Chapter 294: The Last Feast.
Before Nikola Jokić could make it to Cleveland, the 2015 NBA Draft took place at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets.
The Boston Celtics used the No. 1 pick to select Karl-Anthony Towns, a choice that surprised no one.
After the pick, Celtics GM Danny Ainge confidently declared to the media: "Our rebuild is over!"
The Minnesota Timberwolves, holding the second pick, selected Duke's Jahlil Okafor. Known for his polished post game, Okafor's draft comparison was none other than Tim Duncan — a name rarely thrown around lightly in draft profiles.
With the third pick, the Philadelphia 76ers took D'Angelo Russell, pairing him with Joel Embiid as their new core for a classic inside-out rebuild.
The Knicks, despite tanking for a top pick, only managed to secure the fourth overall selection. Their new president, Phil Jackson, chose Latvian prospect Kristaps Porziņģis.
The 7-foot-2 teenager, who had been playing in Spain's ACB League, averaged 10.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1 block per game.
As expected, Knicks fans erupted in boos at the draft, furious about another 'project player.'
At seventh overall, the Denver Nuggets selected Emmanuel Mudiay, a former top high school prospect who had spent the past season playing in China's CBA.
Mudiay pulled a Han Sen move by revealing a bold gesture during his handshake photo with Commissioner Silva: he opened his suit jacket to reveal the bright red flag of China, earning him the nickname 'Silk Road Star'.
At 13th, the New Orleans Pelicans picked Kentucky guard Devin Booker, who had averaged 10 points and 2 rebounds per game.