When Chen Yilun boarded his flight home, waves of players were already hurrying toward Sacramento without pause.
Chen Yilun had announced that the team would continue signing players and that there was no set limit on official contracts.
In an instant, free agents and undrafted rookies across the league rushed in, each hoping to grab a chance—or even luck their way into a championship ring.
"So many people?"
Malone looked down at the densely packed crowd, his tone filled with exaggerated disbelief.
"And this is only part of them. Some haven't even arrived yet because of flight delays,"
Chen Yilun replied, standing at a higher spot like he was surveying the mountains from above.
"This year's draft list is big, but there are still only 60 spots. With all the undrafted players, of course, it ends up this crowded."
Earlier that morning, Chen Yilun had completed two trades.
He sent TJ McConnell to the 76ers for 2017 and 2019 second-round picks.
He also traded Tyler Johnson to the Heat for a 2018 second-round pick.
A small incident occurred during the process—when Anjali found out that Chen Yilun had sold those two, she was so furious that she drove straight back to Sacramento from Stockton.
"What's wrong with you? You think you can just shear me like a sheep?!"
After a year of experience, Anjali had started to show the aura of a strong, capable woman. She stormed into Chen Yilun's office, pointed right at him, and started yelling.
You couldn't really blame her. Last season, Chen Yilun had already traded away all four of the Stockton Kings' core starters. How could she not lose her temper?
"I'm not even gonna talk about Richardson and Bojan, but now you've sold TJ and Tyler too? You've completely dismantled my team—what are you trying to do, huh?"
Seeing how close she was to exploding, Chen Yilun quickly tried to calm her down.
"Hey, hey! My lady, I'm just clearing up the roster, that's all! Don't worry, I'll make it up to you."
So now, beside Malone stood not just Chen Yilun, but also a fuming Anjali.
"Alright, everyone's here. Let's start."
At Chen Yilun's signal, the two sides divided up and began the scrimmage.
Others might not realize it, but Chen Yilun knew very well—among the players fighting desperately for a chance to stay in the league, quite a few would prove their worth in the future.
"That short guy on the White Team, number 12—he's good. Who is he again?"
After watching for only a moment, Malone had already spotted someone that caught his eye.
Chen Yilun glanced over and recognized him immediately. "Ryan Arcidiacono. Senior from Villanova. Last year's NCAA MOP (Most Outstanding Player)."
"A smart player who really understands the game," Malone commented, setting the tone for Arcidiacono with one line.
"He's solid, but he's already 24, and his play style's set. Not much room for improvement—and being a white guard, there's still the question of whether he can handle physical play."
Chen Yilun said this while glancing at Anjali out of the corner of his eye.
"If you don't want him, I'll take him. Even if he can't make it in the NBA, he can handle the NBDL."
Anjali perked up after watching Arcidiacono's performance.
Many people might not know the name, but here's some perspective:
Ryan Arcidiacono—Villanova's second "Iron Man," the strongest NCAA player from Villanova since Kyle Lowry. He was the team leader of Josh Hart, Bridges, DiVincenzo, and Brunson.
"Don't rush. There are plenty more good players," Chen Yilun said just as the Black Team's point guard drained a deep three.
"Who's that? His shot's that accurate?"
Anjali looked curiously at the bearded point guard.
"Fred VanVleet."
Chen Yilun felt like an emotionless announcer.
"The roster's right in front of you guys, yet you still need me to read it out loud."
"Starting point guard for Wichita State, undrafted this year."
After watching for a bit, Malone nodded. "I think VanVleet's the better player. Even though he's being outplayed by Arcidiacono right now, his potential is clearly higher."
"I agree."
As Chen Yilun watched VanVleet fighting hard on the court, a small smile appeared on his lips.
The biggest steal of the 2016 draft—"Van Jordan." He definitely had to get him.
This guy was a true clutch performer, the same one who, alongside Siakam, helped Leonard win the championship in 2019.
Now that Siakam was already on his roster, adding VanVleet would be the perfect connection.
As the scrimmage continued, players rotated in and out.
When Malone saw a player with thinning hair—almost balding—step onto the court, his eyes widened.
"Wait, isn't this supposed to be an undrafted rookie tryout? Why's there an old man out there?"
"Uh…" Chen Yilun glanced awkwardly at the player getting ready to check in. "What old man? He's only 23."
"Twenty-three?!"
Malone's voice jumped an octave. "You call that 23?!"
"He just looks a little older, that's all. Totally normal."
Chen Yilun struggled to keep a straight face.
"Alex Caruso. Texas A&M graduate. Four-year senior."
Not quite believing him, Malone flipped through the roster sheet until he found Caruso's info.
After reading it, he frowned at Chen Yilun. "A college player averaging just 8 points and 5 assists over four years? You brought him in for a tryout?"
Malone looked down on Caruso mainly because of the NCAA's tiered structure—different schools played in different divisions, with wide gaps in competitiveness.
Caruso's Texas A&M was part of a smaller western conference and ranked fairly low, at a Division II level.
(To be honest, I forgot what division Texas A&M was in back in 2016. I couldn't find solid info, so I just went with this. If anyone knows, let me know and I'll fix it.)
Chen Yilun didn't argue with Malone's skepticism. He just rubbed his nose and said,
"I've watched this kid play. He's a bit raw, but his defensive instincts are sharp. He's got potential to be a solid perimeter defender."
"Develop him? With all the kids you already have, you still have time to raise more?"
Malone scoffed. "Speaking of which, my coaching staff needs to expand. You'll have to approve it, or I won't even have the budget for their salaries."
"Sure." Chen Yilun readily agreed. "Need me to help you find candidates?"
"Of course. You've got a great eye. Chip and Chris were both perfect choices."
"Alright, I'll look around. You keep an eye out too."
While Chen Yilun and Malone chatted casually, a muscular Black player with dreadlocks suddenly exploded off the dribble—soaring up and slamming down a vicious dunk over the defender!
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser