When pride still matters

Chapter 572 The Summer Is Ending

Chapter 572 The Summer Is Ending

Doc Rivers once fantasized about coaching the best player in the world.

No, he did coach.

People today have forgotten how great Tracy McGrady was at the beginning of the century.

In Rivers' view, if McGrady could stay healthy, he would definitely have the potential to compete with Fry Yu. Unfortunately, McGrady was injured just after he emerged, and then witnessed the rise of Yu Fei.

Over the years, Rivers' team was always defeated by Yu Fei, and the most unforgettable for him was the 2008 Finals.

At that time, the SuperSonics were not yet mature, and the Celtics' Big Three were at the end of their peak. There was no selfishness in the team, and everyone only had the championship in mind.

However, they were defeated.

In hindsight, 2008 was their only chance. Since then, the Supersonics began to dominate the court. The Celtics' championship window closed, and the competition in the East has become more and more intense in recent years. In addition to strong opponents like the Heat, there are also the Big Three of the Nets. These teams are not something the aging Green Army can contend with.

Therefore, it is reasonable for Ainge to decide to rebuild. It is also human nature for Rivers not to want to accompany the team to play badly and be criticized like in the early years.

What he didn't expect was that Angie could find such a good home for him.

Coaching the GOAT was an opportunity he never dreamed of.

In late July, Rivers came to Los Angeles and held a press conference with Arn Tellem.

Rivers showed his usual grace when meeting with the media.

"You know, when you coach the greatest players in the world, the only thing you need to consider is the championship." Rivers' words were cautious and respectful. "In this regard, I am a rookie, and I need to ask Fred a lot of advice."

After the press conference, Rivers asked Tellem how he could meet Yu Fei.

Tellem smiled and said, "You will see him today."

Although Rivers had not asked anyone else, he already knew that Yu Fei was the one who made the decisions for the team. Whether it was the whistleblower WOJ or other information channels, they all told him the same fact: all matters of the Clippers needed Yu Fei's approval before they could proceed.

After signing with the Clippers, Yu Fei focused his energy on daily training and Hollywood. He renewed his contract with Marvel. At the same time, his fiancée Elizabeth Olsen was also selected as the actor of Scarlet Witch and officially joined Marvel.

When Rivers came to visit, Yu Fei was doing aerobic shooting training in the gym at home. Rivers did not disturb him, but just stood aside quietly and watched the GOAT's training.

There were two people helping Yu Fei practice. One was a black man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, who was strong and was mainly responsible for interfering with Yu Fei in some practical situations; the other was an Asian man, who stood under the basket to pick up the ball.

Rivers has an impression of both of them. The ferocious black man is Anthony (Donny) Lawson, who was Yu Fei's liaison when he was in the Bucks in his early years; the Asian is Kevin Lin, who joined Yu Fei's team a few years ago.

Although these two have no blood relationship with the GOAT, they are like brothers. Today, one is his personal assistant, and the other has formed the largest training team in the NBA.

Yu Fei was obviously adjusting his shooting posture, which was not the posture that Rivers remembered. This posture was more concise and efficient than the original one, a bit like the fast and smooth one-step shooting of Stephen Curry of the Heat.

There are often rumors that Yu Fei is not self-disciplined, but seeing is believing. Rivers saw with his own eyes that Yu Fei was still training hard in the summer. He really doesn't think there is anyone as successful as the GOAT who would devote so much time to training during the offseason.

From that day on, Rivers gradually stopped comparing McGrady and Yu Fei. Their talents might be equal, but he had seen McGrady's training attitude with his own eyes, and it was rare for someone like Yu Fei to maintain high-intensity training during the holidays.

About 20 minutes later, a ball bounced and flew toward the door. Yu Fei then noticed Rivers' arrival.

"Doug?" Yu Fei said in surprise, "Why didn't anyone notify me?"

Rivers smiled and said, "I told them not to bother you."

Yu Fei took the towel from Lawson, walked up to Rivers and said, "When did you arrive in Los Angeles?"

"Just got here today," Rivers replied. "I just got done with my press conference."

Yu Fei nodded and took Rivers to a family bar near the stadium. There were several bartenders here, and Yu Fei hired them for tens of thousands of dollars a month.

"The irony is that I hardly drink," Yu Fei said self-deprecatingly.

Rivers saw the truth: "Elizabeth certainly needs it."

"That's right." Yu Fei said with a smile, "Those Hollywood guys need a place like this for them to talk."

Rivers wasn't sure if Yu Fei's "stuff" included his fiancée, but he didn't intend to delve into it.

"Frye, what do you think are reasonable expectations for the Clippers in the new season?" Rivers got to the point.

The first thing he needed to figure out was Yu Fei's needs.

If the final results are not up to expectations, he will definitely be pushed out as a sacrifice.

So he had to know what Yu Fei was thinking.

It is not scary to draw a pie in the sky, what is scary is to draw the pie unreasonably.

"I guess you must have told the reporters that our goal is to win the championship."

Yu Fei looked at Rivers.

Rivers nodded, acknowledging it.

"If it were me, I wouldn't say we're competing for the championship," Yu Fei said. "You should look at our roster: there's no reliable No. 1, no stable No. 2, and not even a qualified center. If it weren't for me, Clippers fans might have already started discussing whether to pick Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins next year."

Rivers joked: "I think Joel Embiid is also good."

Yu Fei smiled and said, "Of course my ultimate goal is to lead the team to the top, but I know this is not a one-year thing. With our current configuration, the most realistic goal is to play a good season and repair the psychological shadow left by the Sterling era on Clippers fans. As for the playoffs..."

“My goal is the conference finals.”

Rivers felt a little awkward hearing a current player talking about season goals like a boss, but he knew that the man in front of him really had the power of life and death.

Moreover, the goals he proposed are quite realistic.

This is very different from the rumor circulating outside that "Frye has become a genius."

At least what Rivers saw was a very pragmatic person.

Whether it was his views on the Clippers or his plans for the future, Yu Fei gave Rivers an indescribable sense of clarity.

This is truly incredible.

A man who has won eight championships in the past eleven years can actually accept that the goal of the new season is not to win the championship.

"I see," Rivers said. "What do you need from me?"

"Play to your strengths, Doug," Yu Fei said, "you need to assemble a luxurious coaching team. Remember, choose the best from the best, and don't worry about the funding. You have to know that Mr. Ballmer is so poor that he only has money left."

This is indeed the Clippers' biggest advantage - Ballmer is very rich.

"There is one more most important thing you need to do." Yu Fei continued.

Rivers asked seriously, "What's the matter?"

"Chauncey Billups is considering leaving Los Angeles and returning to Detroit," Yu Fei said. "I hope you can persuade him to stay."

There are many grievances between Yu Fei and Billups. They were at loggerheads in the Eastern Conference. The fight between the Bucks and the Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills ended the Bucks' dream of winning three consecutive championships. Of course, the Pistons were also affected by this incident and failed to win the championship in 2004, which was considered the biggest upset of the century in sports.

For many years, Yu Fei and the "Pistons" had been at odds, so this matter could only be resolved by Rivers, the coach respected by all black players.

Rivers asked: "Chauncey will be 38 next year. Do we really need him?"

"Most teams may not need him," Yu Fei said, "but Giannis may need him. A seasoned guard would be very helpful to him."

"Giannis?" Rivers asked, confused.

Rivers didn't even know the Greek Freak's name.

“Our rookie this year, he’s special.”

"How special?" Rivers asked curiously.

"Put it this way," Yu Fei said with a smile, "It's like you create a point guard when playing a basketball game on your computer, and then you suddenly decide to make the point guard seven feet taller."

Rivers' eyes widened.

"Yes, this is our Giannis," Yu Fei emphasized. "He will be special."

Afterwards, Yu Fei continued to train, while Rivers stayed to watch and comment from time to time. The two gradually developed a little friendship between coach and player from "getting to know each other". That night, Rivers had dinner at Yu Fei's house, and then called Billups on the way home.

When he learned that Billups was in Los Angeles, he went directly to his home.

This was the first thing Yu Fei arranged for Rivers, and he knew he couldn't mess it up.

After meeting Billups, Rivers used his invincible eloquence and personal charm - just as DeAndre Jordan said: "I am a man of my word, until Rivers brought a team of people to block my door." - In the end, he successfully persuaded Billups to change his mind.

Rivers emphasized several things: the GOAT wanted him to stay because a veteran like him is an asset to any team; he still had some energy left and could have played for a competitive team, so why waste his last year in Detroit, a place that was going from bad to worse. Moreover, if he really wanted to retire in Detroit, he wouldn't be in a hurry this year. He could sign a one-day contract with the Pistons the year after next, play a symbolic game before retiring. Wouldn't that also be spending his life in Detroit?

Billups was convinced and decided to stay in Los Angeles for another year.

This was the first time Rivers showed his charm to Yu Fei.

Yu Fei was very satisfied. For a coach who often failed at critical moments to still have a job, it was indeed something.

Although this "thing" is not enough for coaching, it is fine as long as it is useful.

Afterwards, the Clippers received unexpected good news in the free market.

Zaza Pachulia, a long-time Bucks veteran, has been wanting a four-year, $4 million contract since the end of the season.

But the Bucks now have three maximum salaries and their salary space has expanded seriously. Giving Pachulia 500 million is not a problem. The problem is that the luxury tax that will be generated after giving it will be terrible.

The deal was delayed until August, when the Bucks thought Pachulia would give in and accept the three-year, $3 million offer.

Unexpectedly, Pachulia turned around and accepted the two-year, $2 million contract offered by the Clippers.

This was a pleasant surprise for the Clippers.

Although Pachulia cannot solve their problem of lack of talent at the center position, at least there is someone available.

Moreover, Pachulia also worked with Yu Fei in the Bucks in his early years, and the two are old friends.

After signing Pachulia, the Clippers' free market operations have basically come to an end.

They have Yu Fei, Griffin and Pierce as the core framework. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the team's future plan. In order to consolidate this plan, Chauncey Billups was allowed to stay to provide protection. Now they have also signed Pachulia to fill the vacancy at center.

In addition to these six people, the Clippers' roster also includes Yu Fei's former teammate Matt Barnes, wild forward Ronny Turiaf and offensive guard Willie Green.

This is probably the most mediocre team Yu Fei has owned since leaving Washington, but he is full of expectations for the new season.

Because this is a fresh start, just like when he was traded to Milwaukee in 2002 and moved to Seattle in 2007.

He is eager to achieve enough success here to put a perfect end to his career.

This is what people who are destined not to be alone in their city must do.

The greatness of one man, one city is specially exaggerated because of "loyalty". Players with this title must not only achieve success, but also share the joys and sorrows with the team. Therefore, the process of one man, one city is moving, and greatness is just the result. And those who have moved to multiple teams and want to surpass "one man, one city" in narrative must use greater results to overcome those processes endowed with a romantic atmosphere.

Today, Yu Fei no longer has to compete with anyone. He has already stood at the best position in history, but his path is completely different from Jordan's.

If future generations want to surpass him, they can either follow Jordan's path or his path. And if they choose his path, they must achieve brilliant results at every stop like him.

He sees Los Angeles as the last stop of his career, and therefore, the last challenge.

His goal is to rise for the third time in this country's premier city and to raise the bar for the best in history to an unattainable height again.

The Clippers’ summer is over, but another team is in the thick of things — the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After a season with mixed reviews, John Wall has proved with his actual performance that he is indeed not suitable to play alongside James.

As for this No. 1 draft pick who was once regarded as the core of the team, he is not willing to live under the halo of others.

During the season, Wall wanted to leave, but the Cavaliers did not find a suitable buyer at that time.

Once the offseason arrived, the Cavaliers found that it was not easy to get a good price for Wall.

Because market demand is declining.

A core point guard like Wall who has poor shooting skills does not meet the needs of most strong teams, and most rebuilding teams are unwilling to trade him for solid assets. After all, Wall is like a lottery ticket that has been scratched. Although he has an All-Star guarantee, rebuilding teams usually have high expectations but low skills and always want superstars. Therefore, they are more willing to bet on the 3 draft class, which is said to produce 5 superstars and 7-2014 All-Stars.

By this time, not only the free market, but also the trading market has gradually become deserted.

The Cavaliers are starting to temper expectations.

So, 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie saw the situation and took action.

He made an offer that made the Cavaliers feel like they "lost a lot, but not by much."

The 76ers sent third-year guard Eric Bledsoe and Canadian lottery pick Anthony Bennett in this year's draft in exchange for Wall.

Judging from the market positioning, Wall is the cornerstone, and Bledsoe is the backcourt spearhead. Such a swap is a downgrade for the Cavaliers, but they have no choice.

Bledsoe is at least a well-established guard who can perfectly replace Wall. Moreover, he will not be at a loss like Wall when he loses the ball.

Bledsoe is an athletic guard with outstanding dribbling ability, strong defense, and long-range shooting, which is in line with James' style.

As for Bennett, who was given away by the 76ers as a gift, he was used to balance the Cavaliers' psychology.

You're not losing out by trading a third-year guard who has made a name for himself and an unopened lottery ticket for a cornerstone player who no longer wants to stay.

Only the Cavaliers know whether it is a loss or not.

From the moment James returned, the Cavaliers management's mindset shifted from reconstruction to how to improve competitiveness.

As long as the trade helps the team become more competitive, they will do it at all costs.

This is how stars band together to force management to take action.

Since they chose you as the "lucky one", you have no reason not to empty your pockets to take a chance.

Wall's trade means that all the reconstruction capital accumulated by the Cavaliers since the "Decision" in 2009 has been thrown onto the gambling table.

From young assets to future draft picks, the Cavaliers' resources for the next seven years were nearly exhausted this summer.

After the trade was completed, LeBron James felt it necessary to deepen his ties with the team, so he opted out of his contract and re-signed a 2+1 three-year contract with the team.

It's hard for conspiracy theorists not to make some dark guesses.

Did LeBron threaten Dan Gilbert with this?

No one knows the answer, and the truth of this question may never come to light.

No one will know the inside story unless James' second comeback ends in failure again and leaves Cleveland people with "Decision 3" as a souvenir after losing all hope.

There is heated discussion outside about whether the Cavaliers will be able to compete with the other two top teams in the East after this deal.

Yu Fei quietly did something.

This year is the third year of the "Yu Fei Scholarship". This project established during the lockout has helped 12 Chinese students study in the United States. However, Yu Fei has not been very satisfied with the progress of the project. Because projects like the Tsai Chongxin Foundation can even recruit top talents like the Xun brothers, while the study abroad scholarships established by him, the more influential GOAT, have only recruited some ordinary students with mediocre talents but good skills - although this is not bad, guards are the most competitive position in American high schools, and it is almost impossible for them to stand out.

Just this year, a name that Yu Fei paid special attention to appeared in the third phase of the "Yu Fei Scholarship" - Hu Jinqiu.

After learning about the other party's physical condition and family background, he confirmed that this was the person he had in mind, so he actively promoted the matter. Hu Jinqiu's family conditions were not good, and at the same time, a CBA team from Zhejiang Province invited him.

Yu Fei had to go to China in person to persuade Hu Jinqiu's family, which eventually led to his trip to the United States.

After the matter was accomplished, Yu Fei felt relieved.

The "Yu Fei Scholarship" needs an iconic figure, and he determined that Hu Jinqiu was that person. As one of the "three major centers" of the Chinese men's basketball team in the 2010s, his low-post footwork and basket feel are not as good as Wang Tuoluo, and his physical talent is not as good as Zhou Qi, but he has a quality that those two do not have - the "fighting spirit" that fans often talk about.

Now that the era of space basketball has arrived, Hu Jinqiu is now entering an American high school, where he can receive the most advanced basketball skills training and is likely to achieve greater breakthroughs in the future.

It was the last thing he did in the summer.

In the next period of time, he will participate in some business activities and then prepare for the new season.

(End of this chapter)

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