NBA: Rise in a Parallel World

The evening of June 30.

New York, Madison Square Garden.

For the first time in history, the NBA was holding its inaugural draft. It was a moment that would define the future of professional basketball.

The grand hall of Madison Square Garden had been transformed into the center of the basketball world. Thousands of fans packed the arena, their eyes fixed on the grand stage where the fate of the league's first-ever rookie class would be decided.

Thirty round tables were arranged in the middle of the floor, each occupied by a young player waiting to hear his name called. Many of these athletes had spent their college years dreaming of a professional league that didn't yet exist—until now.

Surrounding them, reporters from newspapers and radio stations eagerly took notes, while television crews from ESPN, CBS, and other networks prepared for a live broadcast unlike any before.

This was history in the making.

At the ESPN commentary booth, legendary broadcasters Mike Breen, Adrian Wojnarowski, and Jay Bilas sat ready to provide coverage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first-ever NBA Draft," Mike Breen announced with enthusiasm. "Tonight, the future of basketball begins. For the first time, professional teams will select young stars to build their franchises. This league is in its infancy, but make no mistake—history is being written tonight."

Jay Bilas nodded. "That's right, Mike. The introduction of the draft system ensures that every team, regardless of market size, has a chance to develop talent. The weakest teams from the league's opening exhibition season have been awarded the top picks. That means the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Washington Wizards will have the first three selections."

Wojnarowski, always the insider, added, "And this isn't just about basketball—this is about opportunity. The No. 1 pick will receive a guaranteed four-year contract worth $44.2 million. The No. 2 and No. 3 picks will receive $39.6 million and $35.6 million, respectively. Just imagine—before tonight, these young men were college students, and within minutes, they will be the faces of professional basketball."

Breen chuckled. "It's incredible to think about, Woj. The NBA has been talked about for years, but now it's real. These players will be the foundation of the sport's professional era."

The arena suddenly darkened as a single spotlight illuminated the stage.

Nathan Cole, the President of the NBA, stepped forward, dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit. Holding a sealed envelope in his hands, he adjusted his microphone and looked across the packed venue.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the inaugural NBA Draft," Cole announced, his voice filled with pride. "This is the beginning of something truly special. Tonight, we are not just selecting players; we are shaping the future of professional basketball.

And so, without further delay, let us begin.

With the first pick in the first-ever NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select… Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from UCLA!"

A roar erupted from the crowd.

At one of the round tables, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's family jumped up in celebration. The towering 7'2" center smiled as he embraced his loved ones. He then shook hands with his agent before standing up, adjusting his suit, and making his way to the stage.

A staff member handed him a Milwaukee Bucks draft cap, which he placed on his head before stepping onto the grand platform.

Jabbar shook hands with Nathan Cole, the commissioner smiling as he presented the official Bucks jersey. Flashbulbs lit up the arena as cameras captured the moment for history books.

Moments later, the giant screen above the stage began playing highlights from Jabbar's dominant college career. His skyhook, rebounding dominance, and ability to take over games were on full display.

At the ESPN sideline, Rachel Nichols stepped forward for the first interview of the evening.

"Kareem, congratulations!" she said with excitement. "You are the first pick in the first-ever NBA Draft. What does this moment mean to you?"

Jabbar, still smiling, adjusted his draft cap. "It's an incredible honor. The NBA is a dream come true, and I'm grateful to the Bucks for believing in me. I can't wait to get to work and help build something special in Milwaukee."

Meanwhile, back at the ESPN desk, Wojnarowski analyzed the selection.

"There was never any doubt," Woj said confidently. "Jabbar is a generational talent. He dominated at UCLA, led his team to an NCAA championship, and was the Most Outstanding Player. The Bucks just got the centerpiece of their franchise."

Mike Breen added, "And he's not just a great scorer—he's a leader. He understands the responsibility that comes with being the No. 1 pick, and I have no doubt he'll rise to the occasion."

As Jabbar stepped away from the stage, Nathan Cole returned to the podium for the next selection.

"The second pick in the first-ever NBA Draft… the Philadelphia 76ers select Julius Erving!"

The excitement in the room grew even louder.

Julius "Dr. J" Erving, wearing a pristine white suit, grinned as he hugged his family. He then confidently walked onto the stage, where he shook hands with Cole before receiving his official 76ers jersey.

Jay Bilas provided insight.

"This is a historic pick," Bilas said. "Erving is one of the most electrifying players the game has ever seen. He was already an MVP in the ABA, and now he gets to bring his high-flying style to the NBA. The 76ers just found their franchise player."

On stage, Rachel Nichols held the microphone.

"Julius, you've dominated in the ABA, and now you're heading to the NBA. What excites you most about this opportunity?"

Erving's smile widened. "I'm excited to be part of something new. This league is going to be great, and I want to help shape its future. Philadelphia is a basketball city, and I can't wait to get started."

Nathan Cole stepped forward once again.

"The third pick in the first-ever NBA Draft… the Washington Wizards select Wes Unseld from the University of Louisville!"

Another thunderous applause erupted.

Unseld, a rugged 6'7" center known for his rebounding and leadership, rose from his seat with a determined expression. He made his way onto the stage and shook hands with Cole before donning his new Wizards cap.

As highlights of Unseld's college performances played, Wojnarowski weighed in.

"Wes Unseld is exactly the kind of player you want when building a franchise from scratch," Woj said. "He's tough, he's smart, and he does all the little things that help teams win. Washington is getting a cornerstone player."

The draft was off to an incredible start, and the excitement only continued to build.

This wasn't just any draft—it was the birth of professional basketball as we know it.

For the young athletes in the room, this was the culmination of years of hard work.

For the NBA, it was the beginning of a new era.

And for the fans watching, it was the start of something they would never forget.

The first-ever NBA Draft was officially underway.