Although Stern always considered the so-called "fatalism" as merely a promotional gimmick, when the time came to May 25, 2005...
This year, the title ESPN gave to the draft lottery ceremony, in Stern’s view, could only be described by the word "apt."
Because regardless of past life or present, 2005 was a significant turning point for the NBA.
After Jordan’s second retirement, the NBA was gradually emerging from the shadow of the post-Jordan era, and as one after another of promising youngsters entered the NBA...
A new era’s outline had already appeared before the world.
Kobe, who walked out of the Eagle County incident, yearning to lead the Lakers to rejuvenation.
LeBron, bringing light to Cleveland.
O’Neal, who fled eastward to join forces with Wade.
Yao Ming, turning Houston’s Space City into the sole home team in the hearts of all Chinese fans.
Duncan, down-to-earth and pragmatic, already having Ginobili and Parker as major assistance.
Nowitzki, about to complete his divine feats in Dallas.
Garnett, weather-beaten in Minnesota.
Stern clearly understood that as a commercial league, the NBA’s most precious asset was those stars.
Having stars meant having traffic and tickets.
If this year’s draft didn’t include Qin Yue’s name, in Stern’s view, the upcoming draft lottery ceremony could proceed fairly, openly, and impartially.
After all, too many teams were seeking redemption through the top pick in ’05, and Stern couldn’t account for every team.
But, now that Qin Yue’s name appeared in this year’s draft...
It meant, as the president of the NBA, he was standing at a crossroad of destiny.
After a year-long operation by Nike, no NBA team now could ignore Qin Yue’s demonstrated skill and commercial value.
Qin Yue, a "Conqueror" from China...
Even though he had not yet entered the league, he had already invisibly influenced the NBA’s original trajectory.
Before the lottery ceremony commenced, Stern considered, per the most widespread external rumors, allowing an Eastern team to get the top pick.
"David, the East already has LeBron and Shaq... Why don’t we consider a Western team getting the top pick? This way, next season, there would be four Chinese Derby games for Chinese fans to watch."
This day, the suggestion from Vice President Adam Silver reminded Stern.
Subsequently, Stern’s other deputy, Mark, also said: "David, apart from the Bobcats, the East indeed has two teams that couldn’t reach 20 wins this year.
But in pursuit of the top pick... this year, the West also has two teams below 20 wins."
Upon hearing, Stern suddenly fell into contemplation.
Given that this year’s NBA situation was similar to 1997...
Even if amongst those slightly better-performing teams, there were other choices available for Stern...
Considering the emotions of these four teams that were utterly obsessed with Qin Yue, Stern knew he must not expand his range of top pick choices, risking universal outrage.
Choosing an answer from these four super lousy teams might not be the optimal solution, but at least, it wouldn’t evoke public anger.
However, at this moment...
Facing these four teams, which could be termed "Hidden Dragon and Phoenix Chick," Stern instantly faced a dilemma.
wins for Milwaukee Bucks.
wins for Atlanta Hawks.
wins for Golden State Warriors.
After calming down, firstly, Stern excluded the Bucks and Jazz from these four answers.
This year’s Qin Yue, in Stern’s view, was not an asset Milwaukee could hold onto.
Stern admitted Milwaukee has been somewhat pitiful in recent years.
But in Milwaukee, the NBA obviously couldn’t maximize Qin Yue’s commercial value.
As for the Jazz, it’s the same principle.
Though Stern also believed that under the guidance of Coach Jerry Sloan, Qin Yue would certainly have a legendary career, putting such a treasure like Qin Yue in Salt Lake City...
He might as well attempt sending Qin Yue to rescue Milwaukee.
However, after excluding the Bucks and Jazz...
Observing the remaining two teams, Stern felt numb again.
Because Atlanta was a typical big city, small market.
Located in Oakland, this crime capital, they weren’t worried about attendance or Chinese fans, but...
"It’s been 11 years since they made the playoffs, hasn’t it?"
In the office, looking at Silver and Mark, Stern asked.
"But David, their slogan for tanking is quite amusing."
"You mean ’Overlord campaign’?"
As one of the turning points of World War II, the Normandy Landing’s operation codename was Overlord.
The Warriors adopted the same operation codename to name their tanking campaign this year because Chris Mullin-led Warriors’ management hoped to select Qin Yue with the top pick to reverse the Warriors’ fate.
At this moment, Stern fell into contemplation again.
The Warriors needed an Overlord campaign.
The NBA now also needed an Overlord campaign, didn’t it?
Stern knew well that the NBA was at a significant historical juncture.
And as America’s famed crime city...
Oakland indeed had many shortcomings, but once crossing that Bay Bridge...
This day, sensing perhaps there was divine intervention, Stern passed on his made decision to Silver and Mark.