NBA: Warrior godfather.

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After the New York audience had waited for what seemed like an eternity, the man they both loved and hated finally appeared in front of them. David Stern stepped onto the podium and waved to the audience with a smile, only to be met with a wave of boos.

Stern was no stranger to this reception and even smiled more kindly in response. It had become tradition for New York fans to boo him during every draft.

Below the stage, a mix of emotions could be felt. Blake Griffin sported a confident grin, while Hasheem Thabeet appeared increasingly anxious. James Harden, now growing out his signature beard, looked relaxed as he whispered to his agent.

In another corner, Stephen Curry and Ayesha shared some lighthearted affection, oblivious to the growing irritation on Sonya's face. Only after a playful nudge from Ayesha did Curry adjust his posture with an awkward smile.

The previous year, Curry had reconnected with Ayesha during a visit to Los Angeles for an award ceremony. Since then, the two had stayed in close contact, and their relationship blossomed rapidly. They soon met each other's families, and talks of marriage began to surface—something Liam Gonzalez, who was still single, found almost unbelievable.

This time, Ayesha was by Curry's side, ready to support him through this pivotal moment.

On stage, David Stern wasted no time. After a brief introductory speech, the 2009 NBA Draft officially began. Stern was handed an envelope with the Clippers logo printed on it, which he opened with a knowing smile.

"With the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select Blake Griffin from Oklahoma City, playing for the University of Oklahoma!"

Applause followed, but it was subdued—this outcome was expected.

Griffin hugged his family and friends before heading to the stage to shake hands and take pictures with Stern.

After Griffin left, Stern took another envelope, this time with the Grizzlies logo on it. Both Sam Presti and Donnie Walsh watched him closely, their anticipation growing.

Stern opened the envelope, his face showing a hint of surprise, and he read aloud:

"With the 2nd pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select Stephen Curry from Charlotte, North Carolina, playing for Butler University!"

For a moment, Madison Square Garden fell silent, only to erupt in boos moments later.

A particularly outraged New York fan stood up, clutching his head in disbelief, and yelled, "Noooo!"

His reaction perfectly reflected the sentiment of Knicks fans throughout the arena.

For the past month, Donnie Walsh had openly expressed his interest in Curry, even suggesting that Curry's absence from tryouts meant he had a tacit understanding with the Knicks. New York fans had taken that as a promise and eagerly awaited Curry as their savior—the player who would lead the Knicks back to glory.

But now, out of nowhere, Curry had been snatched up by the Grizzlies. It felt like a crushing blow to the hopeful New York crowd.

Hasheem Thabeet, who had been promised the second pick by the Grizzlies, was visibly shocked. On the other hand, Curry showed little enthusiasm when his name was announced.

He hugged Ayesha and his family calmly, walked to the stage, accepted the Grizzlies cap, and posed for photos with David Stern.

Meanwhile, Sam Presti, the Thunder's general manager, felt his last hope slip away. He sighed, quickly wrote down James Harden's name on a piece of paper, and handed it to his assistant, who rushed it to the league officials.

Moments later, David Stern called out Harden's name. Harden walked onto the stage, his demeanor calm and collected, unaware of the drama that had unfolded behind the scenes.

Next, the Kings selected Tyreke Evans with the 4th pick, the Knicks chose Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio with the 5th, and the Timberwolves took Jonny Flynn with the 6th pick.

As Flynn left the stage, Stern received another envelope, this time with the Warriors logo. He announced Hasheem Thabeet's name.

Thabeet, finally called, let out a sigh of relief and walked onto the stage with a broad smile, posing for his photo with Stern.

Though he wasn't the second pick, Thabeet was content with being drafted by the Warriors, a team in a major market like San Francisco.

But as soon as he stepped down, his agent approached him with some surprising news.

"Hasheem, you've been traded," the agent said.

At that moment, Presti and Walsh were in their respective boxes, stunned by the reports from their staff.

"The Warriors and Grizzlies have made a deal. The Warriors traded Hasheem Thabeet, Corey Maggette, and Anthony Morrow in exchange for Stephen Curry, Kyle Lowry, the Grizzlies' second-round pick, and a trade exception."

Presti could only smile bitterly. So, it was the Warriors all along. He couldn't figure out how Larry Riley had managed to gain Curry's trust so completely.

Walsh, on the other hand, was beside himself with disbelief.

"What? The Warriors?! Why would Curry choose the Warriors over the Knicks? New York's basketball market is so much bigger than San Francisco! And Chris Cohan's financial stinginess—what could he possibly offer Curry? Is Jeff Austin out of his mind?"

"Donnie, calm down," Mike D'Antoni said, trying to ease the situation. "There are others in this box. You know Dolan can't stand hearing people criticize the Knicks like that."

Meanwhile, in the Warriors' box, Larry Riley put down his phone and looked over at Liam Gonzalez, who was sitting nearby.

"Boss, the deal is done," Riley said.

Liam smiled and nodded. "You did great, Larry. Thanks for your hard work."

Riley, eager to please, responded, "I was just following your plan. It's your strategy that made this happen."

"The draft isn't over yet," Liam reminded him with a chuckle.

"I know," Riley replied, feeling a deep sense of respect for Liam.

A month ago, Liam had taken control of the Warriors, keeping Riley on as general manager. Under Liam's guidance, Riley had worked with Curry's agent, Jeff Austin, to carefully orchestrate their strategy, successfully keeping the rest of the league in the dark.

Riley had witnessed firsthand how Liam had skillfully manipulated both Presti and Walsh, and it left him in awe. He couldn't shake the feeling that a new era was dawning for the Warriors.

Liam, unaware of Riley's thoughts, walked over to the window of the box and gazed out at the bustling arena below. His eyes finally settled on Curry, and a small smile crept across his face.

"Stephen, bring your talent to the West Coast," he murmured.

End of this chapter

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