bookbashuk Chapter 445 A Tsunami Is About to Hit the Alliance! The Various Branches Are Prudent
Chapter 445 A Tsunami Is About to Hit the Alliance! The Various Branches Are Prudent
"Lin, are you really not considering joining my new team? I spoke with Stern again tonight, and it's basically all set! I've even chosen my position!"
"Charlotte! I have a really good fan base in North Carolina, and the Hornets just moved, so their Spectrum Center is empty. I can use it and save a lot of money!"
"If you come here, I think we can contend for the championship within three years!"
"Michael, you don't want me to ask you the same question again, do you?" Lin Tian really didn't want to answer Jordan's question again.
Given Jordan's poor eye for talent in drafting and his penchant for micromanaging and making all the decisions himself, Lin Tian would never consider working with him.
Not considering it at all.
More importantly, not only do they have poor taste, but they're also poor and stingy!
When a good company recruits free agents, they don't start by saying they can save a lot of money by using someone else's second-hand stadium.
With this kind of logic, you're unlikely to recruit any free agents at all.
To reiterate, in the 20-year history of Jordan's team, they have had at least 15 top-ten lottery picks. Even if Lin Tian's grandmother were in charge of the draft, he could still pick three All-Stars.
But what about Jordan?
two!
All in all, only Kemba and Ball have ever been selected as All-Stars!
Apart from these, without exception, they are all counterfeit goods!
That kind of perspective...
Shaking!
Hell difficulty is not considered.
Then Jordan enthusiastically chatted with Lin Tian about his plans for the coming year, as he was preparing extensively for his new team.
It's clear that Jordan was very excited and looking forward to having a team for the first time.
He clearly believed that with his abilities, he could build a truly elite team in no time!
"Lin, if you don't come, don't blame my team for not holding back when they beat you! We'll eliminate you again and again!" After looking ahead to the future, Jordan looked at Lin Tian and gave him an ultimatum.
"Yes, yes, yes, beat me, beat me." Lin Tian rolled his eyes and pouted. You think you can beat me?
However, Lin Tian didn't dare to make any boasts like "Come on, I'll crush you in the playoffs" or "With me on your team, you'll never win the championship."
Simply put, it's just too difficult!
Given Jordan's ability to build teams that have made the playoffs twice in 20 years, it would be incredibly difficult for any team to beat him in the playoffs!
It's so hard to find someone like that!
After exchanging a few more words with Jordan, Arenas suddenly arrived, accompanied by a timid-looking child who appeared to be about four or five years old.
"Your son Gilbert? Kids aren't allowed here, especially since they should be asleep at this hour." Lin Tian leaned back comfortably in his chair, completely relaxed.
"He's the kid of a neighbor's neighbor of a distant relative of mine. He also likes playing ball and likes you a lot. He's a distant relative of mine... FUXX, never mind! Anyway, my friend asked me to help him by bringing him to meet you."
"But I really like this kid. If he's planning to pursue basketball, I'd be willing to help him out and train him or something."
Seeing Arenas's expression, Lin Tian smiled. He didn't bother with the complicated connections between them, but instead took the pen and jersey the child offered, saying, "What's your name, little guy? What would you like me to sign?"
"Ja Morant!" the child exclaimed excitedly. "I hope you can sign him for dear Ja Morant; he'll become the greatest point guard in the NBA!"
"Ja Morant?" Lin Tian couldn't help but look up when he heard the name. Good heavens, two generations of Holy Gun Rangers have come together.
Is this truly a fateful encounter?
Arenas even personally taught him?
I'm afraid I'll have to teach him something like a complete classification of gun models...
Lin Tian didn't bother with this strange coincidence. After quickly signing his name, he handed the jersey back, saying, "Gilbert, I think you need to take him home right away. It's too late; this isn't a good place for a child!"
"It could very well link us to bizarre and disgusting accusations."
"His dad's right outside! I'll take him out right away." Arenas blinked exaggeratedly, as if he wouldn't waste his happy time playing house with this kid if he hadn't been asked to do it.
Then this guy quickly grabbed Morant and turned to leave, clearly eager to continue his fun.
Not long after Arenas left, Ben Wallace also came over.
"Lin, my contract expires this year." Da Ben's voice was low and slurred; needless to say, this guy had drunk quite a bit!
"My agent... well, Rob said that several teams have contacted him and are willing to offer me contracts, and the amounts are... very large."
"So much so that you think the Pacers won't be able to match up?" Lin Tian looked at Ben Wallace, understanding the guy's feelings perfectly.
This is a loyal and devoted guy. Ever since Lin Tian rescued him from the abyss of the bullet team, he has fought alongside Lin Tian for six years!
For six years, Ben was always Lin Tian's most loyal little brother, always by Lin Tian's side. He always supported Lin Tian and even joined Pelinka's agency early on.
Now, given the Pacers' financial situation and knowing the team owner's business strategy, Ben Wallace clearly doesn't think the team will keep him.
"Yes, if Rob isn't lying to me," Ben said, "He received at least three four-year contracts worth over $40 million each!"
"Then go get it! Just like Vince, playing basketball isn't just about dreams, it's also about money!" Lin Tian said casually. "If you're here for advice, then my advice to you is the same as what I gave Vince."
"If someone offers you 4 years for $4000 million, or the Pacers offer you 4 years for $3700 million or $3800 million, then I would advise you to stay. But if Larry can only offer you a 4-year contract for $2800 million, then I really don't know what the point of you staying is."
"I know it's important for the guys to be together, and I know the most important thing is for everyone to have fun, but Ben, you have to go get that damn money!"
"I'm not short of money!" This time, Big Ben was surprisingly firm: "I'm not like those other black guys. My life isn't extravagant, and I don't have many spending habits. I know that as long as I don't gamble, do drugs, or invest, I can earn enough money to live a luxurious life for the rest of my life."
"So Lin, I'm not here to ask you what I should do next, or how much money I should get. I'm here to ask you, will you leave next summer?"
"If you don't leave next summer and stay in Indiana, then I don't care whether it's 4 years for $2800 million or 4 years for $4000 million. But if you're going to make a big splash next summer, then I think there's no need for me to stay here."
"I follow you!"
Seeing this towering figure reveal his true feelings, Lin Tian couldn't help but sigh. Ben Affleck is really a good friend!
Unfortunately, Lin Tian wasn't exactly a very considerate person.
In particular, his heart is dirty.
"Larry, you bastard, you let Ben test me like this, how can you live with yourself?" Lin Tian shouted at the shadowy figure behind Ben, indicating that he saw him.
Originally, Lin Tian was just joking; he didn't think Bird was actually there.
But to his surprise, Bird emerged from the bushes as soon as he finished speaking.
"I knew you'd find out, you bastard, but I really want to hear your answer." Bird wasn't embarrassed at all; instead, he plopped down on the other side of Lin Tian and said, "Our cooperation these past few years has been quite pleasant, hasn't it?"
"Let's talk a year in advance! This will affect all our future strategies and team-building ideas. You're not planning to surprise me next summer and catch me off guard, are you?"
Looking at this guy who was trying to morally blackmail him, Lin Tian could only sigh helplessly.
He's a dirty guy, but he still has some principles.
At the very least, Bird played the friendship card very well.
"Larry, what I said to Ben applies to myself as well. If the Pacers offered me $200 million for five years, I would never leave. But if they only offer me $100 million for five years or some other price, why should I stay here?"
"I'm a simple person. I've done right by Indiana. I've given them everything I could. I have a clear conscience. Ask me to take a pay cut and work for capitalists? Sorry, no way!"
"Larry, so, do you think the Simon Brothers will give me $200 million over five years?"
Bird gave a wry smile and said, "As you said, maybe at most it's 100 million or 120 million over 5 years. If some madman really offers you a super maximum salary with the 'God Clause,' the Simon brothers definitely won't follow suit."
"It's not just about money; it's also because they know very well that Stern doesn't want guys like you staying in Indiana for too long. You're here, influencing his globalization policies, and if you stay, they might not necessarily face retaliation."
"But if you leave, Stern will owe them a favor, and maybe he'll compensate us with a number one draft pick within 5-6 years?"
At this point, Bird knew very well that there was no need to continue the conversation.
He patted Lin Tian on the shoulder, took a glass of wine, clinked glasses with Lin Tian, and then turned and left.
Only Da Ben remained sitting there, tentatively asking, "Lin, which company are you planning to join next? Have you made up your mind? I can go first and then wait for you."
"Get lost!" Lin Tian impatiently kicked Da Ben, then suddenly pulled him over and said, "But you, where are you planning to go? Is there anywhere you want to go?"
"Detroit!" Ben Affleck grinned mischievously. "I think that place is a perfect fit for me! And Joe's the general manager there, he'll have my back! I'm also on good terms with Rasheed, and he said Chauncey and Richard are good guys too!"
"But unfortunately, Rob didn't want me to go there. He thought Detroit was a cold and chaotic place with a bad economy, and that I wouldn't be able to make enough money there."
Lin Tian felt relieved after hearing what Da Ben said.
Going to Detroit is definitely the best choice for Ben Affleck!
But no one expected that the four kings of Detroit would gather in such a way.
As for what Ben said about Pelinka not allowing it?
"You're the boss, he's just an employee. What right does he have to tell you where you go or not? Tell him you're going to Detroit! As for whether he agrees or not? If he doesn't, just find a new agent!"
"Great idea!" Big Ben laughed and stood up, then joined in the joyful party.
Just as Ben left, and the chair he was sitting on was still warm, Christie arrived.
Or rather, Christie came with his wife.
Well... in a situation like this, Christie couldn't possibly appear alone.
He either doesn't come, or he definitely brings his wife.
"Lin, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." Christie scratched her head, looking embarrassed. "My wife and I have a book that's about to be published, and we'd like you to help us write a preface."
"A book? You wrote it?" Lin Tian looked at the two people in shock and said incredulously, "What book? A novel or a poem? You're not old enough to write memoirs and autobiographies yet."
"No, it's about our love, our relationship, our life before and after marriage, our way of getting along, and our views on love and marriage."
Christie's wife, Jackie, laughed and said, "The book is called 'Extraordinary Love'! Doug said you're his best buddy, and we all think you can help."
"No, I can't help." Upon hearing this, Lin Tian shook his head and refused without even thinking: "How could I write that? I'm just a basketball player, I don't know anything about literature."
Are you kidding me? Would Lin Tian dare to interfere in the relationship between these two? And would Lin Tian dare to write a preface for their book?
He writes the preface today, and tomorrow ten girls will line up with this book, asking Lin Tian to explain it to them.
How should I put it if Lin Tian writes the preface for this kind of book?
What's the difference between this and asking a Muslim to write down a hundred ways to cook pork?
They all sound unreliable and could even be deadly.
"But you're a top student from the University of Pennsylvania, a graduate of the world's best psychology program, you're a true genius, Lin," Jackie persisted. "We think you could also share your views on love in the preface."
"Shall I share mine?"
Lin Tian pointed to his nose and exclaimed, "Good heavens! So this book of yours is a complete guide to debate skills, huh?"
The entire book, from the preface I wrote, is a rebuttal to the views and opinions expressed in that preface, which are completely wrong, right?
Seeing Jackie's expectant look and Christie's embarrassed expression, Lin Tian had a feeling that if he didn't agree, they would pester him for a long time, so he said, "Shall I write it now?"
"Great! Shall we find a quiet place?" Jackie's eyes lit up instantly, and she gave Christie a reproachful look, with a smug expression that said: See, I knew he would agree.
"No need, I don't plan to write too much." Lin Tian took out the pen that Morant had just handed him, and then took a small piece of paper from his side. The paper originally had a phone number written on it, which was secretly given to Lin Tian by a bikini-clad woman.
Lin Tian first wiped away the number with tears in his eyes, then wrote a sentence on the back of the note and handed it to Christie: "This is the preface I wrote for you."
"So short?" Christie was taken aback, and Jackie snatched the note from his hand.
As for Lin Tian, he decisively chose to run away before she even saw the contents of the note.
I can't stay with this crazy couple anymore, or the middle of the night will really turn into a debate competition.
Then, Lin Tian heard Jackie's dissatisfied curses and Christie's screams from behind.
This guy got beaten up again!
As for the reason for being beaten, Lin Tian knew very well.
His preface indeed consists of only one sentence.
"Although I haven't read this book, I completely disagree with its views—Lin!"
Simple, direct, and to the point!
…………
That very night, fans and players across the United States and even around the world were watching the game.
This final game of the NBA Finals, and Jordan's last game of his career, attracted a huge number of players to watch.
And it was right after this match that many players made moves.
For example, Allen Iverson, who was on vacation, called the 76ers' management overnight: "Either trade me, or find me a real helper! I can't keep watching others perform on the biggest stage of basketball!"
"I'm going to win the championship!"
For example, Tracy McGrady called the Orlando team's medical staff to find out if Grant Hill would be able to play next season.
"Sorry, Tracy, we don't know... because theoretically, he should be healthy this season, but he hasn't even played 30 games. And theoretically, he should be able to recover next season, but..."
McGrady was also getting a headache from the team doctors' series of theoretical answers, and he was starting to waver.
Hill is consistently unable to play, and Duncan, this usually quiet big man, seems ready to leave right after next season. By the season after that, the team will be left to him carrying the team alone.
McGrady didn't like the feeling of fighting alone, especially for the Magic!
Or rather, his relationship with the Magic's management broke down when they completely disregarded his feelings and insisted on trading away his good friend Mike Miller.
The management was frustrated that McGrady and Duncan were unable to lead the team to a breakthrough, while McGrady and Duncan were also annoyed that the management had done nothing and made no changes or improvements.
McGrady's mind started to wander; he was considering changing his location.
Maybe I should try my luck with my cousin? They're short of a small forward!
In Minnesota, Garnett once again dialed his mentor Sanders' number: "I need help! One Traore isn't enough! I need a real top star to break the curse with me!"
In San Antonio, Gregg Popovich, who just finished a workout with LeBron James today, is extremely satisfied with James!
Then, he started looking for people—all the media outlets, scouts, and colleagues he could find—to help him release a message.
"Carmelo Anthony is a genius, and the Spurs are considering trading for the number one draft pick to ensure they can get Anthony."
"Pat, I'm all right! Really, I'm all right! I'm completely recovered this time!" Mourning slammed a freshly completed medical report onto Riley's table.
Although the Heat have long lost their former glory due to Mourning's injuries and the team has even tanked this year, Mourning has once again sought out Riley after recovering from his kidney disease, hoping to continue fighting for his mentor!
"Alonzo! Alonzo!" Riley shook his head helplessly and said, "I really think that's enough! You can rest now. Your body is no longer suited to continue fighting. Your body can't handle the intensity of the NBA."
"Choosing to retire is better for you!"
"I just want a basic salary!" Mourning exclaimed, arms outstretched. "A basic salary is fine! I can go for a medical check-up every month, no! Every week! If there's a problem, I'll leave immediately! Pat, please, I just want a chance!"
"I'm really still capable!"
"Alonzo! We don't need you now." Riley's tone gradually became stern. "We had a great time working together, and I miss those times very much, but that's all in the past, okay?"
"The team is rebuilding right now. We need young players, we need fresh blood. We need to start from scratch, and you should start from scratch too!"
"I just need a minimum salary, even a non-guaranteed one." Mourning looked at the ruthless and indifferent Riley, as if seeing this cold-blooded old man for the first time. "Is that all? I just want to give my all for Miami, I just want to win a championship for the team!"
"Alonzo, we don't need you anymore." Riley looked at Mourning and said, "If you want to chat for a bit, you're welcome, but if you want a comeback, I'll only tell you: NO!"
"Your body..."
"I know my own body!" The irritable Mourning lost his patience. He stood up, turned around and walked towards the door, then kicked the door open and left Riley's office without looking back.
"Idiot." Looking at the still-shaking office door, Riley closed his eyes in frustration and leaned back in his chair.
"I hope no team will give him a chance, I hope no one will offer him a contract. This idiot, isn't he afraid of dying on the court? FUXX!"
.........
With Jordan's inevitable retirement, and several players on the Pacers' roster entering the final year of their contracts, they will most likely be poached by other teams, inevitably leading to a significant decline in the Pacers' strength.
In addition, this year's rookies are widely regarded as the strongest generation since 96, with several players being called top talents that only appear once every 10 years.
Many teams are trying to find out if they can move their draft pick up a few positions so they can select a more suitable player to save the team.
With all these factors combined, this offseason is destined to be turbulent!
Teams aiming for the championship feel that the Pacers, this towering mountain, is finally about to crumble, and they can give it their shot.
Meanwhile, those bad teams and lottery teams, especially those who are not satisfied with their draft positions, try every means to inquire about offers to get a higher draft position.
Undercurrents, no.
It was a blazing tsunami, which started almost the night after the finals ended!
Meanwhile, the Pacers' coaching and scouting team, led by Bird and Carlisle, barely had any rest. They said goodbye to the players and returned to Indiana the day after the Finals ended.
They want to try out players!
Because of the Finals, the Pacers didn't try out many players. They only gave the few players they invited a cursory look and didn't have any in-depth conversations with them.
After all, the Pacers, who are aiming for the championship, don't have time for that!
Now that the season has finally ended, their draft work is about to officially begin!
The Pacers have two draft picks this year: the 29th pick in the first round and the 29th pick in the second round.
Well, okay, so they were last in both rounds of the draft. But what can you expect when the Pacers have the best record in the league? Their draft picks have to be placed later.
Regardless of where they are drafted, the Pacers must do everything they can to research their rookies and make the right pick this year!
After all, the two players the team drafted last year were really not worth mentioning...
首轮第25顺位拿下的克里斯·杰弗里斯常规赛打了39场，场均上场5分钟，拿下不到1分1篮板的数据。
Temar Slee, selected 54th overall in the second round, only played 5 games, with a string of zeros in his stats. Then, to save on the luxury tax, he didn't even make it to the All-Star Game before being cut by the team.
What these two have in common is that they are purely benchwarmers, contributing almost nothing to the team, and their names are never mentioned except during training camp at the beginning of the season...
Absolutely invisible!
After those two draft picks were essentially wasted, Bird and Carlisle dared not relax at all in this year's draft!
We must go all out and make the right choice!
The Pacers' front office, which has acquired outstanding talents such as Ginobili, Parker, Arenas, and Harrington in the mid-to-low draft picks, is determined to redeem themselves and prove their strength in the 03 draft!
We can't let our reputation be ruined by this failed draft in 02!
So, between the end of the Finals and the start of the draft, Bird, Carlisle, and the entire coaching and scouting team worked day and night, like crazy, in order to make the right choice with those two draft picks!
In less than half a month, they organized five group trials of varying sizes, and then selected more than 20 players from these five trials for a second round of individual trials.
Their goal, if not to draft another All-Star like Parker or Ginobili, is at least to draft a decent rotation player like Christie!
And then, it's the day of the draft!
Honestly, Bird's eyesight was already failing him from trying out so many players, and he still hadn't decided who to draft until two hours before the draft was about to begin.
My head hurts!
So, when he didn't know how to choose, Bird once again pulled out his trump card!
There's a mouth below the nose, ask!
"Larry, I told you you can't do without me, that's why you didn't ask me for advice last year." An hour before the draft, when Bird was looking at rookie reports and his head was throbbing, Lin Tian walked in.
Yes, that's Bird's secret weapon. Ask Lin Tian!
Although he still doesn't understand how Lin Tian can be so accurate, how he can point out all kinds of capable warriors with just a casual gesture!
Lin Tian's influence and contributions were present in every single one of the team's incredibly successful draft experiences over the past few years!
The only time Lin Tian didn't participate in a talent show was in 02, and then...
Let's not talk about it anymore, let's not talk about it anymore!
"Sit down, Lin, let's have a good chat!" Bird smiled and didn't retaliate against Lin Tian's words. He even took out a bottle of whiskey and poured Lin Tian a small glass.
"Could you take a look at these rookies and give me your professional advice?"
"Larry, where's that arrogant look of yours?" Lin Tian looked at Bird's smug expression and was a little confused.
No, one was a late first-round pick, and the other was a late second-round pick. Do you think Larry Bird would have to pull off a smile and be all smiles?
"Oh dear, it's all because of the immense pressure from the Lakers," Bird sighed. "Last year, Jerry West landed Kirilenko, and everyone called him a genius draft pick. Then their first-round pick, Prince, was brought in for a crucial Game 4 of the Finals!"
"Judging by that, Prince will definitely be used more next season! But look at our guy, he's got no potential at all!"
"This year's draft is a powerhouse! Everyone's saying how amazing this class is. If I, Larry Bird, draft another bust, where would I put my face?"
"You're not afraid of picking the weak, are you?" Lin Tian exposed Bird without hesitation: "You're afraid the Lakers will pick the wrong players! You have 29 points and 58 rebounds, and he has 28 points and 57 rebounds. With such close draft positions and such close choices, if they pick two players who can fight hard, you'll be in trouble."
"Next season, it'll be West asking you to borrow the villa."
"So, give me some recommendations! Otherwise, I'll lend him your villa!" Bird said, pushing the stack of draft reports in front of Lin Tian, indicating that he could take a look.
"So many?" Lin Tian was overwhelmed when he saw at least 4-50 draft reports. He couldn't even be bothered with the initial screening with Bird Face: "You've given me all the information on this year's draft picks, haven't you?"
The reason for asking this question was that after casually flipping through the list, Lin Tian discovered several extremely outrageous names.
LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.
Damn, is this alliance your family's business?
How could you possibly pick these two? Do you expect the management of the top 28 teams to be out of their minds?
Mr. Lin thought he was here to be a judge in the final round, to choose one candidate from several candidates and cast the final vote. But you, Bird, made me participate from the initial selection process.
No, this is telling me to start reading the registration manual right away!
Lin Tian wasn't going to put up with Bird's attitude. He stood up and said directly, "I can't do this. You'll have to find someone else. I'm busy. I'm going to sleep."
Seeing Lin Tian stand up and leave, Bird didn't dare to keep up appearances anymore and quickly stood up, saying:
"Come, come, here's another one that's been screened, take a look, take a look!" Bird looked at Lin Tian ingratiatingly, without feeling embarrassed at all: "I was just thinking of letting you take a look at the whole thing, just in case there's anyone I accidentally missed?" (End of this chapter)