NBA: Warrior godfather.

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As rumors about Curry's absence from the tryout spread, the joint training camp in Chicago opened on time. Each year, the league invites players to a comprehensive workout in Chicago, which is the largest training camp before the draft.

While many high-ranking rookies only participate in the physical test portion of the tryout, team executives still gather in droves. They assess the rookies, meet agents, and invite players they like for individual tryouts.

This year, Griffin, the favorite for the No. 1 pick, was expected to grab the spotlight. However, news broke just two days before the event that Curry had withdrawn from the tryout and refused to attend any team's tryouts. Suddenly, all attention turned to him.

Curry and his agent, Jeff Austin, were absent, making the management of higher-draft teams the new target for reporters.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti and head coach Scott Brooks also attended the event at the United Center, the usual venue for the annual joint tryouts. If anyone wanted the event to be over, it was the Bulls fans. The tryout meant the Bulls were eliminated early again, and the arena was left to these rookies to showcase their skills.

This year, the Thunder had both the third and 25th picks in the draft, marking their third consecutive year of holding high draft picks. Over the last two drafts, Presti had selected Durant and Westbrook, both of whom impressed in their rookie seasons and displayed extraordinary potential. Presti had become well-regarded in the league for his shrewd choices, with the Thunder starting to gain momentum.

At the United Center, rookies underwent physical tests, including Griffin, Hasheem Thabeet, James Harden, and other potential top picks. Unlike future years, when many top prospects skipped the Chicago tryouts in favor of individual workouts, the current joint tryouts were well-attended, with most rookies eager to show their talent in front of team executives.

In a previous life, Liam had witnessed how Thabeet's impressive physical test at a similar event convinced the Grizzlies to use the second pick on him.

Presti and Brooks strolled around, observing players on different courts. Wherever they went, players worked extra hard, hoping to catch the executives' eyes.

At one point, they noticed a group of reporters interviewing team executives. Presti squinted and recognized Warriors general manager Larry Riley.

Riley spotted Presti and Brooks walking over and greeted them with a nod before turning back to his interview.

A reporter asked, "Mr. Riley, what do you think of this year's rookies participating in the tryouts?"

Riley paused, thinking for a moment before answering. "Griffin, Thabeet, Tyreke Evans—all excellent players. But my personal favorite is James Harden. He's a talented guard, ready to contribute right away. He has impressive athleticism and a well-rounded skill set. I believe his future is limitless."

The reporter pressed, "The Warriors have the No. 7 pick this year. Will you use it to select James Harden?"

Riley smiled wryly, "I certainly hope to take him with the No. 7 pick, but it's unlikely Harden will fall to that spot."

Then, the reporter shifted the topic. "What do you think about Curry, who announced that he wouldn't participate in the tryout?"

Riley replied, "It's said he did this for personal reasons, but I will not select a rookie without a tryout. I wish him good luck."

Scott Brooks whispered to Presti, "Sam, even Larry Riley knows you can't use a draft pick on players who haven't tried out. Are you still fixated on Stephen Curry? He didn't even come to Chicago!"

Presti responded, "Scott, I'm also optimistic about Harden. He's a genius, but Curry is unique, do you understand?"

"Unique? I only know that he is very likely injured, and there's a high probability that it's serious. Otherwise, he wouldn't have turned down all the tryouts. Choosing such a player is too risky," Brooks advised, shaking his head.

Brooks couldn't comprehend why Presti was so insistent on selecting Stephen Curry, especially with the growing concerns about his health. He believed that choosing Harden would be a safer bet, but with Presti's track record of successful drafts, he had little power to challenge his boss.

Presti, smiling, continued, "Scott, I understand your concerns, but Curry has a certain magic. I've watched his games live, and his shooting is revolutionary. I've never seen a player quite like him. Harden is great, but he doesn't have the same drive to win. While his floor is high, his ceiling isn't as promising. With Curry, I see a competitive spirit akin to Kobe and Wade. You can't go wrong by picking him."

If Liam had been present, he would have regretted the storm he stirred up in the NCAA, inadvertently putting Curry in Presti's sights. In Liam's previous life, Curry made headlines during the 2008 March Madness tournament but struggled after switching to point guard his junior year. His team's performance declined, and experts began doubting his potential to succeed in the NBA.

Now, under Liam's guidance, Curry had sidestepped many pitfalls and thrived in the NCAA, showcasing his historically impressive shooting abilities.

Despite the skepticism from traditional basketball analysts, Presti had developed a keen admiration for Curry. He had secretly followed many Butler University games and believed Curry had the potential to become a superstar.

Meanwhile, back in New York, Donnie Walsh was grappling with the implications of Curry's absence from the tryout. He knew the Knicks were banking on him, and with the growing media speculation surrounding Curry's health, he felt the pressure intensifying.

"Mike, I can't shake the feeling that this injury is more serious than they're letting on," Walsh confided to D'Antoni as they reviewed potential draft strategies.

D'Antoni nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "If that's the case, we may need to reconsider our options. I know we believe in Curry's potential, but taking a risk on a player who might be injured could cost us dearly."

Walsh sighed. "I understand your concern, but remember the risks we've taken in the past. Sometimes, those risks pay off in ways we can't foresee."

D'Antoni leaned back in his chair, contemplating. "True, but with the Knicks in need of immediate improvement, we can't afford to miss the mark. What if we looked into other prospects? There are still some solid players available."

Walsh paused, considering the options. "You might be right. Maybe we should explore the market for trade opportunities while keeping an eye on Curry's situation."

Just then, Walsh's phone buzzed. It was a message from Jeff Austin. He opened it, reading:

"Mr. Walsh, thank you for your continued support for Stephen. Regardless of the situation, if the Knicks select him, he will be eager to play for the team."

Walsh smiled slightly, sharing the news with D'Antoni. "See, there's still hope. If we can reassure him about his future here, it might just work out."

D'Antoni chuckled softly. "I hope you're right. But we still need a contingency plan just in case."

With that, the two men began discussing potential trades, weighing their options, and strategizing how to bolster the Knicks' roster while keeping a close eye on the draft and the unpredictable fate of Stephen Curry.

As the joint training camp in Chicago continued, teams remained focused on scouting talent, making connections with agents, and preparing for the upcoming draft. Little did they know how much would change in the coming weeks, and how one decision could alter the landscape of the league for years to come.

The air in the United Center buzzed with excitement and anxiety, as every player hoped to impress the scouts and secure their spot in the NBA.

Meanwhile, Liam watched from afar, knowing the stakes were high, not just for the teams but for the players whose dreams hinged on the decisions being made. His own journey had led him here, and he understood the weight of every choice made in the months to come. The draft wasn't just about talent; it was about vision, commitment, and the hope of a bright future.

And in the midst of all this, one player stood at the center of it all—Stephen Curry. Would he rise to the occasion, or would injuries keep him from realizing his full potential? Only time would tell, but the draft was looming, and the stakes had never been higher.

End of this chapter

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