Rebirth of the Industrial Tycoon - Vol 2 Chapter 485

Chapter 485 Successfully cut Hu

“Ten Thousand Boys” is not a commendatory term, but rather a kind of ridicule.

The draft of high school students was not favored by everyone, and a tens of millions of dollars in endorsements came out, and there was a feeling of being pointed.

Many college students who have played very well in NCAA feel that I have not gotten the endorsement of tens of millions of dollars. Why are you a high school student earning these tens of millions of dollars?

So when the nickname “Ten Thousand Boys” appeared, Kobe instantly gained a lot of black fans.

And some sports commentators also posted articles that the so-called tens of millions of dollars endorsement is just a self-directed and self-acted hype, the purpose is to push Kobe’s draft pick.

Many people are popular. In the face of rumors, Kobe has misery.

In a blink of an eye, it was the day of the draft.

Kobe is wearing a black suit and a blue and purple tie, sitting in the “little green house”.

“Small green house” is a special term in the American sports draft. In the NBA draft, players who receive an official invitation to enter the draft green house are voted by the general manager of the NBA team, generally ranging from 14 to 20. people.

The other dozen people in the little green house looked at Kobe with weird eyes, most of which were not friendly.

As a high school student who participated in the draft, Kobe was originally a different kind, coupled with the recent “thousands of boys” incident, it has pushed Kobe to the forefront.

Now everyone is a competitor on the same starting line. You can receive endorsements, but I don’t. Then I must be envious and hateful of you!

Kobe looked very nervous at this time. Five minutes ago, his agent Trum had told him that the Lakers had reached a consensus with the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets would use the 13th pick to select Kobe and then exchange for the Lakers center. Divac.

Although he already knows the result, Kobe still looks forward to a miracle. He hopes Philadelphia can select himself with the No. 1 pick.

With Kobe’s eager character, not being the first is losing!

What’s more, Kobe is a Philadelphian himself, and he is more willing to play for his hometown.

Finally, the Philadelphia 76ers made a choice, and saw NBA Commissioner David Stern walked to the front, opened the small note in his hand, and announced: “The Philadelphia 76ers chose Allen Ivor. Mori!”

Applause rang out, and Iverson stood up to accept everyone’s congratulations. In everyone’s eyes, this was a natural result.

Only Kobe looked disappointed, the miracle did not appear, the 76ers did not choose him.

In front of the TV, James Bond curled his lips and said: “There are so many outstanding boys this year, how can the Philadelphia 76ers use the No. 1 pick to select a high school student! I think this Kobe should really go to college for a year, and then come back. Participate in the draft, maybe you have a chance to be the champion!”

Next to   , Li Weidong smiled: “Even if Kobe goes to college for a year, he will not be the champion. When next year’s NBA draft, there will definitely be a better choice than him to appear in the small green room.”

Li Weidong knows that in the 1997 NBA Draft, there was a man who made most of the league a bad candidate. For this man, Popovich didn’t even have a face!

The man’s name is Tim Duncan.

With Duncan’s ability, if he participated in the draft in 1995, then he would definitely be the No. 1 pick; if he participated in the draft in 1996, it would be enough to compete with Iverson, perhaps relying on the status of an inside player to defeat Iverson.

After all, that is an era of inside players. The team will be bad for the top inside, but it will not be bad for the top outside.

So even if Kobe participates in the NBA draft during the last year of college, he will lose to Duncan. Not because of Kobe’s lack of ability, but because of his untimely birth.

At this time, the audition is still playing on TV.

The Toronto Raptors with the second pick chose Camby, the Vancouver Grizzlies with the third pick chose Raheem, the Milwaukee Bucks with the fourth pick chose Marbury, and the Minnesota Timberwolves with the fifth pick. Ray Allen.

The sixth overall pick originally belonged to the Dallas Mavericks. This draft pick had been exchanged with the Boston Celtics, so the sixth overall Celtics chose Anthony Walker.

These six choices seemed to have no problems at the time. Even if it was done again, the top six picks would be these six.

Before the 1996 NBA Draft, there was a saying of “96 Super 6”, which means that in the 1996 draft, there will be 6 superstars, namely Iverson, Camby, Raheem, Marbury, Ray Alan and Walker.

So the top six picks will inevitably choose six of them. And the future results of these six people, if they are placed in the draft of the ordinary year, are worthy of their draft pick. The worst of the six has also been an All-Star.

In the NBA draft of an ordinary year, there can be no legends like Kobe, superstars like Nash, no all-stars like O’Neal, Peja, Big Z, and even Ben Wallace. Abandoned generals of this level.

However, in 1996, as long as you didn’t choose Kobe, you chose the wrong one!

The next 7-12 picks, except for the New Jersey Nets, other teams chose inside players, and four teams all chose centers.

In that era, big centers were obviously more popular, and because of this, Camby would overwhelm Ray Allen and Marbury. If Iverson were not too bad, maybe Camby would become the golden generation of 96. The champion.

For those lottery teams, choosing a center is the safest choice.

Thirteenth overall, the Charlotte Hornets chose Kobe Bryant.

This Charlotte Hornets is not the current Charlotte Hornets in the NBA, but the current New Orleans Pelicans.

The Charlotte Hornets first moved to New Orleans, became the New Orleans Hornets, and then changed the team name to the Pelicans.

The current NBA Charlotte Hornets, formerly the Charlotte Bobcats, later changed its name to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets chose Kobe. Every team is not surprised. Everyone already knows that the Hornets have reached a deal with the Lakers. The Hornets will use Kobe’s signing rights to trade the Lakers center Divac.

This kind of draft with ten outsiders, generally does not have a team to deliberately cut Hus. If a team selects a certain player, as long as the wind is released in advance, other teams will often be adult beauty. This is also an unspoken rule of the teams.

Things like   cutting Hu all happen later in the first few picks, and the team must do this only when they encounter a player that they really want and must have.

For example, in the 2009 NBA Draft, Curry was originally going to go to the Knicks, and the Knicks also gave a promise. However, the Warriors really wanted Curry so much that they cut the bulls in advance and chose Curry. When it was announced that the Warriors chose Curry, the Curry father and son were all confused.

However, for those who don’t know, the Hornets choose a high school guard with the 13th overall pick, which is crazy!

There are many Hornets fans who follow the draft in front of the TV. They directly scold and greet the family of the Hornets general manager.

In addition to Kobe, there are other better options behind, such as the king of the West Coast Steve Nash, such as Peja, who has already played well in the Greek League, such as Delk, who won the NCAA championship.

Even if you want to choose high school students, Jermaine O’Neal is better than Kobe! Somehow he is a big center close to seven feet tall. If a big center doesn’t choose, choose a shooting guard. Isn’t it a brain cramp?

It wasn’t until the news that Kobe exchanged Divac came out that the grievances of the Hornets fans were quelled. Fans began to feel that using a high school guard for a starting center would be a great deal.

However, a few years later, when Kobe became a legend, the Hornets handed over Kobe’s operation, which became the biggest laughing stock in the NBA, and the Hornets general manager was scolded by his fans.

But in fact, with the draft atmosphere at the time, Kobe was selected with the 13th overall pick, which was already beyond expectations.

1996 is the draft year. There are many outstanding college students participating in the draft. If high school students participate in the draft, don’t say anything, first drop ten picks.

Inside players are also more popular than outside players. As an outside player, Kobe dropped five more picks.

Because the basketball system at the time emphasized the inside line, the position of the point guard was higher than that of the shooting guard, so Kobe, as a shooting guard, had to drop five more picks.

In other words, the draft hasn’t started yet, so high school shooting guards like Kobe will start counting with the 20th overall pick.

In the eyes of scouts, if you have to choose a high school student, O’Neal is definitely a more suitable choice. Although Kobe and O’Neal are both minors, O’Neal is a center after all and is more stable than Kobe.

In fact, the uncertainty of high school shooting guards was Kobe’s biggest weakness back then.

High school students have not experienced college basketball experience, the uncertainty is inherently high, and shooting guard is the most uncertain position among the five positions.

Before the draft, Kobe also participated in many team trials. His performance in the trial training was also very good. He had beaten many college players during the confrontation training.

However, it was an “uncertainty” that dismissed most of the team managers. Even though Kobe performed very well in the trial training, the team manager was still reluctant to take the risk of choosing Kobe.

No one can guarantee that a high school guard can adapt to the fierce NBA confrontation. Even if Kobe can eventually adapt to the NBA, the shooting guard in the system at the time is relatively weak and not worth training.

The basketball system at the time was based on insiders, and shooting guards could only be regarded as a tactical supplement.

At that time, most of the shooting guards were actually swing guards, such as Drexler and Hardaway, and their style of play was more biased towards small forwards.

Another type of shooting guard is a pure three-point shooter, similar to Reggie Miller and Ray Allen, but shooting depends on talent, so there are only a handful of such three-point shooters.

Those who have watched “Slam Dunk” probably understand the kind of basketball system. The top center is the standard for the strong team, the striker is the team’s trump card, the point guard is the brain of the team, as for the shooting guard, if not Marksman, there is basically no role.

Of course, there is a special case among shooting guards, and that is Jordan.

However, there is only one Jordan. Jordan’s strength is unprecedented. No one will think that this high school guard from Philadelphia will become the next Jordan.

Kobe’s side performance is not bad, but compared with Jordan, it is indeed a grade, and Kobe was only 17 years old at the time, compared with adults, the body is slightly thinner.

17-year-old Kobe has not yet unlocked all his offensive skills, and no one will compare him to Jordan at this time.

As a shooting guard, Kobe does not yet have the conditions for a swingman, nor does he have the shooting rate of a sharpshooter. His future is too unpredictable. Choosing Kobe requires enough courage and courage!

In the end, only Lakers general manager Jerry West showed his courage and deserved the title of “Godfather”.

…

TV is still broadcasting the NBA draft. The first round of the draft is over. The stars that Li Weidong is familiar with have also been selected.

Li Weidong pondered for a moment, and said: “James, go and contact Kobe’s agent again and congratulate him!”

“Just congratulations?” James Bond asked.

“Tell him, in addition to the six-year endorsement fee of 10 million US dollars, we Feiyue Sports will launch at least one signature sneaker for Kobe every year!” Li Weidong said.

“Signature sneakers? Are you here for real?” James Bond asked with a look of surprise.

“Of course it’s true!” Li Weidong paused, and then said: “We have to sign Kobe as soon as possible, because the summer league is coming soon. Once Kobe performs well in the summer league, it will be seen by other brands. If it does, it will be our turn!”

…

Adidas North America headquarters, the bearded scout found executive Blair.

“Just received the news that the Los Angeles Lakers used their starting center Divac in exchange for Kobe’s signing rights from the Hornets! In this way, the Lakers are very optimistic about Kobe.”

The bearded scout paused, and then said: “And Los Angeles is a big city, and the players there will have more commercial value. So I suggest that you should sign Kobe immediately.”

“The Lakers may be really optimistic about Kobe as a young man, but they traded Divac for the main purpose of freeing up cap space and signing O’Neal. So I think the signing of Kobe should wait.” Blair Said calmly.

“Wait? When will you wait? Didn’t you say that as long as he enters the NBA, he will be signed? Now he has entered the NBA.” The bearded scout asked anxiously.

Blair replied: “There is too much uncertainty in the high school guards. I think we need to observe for a while. It will be the summer league in a few days, right?

Rookie players from all teams will participate, including some undrafted rookies and development league players. Let’s just take a look at the gap between this high school student and the official professional basketball player.

In addition, before the regular season, there is a pre-season game, when the players on the field are all NBA players, we also need to observe whether he can adapt to the rhythm of the NBA game.

You just asked when will I wait until the end of the preseason, I think at least I can make a decision! ”

…

Trum came to Kobe.

“There is good news. The previous sports brand is not only willing to offer you a six-year endorsement contract of 10 million US dollars, but also willing to sign a pair of sneakers for you, no less than one pair per year.” Trum said.

“Are you talking about my signature sneakers?” Kobe also looked surprised.

“If you want, you will be able to see your signature sneakers on the market this winter.” Trum continued; “To be honest, I also think this condition is too incredible, signature sneakers, that can only be enjoyed by superstars. Treatment!”

Simple endorsement is completely different from launching signature sneakers.

In the NBA, there are not a few stars who have signed endorsement contracts with sports brands, but most of them are just endorsement products, but very few can have their own signature sneakers.

In the coming 2021, Chinese sports brands have signed many NBA stars. At that time, under the blessing of Chinese brands, there were only 22 active players with signature sneakers.

This also includes stars like Anthony, Rose, and Rondo who are no longer in the game, as well as McAway.

And in 1996, among active players who could have signature sneakers, they could count them with their fingers.

Jordan owns the AJ brand, which is unique in the NBA.

Grant Hill’s Fila GH basketball shoes were the only signature sneakers that could compete with AJ in sales at the time.

In addition, Hardaway, Pippen, Barkley, Robinson, and O’Neal have their own signature basketball shoes.

Other superstars such as Olajuwon, Payton, Karl Malone, Stockton, etc., in 1996, did not have their own signature boots.

Considering that Jordan’s AJ brand is almost impossible to replicate, the introduction of signature basketball shoes for players is already the highest treatment in the star endorsement contract.

In the 1990s, it was much more difficult to get your own signature basketball shoes than it is now. Superstars can only be regarded as the threshold for signature boots. At that time, there was never a celebrity making up the numbers.

Imagine that so many superstars do not have their own signature boots, but Kobe can have them. What a temptation it is!

For Kobe, 10 million in six years may not satisfy his ambitions, but such things as signature boots are really too fragrant and sincere!

At this moment, Kobe’s heart is completely moved!

…

Adidas North America headquarters.

“We were cut off!” Blair snorted angrily, and then asked, “What is the origin of this Feiyue Sports? Why haven’t I heard of this brand before!”

“This is a niche brand in Los Angeles. It used to be mainly trendy, but it is said that this brand was founded in the 1930s and has a long history.” The bearded scout introduced.

“Thirties? It must be bragging! Our Adidas was only founded in 1949. How could such an unknown brand be older than our Adidas!” Blair said in disbelief.

The bearded scout said: “What was founded in the 1930s should be true. It is said that they still have a pair of sneakers produced in the same year in their store, which look really like the style of the 1930s.

And not long ago, they also launched a retro sneaker, much like the one worn decades ago. The sales of that shoe is very good. I heard that it has sold 300,000 pairs in the United States!

And this time, they will also launch a signature basketball shoe for Kobe! This is a treatment that only superstars have. It is said that Kobe’s first signature basketball shoes will be listed at the end of the year. Kobe is expected to wear his own signature shoes to participate in the All-Star Rookie Game! ”

“All-Star Rookie Game? He can make it until then! This is the NBA. Maybe it won’t take a month before that high school student will be eliminated!”

Blair continued sourly: “This small brand is too unruly! A high school student who just entered the NBA league, has not played a game, and even gave him an autographed basketball shoe!”

…

In history, Adidas did successfully sign Kobe.

At that time, Adidas only gave Kobe the endorsement contract after the start of the regular season.

Adidas probably has seen Kobe’s outstanding performance in the summer league and preseason, and believes that Kobe has unlimited potential, so he decided to sign Kobe.

However, the cooperation between Kobe and Adidas is not pleasant.

First of all, Adidas is unwilling to give Kobe signature boots, but just let Kobe endorsement of Adidas sneakers.

Next are the sneakers endorsed by Kobe. The design is really ugly, so the sales are very poor. The worst one is reduced to 40 US dollars and can’t be sold.

As a star, the endorsement shoes can not be sold. This will not only affect Kobe’s commercial value, but also affect his self-esteem.

With Kobe’s unwillingness to admit defeat, the sneakers are not sold first, so they are embarrassed to wear them on their feet!

The third is that Adidas has no sincerity in renewing the contract. At that time, Adidas gave McGrady a lifetime contract, but Kobe not only did not have a lifetime contract, his renewal price was not as good as McGrady.

Proud Kobe, of course, can’t accept this. He feels that he has been insulted. In the end, he would rather pay liquidated damages than cancel the contract with Adidas in advance.

It can be said that Kobe and Adidas are completely a lose-lose cooperation.

…

Six years of 10 million US dollars, plus a signed endorsement contract for basketball shoes, also made Feiyue Sports a hit.

As far as the amount of endorsement is concerned, $1,000 for six years is not much.

In the same session of Iverson, Reebok gave a 10-year contract of 50 million, an average of 5 million a year. In comparison, Kobe’s contract is only 1.66 million a year.

It’s just that Iverson is the top pick, and since the moment he entered the NBA, he has been branded as a superstar.

And Kobe is just a high school student, obviously a growth hero, just entering the NBA is the developmental stage of wretched, got this endorsement contract, obviously some waves.

The more important thing is the signature boots. This is something that many superstars can’t ask for, but it was taken by Kobe, a high school rookie. In the entire NBA, there is no psychological balance.

Jealousy is human nature, and Kobe became the target of public criticism overnight, and once again harvested a wave of black powder.

If you want to wear its crown, you must bear its weight! In the upcoming summer league, countless people are waiting to see Kobe’s jokes.

The first game of the summer league, the Lakers vs. Pistons, Kobe scored a game-high 27 points.

In the second game of the summer league, Kobe scored 22 points, a slight decline.

In the third game of the summer league, Kobe scored only 15 points, and the fans began to carve.

In the fourth game of the summer league, the Lakers played against the Suns, Kobe showed great power and scored 36 points!

The black fans are dead silent.

Four summer league games, Kobe averaged 25 points per game.

With this data in the summer league, it has been proved that he can become a qualified NBA player!

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(End of this chapter)