The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 875 The Flames of Victory

In September 1999, Charles Barkley announced that the following season would be the last of his professional career, and that he would go to Portland to team up with his friend Sonny Gan, who was going through a spy scandal, to pursue an NBA championship one last time.

In October, before reporting to the Trail Blazers' training camp, Charles Barkley returned to his hometown of Alabama to play exhibition games and set up a small training camp to prepare for the 1999-2000 season.

That evening, in the back corridor of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Centre, Barkley booked a meeting room for family and friends who had driven more than 20 minutes from Leeds. The table was laden with ribs, chicken wings, Italian salad, and cornbread, a feast that resembled a last supper.

The mayors of Leeds and Birmingham, along with Barkley's cousin Michael Glenn, stood at the entrance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their guests.

Barkley's grandmother and mother were present. Halfway through the banquet, Barkley gave a speech, thanking his grandmother and mother for raising him, thanking Lids and Birmingham, and then announcing that this would be the last season of his basketball career, and that his sixteen years of hard work had come to an end.

Barkley sat down, smiling, watching everyone enjoy the delicious food of the evening, but he didn't eat a single bite, only drinking some beverages and beer.

His mother asked him what was wrong, whether he was feeling unwell, or whether he had lost his appetite because he was in a bad mood after the announcement of the news.

Barkley honestly replied to his mother, "Forrest Gump made me lose weight, so I didn't dare to eat."

The mother looked at her gluttonous son with disbelief and said, "You made the right decision to go to Portland. You really should control your weight, son. There are people there who can help you lose weight."

During halftime of the second day's exhibition game, Barkley announced his retirement plans and told the more than 10000 spectators that he would donate $100 million each to his alma mater, Leeds High School, Auburn University, and Alabama's primary and secondary schools.

The total amount of these donations far exceeded Barkley's salary in his final year, when he signed a veteran minimum contract with the Trail Blazers.

But over the years, Barkley has earned a considerable income from endorsements, advertisements, and television programs, and his financial situation is good after getting rid of his vampire agent.

After the game, everyone wanted to take a picture with Barkley. He didn't have time to drink water or eat; he was constantly signing autographs, shaking hands, and taking photos.

He always said no in the past, but he didn't this time. Until it was all over, Barkley almost fainted from low blood sugar, something that had never happened to him before. He hadn't eaten anything the night before, and after playing a game, he was still hungry. His body finally couldn't keep up.

After eating something, Barkley remarked, "This is the first time in my life I've fainted from hunger. I hope my first championship will come too... Okay, I can't eat anymore, just a little something will do..."

—Excerpt from "Barkley," a biography of Charles Barkley by Motiejunas, published in 2022.

On October 1, 1999, a grand military parade will be held in the capital to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the nation.

As we are about to enter the 21st century, this is the last National Day military parade of the 20th century, so it is also known as the "Century Parade," and it is unprecedented in scale.

On the eve of National Day, the capital was shrouded in dark clouds, and it began to rain in the evening. The rain grew heavier and heavier and showed no signs of stopping.

Many people are worried about tomorrow's military parade. Although the ceremony will proceed as scheduled despite the rain, the rain will definitely affect the effect and may even give those with ulterior motives something to criticize.

Gan Guoyang was watching TV in his room at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. He had been invited to the Tiananmen Rostrum as a "person from all walks of life" to watch the celebration the next day. Although those around him advised him not to return to China to participate in such activities for the time being, since he had just finished an investigation hearing in Washington and the impact might be negative.

But how could Gan Guoyang refuse such an invitation? He said, "An innocent person doesn't need to be overly cautious; excessive caution only arouses suspicion." So he and his wife safely arrived in their hometown in the Pacific Ocean, waiting for tomorrow to arrive.

Compared to Gan Guoyang's composure, Wang Fuxi was clearly more anxious. She often looked out the window at the dark sky and the torrential rain, worrying about tomorrow's military parade.

Compared to spring, she had lost a lot of weight. When Gan Guoyang was embroiled in a spy scandal, she single-handedly supported the operation of the entire "Gan Empire," suppressing the restless collaborators, advertisers, politicians, shareholders, and others, and mobilizing all available resources to support her husband.

Such immense pressure would bring even the most resilient person to the brink of collapse. Over the years, Wang Fuxi had developed a strong will and ability. She did not reveal any major flaws in the face of the FBI investigation, but her mental state was shattered several times. She suffered from insomnia, loss of appetite, and lost a lot of weight.

In this situation, she admires her husband the most, for he has maintained a calm and steady mindset throughout, and for facing difficulties as if they were nothing.

As his wife, she had hoped to witness Forrest Gump's genuine emotional breakdowns, during which she could hold him in her arms and soothe his troubled heart with maternal love.

As a result, Gan Guoyang didn't feel much at all. It was pouring rain outside, but he was lying on the long bed as if nothing had happened, holding the remote control and watching the TV series "Princess Pearl II" on TV. He was so engrossed in watching it that he would occasionally open his mouth and chuckle like an idiot.

She couldn't understand why an American NBA superstar, almost 35 or 36 years old, would watch domestic summer dramas by Qiong Yao and enjoy them so much.

"Sunny, the rain is getting heavier and heavier. What about tomorrow's military parade?" Wang Fuxi asked with concern.

"Haha... Ah? A military parade? Don't worry, the rain will stop and the sky will clear up, right?"

"But will the rain stop by tomorrow?"

"Yes, of course."

"Why are you always so confident?"

"Because...because I believe in science."

"What nonsense are you spouting now?"

"The meteorological department is definitely more anxious than you are, and they will certainly find a way to solve the problem. Get some rest early tonight; tomorrow will be an unforgettable experience."

As Gan Guoyang said, the rain stopped before sunrise. Although October 1, 1999, was not sunny, it was a cool and cloudy day, which was more suitable for large-scale outdoor activities.

The military parade started promptly at 10:00 a.m. Gan Guoyang and his wife sat on the viewing platforms on both sides of the square early in the morning. Gan Guoyang's height and status once again made him the focus of attention.

However, everyone's attention was soon focused on the troops participating in the parade. This was the most spectacular, magnificent, and imposing military parade in the world. The marching formations passed in front of the Tiananmen Rostrum with the most orderly steps, and the live television broadcast broadcast the scene throughout the country and the world.

During the weapons review, the nation's truth passed through the square. Whether it was intentional or not, the television station deliberately focused on Gan Guoyang, who was sitting on the observation deck, during the close-up shot.

With his towering stature and resolute, familiar face, Gan Guoyang appeared on television once again.

He stood in the crowd, gazing into the distance with deep eyes, with red walls, blue sky, and crowds behind him.

This shot was captured and became a representative image of the military parade, and it quickly made it onto the cover of Time magazine.

As the 20th century draws to a close, Gan Guoyang, along with Bruce Lee and other leaders, will become one of only three Chinese people to be included in Time magazine's list of "100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century".

The successful conclusion of the military parade became one of the most profound memories for the Chinese people at the end of the 20th century. The parade was also made into a documentary and widely circulated.

Gan Guoyang stayed in China for three days and received a grand reception and meeting. However, it is said that they only talked about basketball and tacitly avoided mentioning anything else.

Gan Guoyang stated clearly that if possible, he would represent the Chinese men's basketball team at the 2000 Olympics, and promised to help the IOC apply for the 2008 Olympics.

In the 1992 Olympic Games bidding competition, China lost to Sydney, Australia by one vote. Although Gan Guoyang had a great influence, he was powerless to change the result.

However, this is not a bad thing for us. By 2008, the country will be better prepared and have stronger capabilities to organize a grand Olympic Games.

Gan Guoyang wondered if he would still be able to fight at that time. Being able to participate in the Olympics at home is definitely an athlete's dream.

Gan Guoyang used to take it lightly, but when he actually stood on the court, watched the national flag being raised, or walked around the entrance of the huge stadium, that strong impulse would emerge.

Gan Guoyang flew back to the United States on October 4th, but his first stop was not Portland, but San Francisco.

As soon as he got off the plane, Gan Guoyang was intercepted by FBI agents who subjected him to a thorough body search and interrogation.

As a result, Gan Guoyang was delayed at the airport for half a day, once again causing a media frenzy. It's clear that despite his successful hearing, Gan Guoyang has not escaped surveillance and investigation.

After visiting his family in San Francisco, Gan Guoyang immediately returned to Portland, where the preseason training camp was about to begin.

For Gan Guoyang, this was the most chaotic and terrible summer of his career, with all sorts of messy things happening in his life.

He had neither the time to calmly savor the afterglow of his ninth championship nor the time and space to get moving and develop a training plan for the next season.

This is the first time in Gan Guoyang's career that he has missed the team's rookie training camp in September, and he knows nothing about the specific situation within the team.

The feeling of being out of control is intensifying.

Unlike Charles Barkley, who clearly stated that next season would be his last, Gan Guoyang himself did not know whether the 1999-2000 season would be his last. He would begin the season that crossed the new millennium with a turbulent and hesitant mindset.

He will finally experience the same struggles that Michael Jordan faced in the 1998 season, and these struggles will be even deeper and more intense.

Having only been in Portland for a few days, and just as Gan Guoyang was beginning to plan for the next season and discussing weight gain and loss with his trainer, news came from Los Angeles on October 12 that legendary superstar Wilt Chamberlain had passed away at home due to heart failure.

Upon receiving the news, Gan Guoyang had no choice but to put aside his work and rush to Los Angeles to attend Chamberlain's funeral.

At the funeral, Chamberlain's former teammates and friends were present, including legendary giants such as Bill Russell and Nate Thurmond.

Wilt Chamberlain was a womanizer throughout his life, reportedly having relationships with 2 women, but he never married and left no legally recognized children.

As for whether any illegitimate children were born during his affair, no one can say for sure. In any case, until Chamberlain's death, no one came forward to claim that they were Chamberlain's son or daughter and wanted to inherit his property.

Whether or not one has children, a person comes into this world naked and leaves naked, bringing nothing with them and taking nothing with them, leaving behind only memories and legends.

Wilt Chamberlain, who died at the age of 63, lived a fulfilling, interesting, and legendary life. His life was absolutely wonderful, and only he himself knows whether he had any regrets.

David Stern was also present and delivered a statement of remembrance. This was the first time the two had met since the NBA Finals in New York in June.

Stern seemed to be deliberately avoiding a direct conversation with Gan Guoyang, but Gan Guoyang still managed to catch him and they chatted for a bit on the lawn outside the church.

"What, are you trying to avoid talking to me now? Who was it that told me in the past that we'd have a pleasant working relationship?"

"Sonny, you are a great athlete. I hope you have a great season next year."

Stern evaded the question, not wanting to discuss deeper topics with Gan Guoyang. Having been very familiar with the FBI, he knew the methods of those agents well.

"Don't worry, I will resign as president of the players' union soon and hand over the responsibilities to David. It won't have a negative impact on the NBA."

"Oh, that's your own business and decision, and I have no right to interfere. I said I hope you have a great season next year."

Seeing Stern's attitude, Gan Guoyang knew that there was no point in saying more; in fact, he just wanted to catch up.

This short, shrewd, and ruthless Jew really turns on you quickly.

After Chamberlain's funeral, Gan Guoyang immediately returned to Portland, where the preseason training camp had already begun.

On the morning of the 14th, Gan Guoyang arrived at Willamette University Gymnasium by car—the Trail Blazers' training facility since 1990.

Normally at this time, after a summer of recovery, training, and careful preparation, Gan Guoyang would be in excellent condition.

But today, as he got off the train at the stadium entrance, he felt a little guilty. Last season he had already declined to the level of peak Jordan, so was he going to decline to the level of peak Barkley this season?
How do you live these days?
As soon as Gan Guoyang entered the training hall, he heard someone singing in the fitness area.

The lyrics, however, deeply moved him.

“Michael and Sunny were laying in bed!
(Sonny and Michael are lying in bed!)

Michael rolled over and this is what he said:
(Michael rolls over and says:)
Oh, give me some
(Oh, give me some...)
Oh, give me some
(Oh, give me some...)
PT!

(Physical training, also the initials of the Portland Trail Blazers)
PT!

(Physical training!)

Good for you, and good for me!
(This is good for both of us!)

Mum good!
(OK!)"

Needless to say, the singer was Charles Barkley.

He, who is usually late for training camp, not only arrived early this year, but also worked hard on the bike to hone his physical fitness.

However, the lyrics of this song, adapted from the tune of the Marine Corps' running exercise song, are truly unbearable to listen to.

Barkley saw Gan Guoyang standing at the entrance of the gym, stopped, opened his arms, and shouted, "Hey! Sonny! Long time no see! Look at me! I've lost weight, I really have!"

As he spoke, Barkley kicked the McDonald's paper bag next to the exercise equipment further inside to avoid being seen.

Gan Guoyang looked Barkley up and down. The guy had really lost weight, almost back to his peak physique with the Suns, just a little rounder.

"What the hell are you singing?"

"Oh, it's just a song that motivates me. It's great to see you at camp, Sonny."

Gan Guoyang stepped forward, and the two shook hands tightly. Gan Guoyang was unwilling to hug Barkley, who was covered in sweat.

"I kept my promise, Sonny, I lost 30 pounds, do you know how difficult that is?"

Barkley really worked hard this summer, giving it his all for the last chance to win the championship.

Barkley wouldn't have had this kind of motivation on any other team, but it's different with the Trail Blazers. Forrest Gump is a role model and a source of pressure.

This subconscious idea was deeply ingrained as early as the 1984 Olympic training camp, and it later influenced an entire generation of NBA talents.

"Thank you, Charles. You did a great job. I will keep my promise and win another championship ring with you."

By the 1999-2000 season, only eight players from the 84 draft class remained in the league: Gan Guoyang, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, John Stockton, Kevin Willis, Sam Perkins, Audis Thorpe, and Jerome Cahill. They were the last remaining gems of the golden generation.

Barkley's arrival reignited Gan Guoyang's fighting spirit, and he was determined to overcome all difficulties and focus on the season.

Before that, he took out the McDonald's that Barkley had hidden under the equipment and threw it into the trash can.

"Uh... wasting food isn't good... Sonny..."

(End of this chapter)