When pride still matters

Chapter 156 He is worthy
On February 2003, 2, which was the last game day before the All-Star Weekend, the Bucks defeated the Seattle SuperSonics at home, bringing their record to 6 wins and 39 losses.

This victory allowed the Bucks to finally overtake the Mavericks and rank first in the league.

Yu Fei and Ray Allen were selected to the Eastern All-Star team.

Among them, after Yu Fei started the experiment of "random tactics" (called "X Offense" by Karl) in the Bucks, his data increased in all directions, averaging 26 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists per game.This makes Yu Fei the second-most voted forward in the Eastern Conference, second only to Vince Carter who basically doesn't play (T-Mac is considered a guard this season).

The Bucks' experiment was successful, and Yu Fei proved his ability to control the "X offense."

But Carl also saw the drawbacks.

If the team plays "X offense" for a long time, it is certain that Yu Fei's statistics will become more and more gorgeous, and it is not impossible to even average a triple-double per game in the modern era, but the cost is that his teammates will appear Varying degrees of functional loss and skill degradation.

Because in the "X Offense", although the shooter is crucial, the ball-handling talent is indispensable.The shooters just have to run pick-and-rolls around the ball handler, create chaos, and then hit the three-pointer.

This certainly makes the most of Yu Fei, an all-around creator, but outstanding attackers such as Ray Allen and Sprewell have also become shooters lurking on the sidelines.

In the long run, it is not good for the team.

Therefore, Karl and Yu Fei discussed using the "X Offense" as a trump card to keep the bottom of the box, rather than a conventional tactic.

Yu Fei has no objection. The Bucks' current 5 OUT system is still too primitive compared to the small ball era. He relies on him to play alone.James, Doncic and Harden can all accommodate the second ball-handling spot.Now that he is playing like this, although he feels better and his statistics have improved, he is also sucking the blood of his teammates in disguise.

Moreover, Yu Fei feels that he has not yet reached the stage of "forming his own system".

This is only the second year of his career. Fixing his own path and system now is not conducive to growth.

Therefore, he had no disagreement with Karl on this point.

Most players are happy to see the All-Star break coming, but some hate it.

For example, Yu Fei.

At this time, Reebok has to prepare a lot of business activities.Once Reebok has finished squeezing it out, it will be the NBA's official turn to do the work.

It's just that this year is special.

Although there is still some time before the end of the season, Jordan's team has been revealing that this will be Dog's last season.

Regardless of whether they received the information from the public or asked directly in secret, the league knew that Jordan would retire after this season.

Therefore, many of this year's All-Star events are centered around Jordan.

But the problem is, this theoretical protagonist didn't even make the Eastern Conference All-Star starting list.

Nothing is more vivid than this to show that Jordan's appeal to young people has plummeted, and his commercial value is no longer what it once was.

An empty shell is empty no matter how it is packaged.

Understanding this, you can understand the phenomenon of a certain black Jordan being slaughtered when the Lakers won the park championship 17 years later.In that era, Jordan had become a tool to be compared with those who rose/achieved/stand at the top.But when this kind of comparison falls on the deputy dog ​​who can see the back of the throne, once he gains power, reckoning will come. At that time, those who regard Jordan as a tool will not stand up and say a word.

Now Jordan is also a tool, and his value on the court is negligible. All we need is for him to solemnly attend the All-Star Weekend and then say some nonsense about "I want to pass the torch to the next generation." You can say to him in laughter and laughter: Go away and never see him again.

So, the current problem is that Jordan needs to start, but he can't vote, so he can only rely on well-informed Generation Y people like Yu Fei to step aside.

From the beginning of this incident, Yu Fei emphasized: "My fans voted for me because they want me to appear as a starter in Atlanta, so I will not give it to anyone."

This rebellious anti-Mike speech was selectively ignored by everyone.

First, Iverson and McGrady showed their high emotional intelligence and expressed their willingness to give up the starting lineup.

Jordan refused to accept his words. Young people know the rules and he can't be shameless.

Looking at the entire All-Star lineup, the only one who can reasonably give up the starting position to him is Vince Carter, a junior from North Carolina who does not play but attracts votes.

Ironically, Jordan and Carter never had a good relationship.

Since Carter entered the NBA in 1998 under the name UFO, and won the slam dunk title at the turn of the millennium with a stunning performance, he has become the best in the dunk world in everyone's eyes. In addition, he is from the same school as Jordan. , it can be said that he is the most qualified Jordan successor in history to become Jordan II.

Jordan didn't like Carter because his junior was not good at defense.

Carter also doesn't like to be compared with Jordan, but the world has decided that he is Jordan's successor.

As time goes by, it becomes more and more like the future Queen Dandan and the post-10 generation comparing Shen Teng and Stephen Chow.Carter went from resisting and hating it to last summer, when he became as rebellious as Yu Fei.

During an interview at an event, Carter responded to the comparisons to Jordan, saying, "At the end of it all, you're going to find out that I'm better than him."

Therefore, at the beginning, Carter, like Yu Fei, stated that he would not give up the starting lineup to anyone.

He didn't want to let it go unless the league forced him to.

The league was trying to do this, however, Jordan felt that this would damage his already bad reputation again, so he publicly said: "Unless Vince says to me, 'I want you to start,' I won't Accept.”⑴
⑴ Sohu news in 03 can be found
Now Carter is in trouble. Everyone wants him to give up the starting lineup. He is Jordan's successor and Jordan's junior. He came from the same school. Your junior brother's last journey will be provided by you. Why do you refuse?How can you say no?Are you really so selfish?

Well, although this senior brother had never thought highly of him from the beginning to the end, Carter was still shaken.While he had the potential to be the best ever, he never had the heart to match it.

Before the air-distance drama that made Yu Fei sick was over, he took Lawson and Clark to Los Angeles.

He's spending two days here attending Reebok events before heading to Atlanta.

Yu Fei met Iverson and other Reebok players here.

But in terms of specifications, Yu Fei's popularity is almost the same as that of Iverson.

As Yu Fei played an amazing sophomore season with the Bucks, Reebok has regarded Yu Fei as a future superstar. However, this superstar's current contract with the company is 4 million for four years, which can be said to be far lower than his worth.

This made Reebok do everything possible to please Yu Fei and find ways to make him feel respected.

"Da Fei, you should offer to give up the starting job to Michael." Iverson pointed out like a senior, "It's impossible for Michael to accept it anyway."

Yu Fei asked: "Why?"

"Decent, brother, everything must be done with dignity, you did it too disgracefully!"

It turns out that the man who chased his wife to his friend's house with a gun still knows what decency is?

"I learned it, I'll pay attention next time."

"Actually, it's nothing, everyone has been young!" Iverson said uninhibitedly, "This is all the experience of veterans!"

Putting aside Iverson's personal life, Yu Fei felt that he didn't have bad intentions towards him, so he basically agreed with him.

In the next two days, except for sleeping time, Yu Fei did not have any other time to himself.

At this time, he realized the troubles of celebrities. They lacked nothing but personal freedom. They had to check their schedule to do anything.

After finally finishing the company activities and walking out of the airport, NBA officials in Atlanta had prepared more activities for him.

Countless companies that sponsor the NBA require players to attend promotional events to make people believe that the stars represent the quality of their products.

What Yu Fei couldn't stand the most was that he, Pierce, Walker, Iverson, (Jamal) Mashburn, and Kidd attended the donation event about love and peace.

Yu Fei glanced at his companions. He felt that this group of people was more suitable for participating in public welfare activities such as anti-drugs, alcoholism, illegal gun possession, intentional harm to others, and anti-domestic violence.

Why would he, an innocent person, accompany these criminals to participate in such a bullshit charity event?Where is the law of heaven?
On the first day of the official All-Star Weekend activities, the Eastern Conference All-Star starters need to gather together in their jerseys to take photos.

The media encountered a rare scene. Yu Fei and Jordan stood together after leaving the Wizards, forcing themselves to smile.

"How are you doing?" Jordan asked with a hidden smile.

"Not bad." Yu Fei responded with a smile, "It's just ranked first in the Eastern Conference. What about you?"

Jordan said, "Oh, it's okay. Jerry pulled his groin. He's going to be fine."

Hamilton called Jerry "high and hard".

"So, where are you ranked now?"

Jordan wanted to put away his smile, but on this occasion, he could not conflict with Yu Feiqi: "Ranked ninth for the time being."

"Ninth, ninth is good." Yu Fei said happily, "It's in line with your strength."

Jordan said: "Don't be complacent."

"How can I be proud?" Yu Fei really wasn't. He just laughed so hard that he couldn't control himself. "I just want to remind you that last year, your team got eighth place in the Eastern Conference under the leadership of a rookie, and he was dismissed because of it. It’s a trade, come on.” Not only the media were present, but also other people from the Eastern Stars.

It is indeed well known that Yu Fei and Jordan have a bad relationship, but how bad the relationship is, many people have not seen with their own eyes.

Now they know how bad the relationship was.

In the time it took to take a few publicity photos, someone had already made Goute furious.

"Okay, Frye, please stop saying a few words." George Karl, the head coach of the Eastern Stars, smoothed things over kindly. "We are here to relax and have fun."

Yu Feixiao asked: "George, didn't you find that I am very playful?"

"The important thing is that everyone is having fun."

"This is impossible." Yu Fei stood up and glanced at everyone present, "Some people hope that they are still young, but time has abandoned them, so they can only deceive themselves."

A reporter asked: "Fry, what are you referring to?"

“Smart journalists should learn to solve mysteries themselves.”

After Yu Fei finished the filming, he said to everyone, "See you later."

Yu Fei declined the Rookie Challenge and was not interested in the dunk contest - although many people wanted him to participate, he really felt that he was a practical dunker.

He was very interested in the three-point contest.

It’s just that the registration period has passed this year, and he will come to play next year.

On the day of the All-Star Game, Jordan's starting position is still up in the air.

ABC TV cast Carter, who was unwilling to give up the starting lineup, as a villain and downplayed the fact that Jordan was inferior to Tracy McGrady, Iverson and Yu Fei in getting votes.

Commentators believe that Carter, as a player from North Carolina, has an obligation to make way for his senior. This does not mean that he is not worthy of starting, but that people do not want Jordan to not get the lineup he deserves in his last All-Star Game.

Yu Fei sincerely believes that this is pure moral kidnapping. If "people" really think Jordan should start, they should vote for him more.The poll results show that everyone prefers Carter, even if he rarely plays this season.Are the people who voted for Carter no longer human?Shouldn't their desire to have Carter start in the All-Star Game be respected?

That night, Yu Fei entered the court to shoot and saw Mr. Vince Carter, the three-time consecutive All-Star starter, sitting there anxiously.

"Vince, stop thinking about it, be a good person and give up your position." Yu Fei said teasingly.

Carter glanced at Yu Fei indifferently, "You've seen the wrong person."

Did Yu Fei get Carter wrong?No, he'd always thought Carter would eventually succumb to the pressure.This is how he views Carter. This man has no big heart, no backbone, and no opinion.

Ten minutes before the start of the game, the Eastern Conference stars, led by Allen Iverson, began to hint that if Carter did not give up his position, they would boycott the game. This was so outrageous that Yu Fei thought he had heard wrong. The ABC commentator continued Carter's rhythm: "No one should say no to Michael. This is an opportunity for the people of the world to express their sincere gratitude to Michael!"

Carter gave in. He did not see the essence of the problem clearly, did not dare to offend "the people of the world", and did not want the stars in the Eastern Conference to feel that he disrespected Jordan.

He had a brief exchange with Jordan in the locker room.

Carter: Michael, I want you to start.

Jordan: Don't force it.

Carter: Not at all.

Jordan: I really think you're a better fit than me, but thank you.

Outside, Carter told reporters: "He deserves it."

Jordan became another star player after John Havlicek in the 70s who became a starter in the All-Star Game through the humility of his juniors.Moreover, this incident did not affect his reputation at all. Carter was the bad guy who refused to give up his position. Not only was Jordan not affected, he was able to speak for his junior in the ABC interview: "Obviously, for Vince, this It was a temporary decision. I felt like he was getting too much flak. I could have easily been on the bench. I would have been proud of it. I just didn't want him to get any more flak, so I stepped up and Start in his place."

For Fei, this was a valuable lesson.

How to take advantage of the situation and turn an environment that is completely unfavorable to you into a hell for your opponent.

Carter had a bad reputation and had to give up the starting lineup. As a result, his reputation became even worse and he needed Mr. Joe to help him make up for it.

Yu Fei expressed his admiration for Master Qiao and once again expressed his deep contempt for Carter.

Five minutes before the game started, Marv Albert, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Fratello spent another five minutes discussing Carter's decision to start the game, concluding that it was stupid to argue about it. Why do so many people like an ungrateful bastard like Carter?

Because of Jordan and Carter's incident, Yu Fei's first All-Star start was forgotten.

As Jordan started with 6 of 0 shots, Yu Fei relied on the Western Conference's loose rebound protection to complete consecutive dunks.

Ironically, Jordan's first point came from Fei.

Even Yu Fei himself was surprised.

When Yu Fei grabbed the defensive rebound and saw someone in the frontcourt, he passed the ball.

After the ball was released, he realized it was Jordan.

"Missed!"

Jordan scored a layup.

Van Gundy said humorously: "The two most correct people in the NBA finally have a cooperation!"

That was very good. If Van Gundy said a few more words, Yu Fei would block his mouth with a basketball.

Except that it was his first All-Star game, Yu Fei didn't have any special feelings.

The context of Jordan's final All-Star Game meant nothing to him.

After halftime, Yu Fei scored 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, and the stage began to be set.

Pop queen Mariah Carey will sing a song for Jordan.

However, when Yu Fei saw the plump Kelly wearing a Jordan jersey (Wizards) standing in front of four small screens - the four small screens began to play Jordan's tribute video - the prelude of "Hero" sounded and Kelly began to sing, But when the big rabbit on his chest almost jumped out of his jersey, he wasn't sure anyone would listen to the song seriously.

What’s funny is that ABC focused its camera on Yu Fei when the song started.

At that time, Yu Fei was measuring Kelly's bra cup remotely, and then the camera came to Jordan.

Listening to this touching love song, Jordan seemed to be immersed in the past, his eyes were distracted, and there were tears in the corners of his eyes.

After Kelly finished singing, she made a guest appearance as DJ and played "Eye in the Sky," the classic opening intro song from the Bulls dynasty, and Jordan was called on stage.

Jordan took the microphone from Kelly, and the cheers delayed his speech for 90 seconds.

This is the "people of the world" who asked Carter to give up the starting lineup.

The cheers were cacophonous, like the world was screaming "I Still Love You," and Jordan had the best way to end it, but he personally ruined it.

Standing here now, Jordan has mixed feelings. He once thought about how he would leave, but not like this.

"I want to thank you - my teammates, my opponents and all the fans. I also want to thank my family for supporting me for so long and supporting me to realize my dream on the court. I am relieved, I've left basketball in better hands. I've passed the NBA baton from Dr. J, Magic Johnson, Bird and others before me, here, in the midst of the All-Star Game. On the court, I pass the baton on. I am very grateful to everyone for their support all the time. Now, I can go home and enjoy the peace and relief that the basketball game brings to me."

Yu Fei has seen James at the end of his career, and now he has experienced the Wizards Jordan. It is difficult for him to say which one is more decent.If I have to say one, it's James.At least the former was still competitive until he traveled through time. Jordan during the Wizards era only had one name left.

But no matter how you look at it, neither of these two kinds of old age is what he wants.

He won't end up like this. If he had to choose, he would prefer Jordan in 1998. If that doesn't work, Duncan in 2016 can accept it.

It is unacceptable to refuse to leave when you should leave and let your reputation be damaged in vain.

In the second half, Yu Fei basically had no chance to perform, because the game became more and more like Jordan's show.Until the last moment, Jordan hit a buzzer-beater over Marion and looked like he was going to win the AMVP in his last All-Star Game. Then, Kobe used the remaining time to cause a three-point foul on O'Neal, delaying the game. Enter overtime.The Western Conference Stars won in overtime, and Garnett won the AMVP trophy.

"Congratulations KG!" Yu Fei told reporters with a bright smile, "He deserves it!"

Recommend a book: "Sports Medicine, Starting from the Miracle Doctor of the Sun" Please read the author's words for the reasons for recommendation

　When I was finishing my work, someone recommended that I write a sports novel with a trainer as the protagonist.I thought to myself, isn’t this very silly?Because no matter how professional and brilliant the writing by this kind of behind-the-scenes staff is, it is difficult to bring excitement and satisfaction.Then this book came along and you knew what it was about just by looking at the title.This may be a new direction for sports writing, and those who are interested can check it out.

　　


(End of this chapter)