Chapter 24: The 2009 NBA Draft.
On June 14, the Lakers defeated the Magic on the road, winning the series 4-1 and claiming the NBA championship for the first time in seven years.
This was also Kobe Bryant's first championship as the team's leader since Shaquille O'Neal's departure, and he earned his first Finals' MVP trophy.
On June 25, Han Sen, along with other rookies, arrived at Madison Square Garden to attend the 2009 NBA Draft.
It's worth mentioning that not all rookies come to the event.
This isn't related to their draft projections but rather due to the draft rules.
Contrary to what many people imagine, the number of players who enter the NBA Draft by officially declaring is not very large.
For example, this year, including international players, only 103 players registered for the draft. Before the withdrawal deadline, 55 players withdrew, leaving only 48 players remaining.
Will the NBA not have enough players to draft?
The answer, of course, is no.
This is because, according to the rules, NBA rookies have an age threshold of 22. Players under 22 must register for the draft, but once they turn 22, they are automatically entered into the draft.
These 48 players refer to those who officially declared, but there are many more who automatically qualify after turning 22. This is also why this year is considered a "down year" for the draft.