"Let's see who it is!"
Inside the Duke University basketball arena.
Grayson Allen looked at Kai Chen, who was walking toward him, and teased, "As expected of someone who conquered the Kardashian Family—he even walks with a swagger!"
"Hahahahaha!"
After hearing Grayson Allen's words, his teammates burst into laughter.
The entire Duke University team didn't seem nervous about the upcoming finals.
On the contrary, they were exceptionally excited.
"Hey, guys!"
Kai Chen, who had high-fived each of them, was the first to calm down. "We have more important things to prepare for now."
"If we can successfully defend our title, I'll have Kendall bring her best friends to celebrate with you."
Not just Kai Chen, but Marvin Bagley also reminded his teammates amidst the cheers: "Kai Chen is right, we currently have a more important task to complete."
"Looking back at our team's history, no team has ever helped Duke University achieve a repeat championship."
"And now this opportunity is right in front of us. What reason do we have to let this glory slip away from us!?"
Marvin Bagley's words instantly quieted his teammates in the arena.
Who wouldn't want to leave their name in Duke's history?
On the sidelines, Coach K looked at his players, who had resumed training on the court, and showed a relieved smile.
"Kai Chen, have you thought about what happens after this championship?"
A moment later, Coach K approached Kai and asked seriously, "After your junior year, will you choose to stay for another year or directly enter this year's NBA draft?"
With the talent and strength Kai Chen had displayed, Coach K had every reason to believe that many NBA teams were already eyeing him.
However, it was precisely because Kai Chen had only shown his strength and talent in too few games.
If he entered the draft, he would definitely be selected, but his draft position would certainly not be too high.
Especially in such a super draft year, it would be difficult for a player who had only played two games to get a high pick.
If he couldn't be selected in a high position, in Coach K's opinion, it would be better to stay for another year and enter the draft next year.
"Thank you very much for your trust in me."
Kai Chen looked at the coach, whose eyes were burning with passion. "But no matter the outcome of the finals, I will enter the NBA draft this year."
The tasks that the Basketball God System would issue next would definitely be based on entering the NBA.
If he played another year in the NCAA, by the time he entered the draft next year, Kai Chen would already be a senior.
Age was a very sensitive issue for NBA teams.
Even if Kai Chen had a god-like performance in the coming year, he would definitely not be a popular candidate for the first overall pick.
What's more, this year's two five-star high school players, Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, had already committed to joining Duke University next season.
To have these two prodigies play second fiddle to him!?
How could they be willing?
So, staying in the NCAA was meaningless for Kai Chen.
"If that's your choice, then I won't stop you."
There was an obvious hint of regret in Coach K's eyes.
Because in his opinion, it would be difficult for Duke University to defend its title this year.
But next year, with Zion and Barrett joining, and Kai Chen staying, their strength would definitely be in a league of its own in the NCAA.
He had absolute confidence in next year's championship.
At that time, Kai Chen, entering the draft with the title of NCAA Champion + Final Four MOP,
even as an older rookie, would definitely be picked in a high position.
However, Coach K had always been a very rational coach, and he would always unconditionally support his players' choices.
This was also why five-star high school players joined Duke University every year!
"Coach, I understand what you mean."
Kai Chen smiled and replied, "I have absolute confidence in my prospects in the NBA draft."
"So, have you decided which team you want to go to?"
Coach K saw that Kai Chen himself was so optimistic and immediately changed the subject. "Tell me, maybe I can help."
"Los Angeles Clippers!"
Kai Chen said without hesitation. "I long to go to Los Angeles!"
"Then why don't you choose the Los Angeles Lakers?"
"The Los Angeles Lakers' status in Los Angeles is far beyond what the Los Angeles Clippers can compare to."
Coach K was a bit puzzled, then continued, "Kobe Bryant and I have a very good personal relationship, and your position on the court is the same as his—shooting guard."
"If you want to go to the Los Angeles Lakers, I will recommend you to Kobe."
"I love Kobe, and I also like the Los Angeles Lakers."
Kai Chen shook his head and replied with firm eyes, "If I defeat them as a challenger, that would definitely be a fantastic thing!"
Seeing that Kai Chen had his own ideas, Coach K didn't say much more.
The two then walked into the locker room.
"Boss, this is the young man I told you about!"
At the same time.
Los Angeles, inside the Los Angeles Clippers general manager's office.
Jerry West held Kai Chen's scouting report and spoke with Los Angeles Clippers owner Ballmer: "Kai Chen, from China, is a junior at Duke University this year!"
"I've heard of him, the kid who had a verbal spat with Draymond Green of the Warriors a few days ago!"
Ballmer took the report. "He did play well in those two games."
"That's right. I specifically observed him. Kai Chen is a promising young star, and I see Kobe's shadow in him."
"You want to sign Kai Chen in this year's draft!?"
Ballmer gave Jerry West a meaningful look.
"That's right."
Jerry West nodded. "We have a draft pick from the Charlotte Hornets this year, and we have a chance to get him!"
Ballmer thought carefully for a moment.
Although Kai Chen's momentum was very strong at the moment, he was, after all, a player from China, and whether he could adapt to the intensity of the NBA was still unknown.
What's more, Ballmer's purpose in buying the Los Angeles Clippers was to build a dynasty team.
But at this critical juncture, Jerry West suggested that the team choose a rookie to develop?
Although Jerry West had always been accurate in his judgment of people, it conflicted greatly with his upcoming plans.
"It will only take half a season for Kai Chen to prove himself!"
Jerry West saw Ballmer's hesitation. "Boss, trust me, Kai Chen can bring us everything we want!"
"Ok!"
After a while, Ballmer nodded. "Do as you think!"
Similarly, discussions about Kai Chen were taking place among the high-level executives of various NBA teams.
But many teams had varying degrees of hesitation about choosing Kai Chen.
No one dared to gamble on a Chinese junior who had only played a few games in the lottery picks in this super draft year!
More team executives stated that all decisions would be made after the NCAA finals.