The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 900 You Can't Control It

After leaving Cleveland, Gan Guoyang drove to Chicago to meet up with his teammates.

In February, Chicago experienced another snowfall, but the snow was not heavy and did not affect vehicle traffic.

Gan Guoyang recalls that for more than a decade, half of the time when he went to Chicago for competitions, the weather was rainy or snowy.

Including that crucial All-Star Game in 1988, which took place amidst a heavy snowstorm.

It's still snowing in Chicago, but Gan Guoyang needs to accept the fact that the Bulls no longer have Michael Jordan.

After arriving at the hotel, Gan Guoyang called Jordan to ask if he was in Chicago and if he would come to watch the game that evening.

"I've already bought VIP box tickets and I'm waiting to see you perform, Sonny. Your scoring has been insane lately."

"Oh, thank you. I was just playing normally. I can clearly feel myself declining. Damn, I'm probably even worse than you at your best. I can't stand myself anymore."

"You're only starting to not be able to stand yourself now? My God, I've been unable to stand you for ages."

The two old friends reminisced on the phone, and Gan Guoyang was very happy that Jordan could watch his game in Chicago.

After retiring, Jordan was very busy, playing golf, participating in commercial activities, flying all over the world to promote his sneaker brand, and appearing on variety shows and talk shows.

Although he had ended his basketball career, Jordan was only 37 years old, which is the prime of a man's life, and it was impossible to make him rest.

After retiring as a player, Jordan tried to become a team manager, hoping to continue working in the NBA and use his talents in different roles—if he had the opportunity.

The Chicago Bulls were undoubtedly Jordan's first choice, but Jordan's poor relationship with Krause and Reinsdorf made it impossible for him to stay in Chicago and play for the team's management.

Furthermore, Jerry Krause had absolutely no faith in Jordan's abilities. When playing, Jordan prioritized background over ability when selecting players, and Krause believed that Jordan was not qualified to select potential stars.

With it impossible for him to stay in Chicago, the Milwaukee Bucks contacted Jordan, hoping that he would join the Bucks as a minority shareholder and become the team's general manager.

Jordan will buy a stake in the Bucks from their owner, and may even acquire the entire team in the future, becoming the majority owner.

If successful, Jordan will become the first person in NBA history to transition from player to owner, having earned a tremendous amount of money during his more than ten-year career.

However, at the last minute before an agreement was reached, Bucks owner Herbert Kerr withdrew the decision. He did not want to sell a portion of his shares to Jordan, nor did he want Jordan to become the team's general manager.

It wasn't that Herbert Kerr didn't believe in Jordan's vision and ability (in fact, he probably shouldn't have), but rather that Kerr believed that making Jordan a minority shareholder of the team wouldn't have any positive impact on the Bucks' domestic market in Milwaukee.

Although Jordan is a household name and second only to the best in NBA history, Milwaukee fans also adore him.

But he didn't play for the Bucks; instead, he became their general manager. Jordan had no roots or connections in Wisconsin.

The Bucks' management believed that Jordan's arrival would not be of much help to the team, and that his past reputation as a tyrant might disrupt harmony within the team.

As a result, Jordan's plan to buy the team fell through, and his move to the Bucks was never realized.

In the fall of 1999, another team joined forces with Jordan: the Washington Wizards.

Wizards owner Paulin extended a helping hand to Jordan, hoping that Jordan would become a minority shareholder and general manager of the Wizards, bringing "championship experience and luck to Washington."

The two sides are in negotiations. Jordan wants to realize his dream of becoming the team owner, while Pollin hopes to use Jordan's influence and appeal to help the team recruit talent and get out of its predicament over the years.

Since reaching the NBA Finals in 1988, the Washington Wizards have failed to achieve anything significant. With Charles Barkley gone, they have been unable to find an iconic star to carry the team and its market share.

Forget about the championship, they can barely even get close to the playoffs. The team's draft, trades, and signings are extremely chaotic, with frequent changes to policies, and the entire team lacks patience.

However, Jordan didn't seem to be a very patient person, and the negotiations between the two sides did not go smoothly.

On the afternoon of the game between the Trail Blazers and the Bulls, Jordan messaged Gan Guoyang, asking him to come to the VIP box at the United Center early so they could chat and catch up.

Gan Guoyang arrived at the stadium early at 3 p.m. He hadn't seen Jordan for a while, and when he hugged him, he noticed that Jordan had obviously gained a lot of weight.

"Are you planning to switch to center? You've gained weight a bit too quickly, Michael."

"Don't joke around. I'm one of the players who has maintained the best physique after retirement. I still train every day."

After exchanging a few jokes, the two got down to business, with Jordan asking, "Sonny, what do you think of the idea of ​​me joining the Wizards as their general manager?"

Gan Guoyang really wanted to say that it wasn't good at all. If you were the general manager, you would definitely be the worst in history, without exception. Finally, I don't have to be the eternal runner-up anymore.

However, considering Jordan's pride, Gan Guoyang swallowed his words. Since Jordan's retirement, Gan Guoyang has been much gentler towards Jordan.

"Tell me about the current situation. How are your negotiations going? What's the progress?" Gan Guoyang asked.

"Not so great. I made a request that when I'm the general manager, I only need to handle Wizards affairs part of my time. You know, I have a lot of other things to do, business activities, endorsements, commercials, TV appearances... Nobody knows more about these things than you, bro."

What is the Wizards' attitude?

"They disagree."

"Oh, looks like Pauline's a normal guy. Who the hell would agree to that? You're a team general manager, and it's part-time, not full-time? Do you think you're tutoring elementary school kids or working as an assistant coach at a youth basketball camp?"

"I know this is a bit much, but I am Michael Jordan."

"If I were the boss, I would absolutely not agree to it. Don't even think about it."

"That's because you're Sonny Gan, man."

Jordan complimented Gan Guoyang and then went on to explain his own plans.

He wants to give more senior colleagues and restructure the Washington Wizards' management team.

Jordan said that Pollin is too nostalgic, and NBA teams should keep up with the times and constantly update their management to attract new talent.

However, more than 60 percent of the Washington Wizards' positions have remained unchanged for 30 years. Some of them came to the Bullets with the young Paulin in the 1970s. At that time, they were in their prime and had outstanding abilities. They helped the Bullets reach the Finals four times and win a championship in the 1970s, and experienced the team's most glorious years together.

Pauline is a very sentimental person. He is very considerate of his old colleagues who have succeeded with him. Later, when they got old and their thinking became outdated, Pauline was unwilling to fire them, but continued to employ them until now.

Even if the team achieves nothing, Polin doesn't mind, especially since he and Wes Unseld have a father-son-like relationship.

"The Washington Wizards have the most veteran staff of any team I've ever seen, bar none. I need to update it, update every aspect of it."

"Really? Then... who are you planning to appoint? Which people?"

“Um… for example, Johnny Bach, I’m planning to put him in the head coaching staff.”

"What? Johann Bach! Bach is almost 80 years old!" "What do you mean almost 80? He's only 76, the prime of his life."

Gan Guoyang shook his head repeatedly. Listening to Jordan's list, he said, "Michael, what's the difference between you and Pauline? You're just replacing one group of zombies with another. You're still zombies at heart, just with a different face."

"Do you have any good candidates to recommend to me? The Trail Blazers have always had the best talent pool, and your network is stronger than mine."

Gan Guoyang shook his head and said, "It's not a matter of personnel, but... but... Michael, I advise you not to go to Washington. It won't do you any good. Besides, Pauline, or rather, all capitalists, are untrustworthy, including you, who will one day become a capitalist. It's determined by human nature. When you're in that position, you'll think about things from the perspective and vision of that position. NBA owners are much smarter than you think. Don't play the capital game with them."

Jordan would never listen to anyone else's advice, but Gan Guoyang is different.

Gan Guoyang has helped Jordan resolve problems many times in the past; his skills are absolutely top-notch.

Moreover, looking across the entire United States, how many wealthy individuals can withstand such meticulous surveillance and investigation by the FBI, CIA, and prosecutors?
Jordan knew he couldn't hold out against the FBI for more than three rounds. He'd admit to being an alien, let alone a traitor.

After all, the road to a wealth empire is fraught with bloody temptations, and it's hard for people to resist the taste of blood.

Moreover, their so-called psychological fortitude often crumbles under interrogation by FBI professionals, and they might even wet their pants in fear.

But what about Forrest Gump? He managed to hold his own against the FBI and congressmen for more than half a year, not only withstanding the pressure but also without being affected by the competition. He fought and won as usual.

Now that no solid evidence has been found, the investigation bureau is starting to feel the strain, and Gan Guoyang's remarkable mental fortitude is truly astonishing.

"Sunny, may I ask you one question? Why are you so mentally strong? I consider myself to have a good mental fortitude, but when facing you, I really have no chance of winning at all."

Gan Guoyang took a puff of his cigar, exhaled a puff of smoke, and said, "Because I believe in God, it is God who gave me strength."

"Shit, you're kidding me. When did you become a Christian?"

“I’m telling the truth. God isn’t necessarily a Christian belief, but… you wouldn’t understand, Michael. I’m only telling you this because you’re my best friend. I’m different from you guys, completely different.”

Jordan fell silent. He had known Gan Guoyang for so many years, and he could tell when the guy was joking and when he was serious.

He leaned closer and asked, "Are you really a cyborg? Are those books on the street vendors all true?"

Gan Guoyang waved his hand and said, "Don't talk nonsense, Michael. If I were a cyborg, how could I have degenerated to this extent?"

"Because the chemicals have expired."

The two laughed heartily. Before parting, Gan Guoyang solemnly told Jordan, "Don't get involved in the mess in Washington. It's too deep, and you can't handle it. Listen to me, stay in good shape, and if you get itchy again before you turn 40, you can still come back to play."

Jordan said, "Comeback? Where would I go if I came back? I'm not going back to the Bulls. Phil Jackson did invite me to the Los Angeles Lakers, but I'm not interested. It's a young team's world there, and I don't want to ride on someone else's coattails and win a championship."

"Why don't you come to the Portland Trail Blazers? Like Charles."

"Come on, I will never go to the Portland Trail Blazers, never! Besides, I really can't find a reason to come back."

"Why wouldn't there be a reason? My retirement is the best reason for your comeback. When the tiger is away, you can be the king."

"Forget it, I have even less intention of making a comeback without you, Sonny."

After Jordan said that, both of them were somewhat moved.

They left the VIP box together, and Jordan escorted Gan Guoyang to the team's locker room.

"I want to see Larry. Is he here? It's been a while since I've made fun of him."

"Larry travels with you to every away game. He has a heart condition, so watch your words."

Jordan's arrival in the Trail Blazers' away locker room caused a small commotion.

Although Jordan and the Bulls were repeatedly defeated by the Trail Blazers, the Trail Blazers players knew that victory belonged to the Trail Blazers and Forrest Gump, but Jordan was not necessarily a loser.

Everyone respected and liked him; everyone stood up to shake his hand and greet him.

Only one person didn't greet him; it was Kobe. He shook Jordan's hand and said, "I can beat you one-on-one."

Jordan looked surprised, but Bird said, "It's possible, after all, you've been retired for two years."

The two burst into laughter after they finished speaking, but Kobe remained serious, muttering, "I'm not joking."

Whether it's a joke or not, this season they have indeed been climbing to new heights in terms of fighting spirit and skills.

In the past month of games, he has become the team's consistent second-leading scorer, and sometimes even the leading scorer.

Moreover, his contributions on the defensive end are increasing and becoming more significant. Especially with Gan Guoyang gradually loosening his defense, the energetic and young Kobe, along with Jermaine O'Neal and Ben Wallace, is taking on the most defensive responsibilities.

As he left the Trail Blazers' locker room, Jordan remarked, "It's good to be young, and the young guys on your team are really good."

Jordan's words were heartfelt. With their core roster aging, the Trail Blazers have assembled a young trio that forms the backbone of their team, making them a strong Western Conference team for many years to come. This is truly admirable.

It's reminiscent of Bill Russell's retirement, when his mantle was passed on to John Havlicek and Dave Cowens.

In comparison, the Bulls' young players also look promising: Elton Brand, Ron Artest, and Corey Benjamin.

However, the Bulls' record is a complete mess, currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and their former red dynasty is gone forever.

The game that night was also quite predictable, with the fully-staffed Trail Blazers taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout.

The Bulls' young players are too young, in their early 20s with no experience, while the older players like Toni Kukoc and BJ Armstrong have lost their fighting spirit.

However, an unexpected incident occurred in the third quarter.

The Trail Blazers led the Bulls by 13 points. During one of the Trail Blazers' offensive possessions, Gan Guoyang used a fake move to drive to the basket, but was fouled by Ron Artest.

This was nothing unusual; Gan Guoyang was already used to it and prepared to go to the free-throw line to shoot.

As a result, Ron Artest started swearing and cursing.

Then, during an offensive play, he took on Gan Guoyang one-on-one. How could he possibly beat Gan Guoyang? He was dispossessed head-on.

Gan Guoyang was about to run down the court when Artest, seemingly enraged, pulled him from behind.

The two got into a physical altercation, and then everything happened in the blink of an eye.

Gan Guoyang knocked Artest down with a single punch. Artest lay motionless on the ground.

(End of this chapter)