Slam Dunk: My Study Abroad Career in Northern Hunan

At the press conference, Barkley, who helped the team win despite his ankle injury, had a look of joy and satisfaction on his face, and he did not feel any pain at all due to the worsening of his injury.

Although the team doctor had conducted a rough examination of his ankle and informed him that his injury had worsened, and given his current physical condition, it might be difficult for him to maintain his NBA career, for Barkley, the moment he chose to play with the injection, he already had a picture of his future in his mind.

The worst that could happen is retirement. He had actually already prepared himself mentally.

The atmosphere at the press conference was very lively. Obviously, the fact that Barkley chose to play in today's game with a closed back had already reached the ears of the media, which was naturally a big news for the reporters and media.

Some industry insiders have also realized that after today's game, Barkley may have to bid farewell to the NBA forever.

The occlusive needle itself will not aggravate the injury, and its biggest function is to help players relieve muscle pressure.

However, when players choose to play after receiving blocking injections, they often have a reduced perception of pain due to paralyzed muscles, which is one of the biggest reasons why blocking injections can ruin players.

It was not a minor injury in the first place. If the player does not pay attention to protecting himself, the minor injury will turn into a major injury and even ruin a player's career.

Barkley has been in the NBA for so many years, and he has seen countless players taking injections.

The moment he made a decision, he had made up his mind.

The media reporters were also moved by Barkley's spirit. When the Timberwolves were already leading the Lakers 3-1, the media reporters naturally praised Barkley highly.

During this period, some media reporters asked Barkley in good faith whether it was worth it to pay such a price, because even if they won this game, the series between the Timberwolves and the Lakers would not be over. These media reporters intended to use this method to destroy the unity of the Timberwolves team.

Barkley's response was also very simple and straightforward: "Of course, we Timberwolves have already won this game, right?"

"Being able to win means that the efforts I made today were useful."

"Can we, the Timberwolves, win this series?"

"I have great faith in my teammates. They still won the two games without me!"

"I believe that Wu Dao will be able to adjust quickly and lead our Timberwolves to victory!"

The media reporters' instigation did not have any substantial impact on the Timberwolves. On the contrary, Barkley's behavior and spirit of forcing himself to play with a closed mouth to help the team win also infected other Timberwolves players.

The Timberwolves were clearly in the lead, but at this moment the players actually showed some pitiful temperament, and everyone felt sorry for Barkley.

The players have also made up their minds to repay Barkley's contribution to the team with victory.

The minds of players of this era are relatively simple, not to mention that most of the Timberwolves' main players are young people who are not very worldly-wise.

Sometimes what can infect players of this age is often not money, but spirit and dedication, something that seems illusory but actually exists.

The Timberwolves and Lakers series G was played in Minnesota, and the venue was also moved to the Target Center in Minnesota.

The Timberwolves played against the Lakers at home, and both the fans' cheers and the players' confidence and fighting spirit had reached their peak.

After Wu Dao's performance was a little sluggish in the previous few games, he quickly adjusted his condition after returning to Minnesota, which was loyal to him.

Although there was no help from Barkley in the game against the Lakers, the Timberwolves still suppressed the Lakers throughout the game. From 5 minutes into the game, they maintained the lead until the moment the halftime whistle sounded.

97: 91.

The Timberwolves firmly controlled the initiative of the game. Although they did not lead the Lakers by too many points, they did not give the Lakers any chance throughout the game.

Wudao also got comprehensive statistics of 37 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in today's game. Not only did he score explosively, but he also relied on his outstanding personal ability to connect the entire team.

The Lakers' O'Neal tried his best in today's game. His explosive data of 36 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists announced his dominance in the interior to the entire league.

But unfortunately, even with such a wonderful performance by O'Neal, he still couldn't help the Lakers defeat the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves' inside line really had no way to defend O'Neal, and the Lakers' inside offensive efficiency was far beyond that of the Timberwolves. However, the biggest reason for the loss of this game has not been solved by the Lakers.

That is, the Lakers have never been able to withstand the Timberwolves' offense.

With Wudao as the starting point of the offense, the Timberwolves' entire offense was activated. Whether it was Garnett in the inside or Tom and Marbury on the outside, players like them were able to display their personal characteristics.

The Timberwolves, with every member of their team as a soldier, are the undisputed kings.

Their team is really just like their team name. If the opponent shows the slightest flaw, these guys will pounce on them like wolves.

Moreover, the strength that the Timberwolves can exert when fighting in coordination is indeed incomparable to the current Lakers.

The Lakers lack an outstanding perimeter defender. Without such a player, they will not be able to defeat the current Timberwolves.

After sweeping the Lakers 4-1, the Timberwolves' road ahead became smooth.

In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Indiana Pacers led by Jim Miller finally got another ticket to the Finals.

Their team finally emerged from the shadow of Michael Jordan's dominance in the Eastern Conference and successfully made it to the finals stage.

After leading his team to defeat the Knicks and winning the game, Reggie Miller kissed the floor madly and looked very excited.

He knew that the next team he would face was the Timberwolves, who had dominated the league for two years and were heading for their third championship, but he was still full of confidence in his team and felt that he had a chance to defeat the Timberwolves.

Of course, all the industry insiders are not optimistic about the Pacers. Before the start of the playoffs, professional commentators made predictions about the Timberwolves' playoff journey. They judged that the only team with a chance to defeat the Timberwolves is the Lakers.

Once the Timberwolves make it through the Western Conference and successfully reach the finals, they will definitely not lose.

Indiana Pacers?!

This kind of team that relies on the outside line has no chance of defeating the current Timberwolves, because the whole league knows that the Timberwolves have the most powerful outside players in the league today.

June 2000, 6. The Timberwolves were well rested and were playing against the Indiana Pacers who had come from afar at home.

In this game, the Indiana Pacers did not show the strength of a finals team at all. Reggie Miller had an embarrassing hit rate of 14 of 1 under the defense of Wu Dao. The Timberwolves easily defeated the Indiana Pacers 104:77.

In contrast, Wudao easily scored 27 points in this game, leaving get off work early after only three quarters, and did not even complete the third quarter.

The Timberwolves' overwhelming strength left all Indiana fans breathless.

In Game 2 of the Finals, Reggie Miller still couldn't adjust his condition and continued his poor performance. He made 12 of 3 shots and only scored 7 points.

If we only look at the score, 7 points in a single game is already in line with the positioning of a role player.

But unfortunately, it was Reggie Miller who came up with this data, the core of the team with 12 shots. Reggie Miller's data is naturally unable to lead the team to victory. Not only him, Miller's sluggish feeling also spread to other people in the team.

The Pacers scored only 7 points in this game, and their low offensive efficiency meant they could not overcome the huge obstacle of the Timberwolves.

Although this round of finals had not yet ended, the fans in the Forest opened champagne early after the game to celebrate the Timberwolves' three consecutive championships.

The next two games did not disappoint Minnesota fans, and the Timberwolves maintained their dominance until the last game of the series.

4-0.

The Timberwolves swept the Pacers with ease, and Wu Dao won the FMVP for three consecutive years with his outstanding performance of averaging 31 points per game.

Three consecutive championships, three consecutive FMVPs.

Wu Dao, who had only been in the NBA for three years, achieved honors that many players would never be able to achieve in their entire lives.

At this point, the Timberwolves have truly established their own dynasty. The name of each player will be recorded in the Timberwolves' team history and remembered by more and more later generations.

Parades, endorsements, commercial performances, market investments, Wu Dao has not stopped for a moment in the new season, and he continues to expand his influence in this way.

It was also in the same year's NBA draft that the little giant from the East passed the draft and officially entered the NBA arena.

Without any surprise, the first player from East Asia to get the No. 1 pick appeared.

The team that selected him was the New Jersey Nets.

Superstar Charles Barkley officially announced his retirement after finishing his season. The ankle injury dealt a devastating blow to his career.

The Timberwolves also held a decent retirement ceremony for this veteran who made outstanding contributions to the team. At the same time, the team management also tried to retain Barkley by hiring him as an assistant coach to continue to contribute to the team's construction.

The Timberwolves are an emerging team, and experienced top stars and legendary veterans like Barkley are also valuable assets to the team.

However, Barkley declined the team's invitation and chose to bring his talents to TNT.
This offseason was not peaceful at all for the Timberwolves players. Even these young people could not escape the dynasty curse.

And the biggest impact on the Timberwolves is that Wu Dao's rookie contract has expired and the team wants to discuss contract renewal with him.

Barkley's departure did not free up much salary space for the team. As for Wu Dao, although he is not short of money at all, he will never compromise himself and give up the big contract that is within his reach in order to ensure the original lineup.

Eighty million dollars over three years.

Wu Dao did not want to compromise on his worth. The offer he gave to the team was in full compliance with his own valuation. Moreover, Wu Dao and his agent team can confirm that even if the Timberwolves do not accept his big contract, there are still many teams in the league that want him!
Things developed just as Wu Dao and his agent team expected. Faced with such an offer, the team management did not hesitate too much and agreed directly.

Glen Taylor has never been a stingy boss, and he is also very smart. He can make back all the money paid to Wu Dao from him.

However, after giving Wu Dao a big contract, the Timberwolves' team salary will inevitably be over budget. Although Glen Taylor is willing to spend a lot of money on Wu Dao, he is more or less reluctant to pay the luxury tax.

Moreover, after the Timberwolves won three consecutive championships, all the players under contract either actively or passively increased their value. After achieving the feat of three consecutive championships, the players' spirits also calmed down. With the honor, they are more concerned about making money.

The disintegration of the Timberwolves is foreseeable. Even Kevin Garnett, who is the most "obsessed" with brotherly basketball, has already thought about leaving the Timberwolves.

His role in the Timberwolves is the second-in-command. Kevin Garnett is also trying to step out of the Timberwolves circle and see if he can lead a team to win the highest honor with his own abilities.

Hmm. Same mentality as young Kobe.
In other words, people with similar personalities tend to make similar choices at similar turning points in their careers.

But Garnett, Budo and the Timberwolves' breakup was quite decent.

He was also outspoken to Budo, telling management that he wanted to go to another team to prove himself and requested a trade.

Although Glen Taylor didn't want to let him go, he still respected Garnett's choice.

Not only Garnett, but Marbury also wants to leave the team to pursue personal honor.

In the blink of an eye, the Timberwolves, who had just established a dynasty, had already fallen apart.

Tom, who has become a veteran, chose to stay with the team and renewed a super contract of 5 million for 6 years. He has made up his mind to retire in Minnesota.
Before the player trading day began, the Timberwolves also began to contact various teams, intending to maximize the benefits of the chips in their hands and rebuild a championship-contending team around Wu Dao.

The Timberwolves' attention soon fell on the Nets' No. 1 pick.

The team needs to pay only one more first-round pick to exchange a three-time champion, an average of 20+ points per game, and a cornerstone power forward who is both offensive and defensive in order to replace your No. 5 pick who has not yet proven his talent.

If you were the Nets management, would you be tempted by this deal?

For the Timberwolves, although the deal for Yao Ming was not profitable at all, the management knew that the combination of two Asian players would bring popularity to the team that other players could not compare to.

The Timberwolves will build a new team around Wu Dao and Yao Ming and write new history.

(end)

(End of this chapter)