Chapter 23: The Golden Generation

In the 1996 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks selected Li You with the 18th overall pick, followed by Syracuse forward John Wallace at 19. Subsequently, the Knicks used the 21st pick to select Walter McCarty from the University of Mississippi.

Players selected after the 20th pick did not receive invitations to the event; the broadcaster merely displayed their photos and basic collegiate statistics. Li You was quite familiar with both players, having defeated them on the court previously. This was typical for the middle-to-late stages of the draft, where teams often took flyers on players from Final Four teams. While NCAA statistics could be inflated, most scouts and general managers in the United States still preferred collegiate prospects.

Because the "Son of New York," Stephon Marbury, was ultimately drafted by the Timberwolves, the local crowd groaned in disappointment. However, once Li You was selected at 18, the Continental Airlines Arena began to fill with the cheers of New York fans. Amidst the cheering, scattered groups of Milwaukee Bucks fans could be heard shouting, "We need Marbury!" The chant started quietly, but soon, fans nearby, looking for a bit of fun, joined in the clamor.

At that moment, Marbury and Ray Allen, who were being interviewed by TNT host Ernie Johnson, both looked displeased. Neither liked the idea of heading to Milwaukee or Minnesota; Ray Allen had not even worked out for those teams, yet things had still gone awry. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics had selected Antoine Walker with the 6th pick.

Normally, rookies chosen later in the draft would not be granted an interview, but since the draft was being held in New Jersey—essentially a secondary home court for New York—the staff beckoned Li You over. Accompanied by a grinning John Wallace, Li You followed the staff to the TNT interview area. Young host Ernie Johnson and veteran coach Hubie Brown stood to offer handshakes before everyone settled into the white sofas.

Noticing that Li You had not attempted to look older by growing a beard, as Kobe Bryant had, Ernie Johnson smiled and asked, "Li, you are the first person of Asian descent to enter the NBA, and you are not yet 19 years old. Does this place any pressure on you?"

Veteran coach Hubie Brown also looked at Li You, acknowledging that his unique background naturally brought extra attention.

"There is no pressure," Li You replied. "I studied at the University of Connecticut, and I am very familiar with Madison Square Garden and the New York fans. In my view, there is no difference between the NBA and college basketball, other than the shortened shot clock. Most teams' tactical systems are quite predictable. Most importantly, I love a challenge, and entering the NBA early is the best choice I could have made!"

Wearing a Knicks cap and a light gray suit, Li You spoke with ease and immense confidence. He was speaking from the heart; graduating from high school early to attend college, and then leaving college early for the NBA, had all been part of his plan. Beside him, John Wallace, still wearing a goofy grin, widened his eyes in shock—that was quite the bold claim!

Ernie Johnson was momentarily stunned, but he reacted quickly with a smile. "That is an impressive perspective! I think the New York fans will certainly love you. John, how does it feel to be drafted by the Knicks?"

Feeling the spotlight, John Wallace appeared quite nervous and spoke quickly. "I love New York. I’ve been a die-hard Knicks fan since I was a kid, and I can't wait to play at Madison Square Garden!"

Li You raised an eyebrow; the answer sounded familiar. He had just used the exact same line to fool the Lakers not long ago. Hubie Brown chuckled, enjoying the sight of the flustered rookies, and cast a meaningful glance at Li You. After a brief discussion about their aspirations, the impromptu interview concluded.

Though he had remained quiet during the interview, Hubie Brown began to hold court once the cameras were off: "The Knicks' choice is quite interesting. Don Nelson couldn't change New York's offense, and Jeff Van Gundy, who took over midway, has opted to continue with Pat Riley's tactical system. By choosing Li, the coaching staff is clearly trying to alter the current offense through their personnel. Perhaps the Knicks will attempt to reshape the roster during the offseason. After losing to the Bulls again this year, they truly need to make changes. If they continue to repeat the same old system, they are destined to never win a championship."

The entire Eastern Conference had been steamrolled by Michael Jordan; currently, no defense seemed effective against him. Ernie Johnson agreed with the veteran coach, and recalling Li You's confident demeanor, he sighed, "Some genius players can truly bring their own system, but the Bulls are highly likely to repeat next season. 72 wins—what an incredible record!"

When Li You returned to the floor, he heard that the Bulls had selected Travis Knight from the University of Connecticut with the 29th pick. With that, all 29 first-round picks were finalized, and the University of Connecticut set a new program record with three players selected in the first round.

Mark Bartelstein still looked unhappy; he had desperately wanted Ray Allen to play in a big market. Milwaukee? What kind of hellish place was that? Li You's friends were ecstatic, however; with him playing in New York, they could easily drive over to watch games and catch up regularly.

As the draft continued, Li You noticed several other rookies looking dispirited. Like Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant looked dejected—no hometown basketball, no big city, and the Hornets? He would rather go back to Italy! John Black, the Lakers' representative, was equally frustrated. His first choice at 24 had been snatched by New York, so he had been forced to contact the Los Angeles front office and eventually select Derek Fisher. As a point guard, Fisher lacked Li You’s flashy stats and had shown nothing exceptional during his workouts.

Some were happy, some were sad. The 1996 draft concluded after more than two hours. Every player invited that night would walk away with a solid contract, a night that changed the trajectory of many lives. To live a good life, you need the greenbacks!

Ray Allen maintained a smile in front of his family, but once he returned to the hotel, he couldn't hold it back: "Damn it! I didn't even work out for those two teams. I don't like Milwaukee at all!"

Mark Bartelstein, having calmed down, knew the Bucks wouldn't let him go. "We have to prepare for the worst. Even if you stay in Milwaukee, I will fight to get you a big contract!"

Li You remained silent. In 1996, playing in a small market meant limited exposure due to broadcasting constraints. Ray Allen had truly drawn the short straw.

"Li, New York is a great fit for you," Bartelstein added, offering reassurance. "I’ve spoken with Coach Van Gundy; they will be adjusting the roster in the offseason. This is your opportunity!"

Li You nodded and patted Ray Allen on the shoulder in consolation. Familiar names began to emerge in the NBA landscape: Steve Nash was selected 15th by the Suns, and Jermaine O'Neal was taken 17th by the Trail Blazers. The Golden Generation of '96 had taken the stage, and the transition from the old era to the new had officially begun.