When pride still matters

Chapter 576 I’m not targeting you
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer quietly accomplished another big thing.

Since Yu Fei's transfer, the Clippers have not had any professional matters to ask their boss about. The places where Ballmer can be used are often those that require him to allocate funds.

Ballmer is more than willing to serve as a human ATM for his team. Even when the team doesn't need additional spending, he always finds a way to spend money.

Recently, Ballmer, demonstrating his talent for math in college, has noticed the potential of SportVU camera technology, which has been around for several years but has only been purchased by a handful of teams because of its high cost.

What exactly is SportVU for? In short, it can accurately track the movement of every object on the court in seconds - including players, referees and basketballs - thus providing a new way to analyze the game. This is very helpful for detecting player status, observing on-the-spot performance, and statistically responding to different situations.

In addition, this technology has some additional functions, such as helping to track the player's physical load, real-time monitoring of the player's running speed, number of accelerations, whether the acceleration reaches the top speed, and the take-off height when jumping shots.

It can be said that a new era full of data statistics is about to come.

Ballmer also invested generously in other areas, which Yu Fei deeply understood. In Seattle, Bennett was unwilling to spend millions of dollars more every year to enhance the team's soft power. In the Clippers, this team that was not optimistic about the outside world, has been equipped with the most advanced video recording system, and is equipped with sleep and heart rate monitors, GPS devices and accelerometers during training to help players keep track of their training status at any time. In addition, daily life details such as strength training and diet are also strictly tracked. In the end, all the data are put together, and the team can fully understand the physical condition of the players and changes during the season.

Just as the best militaries go to great lengths to arm their soldiers, the top sports teams go to great lengths to care for every detail of their players.

Doc Rivers was filled with emotion. In Boston, although he had the authority of a great coach and did not have to act according to the GOAT's wishes like in Los Angeles, Los Angeles was a different world after all - a paradise for the rich, with entertainment programs far better than Boston, and a wealthy boss.

When Rivers first learned about the SportVU system, he wanted to introduce it to the training ground. However, he was told that it was an additional project and required an additional $20. Rivers went to Ballmer to apply for it, and Ballmer approved it without hesitation. Rivers was ecstatic. With this system, he could intuitively understand who was more diligent in training and who was lazy through video analysis.

Before the media day, the Clippers used SportVU for the first time to review the game. This was a treasure for Rivers. He used this technology to vividly educate Antetokounmpo, who made many mistakes in training: "Look at your position, Giannis, you have to learn to find the right position!"

However, Yu Fei noticed that Rivers relied more on the surface of the system to coach, rather than using data to guide the development of players. Data cannot tell everything, otherwise players like Kobe with poor high-level data would be difficult to be recognized.

But whether the data is useful ultimately depends on its specific application.

For example, the Rockets also introduced the SportVU system this summer and signed Carlos Delfino because the data from the SportVU camera revealed that he had an abnormally high rate of grabbing rebounds, which is a good additional skill for an outside shooter.

The deeper meaning of the tactical revolution and positional change caused by space basketball is that the magic ball theory that a 33.3% three-point shooting percentage is worth more than a 50% mid-range shooting percentage has been recognized by professionals.

This is just a portion of the data that can be visualized in Space Basketball.

With the introduction of various advanced technologies, more and more high-end data that outsiders cannot understand will become the private property of major teams. Only coaching teams that use them properly can get closer to victory.

This requires recruiting a large number of analysts behind the scenes to carry out high-intensity data analysis.

Unfortunately, this is another area where Rivers falls short.

In his opinion, those are all empty words. In essence, he is a fundamentalist basketball fanatic who doesn't care about those fancy statistics.

But data sometimes speaks louder than video footage.

Yu Fei believed that he could not rely on Rivers to create an exclusive database within the Clippers.

So, when the meeting was over, he called over the general manager, Arne Trem.

Tellem has long been accustomed to the fact that the highest power in the team is in the hands of a player who does not hold any position.

When Yu Fei proposed to him to create a database exclusive for the team, he had a premonition that the situation was serious.

"Database," Trem asked cautiously, "how big is it?"

"First, we need to build a database that includes all the teams in the league," Yu Fei said. "In the future, we can consider expanding it to the NCAA."

Trem began to get nervous: "This may require more than a dozen, maybe dozens of professionals."

And, worst of all, it is unlikely to be effective in the short term.

"If we have so many advanced systems but cannot use them to create some exclusive data that can be preserved permanently, it would be a waste of Mr. Ballmer's money." Yu Fei laughed, "I believe Mr. Ballmer will not object."

The cost of bringing in the talent needed to create the database may be ten times that of bringing in the equipment, which is a huge amount of money for a poorly run team.

But obviously, Ballmer doesn't care about the immediate losses.

The funding was quickly applied for.

According to Yu Fei's suggestion, Tellem began to form the Clippers' internal data team.

Yu Fei requires team members to not only excel in their respective professional fields, but also have a deep understanding of the sport of basketball. Although this strict standard slowed down the team's recruitment progress, it greatly improved professionalism.

With these details finalized, the media day took place as scheduled.

The Clippers' media day received the same attention as their fellow city Lakers, the first time the team has moved to Los Angeles in decades.

Yu Fei appeared in front of the media for the first time wearing a Clippers jersey, and the No. 44 jersey was still as charming as ever. The media wanted to know whether this 12-year journey from Washington to Milwaukee, then from Milwaukee to Seattle, and now to Los Angeles, would have the next stop.

"If someone tells you what the future holds, they are probably lying," Yu Fei said. "I won't lie. I once thought I would play in Seattle until I retire, but that's what happened."

“So your future in Los Angeles is uncertain?”

"No, I mean, I don't know what will happen in the future," Yu Fei replied. "But if nothing unexpected happens, Los Angeles will probably be the last stop of my career. I won't play until I'm 40. In my opinion, 35 is the most appropriate age to retire, which is the last glorious season for many great players. If I were to retire at 35, you can foresee that day now."

It's strange to hear the GOAT talk about retirement. He just won the first round last season and won the fourth scoring title of his career. He doesn't seem to be declining at all. Now he is talking about retiring at the age of 35?
Although he is not yet 31 years old, if he really decides to retire at the age of 35, that day seems foreseeable. However, will he really do it? Is this a joke or a preview of retirement?

The reporter continued, "What do you think is the biggest change from Seattle to Los Angeles?"

"It's definitely challenging to go from a team with 100 percent support to a team with 15 percent support," Yu said. "But I can overcome it."

Before Yu Fei arrived, only 6% of Los Angeles residents recognized the Clippers as a Los Angeles team. Most Los Angeles residents regarded them as "nail households" who refused to leave. And this 6% support rate was only achieved after Blake Griffin joined the team. Before Blake Griffin, what did the Clippers' games mean to Los Angeles residents? Except for those rare Clippers die-hard fans, most people only regarded the Clippers as a channel to watch other NBA teams' games at a low price.

Yu Fei's arrival brought the Clippers a 9% increase in support.

The Los Angeles Times said: "This is the Wayne Gretzky transfer of the 21st century!"

⑴ In 1988, ice hockey GOAT Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

Ironically, the Los Angeles Kings immediately protested to the Los Angeles Times, arguing that their situation back then was much better than the Clippers' current situation.

This further highlights the shock that Yu Fei's transfer had on the outside world.

Although the increase from 6% to 15% is impressive, it is far from enough for the GOAT. Yu Fei has never played for a team with a local support rate of only 15%.

"Blake Griffin is a talented young star. Who do you think is better suited to your style of play, him or Brandon Roy?"

"You know, Blake is a great athlete, his dunks are incredible, and it's a pleasure to play with him." Yu Fei smiled, "As for Brandon, I wish him all the best in the future."

"What about Giannis? How well do you know him? His English doesn't sound fluent yet. How are you going to lead him forward?"

However, Yu Fei did not directly answer the reporter's last question.

"I don't need to lead him forward."

"why?"

"He does not need it."

This is not just a polite remark.

This is Yu Fei's view. He mainly encourages Antetokounmpo. This man who once had nothing knows how to grab meat in the United States, a country where socialistism is prevalent. Clippers owner Ballmer also appeared at the scene. He looked like a fan who strayed into the training camp and greeted everyone with a smile.

When asked by reporters what he had done for the team this summer, he proudly replied: "Bringing Frye to Los Angeles."

The reporters were speechless.

Indeed, being able to do this is already better than most general managers in the league.

Ballmer then talked about his other initiatives, which mainly involve spending money.

After buying the Clippers, he was particularly unhappy with three things.

First, the Clippers' training facility is in such poor condition that it is unbearable. To put it in a more positive way, it can be called a retro aesthetic from the 80s; but to put it bluntly, this old training facility should have been demolished long ago.

However, the era of large-scale infrastructure construction in the United States has long ended. In the short term, building a new training center is not only very expensive, but also requires a long wait. Therefore, Ballmer can only make do with it for the time being and start to solve the other two things first.

One of them is the broadcasting contract between the Clippers and the local TV station. This contract will expire in the summer of 2014, which is a good opportunity for Ballmer. The Clippers earn $2000 million from this contract every year. With the addition of the GOAT in the new season, if the team performs well and even returns to the playoffs and achieves good results, the team's influence and appeal will be greatly enhanced. Ballmer is confident that he can negotiate a big contract comparable to the Lakers, and then his investment this summer will be paid off.

The last thing is the arena. The Clippers and the Lakers share the Staples Center, but every time they play against the Lakers, the atmosphere at home is like a graveyard. This situation must be improved. The Lakers have hung three championship banners at the Staples Center, and this deep-rooted sense of belonging and honor is difficult to shake, so the Clippers' best option is to find a new arena.

But to achieve this goal, the team needs to achieve excellent results. If Yu Fei can lead the team to achieve good results, Ballmer will naturally speed up the plan for the new arena; if even the GOAT cannot change the team's situation, then it will take a long-term view. After all, the Staples Center is already a landmark building in Los Angeles, and from the perspective of traffic, it is impeccable.

So, when reporters asked Ballmer about his expectations for the new season, he replied: "50% winning rate, return to the playoffs, and try to go further."

"I mean, we have to work hard to go further. I don't ask for a championship, I know the time has not come yet, but we have Frye, so everything is possible," Ballmer said. "He led the Supersonics, who were at the bottom of the league last season, to win the championship in the 2007-08 season. Can't he reverse the Clippers' years of shame? If God really wants to choose someone to end this history, it must be Frye - he is the chosen one!"

When taking the family photo, Ballmer suggested that Yu Fei stand in the middle.

Yu Fei responded: "No, you have to take this position. After all, I haven't made any contribution to the team yet."

"I haven't contributed much," Ballmer said modestly.

"No, your contribution is greater than anyone else's," Yu Fei said, "Frye is here for you."

The scene immediately erupted in laughter, and the good relationship between GOAT and Ballmer attracted the attention of the media.

There were many reporters at the scene who had participated in the Sonics Media Day in the winter of 2007, and some had participated for many years in a row, but they had never seen the GOAT and Clay Bennett interact so cordially.

It is rumored that Ballmer gave up his power in exchange for the GOAT's joining. This insider information may be true. Otherwise, why would the GOAT praise this new boss so much?

Ballmer got both face and benefits, and naturally stood in the C position with a smile on his face. Under the direction of the photographer, everyone posed, and then, with a "click", the photo was taken.

Did anyone hear the sound of turning pages coming from the void?
From Buffalo to San Diego, and then from San Diego to Los Angeles, the Clippers' 43-year history of shame finally ushered in a long-awaited turning point at this moment.

A brand new era is coming.

The beginning of this era can perhaps be traced back to what Giannis Antetokounmpo said to the Greek media who came to interview him during the preseason: "I want to gain weight, practice shooting, develop a sense of the overall situation, help the team in all aspects, and eventually represent the Greek national team. I am proud to be a Greek."

These are the words of a freshman Greek who was legally an international refugee before being drafted by the NBA.

There is no doubt that this was a slightly humorous start for the Clippers.

Then, they met the defending champion Miami Heat in the preseason.

This summer, the Heat let Trevor Ariza go.

Because they have four maximum salary contracts with Wade, Yao Ming, Love and Curry, they are unable to satisfy Ariza's desire for a big contract.

Ariza then joined the Houston Rockets.

But has the Heat's strength been weakened by this?
No, because third-year swingman Jimmy Butler has taken over.

Looking at the Heat's lineup, Yu Fei feels that if nothing unexpected happens, they have a great chance of defending their title.

Then, he saw Yao Ming sitting on the sidelines.

"What do you mean? Not playing in the preseason?" Yu Fei asked with a smile, "Are you worthy of the fans?"

Yao Ming said nonchalantly: "The fans will understand. Don't they want me to play for a few more years?"

Yu Fei shook his head, not knowing what to say.

This summer, Yao Ming was called up to the national team again and will compete in the Asian Championships again with his old teammates.

However, this men's basketball team is obviously aging, as most of the players are from the BJ Olympic era, and they are no longer as brave as they used to be. Facing the Iranian team at its peak, Yao Ming played almost the full 40 minutes, scored 44 points and 20 rebounds, and led the team to a narrow victory over the opponent by 6 points, successfully winning the Manila Asian Championships.

You know, Yao Ming just won the NBA championship with the team. In addition to the national team training and the Asian Championships, he can be said to have no rest all year round.

Although the era of space basketball has helped him avoid many injuries after losing weight, it is difficult to avoid injuries with this kind of usage.

It’s right to rest during the preseason.

Soon, the starting players of both teams came on the court.

Although it was a preseason game, the Heat sent out all their main players except Yao Ming.

Yu Fei saw Butler.

Suddenly, the other party's funny image with a weird non-mainstream hairstyle in his previous life disappeared, and was replaced by the image of young Jordan.

"Stephen, do you have to let this guy start?" Yu Fei asked.

Butler's face changed slightly.

"Jimmy is great," Curry said.

Then, a disaster approached that Butler had not anticipated.

Yu Fei's tough close contact is what Butler likes.

However, Yu Fei pretended to be pushed into position by him, luring his teammates to pass the ball, and then when the ball was passed, he violently rushed to the position and stole the ball - if he was not the GOAT, he would have been called for a foul long ago - he did not like this kind of thing at all.

Butler was knocked to the ground.

Yu Fei then smashed the ball forward.

Antetokounmpo caught up with the ball and then gave the audience a surreal dunk from outside the three-point line.

"Ubuntu! Ubuntu!" Antetokounmpo yelled at Yu Fei, "We are great because of others! That's it! GOAT? GOAT!"

The "other" didn't have time to respond to him. He just glanced at Butler and said, "I'm not targeting you. I just fucking hate No. 23."

PS: I have a social engagement tomorrow that I can’t postpone, so I don’t have time to write, so I need to ask for leave.

(End of this chapter)