no shortcuts in basketball

Chapter 246: Barreled Centennial Mountain

When the time came to the end of July, Xu Yong finally finished all the things in the summer, ended his short family time, and took a plane to Tempe.

The foursome didn't get together last year because of their busy schedules, so they did it again this year.

In the past year, the four of them have been in different situations. After meeting, there was naturally no shortage of topics to talk about. They found a restaurant to sit down and talked endlessly.

"Khloe Kardashian and I are dating."

Harden gave everyone a surprise when they met. His hobby for big buttocks was finally satisfied this summer.

DeRozan and Ayers both gave him a thumbs up. In their eyes, Harden's ability to win such a heavyweight celebrity is also an achievement.

"James, next season is very important to you." Xu Yong reminded.

As a reborn person, he is not unfamiliar with Khloe Kardashian, [NBA Defensive Player of the Year]. Naturally, he also knows something about the experience between her and Harden. "Leaving Kardashian, Harden is like Jordan." "This sentence impressed him even more.

Moreover, both Durant and Howard's contracts expire next summer. If Harden becomes obsessed with the two and cannot extricate himself, it is hard to say whether the Thunder will break up.

As a brother, even if it ruins Harden's mood, he still has to give him a reminder.

"Don't worry, Xu, I can control the situation." Harden was not unhappy about Xu Yong's reminder and didn't show much concern.

Xu Yong did not continue to persuade. There are some things that you will not be willing to accept until you experience them once.

"Xu, whip me hard this summer." DeRozan made a very excessive request to Xu Yong.

This is not an SM attribute, but his exit in the first round last season was too exciting for him. He is determined to become stronger this summer.

Naturally, Xu Yong would not refuse his request.

He is also preparing to strengthen his low-post offense this summer.

After last season, the Bulls' positional style of play was still somewhat monotonous. Now that Rose has transformed, his addition of low-post offense can enrich the entire system.

So DeRozan has needs, and he can satisfy them in all aspects.

"I'm going to Golden State." Ayers told them his latest news.

This wave is not about stabbing their opponents, but about replenishing their insiders.

The Warriors sent David Lee to Boston this summer, and they failed to select Festus Ezzeri in the previous draft, which gave Ayers a chance.

"Cheers to Jeff."

Xu Yong raised his cup. It is definitely a good thing for Ayers to go to the Warriors.

"LeBron is going to join Adidas." Harden, who had just received a contract extension from Nike, then said with a gossipy face.

Is James sure to sign with Adidas?
This result can be said to be completely expected.

After hearing this gossip, DeRozan and Ayers subconsciously took out their phones and started searching.

What happened after James was abandoned by Nike is now like a soap opera. Not only fans, but also NBA players are paying attention.

"Really, Adidas has just announced a 13-year 2 million contract. Adidas is changing its top spot." Ayers continued.

"There is also a video where they delivered a whole truckload of shoes to the door of LeBron's Cleveland mansion and gave him a big surprise." DeRozan also added.

Adidas has made a big move, and it basically makes James the number one brand of Adidas.

What Nike abandoned, Adidas took over after changing hands. This operation is a bit awkward.

But if you think about it carefully, Adidas is no longer as brave as it used to be. Since the rise of Nike, their peak was the top five, relying on Tracy McGrady to support them.

Now, not to mention that McGrady has long since retired, Arenas can't survive, and Duncan and Garnett are in their final seasons. You can't tell who their top player is now.

So when I had the opportunity to buy James, although he was somewhat infamous, after all, a skinny camel was bigger than a horse, so he was no better than their current group.

That is, this is another 13-year contract and comes with a truckload of shoes.

Xu Yong looked up at Harden, who was beaming with joy. Harden seemed completely unaware that he had lost something.

After catching up on old times, they started training at Wells Fargo Arena the next day.

This arena that has witnessed their glory has undergone extensive renovations this summer. Not only did the championship banner of that year be framed and hung on the wall, but a group photo of them when they won the championship was also hung next to it.

Looking at the photos, they were moved by the scene and at the same time, it also boosted their morale.

Xu Yong's low-post offensive training is mainly divided into three parts. The first is to conduct off-ball training with the help of Grover, the second is to compete with Harden and the others, and the third is to call some Devils players over for a full-court confrontation.

As for the technique itself, the main low-post technique is footwork. When he and Olajuwon learned footwork, he had already mastered most of it. The rest, which is the content of his intensive training this time, is the connection between footwork and other techniques. For example, turn around in the low position and hook the hand, turn around in the low position and step up and down, etc.

Among them, the up-and-down step was Jordan's trump card in the low post. Thanks to his strong ability to turn and lean back, he could basically shake his opponent up with his hand, and then step close to the ball and complete the up-and-down step to attack the basket.

Of course Xu Yong knew these skills before, but last season he mostly launched attacks from high positions and did not use them frequently, let alone skillfully.

Now, his turning and back-turning skills have improved, and coupled with the previous foundation of hook skills, it is most appropriate to carry out intensive training at this time.

Harden, DeRozan, and Ayers correspond to defenders, forwards, and insiders respectively, which makes his half-court confrontation training very comprehensive.

The essential purpose of his intensive training is to enable him to have the ability to play indiscriminate mismatched singles in the low post, so that his teammates can form mismatches or opponents can attack from a flank, which can drive the team's offense.

And with Grover's help, Xu Yong also conducted [Washing Machine Drum Attack] training.

This Anthony's trump card is actually not complicated, and it is also a type of low-post footwork technique.

As for full-court confrontation, it is also necessary, because low-post attacks are more likely to be flanked, and the requirements for the ability to play the ball are naturally higher, including the blind spot of vision when turning back, and protecting the ball is also a skill.

During this process, Xu Yong also met Ding Yanyuhang again. He participated in this year's draft, but was not selected. Afterwards, he represented the Suns in the summer league and performed well, and received a non-guaranteed training camp contract. It means he will appear on the Suns' preseason roster.

A month passed in the blink of an eye, and Xu Yong ended his training in Tempe and returned to Chicago.

Like last year, this year Xu Yong has summoned the players through text messages for an early training camp.

Of course, the training camp is voluntary. Although Xu Yong will remember it, he will not rush the players who did not come.

Then on the first day of training camp back in Chicago, the entire Bulls team arrived.

Point guard: Rose, Dellavedova, Hinrich
Shooting Guards: Butler, Foye, Justin Holiday

Small forward: Xu Yong, Ennis, Artest

Power forward: West, Kyle Anderson, Prince
Center: Adams, Hawes, Jokic
The Bulls' lineup has not changed much this year, but overall their strength on paper has become weaker.

But their opponents, the Cavaliers renewed Love's contract with 5 million for 1.13 years in the summer, then signed Mo Williams on the outside, Richard Jefferson on the striker, and strengthened the space type through transactions on the inside. Channing Frye at No. [-], and counting JR and Tristan Thompson who are already on the team, the Big Four plus these role players answer the sentence: armed to the teeth;

The Heat's words were just as false as those of the second veteran of the Green Army. Xu Yong's impression was greatly deviated. Bosh did not end his career due to pulmonary thrombosis last season. He recovered through summer treatment. Riley created The five-star lineup will make its debut in the new season;
The Pacers also signed Jordan Hill and traded back George Hill in the summer to strengthen their bench strength;

As for the opponents in the Western Conference, not to mention the Thunder and Warriors, the Mavericks also signed Leonard and Rondo one after another, and also signed Aldridge, making the lineup unprecedentedly strong.

This is also the reason why Xu Yong started the training camp in advance. In the situation of one ebb and flow, they have no retreat in defending their title and can only rely on their form to make up for it.

The players' enthusiasm for training is also very high. They come as soon as they receive the text message. On the one hand, it is because Xu Yong established it in the team last season; on the other hand, it is also because they want to come, because the Bulls' winning streak at the beginning of last season was very big. To a certain extent, it's because of this in advance. After all, who doesn't like to win from the beginning and keep winning?
It was also on this day that Xu Yong saw that... barreled Centennial Mountain.

With that big round face and that barrel-shaped body, although he doesn't know Jokic's specific weight, what Xu Yong can be sure of is that this guy is still overweight.

Because of this, Jokic was unable to play the entire game during training.

This also makes him very curious about Jokic's current strength. You must know that Perkins also has a strong desire to stay with the team during the offseason. Considering his role in the playoffs last season, there is a high probability that he will stay. , but in the end the management gave up on him and chose to let Jokic land in the NBA, and even asked Malone to train him specifically.

When the day's training ended and the team members dispersed one after another, Xu Yong walked up to the little fat man and invited him to have a one-on-one with him.

Jokic looked at Malone in astonishment, as if asking Xu Yong if he was joking with him.

Malone pushed Jokic directly onto the court.

Then Jokic was severely repaired by Xu Yong.

Xu Yong didn't use much force, but Jokic didn't show much ability to parry.

This result is expected. After all, Jokic is only a second-round rookie, but Xu Yong’s feeling is that Jokic has good court awareness, but there is a strong sense of fragmentation on the court, and that feeling of fragmentation is The reason is that his body cannot keep up with his brain.

For example, Jokic predicted his breakthrough route, but as soon as he started to move, Xu Yong had already passed him in one step.

Another example is that when attacking, he is very good at using his body, but his speed is extremely slow and it is easy for the ball to be intercepted.

Jokic was so embarrassed that he wanted to dig a hole and crawl in.

"If you continue training at this intensity, you won't get playing time."

Xu Yong showed no mercy, and what he said was also a very cruel fact.

Yes, Xu Yong knows that Jokic became a superstar in the history before his rebirth, but will he definitely become the person Xu Yong knows when he gets to the Bulls?
Jennings' example already gives a good answer.

Jokic is not in the rebuilding Nuggets now, and the Bulls are unlikely to give him the same training as Denver. The team's biggest expectation for him is to succeed Hawes and become the team's substitute inside man.

And to do that, especially in Thibodeau's team, is simply hellish for Jokic now.

Butler was able to smoothly counterattack from a late first-round pick to become the second-best player because he started defensively. The same reason why Adams was able to become a starter.

Jokic is different. With his current defense, it is no exaggeration to say that he may not even get half a minute of playing time in his rookie season.

"Starting from tomorrow, you will train with me." Then, Xu Yong said in a commanding tone.

Jokic became more and more confused, and then he turned to look at Malone with a pleading look.

"Mike can't help you." After Xu Yong said this, he called Anderson over and asked him to take Jokic over.

Malone gave a bitter smile, then reached out and patted Jokic on the shoulder, leaned over and whispered: "This is your opportunity. Many people don't even think about it."

Jokic scratched his head. Malone was the one he knew best on the team after he arrived in the United States. Malone said so, and he couldn't hide this time.

An hour later, Anderson drove them back to the villa. "You are a lucky guy. Jimmy has just moved out and you are going to live in his room." Anderson introduced as soon as he walked in. Jokic's shy personality suited him well.

"Jimmy Butler?" Jokic was like Kukoc who had just arrived in the NBA. Hearing Butler's name was like hearing Pippen's name.

"Jimmy signed a big contract of 500 million this year and bought a house directly, but he stayed nearby for training convenience." Anderson smiled and nodded.

Jokic's eyes widened and he showed an "ooh" expression. It was obvious that it was an astronomical number.

"Train well and you will have that opportunity." Xu Yong said at this time.

Jokic looked at Xu Yong in astonishment, then stretched out his hand to scratch his head. He couldn't figure out Xu Yong's temper. He was so harsh at one moment and so kind to him at the other.

Anderson couldn't help but look at Jokic again. Xu Yong never said such a thing to him.

After finding nothing special about Jokic, he continued to lead Jokic up to the second floor with a smile.

Xu Yong found the tea set and Lao Ban Zhang in the cupboard on the first floor, and made tea for himself.

He brought this from China a long time ago. When he lived here before, he would occasionally drink it. After that, he moved out and Lao Banzhang stayed here.

No one here drinks this except him, and this kind of packaged tea has a long shelf life and will not spoil.

After a while, he had already brewed the laobanzhang, then poured a glass and drank it.

The king of Pu'er, the fragrance is really fragrant.

He drank a drink and then looked upstairs.

The team's expectation for Jokic is to succeed Hawes, but his expectations are definitely more than that, otherwise he would not have gone out of his way to talk to Battier.

So even if it's not for the future of the Bulls, he has to take responsibility for bringing Jokic to Chicago.

After a while, Anderson led Jokic down and then sat at the table.

Xu Yong poured them a drink.

"Tea, Chinese tea." Although it was the first time for Anderson to see Xu Yong making tea, he should have seen it before.

Jokic picked it up curiously and showed a surprised expression before he drank it: "It smells so good."

Anderson also noticed it and took a deep breath, which was impressive.

After taking a sip, Jokic couldn't help but nodded in approval.

A piece of hot knowledge, Europeans drink tea, and Serbian people do the same, but they drink tea bags, and basically black tea, so he can't recognize it, but he can probably tell it after tasting it.

Then, after he finished drinking, he looked at the teapot next to Xu Yong.

Xu Yong pushed the teapot directly over, and then he drank one cup after another.

Xu Yong couldn't help but laugh when he saw this.

After a brief contact with him, Jokic gave him the impression that he was a bit childish. There was an advantage to dealing with this kind of person, as there were not so many twists and turns.

"Get up at 5 o'clock in the morning to train, and complete a workout before breakfast, focusing on physical fitness." Xu Yong introduced the breakfast club to him.

Jokic, who was drinking tea happily, immediately lowered his head in frustration when he heard this, but when he raised his head again, he nodded again.

Then, he poured another cup and drank it in one gulp, as if tea could help him forget his unhappiness.

Early the next morning, Xu Yong and Anderson arrived at the training ground. To his surprise, Jokic had already finished warming up with Adams.

It seems that Jokic is not someone who doesn't like training.

But this is actually because Xu Yong has some impressions.

The news he often saw before his rebirth were other people posting their training routines on social media. It was 3:33 in the morning, and he was in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. He kept scrolling to let people know how hard he was training. , on the other hand, Jokic’s news is basically about drinking Coke and horse racing.

But if you think about becoming a professional player in the NBA, even Iverson, who has a lot of training skills, would not be able to stop training. He just doesn't show off.

"Rain Man" Kemp, a bad example of not training, disappeared from the NBA after the season was suspended.

For the next week, Jokic trained with Xu Yong. Although Jokic's expression became more and more painful day by day during the process, his physical condition was obviously improving. This can be seen from his reaction at the end of the training. , I was panting heavily at first, but then the panting amplitude became obviously smaller.

Sure enough, Ma Long was still too gentle to this guy, and he just had to fuck him hard.

After a week of training, Xu Yong gave all the team members a holiday.

He originally wanted to go back to the manor to see the little king, but when he remembered the way Jokic drank Lao Banzhang that day, he was afraid that it would be ruined by him. You must know that it was considered old tea that had been left out for several years.

But when he entered the villa, pushed the door open, and saw Jokic sitting there with a look of enjoyment on his face, with an open can of Coke in front of him.

When he saw Xu Yong coming in, Jokic was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting it, and then burped in front of him.

Contrary to what many people think, players, even NBA players, do not abstain from alcohol and eat only low-calorie foods. You have seen in the news that NBA players strictly control their diet and what they eat during the day. , how many calories and so on, no doubt, it is propaganda.

Players are human beings first. It is impossible for humans to be like machines. The difference is nothing more than quantity.

But seeing Jokic do that, Xu Yong stood there and looked at him with the eyes of a child eating candies at home.

Jokic was suddenly embarrassed.

"I heard from Mike that you drank the last can of Coke on the plane to the United States?" Xu Yong asked.

After Xu Yong asked this question, Jokic felt even more guilty.

"I just want to go home." Then what Jokic said next surprised Xu Yong.

He originally thought that Jokic had gradually adapted to the NBA, but he didn't expect that this is what he thinks now.

He walked over and sat down opposite Jokic.

"The people here are so crazy. I saw Kyle practicing three times a day. You and Jimmy are even crazier and practice extra at night. Is training everything in life? Yes, I know there is strong competition here. But this is really beyond his expectations." Jokic looked a little painful.

"So are you ready to give up?" Xu Yong asked.

"No, I don't want to give up, I just... need a way to relieve stress." Jokic said, picking up the Coke in front of him and taking another sip.

Looking at Jokic in front of him, Xu Yong was somewhat aware of their differences.

Although they are all overseas players, he has had a strong mentality of making up for his regrets from the moment he was reborn, and his motivation can be said to be naturally full.

But Jokic is different. He heard from Malone that Jokic liked horse racing and enjoying life in Serbia. He especially loved drinking Coke. He often drank three liters a day. This is why he is so fat.

Therefore, the biggest thing the physical trainer sent by the Bulls did in Serbia was to help Jokic quit coke.

But now it seems that it was not so successful.

Thinking from Jokic's perspective, training is already so tiring, why should he be deprived of even his hobby of drinking Coke?

"Nicholas, adults must learn to take responsibility for what they have said." Xu Yong said.

Jokic stared at Xu Yong. This was the first time Xu Yong saw anger in his eyes, but in the end, his anger turned into frustration, and then he held his head in his hands.

"Will drinking this can of Coke make you happy now?" Xu Yong then asked.

Jokic said nothing.

"Too little of it will not make you feel happy. Instead, it will make you feel guilty." Xu Yong went on to say that although he has never quit coke, he tried to quit smoking in his previous life.

Jokic put down his hand and looked at Xu Yong. Although he still didn't speak, recognition could be seen in his eyes.

"There is not just one way to solve the problem." Xu Yong's next words made his eyes light up.

"In addition to quitting it, there's also something to replace it with."

"Replacement?" Jokic finally couldn't help but be curious.

"Protein drinks, or other drinks that won't make you fat." Xu Yong said.

Jokic's expression was still a little painful.

"You'll always be defeated by Coke, right?" Xu Yong looked at Jokic and asked.

"That will become a big news in the NBA." Then he commented with a smile.

"I'll try." Jokic gritted his teeth and nodded.

After seeing Jokic's attitude, Xu Yong got up and went to the kitchen to take out his old class badge.

After thinking about it, he handed everything to Jokic: "Perhaps, it is also an option."

Jokic was stunned for a moment and accepted it happily.

"What about it?" He then looked at the Coke that still had more than half of it left in front of him.

"After drinking it, can you still pour it? What a waste."

Jokic nodded like garlic.

"But promise me like an adult, this is your last can of the season."

"This season?" Jokic was puzzled.

"When the season is over and we win the championship again, you can give yourself a day to drink." Xu Yongfeng said calmly.

Hearing this, Jokic's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had gained some great motivation.

(End of this chapter)