585 Rookies (1/2)
The NBA organized a joint training camp for up-and-coming rookies every year in late May. The NBA invited about 60 new players to take part in the camp, putting them through a variety of physical and skill-based tests. Every year, scouts, general managers, and sometimes head coaches personally visited the camp and observed the training of the rookies.
If a team spotted a rookie that they liked, they would invite him to participate their team's rookie training. Rookies with potential got invitations from several teams.
In the past, many rookies who were predicted to get drafted early declined to take part in this joint rookie training or to only undergo the physical examination. They might be worried that the skill-based segment would expose their weaknesses.
However, two years ago, the camp reinstated the five versus five scrimmage program, and many high draft ranking players returned to the camp. Actual gameplay was the most effective way of determining a players' actual strength. Many rookies were willing to go play in five versus five scrimmages to display their strength.
As the NBA playoffs were still underway, the head coaches for many teams could not take time off to check out the training camp. Therefore, there were not many head coaches there. Most teams sent their managers and scouts. Dai Li became the focal point for reporters because he personally attending the camp.
Dai Li had just been nominated for the best coach award and a lot of players hoped to receive positive comments from him. It would increase their rankings in the draft.
”Coach Li, these are the physical test results for all the players taking part in the camp,” the Clippers' scout said, handing heaps of information to Dai Li.
The stats from the physical test included the height, weight, wingspan, standing reach, palm width, fat percentage, shuttle runs in the paint, shuttle runs, three quarter court sprint, standing vertical leap, and maximum vertical leap for each player. Every year, players with crazy physical stats would appear and a lot of rookies with outstanding physicality used this chance to improve their draft rankings.
The Clippers' scout briefed and introduced the player stats to Dai Li, but Dai Li only shook his head from time to time.
”Coach Li, you don't seem satisfied with these rookies,” the scout said.
”Our first round draft pick comes from the Bulls. The Bulls did pretty well this season, making the playoffs. I estimate that our pick will probably be 20th. I'm afraid with a draft pick like that, it'll be really difficult for us to find a suitable rookie.”
Dai Li sighed and said, ”For this draft, the first few picks will be players with outstanding talent. If we were among the top five, or even the top ten, we would have a good choice, but after the 20th pick there really isn't anyone to choose.”
”Coach Li, you don't have to worry, around seven to eight players did not accept the invitation to participate in the joint training camp this year. If you want, I can send their information to you,” the scout said.
”Are there any forwards?” Dai Li asked.
The scout thought for a moment and nodded. ”Yes, there are. Please wait a moment, I'll find them for you.”
The scout took out his tablet, which made a few clicks before producing a lot of player information.
”Coach Li, take a look at this. This player, Kelz Kumar, is 6.7 feet tall. His main position is forward. He's from the University of Utah, where he's a junior. Last season, he played 29 games for the University of Utah, scoring 16.4 points per game, and averaged 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He was selected as part of the best lineup in the Pacific-12 Conference,” the scout said.
”A junior? That sure is an old rookie. What's the media predict for his draft?” Dai Li asked.
”The media predicts that he will probably get picked by the end of the first round or early in the second round. Among the forwards, he's the only one who did not participate today. The latter part is his scouting report,” the scout said.
”Strength: Tall and wide wingspan. Good overall skill with decent athletic ability. Large frame, a little underweight at the moment. Standard rotational small forward, or a scoring power forward. Average defense capability. Weakness: Ability to score outside the paint fairly low, low scoring ability shooting off a dribble, in-game decision making could be better, average vertical leap and explosive strength…”
Dai Li reviewed the report carefully. From its content, the scouts did not appear to think highly of Kelz Kumar.
”He is similar to Osef. If he does become like Osef, that isn't so bad,” Dai Li said as he returned the tablet to the scout. He then asked casually, ”What has that fellow, Osef, been doing lately? It's been a while since I heard anything about him.”
”Osef? Last week he announced that he will be making a comeback next season! But I think he's just talk. His career over!” The scout curled his lips. ”An excellent player who destroyed himself with drugs and women!”
...
Ronny had been traded to Los Angeles, so he had not yet purchased any real estate in Los Angeles and rented a condominium.
Although the season for the Clippers was over, Ronny did not leave Los Angeles. It was the center of entertainment in the U.S., so there were many temptations that made it hard for a youngster to leave.
At that moment, Ronny opened a bottle of beer and leaned casually on the sofa.
Beside him, Ronny's agent said, ”The rookie training camp is about to start and the Clippers invited several forwards to participate. I heard that they were also scouting the NBA development league for forwards.”
”Hmpf, they are just trying to trick me into signing a renewal contract faster.” Ronny curled his lips in disdain.
”As long as you understand that. I'm really worried that you can't take the heat and will actively seek them out to lower your salary,” his agent said.
”I'm anything but anxious! I don't believe that the Clippers can so easily replace me.” Ronny put down his beer mug and asked, ”Have any other teams shown interest? Are there any teams willing to offer me a contract?”
”The playoffs aren't over yet. Even if there are teams, they won't express their interest right now,” his agent said.
”Good point,” Ronny said as he narrowed his eyes. He then said, ”Put the word out to say that my contract talks with the Clippers have stalled and that I'm willing to consider any offers!”
...
A couple of rookies who arrived for trials could be seen on the Clippers' training ground. It was the Clippers' rookie training camp.
”American players sure are strong. Look at that guy! How is he a 19-year-old kid? And that one, I think he's only around 20 years old, but he's as strong as a bull!” Chenggong Sun said enviously.
Concerning physical qualities alone, these rookies were indeed better than the players from the Chinese men's national basketball team. As the head coach of the national team, Chenggong Sun wished that his players were at least as strong.
”Our players have become much stronger after half a month of training,” Dai Li said.
”You've got a point. Their muscles have certainly become bigger. At least they are definitely much more defined now,” Chenggong Sun said with a nod.
Compared to when they had arrived, the Chinese players had indeed grown stronger. While they could not be compared to the muscular American players, they were certainly better off than other Asian players.
Just as Chenggong Sun relished in the improved physical quality of his basketball team, Dai Li's gaze was fixed on another player.
Looks like the scout was wrong. Kelz Kumar's talent definitely puts him within the top five draft picks. The scout clearly did not seriously consider his potential! Looks like the 20th pick will be reserved for him!
The player he was focusing on was Kelz Kumar, the player who did not take part in the joint rookie training camp.
Under Dai Li's suggestion, the Clippers' rookie training camp sent Kumar an invitation. Kumar decided to accept the invitation.