While the Washington Wizards extended an invitation to both players, their attitude was rather lukewarm.
The Timberwolves also sent invitations, but Li Feng and Curry didn't even consider them due to the Timberwolves' truly terrible team culture.
Being a perennial cellar-dweller wasn't just a saying, and they had no desire to get involved in such a mess.
...
As the draft day drew closer, a subtle undercurrent of excitement rippled through the entire NBA league.
With Li Feng's predicted draft position steadily rising, Chinese fans' interest grew with each passing day.
It had been a long time since any player had garnered such significant attention in the NBA since Yao Ming.
Although Yi Jianlian had been highly anticipated back then, his talent simply couldn't compare to Yao Ming's.
However, Li Feng had proven his worth step by step, truly earning his reputation.
His stellar performances in the Olympics and NCAA, in particular, filled Chinese fans with immense excitement.
Yu Jia and Coach Zhang from China's sports channel traveled to the United States specifically to cover Li Feng's draft preparations.
On the surface, Li Feng appeared calm, but inwardly, he was feeling a touch of nervousness.
His concern wasn't about whether he'd be drafted, but rather which team would select him.
Despite his confidence in his own abilities, and the fact that he was a transmigration, knowing his playstyle would surely lead to success.
Still, the NBA was a commercial league, and ending up on a team that wasn't a good fit could lead to him being overlooked.
As Li Feng anxiously awaited, his agent, Bill Duffy, called him.
Bill, having spent many years in the NBA, understood Li Feng's feelings perfectly, recalling Yao Ming's similar situation.
"Hi, Li Feng, I've always believed in you, but I truly never expected you to be this outstanding!" Bill began with a flurry of praise.
Though it was the truth, Li Feng's mood indeed improved significantly.
"Bill, you're too kind."
"Don't be so nervous. Your draft position is at least in the top three. No matter which team selects you, I guarantee they'll build the team around you!"
"I hope so. My playstyle might still be a bit unconventional."
"It's definitely unconventional, but you've already proven that your and Curry's styles can lead to success!"
...
After Bill Duffy's comforting words, Li Feng felt more relaxed.
Later, Yao Ming also called to express his concern, which Li Feng found incredibly heartwarming.
The draft order for this year was different from Li Feng's memories of his previous life: 1. Clippers, 2. Warriors, 3. Knicks.
The subsequent picks followed the original order.
June 25th, Draft Day.
NBA Commissioner David Stern took the stage to deliver his opening remarks. However, his lengthy and somewhat rambling speech was met with boos from the audience.
Li Feng and Curry were both invited to the green room, signifying that both were highly likely to be lottery picks.
This detail was accurately captured by the CCTV camera crew, and Coach Zhang and Yu Jia, visibly excited, immediately began their commentary for the domestic fans.
Chinese fans grew even more eager, and given Li Feng and Curry's close friendship, many Chinese fans also became Curry fans at this time.
Li Feng sat in the front row, center seat, becoming the focus of national attention, with Curry seated behind him.
This subtle seating arrangement indicated that Li Feng's draft position would undoubtedly be higher than Curry's.
However, Curry showed no signs of jealousy; on the contrary, he was genuinely happy for Li Feng, and they frequently chatted.
...
Finally, Stern's voice echoed again, announcing that the Clippers had selected Li Feng!
Li Feng had actually become the first pick of this draft class!
Furthermore, Los Angeles was a global metropolis, no less significant than New York.
Li Feng stood up, embracing his friends beside him. Yao Ming, Curry, and Bill were all thrilled for Li Feng.
Yao Ming had been recovering well lately, and he and Li Feng had already agreed to join forces again in the World Championships and the 2012 Olympics to create further glory!
The Warriors, just as in Li Feng's previous life, made a surprise pick by selecting Stephen Curry.
This was a crucial suggestion from the legendary Jerry West to the Warriors at the last moment.
A historic "steal"!
Upon hearing the news, Curry's expression wasn't one of joy, but rather bewilderment. He truly didn't want to go to the Warriors!
But Li Feng, sitting beside him, smiled broadly, knowing that Curry would forge an era of his own in Golden State.
At third, the Knicks selected Griffin.
It couldn't be helped; the rapid ascent of the "Splash Brothers" had managed to push Griffin's potential top pick status down.
Griffin was a bit disappointed to be chosen by the Knicks, but soon, the Knicks and Clippers reached a trade agreement.
The Knicks had truly gone to great lengths to acquire Li Feng!
They traded Griffin and some cash for Li Feng!
Additionally, the Knicks also sent over their 2011 first-round pick (protected for the top three).
In any case, the Knicks lacked nothing but money!
The Clippers had long coveted Griffin, wanting a strong forward, and Griffin was the Clippers' favorite.
Thus, both sides readily agreed, and the trade was quickly executed.
The Knicks' organization erupted in celebration, especially Head Coach D'Antoni, who was immensely excited.
This was because his favorite and most proficient coaching role was with superstar point guards.
The other draft results held no surprises: the Grizzlies got Hasheem Thabeet, the Thunder secured James Harden, the Kings drafted Tyreke Evans, and the Timberwolves picked the Spanish Golden Boy, Ricky Rubio.
The Knicks also acquired Jordan Hill, the Raptors selected DeMar DeRozan, and the Bucks drafted Brandon Jennings.
Josh Childress was chosen by the Suns, the 76ers got Jrue Holiday, the Denver Nuggets picked Ty Lawson, the Hawks selected point guard Jeff Teague, and the Spurs took Danny Green.
With all the draft picks settled, Li Feng emerged as the biggest winner.
Curry was feeling dejected, but after Li Feng's encouragement, he managed to overcome his inner struggles and prepare to focus on playing well for the Golden State Warriors.
Even though they would now be on opposing teams, these players from the same draft class remained good friends off the court.
Li Feng even created a group chat that included Griffin and Harden, along with Curry.
Harden, with his easygoing personality, chatted extensively with Li Feng, mentioning his greatest desire was to ride electric bikes in China.
Curry was even funnier, stating he could teach everyone how to play mahjong.
After the draft, the first competition they would participate in was the Summer League.
Due to Li Feng's performance in the NCAA and the added boost from the Olympics, every game Li Feng played received intense media and fan attention.
On the eve of the Summer League, the Chinese Basketball Association suddenly extended an invitation to Li Feng, hoping he would participate in the Asian Championships held in Tianjin, China.
Li Feng felt a bit conflicted. Of course, he wanted to represent his country, but this Asian Championship wasn't that significant, and other domestic players could achieve good results.
As Li Feng hesitated, Big Yao called him.