Chapter 352 What's the Point of Getting a Title You Can Never Win?

Seriously, I think people are still underestimating Manu.

Because as long as he enters the NBA...

In my opinion, he's even a better shooting guard than Kobe." (Kobe: ?)

As we all know, in the game "Werewolf", how to give your werewolf teammates information is a skill.

Therefore, when expressing his views on the games between the Argentine national team and the American team, Su Feng repeatedly emphasized that he wanted to cooperate with Ginobili.

And the facts prove that as the person in this league who understands him best...

Riley is indeed the number one "stubborn mule" in the NBA.

"Hey, dear Gregg, are you interested in Alonzo Mourning on my team?"

In San Antonio, when Popovich, who was on vacation, received a call from Riley, he almost thought he had misheard.

Alonzo Mourning?

Although in the previous season, Mourning suffered a season-ending injury due to kidney disease...

But last season, after Riley's new round of "hydration," no one in this league would be foolish enough to doubt Mourning's strength.

However, as an equally shrewd character, Popovich knew very well that someone like Riley, who never liked to take a loss, would only offer such a valuable player if he was secretly plotting something.

However, out of curiosity, Popovich patiently asked Riley about his intentions.

"Okay, Gregg, I won't hide it from you, I plan to rebuild.

So I don't want to delay Alonzo's future," Riley said sadly to Popovich on the phone.

Hearing this, Popovich, who felt that a twin-tower lineup of Mourning and Mutombo might be a good idea, thought for a moment and said, "But, Pat, Alonzo is in the final year of his contract next season."

"Well... I'll ask other teams," Riley said, pretending to give in.

"No, no, my point is, I also have a player on my team whose contract expires next season...

So, how about we each get what we need?" Popovich asked.

"Are you talking about Steve Smith?" Riley said.

"Yes. After all, I can't let you take too much of a loss, so as long as you're willing to add a few draft picks...

Then I think we can work on this deal," Popovich said.

Use Mourning to trade for your Smith, and you want me to add a few draft picks?

Honestly, if Riley's goal wasn't to get rid of Mourning's salary burden, he would have teamed up with Stern to chop Popovich into pieces.

"That won't work. Draft picks are the lifeblood of a rebuilding team!" Riley retorted forcefully on the phone.

Now that he was sure Riley wasn't willing to take a loss, Popovich relaxed.

"Here's what... Out of my mentor-student relationship with Alonzo, I really don't want to see such an excellent center wasting his time with me in Miami.

I think you've seen the performance of that Argentine guard you drafted at the World Championships recently.

So, if you're willing to trade us the rights to sign that guard...

Then I can consider trading our 2004 first-round draft pick to you.

As for the 2003 draft pick, forget about it, because next year is a recognized great year.

I'm counting on drafting high-quality rookies next year to lead the Heat back to the playoffs."

The 2004 first-round draft pick?

In San Antonio, listening to Riley's final offer, Popovich was immediately caught in a dilemma.

Because in this life, he hadn't yet tasted the sweetness of international players, Popovich couldn't be sure what level Ginobili would reach after entering the NBA.

After all, FIBA and the NBA are two completely different versions.

Secondly, looking at the current situation of the Spurs, even if Mourning and Mutombo couldn't lead San Antonio back to the ranks of the Western Conference powerhouses, the Heat's 2004 first-round draft pick was very tempting to the Spurs.

So...

On one hand, there was Steve Smith, whom Popovich regarded as useless, and Ginobili, whose strength remained to be seen...

On the other hand, there was Mourning, one of the best centers in the NBA, and the Heat's 2004 first-round draft pick, which was likely to be a high pick...

Even the worst general manager in the NBA could easily make a choice, right?

In addition, even if Riley secretly planted a landmine for the Spurs in this deal, with the Heat's 2004 first-round draft pick as a safety net, Popovich believed that the Spurs couldn't possibly lose in this trade, no matter what.

After all, even Riley's team had to abide by the "Basic Law of Rebuilding" if they wanted to rebuild.

Therefore, after hearing Riley tearfully say on the phone that he had been helping Mourning find a team that could make the playoffs...

For a moment, Popovich admitted that he was indeed touched by Riley.

And despite Riley's past experiences telling Popovich that he couldn't trust a word Riley said...

But considering Riley's various experiences of being beaten to tears in the playoffs in recent years, and the Heat's sincere offer this time...

Believe it or not, this deal was actually a little bit appealing in Popovich's eyes.

In Miami, after Riley hung up the phone, his apprentice Spoelstra was dumbfounded.

Wait...

Teacher, have you been possessed by someone?

What a joke!

Use Mourning and our 2004 first-round draft pick to trade for Smith and the rights to sign Ginobili?

Isn't this obviously a scam?

A scam?

No...

Looking at the confused Spoelstra, Riley smiled slightly and said, "Erik, let me ask you a question first.

Our primary goal this summer is to trade Alonzo, so as to ensure that we have enough cap space in the summer of '03 to attract Su to join us, right?"

Spoelstra nodded.

"So, how can we lose by trading for Steve Smith, who is also in the final year of his contract?"

Uh...

But, based on Mourning's inflated value, teacher, he can completely be traded for some better pieces!

"Trust me, Gregg may have had a rough few years, but if we don't add Alonzo to this deal, he won't trade with us."

Okay, teacher, let's just say you're right.

But, why do we have to give up a 2004 first-round draft pick?

"Erik, do you know Su's worst record to date is how many wins and losses?"

Uh...

"Wake up, Erik! Once Su joins us, what value will the 2004 first-round draft pick have for us?"

So...

So that's how it is!

If Su Feng really joins the Heat in the summer of '03...

Then for the Heat, the 2004 first-round draft pick would indeed be dispensable.

After all, Su Feng's team record...

Is guaranteed to start with the playoff semifinals.

Therefore, without confirming how good the rookies of '04 will be, based on Ginobili's performance at the World Championships, the Heat really wouldn't be at a loss.

But, teacher, what if Ginobili doesn't adapt to the NBA?

"What does it matter? Didn't you hear that Su likes him?

Does it matter to us whether Manu can make it?

No.

What matters is that Su likes him.

And everything we're doing now...

Isn't it all to make Su choose us in the summer of '03?" Riley said earnestly, patting Spoelstra on the shoulder.

Hearing this, Spoelstra was no longer confused.

Because he knew...

His teacher had gone crazy in recent years in order to get Su Feng.

"Get ready, next summer is when we'll really start to get busy.

As long as we can draft a good center in the draft...

Then with Su and the rookies we've stockpiled over the past two years, Miami will usher in a new era!" Riley said to Spoelstra.

...

In Indianapolis, it was three days later when Su Feng learned that the Heat and Spurs had completed the trade.

In the last two games of the first stage of the group stage for the Chinese national team, they defeated Algeria and Spain with scores of 96-65 and 89-81, respectively.

According to the schedule, the Chinese national team would enter the second stage of the preliminary round with a 2-0 record (excluding the already eliminated Algeria).

And their opponents in the second stage of the preliminary round would be the United States, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Based on the current combined record of the preliminary round, as long as the Chinese national team could defeat New Zealand, they could secure the third place in their group.

And if the Chinese national team could defeat the American national team, they would at least rank in the top two of this group.

As for defeating Argentina and losing to the American national team...

Then these three teams would have to calculate their point differential against each other.

Therefore, in the past few days, many Chinese fans have been calculating how the Chinese national team could get the top spot in this group.

But...

In Su Feng's opinion, all of this was quite unnecessary.

Because to be honest...

Based on the current performance of the American national team, they couldn't even compete with China and Argentina for the top spot in the group...

Even if they were hammered out by Germany and Spain in the group stage, Su Feng wouldn't be surprised.

It's worth mentioning that because he had met Ginobili in Sydney back in the day, Ginobili specifically went to the hotel where the Chinese national team was staying in Indianapolis to ask Su Feng some questions about playing in the NBA before the start of the preliminary round.

And it was on this day that Su Feng, who had been studying how the Chinese national team could win the championship, learned from Ginobili that the Heat had completed the trade with the Spurs.

"Su... can you help me?"

Looking at Su Feng, Ginobili, who was full of expectations for the NBA but also afraid that he wouldn't be able to make it, said to Su Feng.

And now...

Su Feng, whose mind had been wavering between Cleveland and Miami in the past few days, was immediately attracted by Ginobili's thick hair at this moment.

Nice, Riley!

You actually managed to get Ginobili's signing rights?

And after planting this landmine, Mourning, for the Spurs...

No matter how skilled Popovich is, if the Spurs can rise in the future, Su Feng can immediately cook Kobe and eat him.

However...

He didn't know why.

Since Yarich and Parker joined the Raptors, Su Feng seemed to have become a friend of international players in the past two years.

The other day, when playing against Spain, Gasol asked himself a lot of questions.

For example, whether his unlucky brother could play in the NBA in the future.

And after the game against Germany, Little Dirk even asked him to have a drink together next time he came to Texas.

Honestly...

Su Feng always felt that Yarich had definitely done something behind his back that he didn't know about.

So, before answering Ginobili's question, Su Feng first asked after ruffling his hair, "Manu, can you tell me why you came to seek my help?"

At this time, Ginobili, who had not yet noticed the seriousness of the problem, thought for a while and said, "Because in Europe, everyone says that if you encounter any trouble in the NBA, it's better to find you than an agent."

Su Feng: "..."

Damn Yarich and Parker!

Am I usually nice to you guys just to let you go back to Europe and spread how good I am?

Don't you know that I'm the kind of person who never leaves a name when doing good deeds?

Honestly, if Su Feng wasn't the kind of person who never holds grudges, otherwise, when he returned to Toronto, he would definitely...

He would definitely buy Yarich and Parker Lamborghinis.

"Then Manu... are you in trouble now?" After ruffling Ginobili's hair again, Su Feng smiled, squinting his eyes.

To be honest, in this life...

His Ginobili's first time wasn't given to Duncan!

"Su, to be honest, my agent told me that the Spurs have traded my signing rights to the Heat.

So I wanted to ask you, is there any discrimination against international players in Miami?" Ginobili asked worriedly.

In 2002, it was nothing new for European players to be excluded in the NBA.

Because 20 years later, such a situation would still be common.

Of course...

In America, as long as you can show your strength, those who criticized you before will quickly turn into your fanboys.

However, as the reason why many European players are unwilling to enter the NBA at this time, Su Feng knew that it was reasonable for Ginobili to have such concerns.

After all, in his previous life, because the Spurs had gradually begun to transform into an international team, Ginobili would not have such worries.

However, Miami is different.

Many European players have heard of Riley's strictness.

Therefore, after learning that his signing rights had been traded to the Heat, Ginobili immediately thought of the Chinese national team, which was not far from the Argentine national team's hotel.

After understanding Ginobili's concerns, Su Feng said to him, "Your signing rights have been traded to the Heat? Isn't that a good thing?"

Good...

A good thing?

"Yeah, Miami has beaches, sunshine, and beauties, isn't it better than that broken place, San Antonio?

And the Heat are eager to rebuild now, so as long as you join the Heat, you will definitely be valued." Patting his future second-in-command's head again...

At this moment...

What Nash, what James, what Stoudemire, what Big Ben?

Honestly...

Just from Ginobili's role on the court, and his personality off the court, Su Feng was determined to go to Miami.

A demonic blade with its own desperation attribute.

A Pampa vulture that won't affect your single-core team.

And a handsome guy who can occasionally find happiness by ruffling his hair.

Honestly, after returning to Toronto after the World Championships, Su Feng might even feel blind just looking at Carter.

"Really? Then I'm relieved, thank you, Su, when I enter the NBA, I must treat you to a barbecue from my hometown when you come to play in Miami." That day, after Su Feng dispelled his doubts, Ginobili left happily.

And thinking about his future happy times in Miami...

On the 25th, in the game against New Zealand, Su Feng couldn't help but charge a few times.

In the first game of the preliminary round, the Chinese national team easily defeated New Zealand 88-71.

In this game, the Chinese national team once led New Zealand by nearly 30 points.

However, due to being too relaxed in the second half, the sudden firecrackers outside startled the Chinese fans in front of the TV.

Taking this opportunity, Su Feng criticized the Chinese national team's complacency on the court after the game.

"Think about it...

If you replace New Zealand with South Korea...

Then if we lose to South Korea like this, even if you cut your stomachs open when you return home, it won't be enough to apologize to the people of the whole country!"

In the second half of the game, even when New Zealand was only 20 points behind, Su Feng didn't let Zhang Bin put him back on the court.

Because considering that the Asian Games would conflict with the NBA teams' assembly time, Su Feng, Yao Ming, and others would not participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

Therefore, under the circumstances that he was confident that he could let others slack off, Su Feng knew that it was time to remind Zhang Bin.

In fact, even if he and Yao Ming and others didn't participate in the Asian Games, the Chinese national team was invincible in Asia at this time.

So, as long as Zhang Bin could adhere to the tactical board he left him and not be complacent, even if the Koreans turned the whistle against them, the Chinese national team would not be afraid of the South Korean team.

...

On the 26th, at Conseco Fieldhouse, the Chinese national team, which had successfully qualified for the quarterfinals, welcomed the game against the American national team.

As the top favorite to win this tournament...

To quote ESPN, it was...

This American Dream Team V had lost all the prestige that the American national team had established in the world basketball scene, leaving them with nothing.

Because in the first game of the second stage of the preliminary round, the American national team lost to the German team led by Little Dirk 73-78.

Therefore, if they lost to the Chinese national team tonight, then...

The American national team would only have the option of competing with Spain for fourth place in the group.

And in this Pacers' home court, even before the game started, Su Feng heard the American fans in the arena chanting "Fire him, fire him."

In addition, for this game, the American broadcast specially invited Larry Brown to commentate.

After praising Su Feng and the Chinese national team's performance, Larry Brown did not forget the task assigned to him by his country.

Look, how cute is this Larry Brown wearing a red scarf?

"I think NBA stars have to get nervous because the status of the American national team in the world basketball scene is closely related to their income in the NBA.

After all, if the NBA isn't the best league in the world, why are they still getting paid so much?

Of course, we have to understand these NBA stars.

Because in my opinion, if excellent players are unwilling to play for their country, it can only mean that the coach of this team lacks appeal to these players."

When making the pre-game preview, Larry Brown spoke eloquently.

At this time, the host deliberately asked if Larry Brown had any plans to coach the American national team in the future.

As a result, before Larry Brown could answer, Su Feng, who was being interviewed by an American TV station, said for Larry Brown:

"Although this American team isn't playing with its best players, in my opinion, players like Michael (Finley) are also very good.

I personally respect Mr. George Karl very much, but to be honest, in this World Championship, he really should watch more of Mr. Larry Brown's game videos.

Because if Mr. Larry Brown were to coach...

Then I think even this American team isn't something we can defeat."

In Conseco Fieldhouse, on the American national team's bench.

God knows how much George Karl wanted to punch Su Feng to death when he heard Su Feng's pre-game interview.

However, Karl might not believe it if he said it...

Now, it's not just the media and fans who believe that Larry Brown is the savior of this American national team...

Because even the members of this American Dream Team V are starting to think that they aren't playing well in the games because of George Karl's tactics.

So, when this American national team needed someone to take the blame, wasn't Su Feng's every word exactly what the American fans, media, and players wanted to hear?

As long as all the blame is put on George Karl...

No matter how badly the American national team loses in this World Championship, what does it have to do with them?

The American national team is still invincible.

It's just that our coach is bad.

So...

Larry Brown, who was almost ruined by Su Feng back in the day, once again conquered the hearts of all American fans with Su Feng's help.

And in the commentary booth, at this moment, for Larry Brown, what else could he say besides praising Su Feng?

"Su is definitely the best player in the world basketball scene right now, no one else, the thing I'm looking forward to the most is to be able to cooperate with him in the future."

And in front of the TV, listening to Larry Brown's commentary...

The people of New York ushered in another day of joy.

To be honest, a huge poster of Su Feng had already been hung up in Times Square in New York last year.

In the eyes of Knicks fans, Dolan is simply the greatest of all time!

Because the operation of signing Brown to fish for Su Feng...

Is simply like a cow taking a cow to Jay Chou's concert, unparalleled.

And Miami...

Riley ushered in another day of heart attack.

Because he was really afraid that Su Feng had been brainwashed by Brown and lost his ability to judge.

Well...

My dear "the.king", look, we Miami are a little poorer than New York...

But we've already dug up Ginobili for you, the one you wanted!

Although, this Ginobili is a little less attractive...

But, as long as you come, Miami will be yours to decide!

On the court, just as Su Feng and his teammates were preparing to start the game...

How could he have imagined that these tricks he was playing behind the scenes had invisibly raised his value again...

In the summer of 2002, no one knew how much the teams that had been longing for Su Feng had been playing behind the scenes to wait for the King to make his Decision One.

And about an hour later...

When the news that the Chinese national team had defeated the American national team in the World Championship spread around the world...

The Chinese fans thousands of miles away had already turned into a sea of joy.

This was the first time the Chinese team had defeated the American team in an official international competition.

And after Su Feng, Yao Ming, and others worked together to overthrow the American national team from the altar...

How could those fans who had been kneeling for too long dare to look at this prosperous Chinese basketball scene created by Su Feng and Yao Ming?

"This is a day that will surely be recorded in history!

We have defeated the American national team for the first time in an official competition!"

...

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