But selling fans on the Nets isn't Kittles's job, it's Calipari's. That's why this first decision seemed even more important.

There were several draft scenarios for Calipari, who was force-fed trade options like an infant in his two weeks as an N.B.A. coach. There were probably times he just wanted to close his eyes, shake his head and say, "No more."

"I've felt more pressure in the last day and a half than I did in the Kentucky game," Calipari said, referring to the Final Four showdown. "I won't sleep for another one-and-a-half days now."

It has been a restless time. Whatever option Calipari was going to choose tonight -- trade up, trade down or stay put at No. 8 -- it was going to be inspected like a fresh dent in a car. So many were zoomed in on him, his $15 million deal being the talk of the N.B.A. The contract puts Calipari in the company of Pat Riley, whose power is just a slicked-back hair more than Calipari's.

And under complete control, Calipari didn't flinch when several trade offers "blew up" in the hours leading up to their one and only pick. But once Calipari realized Kittles was there, he knew what he wanted to do. Not even Gill, whose position is the one Kittles is most comfortable with, could argue.

"I want to help him any way I can," Gill said. "It's a great pick. He can play two-guard and he can play point guard."

The latter is Childs's spot, a free agent who may be too expensive to pursue. Kittles admits playing point guard would be a tough adjustment, but he said he is game for the challenge, ready to meet the expectations, ready to become the player who will go down as Calipari's first choice as an N.B.A. coach.