In fact, it wasn't just the on-site fans; many viewers on social media were also watching to see what the Clippers would do.
West, the NBA's Logo Man, was also known as a master architect behind the scenes.
He had created the Lakers' OK duo and single-handedly built the Warriors' four-star lineup before joining the Clippers this season.
Fans were also eager to see what changes he could bring to the Clippers.
Five minutes later, Tatum emerged from backstage once again.
"With the third overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select Luka Dončić, a 2.01-meter small forward from Slovenia."
The Clippers had ultimately chosen Dončić.
Like the Hornets' earlier pick, this result came as a major surprise.
Dončić had only risen to prominence over the past year—or, more precisely, the past few months.
He had led Real Madrid to the EuroLeague Championship in the 2017–2018 season, winning both season MVP and Rookie of the Month.
The championship night had taken place just a month earlier, on May 21.
And just two days ago, on June 20, while the league held its regular meeting, he had led Real Madrid to the Spanish league championship as well.
In other words, at nineteen, he had become the king of Europe. In terms of talent and potential alone, he was one of Europe's greatest prospects.
He possessed a sense of rhythm and basketball IQ that his peers—and even many ordinary players—simply did not have. Elite court vision, size, strength, physicality, the build of a little tank among guards—these were all his strengths.
But likewise, he had some of the weaknesses common among white players. His vertical leap and speed were not particularly outstanding.
Even his shooting, something white players were generally known for, was not