Both conference finals had ended, and the two Finals teams had been decided.
Just like last year, it was once again the Cavaliers and the Pelicans.
As fans had discussed on social media, the second meeting between the two teams was full of storylines.
Could the Cavaliers complete their revenge? Could James, like Tang Tian last year, bring Cleveland its first championship and reclaim his position as the Number One Player in the League? Could Whiteside prove that the Pelicans had underestimated him? Could the Pelicans defend their title and establish a dynasty?
The matchup had more talking points and hype than either conference finals.
The fans could hardly wait.
However, there were still five days until the Finals began.
The season was nearing its end, and the gaps between games had grown longer.
It was not a short break, but there was no shortage of things to watch on the off-season days.
The day after the Western Conference Finals ended, the league announced the eighth and final batch of season awards.
This batch included noticeably more awards than the previous ones.
The All-Rookie Team, the All-Defensive Team, and the All-NBA Team.
The All-Rookie Team was announced first, divided into First and Second Teams.
All-Rookie Second Team: Yogi Ferrell, Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown, Marquese Chriss, Domantas Sabonis.
All-Rookie First Team: Brogdon, Buddy Hield, Ingram, Saric, Guillermo Hernangomez.
Brogdon was named Rookie of the Month and also made the Rookie First Team.
By comparison, Siakam, the other rookie on the team, had not received many opportunities to play and missed out on the All-Rookie Team.
Still, the Pelicans had already struck gold.
Brogdon had been selected by the Pelicans with the 27th Pick of the first round!
In terms of honors alone, that was an even better deal than Tang Tian