Chapter 11: Every Team Wants Adrian Cross
The NBADraftCombine had officially concluded, but Adrian Cross was still the center of attention.
Several men in sharp suits pushed past the barrier and walked directly toward him.
Leading them was MitchKupchak, General Manager of the LosAngelesLakers.
With a professional smile, Kupchak handed Adrian a business card.
"Adrian, I'm Mitch Kupchak."
He glanced at Adrian's sweat-soaked jersey and nodded approvingly.
"Your performance today was incredible—especially your low-post dominance and defensive presence."
"The Lakers would like to invite you to a private team workout."
Before Adrian could respond, another man stepped forward.
R. C. Buford of the SanAntonioSpurs.
Unlike Kupchak, his tone was calm and composed.
"Adrian, San Antonio would also like to invite you for a workout."
"Our system is perfect for interior players, and you'd have the opportunity to learn from TimDuncan."
"You'd understand what real team basketball looks like."
Immediately after, NeilOlshey, general manager of the PortlandTrailBlazers, joined the conversation while holding a tactical diagram.
"Take a look at this," Olshey said, pointing to the play.
"Our pick-and-roll offense needs a center like you."
"Come to Portland for a workout. You'd love playing with DamianLillard."
Within just a few minutes, seven or eight executives had gathered around Adrian.
Representatives from the HoustonRockets, BostonCeltics, and DallasMavericks all stepped forward with invitations.
Their enthusiasm was impossible to hide.
Across the gym, other rookies watched with envy.
The Combine happened every year, but no prospect had ever attracted this many executives personally.
Adrian raised his hands politely.
"No problem. I'll take a look at the schedules and get back to everyone."
As he turned to leave, two figures suddenly stepped into his path.
Agents.
The first was BillDuffy, holding a thick folder.
"I know you'll need professional representation," Duffy said confidently.
"I've represented several number-one draft picks."
"You'll be in very good hands."
Before Adrian could answer, another voice interrupted.
"He doesn't need to follow someone else's path."
The second man stepped forward.
RichPaul.
The rising superstar agent stood beside them calmly.
"They'll try to turn you into the next somebody," Rich Paul said.
"But I can help you become the firstAdrianCross."
Adrian looked at the two men carefully.
Bill Duffy had experience.
A long history of managing top draft prospects.
Rich Paul, however, understood something different—star power and branding.
After a moment of silence, Adrian spoke.
"I'll work with you."
Rich Paul smiled slightly.
"What terms are you thinking?"
"Three percent of my salary," Adrian replied.
"And fifteen percent of endorsement deals."
Rich Paul nodded immediately.
"That works."
The two men shook hands.
The agreement was sealed.
The 3% salary commission and 15% endorsementcommission was considered very low for an NBA prospect of Adrian's potential.
But Rich Paul understood something important.
If Adrian became a superstar, even a small percentage would turn into an enormous fortune.
Rich Paul grinned.
"I promise you one thing."
"This partnership is going to make history."
Meanwhile, inside meeting rooms across the league, the competition for Adrian Cross had already begun.
United States, Los Angeles – LakersFrontOffice
Inside the LosAngeles Lakers meeting room, Mitch Kupchak placed an injury report on the table.
The report belonged to KobeBryant.
"After Kobe's Achilles injury," Kupchak said seriously, "his scoring average dropped significantly, and his defensive impact has declined."
He looked around the room.
"We need to accept reality."
"The Lakers era built around Kobe is ending."
"It's time to rebuild."
One executive frowned.
"The good news is we have the secondoverallpick."
"The bad news is the projected top prospect, Karl-AnthonyTowns, was completely dominated today."
Kupchak didn't hesitate.
"Then we make a trade."
He spoke firmly.
"Package the No. 2 pick with future assets if necessary."
"Adrian Cross needs to be our priority."
"He's young, powerful, and already looks like a franchise cornerstone."
The room fell silent.
Behind them, Kobe Bryant's poster hung on the wall.
The message was clear.
The Lakers needed a newera.
United States, SanAntonio – Spurs War Room
The atmosphere in the SanAntonioSpurs meeting room was much calmer.
On the whiteboard, TimDuncan's name had a downward arrow beside it.
Another arrow pointed upward next to KawhiLeonard.
"Tim will be thirty-eight next season," Buford said quietly.
"His minutes are declining."
"Our frontcourt depth is limited."
Head coach GreggPopovich spoke next.
"Adrian's defensive instincts are excellent."
"And he moves faster than most centers."
"He could fit perfectly in our switching defense."
Popovich crossed his arms.
"If we draft him, he can learn from Tim."
"And when Tim retires…"
"He takes over."
Buford nodded slowly.
"I'll explore trade options to move up in the draft."
"In San Antonio, there are no untouchable players."
"Only the question: isitworthit?"
And Adrian Cross…
Was worth the risk.
Portland – Trail Blazers Strategy Room
The PortlandTrailBlazers meeting room was much more energetic.
Photos of DamianLillard and LaMarcusAldridge were already pinned to the board.
Now a third photo was added.
AdrianCross.
General Manager Neil Olshey circled the three players.
"Our current core is Lillard at point guard and Aldridge at power forward."
"If Adrian plays center…"
An assistant coach pointed at the tactics board.
"Aldridge can move freely to the high post."
"Adrian dominates the paint."
"And Lillard controls the offense."
Another executive studied the draft board.
"We currently have the sixthpick."
"If Adrian moves into the top three, we may need to trade up."
Olshey shook his head.
"Not yet."
"But start contacting teams ahead of us."
He looked again at the three photos on the board.
Lillard.
Aldridge.
Adrian Cross.
A future trio capable of dominating the league.