Reborn in 96, I started by taking charge of the Dallas Mavericks.

"Boss, here is the team roster and draft list you requested."

Inside the general manager's office at the Mavericks' home arena, Tuanyuan Stadium.

Old Nelson placed the two lists in front of Chen Fang.

"Thank you," Chen Fang said, then began to carefully examine the two lists.

ten minutes later.

Chen Fang put down the list in his hand and asked Old Nelson.

"Tang, who do you think we should choose this time?"

Chen Fang didn't share his own thoughts first, but instead asked Old Nelson.

He wanted to test old Nelson's judgment.

Old Nelson, of course, understood Chen Fang's meaning. He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and said, "We have the ninth pick, which will most likely be one of Lorenzen White, Corey Kiddells, Samaki Walker, or Eric Dampier."

Old Nelson mentioned four people in a row, and Chen Fang only had an impression of the last one, Dampier.

He vaguely remembered that Dampier had played for the Mavericks for a few seasons.

As for the others, Chen Fang didn't know them at all, and they were probably not very famous.

"Tang, is there any chance we can trade up for a draft pick?"

Chen Fang asked bluntly.

"The opportunity certainly exists, but it comes at a considerable cost."

Old Nelson didn't rule out the possibility entirely, but he did indicate that there would be considerable resistance.

Upon hearing this, Chen Fang waved his hand and said, "I don't care about the cost. As long as we can get a top-three draft pick, everyone on the team can be put on the trading block."

Upon hearing this, old Nelson jumped to his feet, staring at Chen Fang in disbelief.

"Boss, even though you're the boss, I have to remind you that what you're doing will ruin the Mavericks."

"Tang, calm down."

Chen Fang was not angry at Nelson's disrespect. Instead, he took out the Mavericks' player roster and asked him questions.

"Tang, how many years do you think it will take for our current roster to win the championship?"

"I...I...don't know!"

Having just experienced a disappointing season, Don Nelson was unsure of which path the Mavericks should take.

Seeing that old Nelson couldn't answer, Chen Fang continued.

"Although we have two All-Star caliber players on our team, Kidd and Jim, they can't coordinate effectively."

"As for Jamal Mashben, he only played 18 games last season before being sidelined for the rest of the season."

"Do you think the remaining players will be of any help in winning the championship?"

Chen Fang's words were sharp and incisive, leaving old Nelson speechless.

To be honest, after seeing the Mavericks' roster, Chen Fang was reminded of some things.

At this moment, a bold idea popped into Chen Fang's mind.

"Boss, what do you mean?"

"Trade them all for this year's and next year's first-round draft picks."

Chen Fang said without any emotion.

While old Nelson was still reeling from Chen Fang's madness, Chen Fang spoke again.

"In this draft, I want you to do everything you can to get Kobe Bryant."

As he spoke, Chen Fang pulled out Kobe's personal information and threw it in front of old Nelson.

"That high school student? Boss, you must be crazy!" Old Nelson simply couldn't accept Chen Fang's madness.

In this era, although it is common for high school students to skip college and go directly to the NBA, most people do not have a high opinion of high school students participating in the draft.

“You think I’m crazy now, but in the near future you will find that the world will go crazy because of us.”

"Okay, let's move on. Besides Kobe, I also need you to take down this guy—Steve Nash."

"..."

Next, Chen Fang named several more names.

Steve Nash, Jermaine O'Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Ben Wallace...

In fact, there are far too many players in this class who will be able to establish themselves in the league and prove their worth in the future.

To be honest, Chen Fang didn't want to let any of them go, but that was definitely unrealistic.

But Chen Fang can find a bargain.

"I don't care what method you use, you must acquire as many draft picks as possible, and they must be high draft picks."

The reason Chen Fang wanted to put everyone in the team up for sale was not only because these people were really not good enough.

He remembered that the Mavericks' Big Three would be traded to a new team next season.

Rather than being traded mid-season, it's better to trade them before the draft starts and get some draft picks in return.

Taking this year's rookies as an example, Chen Fang is fully capable of assembling a rookie roster to compete next season.

In his mind, this is the starting lineup for the Mavericks.

Starting point guard: Nash

Shooting Guard: Kobe

Small Forward: Peja/Ray Allen

Power Forward: Jermaine O'Neal/Ben Wallace

Center: Big Z

Of course, this is his ideal lineup, but whether it can be realized depends on Don Nelson's ability.

"Boss, I will do my best."

Old Nelson said earnestly that this was the first task Chen Fang had given him, and he had to do his best to complete it.

After finishing their business, Chen Fang decided to take a tour of the stadium.

Before leaving, Chen Fang seemed to remember something, "By the way, I've already decided on the team's head coach, you don't need to look anymore."

"confirmed?"

Old Nelson was taken aback. "Boss, who did you hire as the team's head coach?"

Chen Fang chuckled, "It's just me!"

With that, he strode out of old Nelson's office, leaving the bewildered old Nelson alone.

"It's so crazy!"

……

"Bang bang bang!"

As soon as Chen Fang arrived at the entrance of the stadium, he heard the sound of a basketball hitting the floor.

The Mavericks didn't make the playoffs this year, and by now the players have already started their vacations. Who would be spending time in the arena practicing at this time?

With a sense of doubt, Chen Fang pushed open the door of the stadium.

"frame!"

The moment Chen Fang opened the door, he saw the other party unleash a powerful dunk.

"Clap clap clap!"

Chen Fang clapped his hands as he walked onto the court, "Nice dunk."

Upon hearing the voice, Sean Bradley landed and looked at Chen Fang, asking, "May I ask who you are?"

"Hello, my name is Chen Fang, the new owner of the Mavericks."

"You are the new owner of the Mavericks. Hello, my name is Shawn Bradley."

Upon learning that Chen Fang was the new owner of the Mavericks, Shawn became nervous and completely lost the domineering aura he had displayed when he slammed the dunk.

Chen Fang was slightly taken aback when he learned that the tall white man in front of him was actually Sean Bradley.

This is a German legend, and also the shot-blocking champion of the 96-97 season.

Chen Fang was impressed by this man because he was 3 centimeters taller than Yao Ming, reaching an astonishing 2.29 meters.

"Sean, you don't seem to be a member of the Mavericks, what are you doing here?"

At this moment, Chen Fang suddenly remembered that Sean's name was not on the player list that Old Nelson had just given him.

“I’m here for a tryout,” Sean said.

Last season, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets in a six-player deal.

His contract expired at the end of the season, and the Nets did not choose to renew it.

"So do you think you can stay?" Chen Fang asked with a smile.

"do not know."

Not getting the answer he wanted, Chen Fang smiled and continued, "So, do you want to stay?"

Want to?

Of course I did!

Sean nodded firmly. "Yes, I want to play in Dallas!"

"Congratulations, you've been accepted!" Chen Fang stood up and extended his right hand. "Congratulations on becoming a member of the Dallas Mavericks!"