Chapter 273 The Price of Destiny's Gift

At the end of May, after claiming his various season rewards from the forging system, Su Feng, whose [Basketball God] badge had been upgraded to the third tier, officially embarked on his journey back to China with the Curry father and son.

To prepare for the Olympic Games held on home soil, the Chinese men's basketball team had already gathered players eliminated in the CBA playoffs for the first phase of training as early as March this year.

However, because Sun Yue, Yao Ming, and Zhu Fangyu still had to compete in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, the Chinese men's basketball team would have to wait until at least late June to complete its full roster.

In addition, before returning to China, Su Feng also gave Kupchak a list of players he favored.

Because of Marion's "trade model" precedent and the abundance of high-quality rookies in '08, Su Feng didn't need to worry about the Lakers' affairs in this year's draft.

In comparison, Kobe not doing anything rash during his recovery training was what Su Feng needed to consider.

Before parting, after checking Kobe's current ability value through the system, Su Feng realized that people's physiques really couldn't be generalized.

Because apart from a slight decline in some ability values, relying on advanced modern medicine and 16 consecutive months of nutrient solution irrigation, Su Feng knew that most of Kobe's abilities would gradually return to full health as he trained.

According to Su Feng's instructions to Mancias before leaving, Kobe's recovery training would not only be fully responsible by Mancias, but Mancias would also follow Su Feng's requirements to hold down Kobe's head when he planned to increase the intensity of his training ahead of schedule.

"I plan to slowly increase the intensity of Kobe's training in September and October.

After all, he has been injured and recuperating for too long this time. If he increases the intensity after the start of the new season, the previously injured area is likely to be injured again."

As a trusted aide who had accompanied Su Feng for more than a decade, Su Feng had always been confident in Mancias's business ability.

According to Mancias's suggestion, Kobe's playing time in the first two months after the start of next season should be gradually increased.

Although this meant that Kobe would miss the Beijing Olympics...

But in Su Feng's view...

Kobe would have plenty of opportunities to compete against him in the FIBA arena in the future.

However, Kobe's absence from the Olympics...

Also meant that Ray Allen would be selected for the US men's basketball team coached by Davis.

In Su Feng's previous life, because of the well-known relationship between Kobe and Ray Allen...

Before the start of the Beijing Olympics, even though the US domestic media were suggesting that Coach K should bring more shooters, Coach K didn't dare to recruit Ray Allen into the team under Kobe's death stare.

In response, Ray Allen was also sensible and repeatedly stated in interviews that Michael Redd was no worse than him.

"No, even if I can't play in the Olympics, I have to go to China during the Olympics!" Kobe said with a determined look when he parted with Su Feng that day.

Hearing this, Su Feng was too lazy to expose Kobe's little secret.

Because it wasn't that Kobe wanted to go to China to see his lovely Kobees...

It was clear that this guy's stomach had been spoiled by him, and other food tasted bland except for what he made!

"Okay. But since you're here, why don't I help you contact CCTV and you can be a commentator for a few games?" Su Feng looked at Kobe, knowing that it would be difficult to get Kobe to change his mind once he made a decision.

Hearing this, after hesitating for a moment, Kobe said, "But my Chinese isn't very good. Can Chinese fans understand my commentary?"

Su Feng laughed and said, "Your Chinese isn't good, but Zhang指导 (Zhang zhi dao, Chinese basketball commentator) and the others can help you translate!

What's more, you only need to praise me more during halftime."

Kobe was unwilling and said, "If I really go to commentate, I will definitely point out all your problems during the game."

Su Feng shook his head and said, "That's fine too. As long as you can point out my problems, I'm always willing to listen."

And so, just like that.

Su Feng completely blocked Kobe's last chance to court death before the start of next season.

On the side, Mancias couldn't help but sigh and say, "As expected, only Su knows Kobe best."

Because Kobe would definitely not be able to train at a high intensity during his time as a commentator in Beijing, which also meant that Mancias would save a lot of trouble.

……

Let's put aside the matter of Su Feng and the Curry father and son returning to China for the time being.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, because they had been dragged to Game 7 by the Heat before, the Sixers faced a hellish start in this year's Eastern Conference Finals.

After losing two consecutive games in Boston, they were currently trailing the Celtics 0-2.

In the Western Conference Finals, Adelman, who split Pierce, Paul, and Carter to lead the team in the first three quarters respectively, successfully took away the Mavericks' home court advantage in Dallas.

In this series, Nowitzki was still unstoppable.

But the Mavericks' substitutes met their match.

Because after staggering the playing time of the Big Four, whether facing the second unit led by Carter, Paul, and Battier, or the substitutes led by Pierce, Garnett, and Battier, the Mavericks' bench mob couldn't be as carefree and comfortable as they had been when they beat the Lakers' good-for-nothings.

In addition, having been "forced" by the Lakers to Game 6 before, the Mavericks fully experienced the pain of the Celtics and Sixers in this year's Western Conference Finals.

After returning to China, Su Feng felt that the Trail Blazers, who were becoming more and more courageous...

Were sent by God to mess with his mentality!

Because if the Trail Blazers really won the Western Conference Finals this year...

Then next year, wouldn't the Mavericks hold their breath and beat whoever they caught?

And, if the Trail Blazers' Four Heavenly Kings won the Western Conference Finals but failed to win the championship...

Then next season's Western Conference...

Who knew what a tragic situation it would be!

Paul Allen...

Mark Cuban...

It would be fine if the Mavericks and Trail Blazers were two teams with no hope of winning the championship.

But if these two lunatics, who were in charge of teams that had a chance to win the championship but ultimately failed to do so...

Then Su Feng didn't think that a mere financial crisis would make them back down.

However...

Just as "Murphy's Law" said...

People are often afraid of what will happen.

In the East, although the Sixers beat the Celtics in Game 3 after returning to Philadelphia.

But in the subsequent Game 4, because Yao Ming was in foul trouble, the Sixers immediately seemed like a different team when Little Ming was down.

The old AI (Allen Iverson) really couldn't break through anymore.

After losing Game 4...

The Sixers, trailing 1-3, had basically lost any hope of reversing the series.

In the West...

Although the Trail Blazers and Mavericks were tied 2-2...

In terms of morale, after Game 4, the Trail Blazers' morale had clearly suppressed the Mavericks.

Because originally, the Mavericks had a chance to change the series score to 3-1 in Game 4...

But who would have thought that Carter and Pierce would stage a comeback in the fourth quarter.

On the court, with 9 minutes and 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Carter was forced to leave the court for treatment after twisting his ankle.

Just when the Trail Blazers' fans thought the Trail Blazers were going to lose...

In this life, Carter, who had won three championships with Su Feng, showed his tenacious will at a critical moment.

"You all say that Vince Carter's glory is a thing of the past!

But in my opinion, as long as I haven't retired, my most glorious moment will always be tomorrow!"

Rose Garden Arena.

Carter's refusal to leave the court with a minor injury greatly boosted the Trail Blazers' morale.

And with 5 minutes and 14 seconds left in the quarter...

Because he landed awkwardly during a scramble, Pierce was also forced to leave the court for nearly 3 minutes of treatment.

And, facing the team doctor's dissuasion, Pierce pushed the team doctor aside.

At the same time, accompanied by the song "home.with.A.vengeance"...

Pierce, who ran back to the court from the player tunnel, brought nearly 20,000 Trail Blazers fans to tears.

"This isn't Texas!

This...

Is our territory!"

Why do we love basketball?

Because in the first decade of the 21st century, basketball brought us too many, too many beautiful memories.

On the court, the scene of Vince Carter and Paul Pierce encouraging each other by bumping fists...

Was destined to be recorded in history along with the scene of Su Feng collapsing from exhaustion!

Perhaps, Paul Allen had spent so much money on the Trail Blazers in the past just to hear a bang...

But on this day, Garnett's roar made Paul Allen feel more worthwhile than ever before.

The Trail Blazers fought to the last moment.

After Carter and Pierce scored 13 and 14 points for the team in the fourth quarter respectively...

They staged an incredible comeback at home.

And so, the balance of this series was completely reversed.

When the young Chris Paul didn't need to wear a mask to touch the Western Conference Finals floor.

When Garnett, who was over thirty years old, willingly assisted the three Jordans beside him.

When the irritable Carter and the easily provoked Pierce showed their personalities.

How many people remembered that just a few months ago, this Trail Blazers team was facing all kinds of difficulties?

In this league, everyone has his reason to win the championship.

Whether it was Tim Duncan, who wanted to comfort Auerbach's spirit in heaven with a championship.

Or Nowitzki, who had failed in the Finals twice.

Just as Su Feng said...

In this league, the least commendable thing is your determination to win the championship.

Because even James, who had been fooled by Su Feng and Duncan for several years, knew the truth that if he missed this chance, he didn't know how long he would have to wait in the future.

……

The Eastern and Western Conference Finals of the 07/08 NBA season were still ongoing.

On the 31st, the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery was held at Madison Square Garden in New York.

To allow Chicago, a city that had once achieved glory in the NBA, to see the light of day again, just like in Su Feng's memory, the Bulls successfully won the top prize in this lottery:

——The No. 1 pick.

Of course, because the trajectory of history had changed greatly, to continue saving Houston, Stern still gave the No. 2 pick to the Space City after hesitating again and again.

It's just...

The quality of the rookies in the 08 draft was high, but Su Feng was only pessimistic about Michael Beasley, who had not received socialist education in his early years.

But...

Because Beasley was a consensus top-two prospect in this year's draft...

Therefore...

After being scared by the draft lottery for several years in a row, Su Feng always felt that the Rockets' management didn't have the courage to bypass Beasley to make a selection.

In addition, the Spurs were drawn to the No. 3 pick this year.

As one of the NBA's famous "Texas Double Bears", after drawing this lottery pick, the Spurs immediately contacted OJ Mayo's agent, hoping to invite this super rookie with the template of Su Feng/Kobe to work out for them.

However, Mayo rejected the Spurs' kindness without even thinking about it.

Because in Mayo's words...

How dare he, a mere rookie, try to reach the cosmic powerhouse Spurs that had Bogut?

Alright...

As the Spurs' general manager, Kerr's biggest failure since taking office was definitely not trading Bogut away.

Because Bogut, you can say that he only trash-talks the NBA...

But he had to trash-talk Mayo in an interview this year.

Saying that Mayo was a brush and a bust without any strength.

In this way, how could Mayo, a proud young man, tolerate it?

Anyway, Mayo's attitude was already very clear.

If the Spurs dared to pick him.

Then he would immediately turn around and play in the European League.

So, after being backstabbed by Bogut again, Kerr had to settle for second best and extended a workout invitation to Kevin Love.

Because no one in the NBA was willing to take over Bogut for a while, so the Spurs' preparation to work out Love could also be seen as Kerr having made plans not to renew Bogut's contract after it expired.

It's just...

In that case, wouldn't Bogut, the No. 1 pick, be embarrassed at that time...

That remains to be seen.

It's worth mentioning that the SuperSonics drew the No. 4 pick this year, just like in Su Feng's memory.

Therefore, in Su Feng's view, this was also a test for Presti.

After all, if Mayo really fell to the fourth pick...

Su Feng was very curious if Presti would dare to continue gambling on Westbrook's talent that had not yet been developed.

Little knowledge...

Before entering the NBA and flying around, Westbrook, like Durant, did not perform very well in the physical test.

And the reason why he didn't perform well had nothing to do with him not trying his best during the test...

Because at this time, except for the fact that his defensive ability had received unanimous praise from the scouts, his physical talent still needed to be developed through training.

In addition, after the results of this year's lottery were announced...

Stephen Curry's draft market was not as good as before.

Because in the 08 draft's point guard rankings, Rose's priority was definitely higher than him, so the Bulls, who got the No. 1 pick, didn't even send Curry a workout invitation.

After being repeatedly hit hard in the selection of rookies for many years, how could the Rockets dare to bet on Curry now?

As for the Spurs and the SuperSonics, Su Feng didn't think they would choose Curry either.

Therefore, these days, Old Curry was not feeling well when teaching the Chinese men's basketball team members how to shoot.

However, at this time, Old Curry didn't know...

That the gift given secretly by fate.

Had already marked its price.

……

"I'm very curious, why do you have to meet me at this juncture.

Because even if you've confirmed that you can complete the acquisition of the Warriors, the process will take at least July or August to complete, right?"

Jerry West, who was busy meeting with various old friends in Los Angeles these days, looked at Joe Lacob, who was sitting in front of him, with a curious look.

Through internal channels, the Logo Man knew that before long, the man in front of him would join the Warriors with one of his business partners.

But what really interested the Logo Man was not this.

It was that Lacob had been trying to meet him through various relationships recently.

"In China, there is a saying called 'Before the troops move, the supplies must go first.'

After taking over the Warriors, I want to do something big, so I hope that I can first find the person who can give me directions." Looking at West, Lacob said sincerely.

Hearing this, after nodding, West smiled.

Because every NBA owner basically said similar words before trying to invite him out of the mountains.

But something big...

In this league, how can it be done just by wanting to do it?

"Including this time today, this is already the third time I've asked you to meet.

But you rejected me for various reasons the first two times." After a pause, Lacob continued to say to West.

"To be honest.

No matter what price you offer me, I can't accept your invitation.

So why should I waste time meeting with you?" West said to Lacob.

"But since you chose to meet with me, it means...

Maybe things can turn around?" Lacob said.

"No, I chose to meet with you just because I'm a warm and hospitable person.

And I don't want to leave a reputation of being unapproachable in this league.

After all, I still have to make a living in the NBA in the future." West spread his hands and said.

"But, you really should consider the Warriors." Lacob said.

"Why? Give me a reason why I must consider the Warriors." West smiled.

"First, this team has a history and fans.

Second, this team has an ambitious owner.

And, I plan to start the plan to move the team back to San Francisco immediately after acquiring the Warriors." Lacob said.

"Okay, I was going to end this conversation after you said the first reason.

But your second and third reasons really moved me.

However, I can't join the Warriors' management team until Don leaves Oakland.

Because I don't like to argue with others when there are differences of opinion.

You know, I've always been a refined and easy-going person." After pondering in his mind for a while, West said.

In Su Feng's previous life, as the mastermind behind the Warriors' rise in the future, West didn't accept Lacob's invitation until Nelson chose to retire, and gave advice to the team as a team consultant.

On the one hand, this was because West knew the rules of the NBA very well.

With Nelson as the team's general manager and coach, it was easy for the two of them to have conflicts if there were disagreements.

On the other hand, it was because West and Nelson were also old acquaintances.

Therefore, for West, who was already tired of court struggles...

He didn't want to have any disputes with Nelson that would make the two of them never interact with each other again.

To put it bluntly, it was like Riley choosing to retreat behind the scenes that year.

Seemingly, he was training Spoelstra.

But in fact, he was just leaving a buffer zone between him and Su Feng for the possibility of future conflicts.

"I understand.

But we need Don now.

Because only he can help the team get through this difficult period." Looking at West, after nodding, Lacob said.

"Of course.

Because if you choose to kick Don out, I might not even meet you.

After all, an owner who doesn't even have a long-term vision, why should he tell me that he's ambitious?" West smiled.

"So, are you willing to come to Oakland to guide this team that is about to rebuild after Don retires?" Lacob asked.

"I can't guarantee you.

Because giving people promises randomly before things are certain will only damage my reputation.

But I can tell you clearly that I will definitely choose to rest at home for the next two years." West said.

Hearing this, Lacob, who knew that this was the best promise that West could give, didn't ask any further questions.

After all, the conversation between smart people is so easy and pleasant.

"However, if it's convenient, can you roughly tell me about your rebuilding plan?" At the end of the conversation, West asked curiously.

Lacob nodded, "During the rebuilding period, I will completely delegate the team's power to Don.

And according to Don's idea...

We plan to use Amare in the draft to trade for a pick that can select Stephen Curry."

Amare Stoudemire?

As expected...

Very much like Don Nelson's style.

But maybe he felt that the content he revealed was not sincere enough, after a pause, Lacob said with a helpless look, "Don has already told me that Amare is unwilling to rebuild with the Warriors.

So, we can only choose to trade him.

In addition, to select Stephen Curry, Don believes that the Warriors need at least a top-five pick."

Stephen Curry...

Don, Don...

You're really daring to gamble!

But what's the harm in betting with you on this one?

Looking at Lacob, after pondering for two seconds, West said, "This is a very good decision.

But if you really consider selecting Stephen Curry...

Then I suggest that in the next two years, you must ensure that your lineup has enough flexible space."

"But...

Because Steve will be 35 years old next year, Don and I both plan to complete the Warriors' rebuilding in the shortest possible time." Lacob said with a troubled look.

"Then do you know that there is also a Chinese saying called 'Ambition has nothing to do with age'?

For Steve, his career hasn't reached the point where it will be defeated by these two years.

But if you can guarantee enough salary cap in these two years...

Then two years later, I guarantee that I can bring you back a player who can help you enter the championship ranks." Looking at Lacob, West said with a serious look.

And at this moment...

Looking at West, Lacob, who knew that the Logo Man never gave promises randomly, his heart also thumped and jumped.

"Can you tell me...

Which big fish have you set your sights on?" Lacob asked.

"Stephen Curry has a very good friend.

And based on my estimation...

In the future, this friend may not have a very pleasant time in the East.

So, if you are really ambitious, then why not use these two years to prove to me how far your vision is?" West smiled.

"You are openly challenging the Lakers." Lacob said.

"If you want to stand out in this era, then first, you can't be afraid of Su and the team he's on." West said.

"How confident are you that you can bring him to Oakland?" Lacob asked.

"Where there's a will, there's a way."

After opening his drawer and taking out a photo of LeBron James and Stephen Curry sitting on the sidelines eating tacos and handing it to Lacob, West said.

"It seems that you already had a plan before meeting me." Lacob said with a surprised look.

"But, if you hadn't shown me your ambition, then I wouldn't have told you my plan.

In addition, if possible, I hope you can send scouts to scout a young player." After a pause, West said.

"Who?"

"It's nothing, just a friend's child.

Because he doesn't want his child to take detours, he hopes that I can provide him with some help when the time is right." West shrugged and said.

After pondering for two seconds, West also looked at Lacob with a solemn expression and said, "To deal with that No. 23 in Los Angeles, we must have a player who can at least match him.

Because, in this world, no one regrets more than me why I didn't select him for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996 draft."

"But, based on the Lakers' roster structure at the time, even if you brought Su to Los Angeles..."

"Are you talking about Shaq?

To be honest, I don't mean to offend Shaq, but in my opinion...

Ten of him are not as good as the combination of Su and Kobe.

Believe me, the NBA is about to be under the joint rule of Su and Kobe.

Now, at this moment...

The nightmare of all the other 29 teams in the NBA...

Has begun."

Opening the window, reminiscing about the past, West, who was getting more and more angry, said after sighing deeply.

Kobe plus Su Feng.

As the saying goes, if you want to defeat magic, you can only rely on magic.

In West's view...

In the future, only this pair of "Akron Brothers" will be able to fight against the "Lower Merion Twins"!

……

PS: Second update, a total of 12,000 words have been updated! Muah!