Batum wept uncontrollably in June 2008, repeating, “Why me? Why now?” N’diaye, who represents numerous French players, including Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert, replied, “Trust me. We will still make it happen.” Batum’s draft status was crumbling. An electrocardiogram raised concern during his workout with the Raptors, and Toronto’s team physician asked if any of Batum’s family members had heart issues or had died young. Batum told the Raptors about his father dying at 30. That set off pre-draft concern around the league. “He was red-flagged — no one would work him out.” N’diaye recalled of the reaction.