As soon as the news came out, Rockets fans at home and abroad immediately started a heated discussion on social media.
In fact, since the Rockets officially announced Shen Fei as the team's general manager yesterday, fans' doubts have never disappeared.
Most people think that the boss Alexander has tasted the sweetness of the Chinese market in Yao Ming.
Now not only do players have to be selected from China, but even key positions like general manager have to be picked by a yellow man who has just graduated from college.
"Alexander, you'd better know that the Houston Rockets are a basketball team, and ultimately their performance on the basketball court will speak for themselves."
"The NBA is a business place, but it is also an arena. If you let a young man in his early twenties take charge of the Rockets, wouldn't you worry about wasting Yao Ming's peak period?"
Today, Shen Fei's first move after taking office was to trade away the best-performing rookie on the team last year.
What he got was just a 4-spot improvement in his first-round pick and a second-round pick.
This is unacceptable to Rockets fans.
As a result, there were a lot of negative comments below woj's tweet.
"I respect Yao Ming very much, but I can't accept this Chinese manager named Shen Fei at all."
"It's also a lottery pick in the second half. You'd better see that a certain rookie has star potential, otherwise I will chase you from now on!"
"Don't choose the No. 10 pick at that time. If you don't perform as well as Zeiss, that would be funny."
Some fans also chose to stand up and say a word for Shen Fei.
"If I remember correctly, when Yao Ming first entered the NBA, there were a lot of people chasing after him. I was thinking, it's not yet known whether Shen Fei's operation will be successful, so why are he so anxious to complain?"
"Didn't you notice that Jeffries' junk contract was dumped? This is very helpful to the Rockets' salary space."
On the other side of the ocean, in China, the emergence of Shen Fei quickly aroused discussion among fans.
Hupu, the largest basketball forum in China, has a large number of posts about Shen Fei.
"Who is Shen Fei, China's first NBA general manager?"
"The manager is the star, and the Rockets may have become the back garden of Chinese basketball. Will more domestic players land in the NBA in the future?"
Generally speaking, Huaxia fans were very surprised by Shen Fei's appearance, but at the same time they were worried about his situation.
............
While people were discussing it heatedly, Shen Fei, who was in the whirlpool of public opinion, had no time to care about outside comments.
At this time, he is preparing for the upcoming draft.
Shen Fei first contacted Jeremy Lin personally and extended an olive branch to the young point guard.
"I can give you a promise. After you join the Rockets, you will get enough playing time and will not sit on the bench."
"With Dayao and I here, you don't have to worry about being excluded in any way."
Shen Fei said.
Jeremy Lin was flattered.
He has a full understanding of his situation.
If nothing else happens, his name will not be read in the draft again.
The only way to stay in the NBA is to try out with a team and get a chance to perform in the summer league.
But now, a team is actually willing to give him a draft guarantee and also promised future playing time.
"General Manager, are you serious?"
Jeremy Lin could not suppress his excitement and confirmed again.
"Um."
"You just need to make sure of one thing, reject all other teams, and wait for the Rockets' contract with peace of mind."
"Our staff will sign a contract with you immediately after the draft."
Shen Fei said lightly.
"Okay, with your words, even if a team drafts me in the second round, I will refuse."
Jeremy Lin answered seriously.
"Okay, I'll see you the day after tomorrow."
After saying that, Shen Fei hung up the phone.
[In this way, the point guard position is basically no problem.]
[After a while, Brooks was bought and Lowry was appointed as the starter, with Brother Hao as the substitute.]
Shen Fei thought in his mind.
He believes that with the buff of [Spiritual Time Room], the Rockets' point guard reserves will soon become the best in the league.
"Now, just wait for the draft with peace of mind."
Shen Fei murmured to himself.
............
Two days later, the NBA draft will arrive as scheduled.
The best basketball talents in the world have gathered together, and today is the day their dreams come true!
NBA Commissioner David Stern stood on the stage and announced the start of the draft with a kind face.
Although this year's draft is a small year, there are still many newcomers who are considered to have star potential.
The favorite No. 1 pick - John Wall, has unparalleled speed and excellent physical fitness.
Evan Turner, a small forward from Ohio State University, has comprehensive skills and is modeled after the former scoring champion McGrady!
In addition, Wall's teammate at Kentucky, DeMarcus Cousins, and Georgia Tech insider Derrick Favors are both favored by many industry insiders.
To put it simply, although the overall quality of this rookie class is average, the top ones are still very good.
At the same time, far away in Houston, Shen Fei was sitting in the general manager's office, constantly following the progress of the draft through satellite live broadcast.
"With the first pick, the Washington Wizards select John Wall!"
"With the second pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select Evan Turner!"
...
"With the fifth pick, the Sacramento Kings select DeMarcus Cousins!"
Seeing that the development of things was no different from the previous life, Shen Fei breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, his cell phone rang.
"Manager, now we have to report the final choice. We are sure to choose Paul George, right?"
The assistant confirmed again.
"right."
Shen Fei was simple and direct, giving clear answers.
Soon, Stern took the handed note and spoke slowly:
"With the 10th pick, the Houston Rockets select... Paul George from California State University, Fresno!"
The next moment, the on-site director focused the camera on the young-looking George.
George took the Rockets' ball cap with a smile on his face, walked on stage, and took a photo with David Stern.
Shen Fei looked at this scene and clenched his fists excitedly.
Although George is not like James or Durant, he was one of the best small forwards in the league at his peak.
It is still unknown to what extent he could have grown without that tragic fracture.
But no matter what, George is completely enough to become a puzzle piece for the championship team!
............
At the same time, Bird, who was in Indiana, was also watching the draft.
When he saw that the Rockets selected Paul George, he immediately realized that he seemed to have been deceived by Shen Fei.
Where’s the promised Aminu???
How did I choose my favorite Paul George???
"That's unreasonable!"
Bird hammered the table hard.
He has been involved in the world for decades, and now at such an old age, he was tricked by a young man who was just starting out?