This was truly unexpected.
Tang Tian was taken aback when he saw it.
But then he smiled as well.
He had only entered the league in 2011. Even if his influence now ranked first in the world, his age was what it was.
For one of his fans to enter the draft, that should have happened several years later.
Barrett was a little early.
Still, it was not impossible. The ages matched up if he had been a middle schooler or high schooler.
Besides, Barrett was only wearing his Spurs jersey. Though it was an older model, it was not particularly difficult to collect.
Tatum promptly announced the fourth pick, and the 76ers had five minutes to make their decision.
At that moment, the broadcast showed Barrett being interviewed on the sidelines.
"I'm curious. You're wearing a No. 31 jersey underneath. Are you a fan of Tang?"
Barrett's jersey was eye-catching and had naturally drawn the reporter's—or rather, the fans'—attention.
"Yes, I am. I always have been. When I was eleven, I went to see a Spurs-Heat game in person. I'll never forget that day. Tang scored a career-high 27 points, and he gave me this jersey. It inspired me to get where I am today."
Barrett's words stunned everyone.
Including Tang Tian, who was in the Draft Room at the time.
He had forgotten that he had ever done something like that.
After all, it had been eight years ago.
But after thinking back carefully, he remembered.
Based on what Barrett said, it should have been January 2012.
At the time, he was still a rookie, and it was his first time playing against the Heat. He made seven three-pointers and scored 27 points.
After the game, he had seen a child he liked at first glance, taken off