training. Rookies with potential got invitations from several teams.

In the past, many rookies who were predicted to get drafted early declined to take part in this joint rookie training or to only undergo the physical examination. They might be worried that the skill-based segment would expose their weaknesses.

However, two years ago, the camp reinstated the five versus five scrimmage program, and many high draft ranking players returned to the camp. Actual gameplay was the most effective way of determining a players’ actual strength. Many rookies were willing to go play in five versus five scrimmages to display their strength.

As the NBA playoffs were still underway, the head coaches for many teams could not take time off to check out the training camp. Therefore, there were not many head coaches there. Most teams sent their managers and scouts. Dai Li became the focal point for reporters because he personally attending the camp.

Dai Li had just been nominated for the best coach award and a lot of players hoped to receive positive comments from him. It would increase their rankings in the draft.

“Coach Li, these are the physical test results for all the players taking part in the camp,” the Clippers’ scout said, handing heaps of information to Dai Li.

The stats from the physical test included the height, weight, wingspan, standing reach, palm width, fat percentage, shuttle runs in the paint, shuttle runs, three quarter court sprint, standing vertical leap, and maximum vertical leap for each player. Every year, players with crazy physical stats would appear and a lot of rookies with outstanding physicality used this chance to improve their draft rankings.

The Clippers’ scout briefed and introduced the player stats to Dai Li, but Dai Li only shook his head from time to time.

“Coach Li, you don’t seem satisfied with these rookies,” the scout said.

“Our first round draft pick comes from the Bulls. The Bulls did pretty well this season, making the playoffs. I estimate that our pick will probably be 20th. I’m afraid with a draft pick like that, it’ll be really difficult for us to find a suitable rookie.”

Dai Li sighed and said, “For this draft, the first few picks will be players with outstanding talent. If we were among the top five, or even the top ten, we would have a good choice, but after the 20th pick there really isn’t anyone to choose.”

“Coach Li, you don’t have to worry, around seven to eight players did not accept the invitation to participate in the joint training camp this year. If you want, I can send their information to you,” the scout said.

“Are there any forwards?” Dai Li asked.

The scout thought for a moment and nodded. “Yes, there are. Please wait a moment, I’ll find them for you.”

The scout took out his tablet, which made a few clicks before producing a lot of player information.

“Coach Li, take a look at this. This player, Kelz Kumar, is 6.7 feet tall. His main position is forward. He’s from the University of Utah, where he’s a junior. Last season, he played 29 games for the University of Utah, scoring 16.4 points per game, and averaged 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He was selected as part of the best lineup in the Pacific-12 Conference,” the scout said.

“A junior? That sure is an old rookie. What’s the media predict for his draft?” Dai Li asked.

“The media predicts that he will probably get picked by the end of the first round or early in the second round. Among the forwards, he’s the only one who did not participate today. The latter part is his scouting report,” the scout said.

“Strength: Tall and wide wingspan. Good overall skill with decent athletic ability. Large frame, a little underweight at the moment. Standard rotational small forward, or a scoring power forward. Average defense capability. Weakness: Ability to score outside the paint fairly low, low scoring ability shooting off a dribble, in-game decision making could be better, average vertical leap and explosive strength…”

Dai Li reviewed the report carefully. From its content, the scouts did not appear to think highly of Kelz Kumar.

“He is similar to Osef. If he does become like Osef, that isn’t so bad,” Dai Li said as he returned the tablet to the scout. He then asked casually, “What has that fellow, Osef, been doing lately? It’s been a while since I heard anything about him.”

“Osef? Last week he announced that he will be making a comeback next season! But I think he’s just talk. His career over!” The scout curled his lips. “An excellent player who destroyed himself with drugs and women!”

…

Ronny had been traded to Los Angeles, so he had not yet purchased any real estate in Los Angeles and rented a condominium.

Although the season for the Clippers was over, Ronny did not leave Los Angeles. It was the center of entertainment in the U.S., so there were many temptations that made it hard for a youngster to leave.

At that moment, Ronny opened a bottle of beer and leaned casually on the sofa.

Beside him, Ronny’s agent said, “The rookie training camp is about to start and the Clippers invited several forwards to participate. I heard that they were also scouting the NBA development league for forwards.”

“Hmpf, they are just trying to trick me into signing a renewal contract faster.” Ronny curled his lips in disdain.

“As long as you understand that. I’m really worried that you can’t take the heat and will actively seek them out to lower your salary,” his agent said.

“I’m anything but anxious! I don’t believe that the Clippers can so easily replace me.” Ronny put down his beer mug and asked, “Have any other teams shown interest? Are there any teams willing to offer me a contract?”

“The playoffs aren’t over yet. Even if there are teams, they won’t express their interest right now,” his agent said.

“Good point,” Ronny said as he narrowed his eyes. He then said, “Put the word out to say that my contract talks with the Clippers have stalled and that I’m willing to consider any offers!”

…

A couple of rookies who arrived for trials could be seen on the Clippers’ training ground. It was the Clippers’ rookie training camp.

“American players sure are strong. Look at that guy! How is he a 19-year-old kid? And that one, I think he’s only around 20 years old, but he’s as strong as a bull!” Chenggong Sun said enviously.

Concerning physical qualities alone, these rookies were indeed better than the players from the Chinese men’s national basketball team. As the head coach of the national team, Chenggong Sun wished that his players were at least as strong.

“Our players have become much stronger after half a month of training,” Dai Li said.

“You’ve got a point. Their muscles have certainly become bigger. At least they are definitely much more defined now,” Chenggong Sun said with a nod.

Compared to when they had arrived, the Chinese players had indeed grown stronger. While they could not be compared to the muscular American players, they were certainly better off than other Asian players.

Just as Chenggong Sun relished in the improved physical quality of his basketball team, Dai Li’s gaze was fixed on another player.

Looks like the scout was wrong. Kelz Kumar’s talent definitely puts him within the top five draft picks. The scout clearly did not seriously consider his potential! Looks like the 20th pick will be reserved for him!

The player he was focusing on was Kelz Kumar, the player who did not take part in the joint rookie training camp.

Under Dai Li’s suggestion, the Clippers’ rookie training camp sent Kumar an invitation. Kumar decided to accept the invitation.

The Clippers were, after all, a team in Los Angeles. Although they could not be compared to the Lakers in multiple aspects, the team was still in Los Angeles. This was a bonus. It was a factor for attracting players, especially the younger ones. They hoped to begin their professional basketball career in a metropolis.

At the same time, the Clippers had a 20th draft pick. This was slightly earlier than Kumar had been predicted to be drafted, so Kumar hoped that he could be chosen earlier than predicted if he impressed them.

Dai Li looked at Kumar, satisfied. The detector had informed Dai Li he had amazing potential. As long as he could realize his potential, he was destined to become an all-star player. At that moment, Dai Li already decided that he was going to pick Kumar.

“Coach!” A voice came from behind Dai Li. He turned his head and saw that it was an administrative staff of the team.

“Is something the matter?” Dai Li asked.

“Please take a look at this news report.” The staff member turned on his laptop and put it in front of Dai Li.

“Ronny from LA Clippers willing to listen to offers from other teams.”

Dai Li furrowed his brow as soon as he saw the headline.

“Ronny intentionally put out this information as a countermove huh!” Dai Li smirked in disdain. He told his employee, “You can head back. I know what to do.”

Earlier, Dai Li might have cared more about Ronny because the Clippers needed good forwards. Apart from Ronny, there really was no one else.

However, things were different now. Dai Li had discovered Kelz Kumar. Kumar’s talent was far greater than Ronny, and his potential was also better. It was much more worth it to groom Kumar. Even if Ronny left the team, the Clippers would still be able to use Kumar as a forward. Right then, Dai Li did not care much if Ronny stayed or not.

Dai Li thought for a few seconds and waved his hands. He hollered for the team reporter of the Clippers.

“There’s someone here I’m interested in. I’ll have a chat with him later, and you can take a few pictures. After that, write a news report and publish it,” Dai Li ordered.

The team reporter nodded to signal that he understood.

Later, Dai Li called Kelz Kumar over and began talking to him. The team reporter who took out his camera and quickly began taking pictures.

…

The following day, photos of Dai Li and Kumar speaking appeared online. The words that went along with the pictures stated that Dai Li was coaching Kumar.

Head coaches normally observed from the sidelines during training camps. Sometimes, they wouldn’t even make an appearance and only sent their assistants.

Dai Li was on the court, giving advice to a rookie. This meant that Dai Li valued that rookie.

The first thing they guessed was that the Clippers would use their 20th pick to choose Kelz Kumar.

For Kumar, it was good news. Kumar’s previous media-projected draft position was at the end of the first round or the start of the second round. If he were selected as the 20th pick, it would mean he moved up several positions.

…

Boston

The draft pick that the Celtics received from the Clippers went from within the top five to the 13th pick. It was a pick at the periphery of the lottery. It put the general manager, Dennis, in a bad mood.

Moreover, two of the core players on the Celtics were out for the rest of the season due to injuries. They lost in the first round of the playoffs. This made it possible for Dennis to focus his effort and energy into the upcoming NBA draft pick.

At that moment, the rookie training camp of the Celtics was also underway.

Dennis sat on a bench beside the court and gazed at the rookies participating. Occasionally, he sought the advice of the scout seated next to him.

Not far away, Arnold, the head coach of the Celtics walked towards him.

“Coach Arnold, what brings you here? I thought that you wouldn’t come today!” Dennis said.

“I want you to look at the information of a rookie.” Arnold turned to look at the scout and said, “Please give me a detailed report on Kelz Kumar.”

“You’re talking about Kelz Kumar from the University of Utah? Please hold on a second, I’ll bring him right up.” The scout quickly found data on Kumar and passed it to Arnold.

Dennis moved his head to take a peek. As he read the report, he said, “This is a forward! We don’t really need any additional players, right? He’s predicted to go by the end of the first round or the beginning of the second round. Coach Arnold, you specifically came here. Does that mean you are interested in this player?”

Arnold shook his head and said, “I just saw a news report that stated that the head coach of the Clippers, Dai Li, was interested in this rookie. Some sources said that the Clippers were going to use their 20th pick to select this rookie. I was wondering if this Kumar was a hidden gem.”

“Hahahaha. Coach Arnold, you think too much. This is just a trick,” Dennis laughed suddenly.

“Mr. Dennis, do you have any inside information?” Arnold asked immediately.

“I’m not sure if you noticed some news yesterday. The Clippers’ contract renewal talks with Ronny aren’t going very smoothly. Ronny already indicated that he was willing to listen to offers from other teams. Ronny is a forward, and this rookie is also a forward. The Clippers released this info is to put pressure on lowering Ronny’s salary demands.

“The Clippers are just trying to tell Ronny that they found a replacement for him. At the same time, they are also telling other teams that the Clippers don’t necessarily want to keep Ronny. When the other teams consider making him an offer, they will not set the price too high. That way, when the Clippers match their offer, they will be able to save money.”

Arnold nodded and said, “So that’s how it is. If you did not remind me, I really would have thought that Kumar was unique. It’s just a tactic the Clippers are using to lower the contract value!”

…

Los Angeles, Ronny’s apartment.

Ronny was infuriated.

“Damn it. They actually did this to pressure me? I’ll never compromise! Five years. 150 million. I will not accept a cent less!” Ronny said angrily.

Calmly, his agent said, “Even you can see through such a price reduction method. I’m sure the managers from other teams will also understand. If they are truly interested in you, they will give you a reasonable price. However, I’m still more inclined to renew your contract with the Clippers. After all, the Clippers can give you a five-year deal while the other teams can only offer you a four-year deal.”

“I understand!” Ronny grunted coldly. He then said, “Book me a ticket to Hawaii. I want to go on vacation. I’ll leave the Clippers on the side for a while. After the playoffs are over, they will beg me to renew the contract!”

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