Chapter 46: The Pistons’ Bold Move
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"No! The Pistons won't work!"
"Joining them is practically career suicide! Their current roster is already well-established, with someone like Ben Wallace holding down the defense. If I join, my playing time will be severely limited. I can't see Larry Brown giving up on a cornerstone like that for a rookie."
When David Falk proposed the Pistons as an option, Wang Song carefully considered the team's composition and quickly dismissed the idea.
Sure, joining the Pistons might grant him the fastest path to lifting his first Larry O'Brien Trophy. But with players like Hamilton, Billups, and Rasheed Wallace, even playing second fiddle to win a championship seemed far-fetched.
Wang Song's firm rejection left David Falk momentarily stunned. It was the first time in their partnership that he had seen Wang so adamantly against a team, not even when the Miami Heat underestimated him.
"Alright, Wang, the Pistons are indeed a small-market team, which could limit your commercial reach. Of course, the final decision is yours. My job is to provide you with the pros and cons; the choice ultimately lies with you."
After crossing out another option, David Falk realized that the list of viable teams was getting shorter. He glanced at Wang Song and noticed his gaze lingering on the invitation letter from the New York Knicks.
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**Time flew by.**
With the conclusion of the 2002-2003 playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The newly formed "Big Three"—Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili—celebrated their first championship together.
As Tim Duncan received the Finals MVP trophy, teams preparing for the draft began tweaking their strategies.
Duncan's success highlighted the value of skilled college centers, causing the demand for interior players to skyrocket. Prospects like Wang Song and other collegiate big men saw their draft stocks soar, with many teams willing to trade assets for a chance to secure a promising pick.
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**June 30, 2003—Draft Day**
New York City, Madison Square Garden.
The venue was abuzz as NBA executives and the league's greenroom invitees arrived in formal attire. NBA Commissioner David Stern, beaming with pride, stood amidst a vibrant crowd of rookies eager to hear their names called.
Meanwhile, in the Pistons' section of the arena, head coach Larry Brown looked visibly restless.
"Joe, I still can't believe that kid had the nerve to turn us down!"
Across from him, Pistons GM Joe Dumars seemed calm and composed, his signature smirk masking any frustration.
"Relax, Larry. That kid will regret it." Dumars' voice dripped with confidence, though a flicker of irritation betrayed his cool demeanor.
"Trust me, we've already found someone even better for the job. Our new pick will fit seamlessly into your system."
Though disappointed by Wang Song's rejection, the Pistons had quickly shifted their focus to a new target. In Dumars' eyes, the Serbian prospect they were eyeing was leagues ahead of the Chinese center.
After all, their second overall pick was practically a blessing. Any other player in this loaded draft class would have leapt at the chance.
But Larry Brown couldn't shake an uneasy feeling. Was passing on Wang Song truly the right call?
For the veteran coach, missing out on such a talented prospect felt risky, especially given his philosophy: never let a rival team capitalize on your loss.
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On the other side of the arena, Knicks GM Scott Layden couldn't contain his glee.
"Ernie, make sure everything is locked in with Denver. We can't afford any hiccups now."
"Got it!" Ernie Grunfeld replied, shaking his head at Layden's uncharacteristic exuberance.
Ever since Wang Song confirmed his intent to join the Knicks, Layden had been grinning non-stop, often at inappropriate times. The normally stoic executive was now radiating optimism.
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**The Draft Begins.**
David Stern, holding the first pick card, strode to the podium. The greenroom prospects, seated in their designated areas, watched anxiously.
LeBron James, seated alongside his mother, looked visibly emotional. Although the results were yet to be announced, everyone in the room—and watching from home—already knew Cleveland was taking the Akron-born phenom.
Stern's voice boomed across the room:
"With the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…"
He paused dramatically, savoring the anticipation.
"…LeBron James from Akron, Ohio!"
LeBron and his family embraced, tears flowing freely, as he made his way to the stage to shake Stern's hand and pose for photos.
However, the announcement didn't spark much excitement—this was no surprise. The real intrigue lay in the picks that followed, which would shape the league's future.
"With the second pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select…Darko Miličić from Serbia."
A wave of murmurs swept through the audience.
Darko rose from his seat, exchanged polite smiles with those around him, and ascended the stage for his photo op. Joe Dumars, watching the puzzled expressions of his peers, couldn't hide a smirk. He reveled in the skepticism, convinced of his foresight.
But the wider basketball community was baffled. Why would the Pistons, with their win-now roster, gamble on an unproven European center in such a stacked draft?
"Have the Pistons lost their minds? Picking a European big over homegrown talent in *this* draft year?"
"Word is they tried to sign that Chinese kid, but he turned them down."
"Still, there are so many great options left. Why take this gamble?"
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(End of Chapter)