The Golden Age of Basketball-Chapter 580 - 5 Foxbat_3

Everyone shrugged their shoulders, indicating that West was right; this guy was just like that.

"But from a long-term perspective, Cliff Robinson really is a good choice. If we just want to win one championship, such a player isn’t urgently needed, but if we want to build a dynasty, a utility player like him will be very useful in the long haul—if he can grow up and stay away from damn drugs,"

Gan Guoyang added, pointing out that in the long journey, injuries and fluctuations in performance among various factors are inevitable, and the Trail Blazers indeed need a versatile forward.

Cliff Robinson played for the University of Connecticut, and in 1988 he led his team to an NIT championship, making the All-Tournament Team.

In the 88-89 season, he averaged a comprehensive 20 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game.

But he had a history of drug violations during college, and now with the league’s increasing strict stance on drugs, this dishonorable history was driving his draft stock down.

Another point was that Cliff Robinson’s outstanding performances were all in the NIT; the University of Connecticut hadn’t made it to the NCAA national tournament in recent years, casting doubt on the value of his statistics and performances.

West didn’t openly agree with Gan Guoyang’s words, but he circled Cliff Robinson’s name.

Then, among the profiles of young players participating in the draft, he circled another name: Vlade Divac.

Seeing this name, everyone was puzzled. Buckwalter said, "We plan to sign Sabonis this year. Divac has the same role and skills as him, we also scouted him, he’s a formidable center, but... we have better ones."

West said, "That’s who the Los Angeles Lakers want."

The room abruptly fell silent. Tang Jianguo broke the silence, "Pick him! Our draft pick is ahead of the Lakers! Take him!"

Gan Guoyang said, "Why? We already have Sabonis."

Tang Jianguo said, "No reason, just because the Lakers want him, we can’t let the Lakers have their way. Especially after ’Sports Illustrated’ published that insulting article about Jerry, we need to take action, strike back at the Lakers, and blow off steam for Jerry!"

Tang Jianguo, who had been silent about the draft, suddenly became active when it came to retaliation to give West a chance to vent.

This was his domain.

Jerry West did come to Portland with an intention to get back at the Lakers, but that wasn’t the important part.

Gan Guoyang said, "Jerry, you must have a plan."

West nodded and said, "I need to make sure that what I’m about to say, aside from us, no one else knows. Absolutely cannot be leaked until the draft is over. If it’s leaked, it means there is a mole among us, and I will refuse to work for the Trail Blazers, even if it means paying a penalty."

Tang Jianguo said, "Don’t worry, the Trail Blazers, after my restructuring, are absolutely loyal. Everyone present tonight will keep their mouth shut. If any news is leaked, he won’t have to work for the Trail Blazers any longer."

After receiving the promise, West said, "I have been scoping out Divac for a long time; even though other Lakers scouts don’t think he fits the team, Don Nelson, uncommonly on this point, agrees with me, and he wants a European center like Divac even more than I do. Jabbar has retired; he needs a talented, pass-making big man to construct his system."

"Divac is second only to Sabonis in this regard, and he has better low-post back-to-the-basket skills than Sabonis. Of course, that determines Divac isn’t suitable for us; we already have the best low-post player."

Gan Guoyang raised his hand, and West added, "You’re also strong in the high post and have a good shot, but the low post suits you best."

Gan Guoyang lowered his hand.

West continued, "So, we’ll pick Divac at the 24th spot; the Lakers will definitely try to make a trade. At that time, we can offer some cash or a player to get the player that we need."

"Trade for whom?"

"We should demand Kevin Duckworth from them."

"Duckworth? The Lakers likely won’t agree; he’s young, and his performance is improving."

"The Lakers indeed won’t give up Kevin; both Buss and Nelson like him. Our real target is Edwards; he’s a veteran, and more suitable for us. However, we can’t reveal our intention right away."

"What if the Lakers just refuse to trade?"

"Don Nelson will definitely want him, and he’s been wanting to get rid of Edwards; they think he’s too slow. If they really won’t trade, then keeping Divac wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. In case Sabonis doesn’t want to come, or if he gets injured, then Divac would be the best backup."

West’s move to hijack the Lakers’ plan was ruthless; as the former Lakers manager, he knew their plans, and naturally wanted to exploit them.

The NBA draft is like a business battle, deception and intrigue are part of the game, just like how the Heat target the Trail Blazers, information is crucial.

The Trail Blazers, aspiring for a dynasty, need to engage in this sort of daring maneuver.

West knew that with the current Trail Blazers’ lineup, even without too many moves, they would still be strong contenders for the championship.

But West didn’t join the Trail Blazers just to win a championship; the Trail Blazers don’t lack championships, and neither does West.

His goal was Auerbach. Like the Celtics, to dominate an era, just as Ah Gan said, he too enjoyed such a life.