Champions Creed

Chapter 262 Chapter 261: Big3? Just a loser alliance (asking for monthly votes)
The turn of the century meant new hope for some players.

Kobe Bryant worked hard day after day. After experiencing a terrible round of finals, he did not get depressed, but hoped to be closer to Roger and closer to victory.

Ray Allen is also continuing to improve his skills. He was ashamed of the ending of last season's playoffs. He doesn't want to lose to an arrogant scum like Roger again, never.

Grant Hill is thinking about his future. His future does not belong to Detroit. Maybe he was not suitable for the palace of the bad boys from the beginning. He played his peak season last season after developing a mid-range shot, but his record was the worst in recent years. He also wanted to win, so he had to leave.

Alan Houston gladly accepted the 6-year, $ million contract offered by the Golden State Warriors and left Miami. He believed this was the beginning of the peak of his career, and Warriors owner Chris Cohen also believed that the team could turn losses into profits.

Tracy McGrady grew up with Larry Hughes and Mike Miller, and they all believed that Orlando's rebuilding time was over.

The year 2000 is a special year, and few people can experience the turn of the millennium. However, human genes determine that they will always have beautiful visions for the future at some special moments.

But for some players who have been active in the NBA since the 80s, the turn of the century brought no beautiful aspirations but only despair.

Patrick Ewing, one of the four great centers, was finally abandoned by the New Yorkers amid a chorus of criticism. He was traded to Seattle and left the Knicks, for whom he had played since 1985.

Last season, Ewing averaged only 15 points and 9 rebounds per game, and as a center, his shooting percentage was only 46%.

He said he hopes to spend the rest of his life in New York, at least to complete this final year of his contract.

But New York did not give him this respect.

They couldn't wait to trade Ewing, who had only one year left on his contract, to Seattle, as if they didn't want to see him again for a day.

The once glorious New York King Kong now looks like a useless old man who was kicked out of his home.

Those days of fighting hard in the East, that Georgetown spirit of "fighting the world" will completely disappear from New York from now on.

People will only remember three things afterwards - he and Michael Jordan failed to win the championship, he and Michael Jordan went to the Gold Club to play together, and he was kicked out of New York.

This is the cruelty of competitive sports and also the sadness of the losers behind the glamour of the winners.

Hakeem Olajuwon would never have imagined when he won the championship in 1994 that six years later he would be put on the trading shelf by the Rockets.

It's not that he hasn't imagined what he would look like when he's 37. He feels that with his achievements and contributions to the Rockets, even if he's no longer the core of the Rockets at the age of 37, he can still play the role that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in the Showtime Lakers.

The latter was already 1987 years old when he assisted Magic Johnson to win the championship in 40, but he still averaged 21 points and 7 rebounds per game in the finals. Although he is no longer the FMVP, he is still the most important member of the team and is still respected by the Lakers.

It was not until 1989, when he was 42 years old, that the legendary skyhook truly died.

So at the age of 37, Olajuwon thought he could at least be a deputy, continue chasing championships, and become the totem of the Rockets.

Even if his condition is worse than he imagined, Olajuwon believes that the Rockets will never let this legend of the team wander around the outside world.

But reality slapped Dream in the face. He averaged only 10 points and 6 rebounds per game last season, and was ruthlessly put on the shelf when he was about to retire with his parent team with only one year left on his contract.

No totem or championship can defeat time and his 18-year-old wife.

Jeff Hornacek of the Death Ray Gun is also a member of the "Desperate Old People Group".

Although his status is far not as good as those two top centers in the 90s, Hornacek can still feel the sadness of the sunset.

In the 99-00 season, he ended the last year of his contract with the Utah Jazz.

Last season, he had to wear thick protective gear on both knees in every game.

When he looked in the mirror inadvertently, he would wonder how old he had become.

When he returned home, he would find that his little daughter was no longer clinging to him all the time, because she had unknowingly turned 6 years old.

All of this made Jeff Hornacek realize that it was time.

Fortunately, he was not kicked out by the Utah Jazz, and he can retire decently as a Jazz player.

However, Hornacek also has his own reluctance. He has been empty-handed throughout his career and does not have a ring.

Being able to play in the NBA for 14 years was actually beyond Hornacek's own expectations. After all, after graduating from college, Hornacek did not immediately look for a team to try out. Instead, he wore a suit and tie and went to various accounting firms to look for jobs because he felt that he had no chance of playing in the NBA.

Even after being drafted in the second round by the Suns, he was still looking for a job in the offseason, and he felt like he was a few months away from being eliminated from the NBA.

His current achievements have far exceeded his original expectations for himself.

But human desires will expand after all. Hornacek, who went to find a job in an accounting firm, was no longer satisfied with playing professional basketball for 14 years. He regretted that he could not pursue a ring of honor that belonged to him.

I thought that last season's final fight with the old friends would be a show of passion from veterans, but the result was a sad sweep by the Lakers.

But there was no choice, he decided to retire.

First, there are almost no championship contenders who would offer him a contract, and the Jazz have no plans to renew his contract. He is too old, and his defense is a hole. In the playoffs last season, Kobe Bryant completely manipulated him like a doll.

Second, his children wanted him to spend more time with them.

Hornacek will never have the chance to make up for his regret.

The year 2000 did not mean new hope for these people, but meant that their glory, their achievements, and their status in the alliance had all become a thing of the past.

Just when Hornacek was planning to travel around the world with his children, the retired Death Ray Gun received a phone call on a hot afternoon.

After hanging up the phone, he hesitated for a moment and decided to meet with the caller.
-
When Pete Babcock saw the guy in front of him in the coffee shop, his first reaction was: "Is he sure he's not an office worker?"

Jeff Hornacek doesn't look like a basketball player in terms of both appearance and temperament. Yes, the embarrassing scene last season when Hornacek was beaten up by Jerry Stackhouse and had no chance to fight back was like an honest middle-aged white-collar worker being robbed by black gangsters.

I always feel that while we are chatting, Hornacek will suddenly hand me an insurance policy and start selling me something.

Pete Babcock contacted the Dead Ray Gun two days ago. Since Eric Snow became a 76er, the Hawks have been in urgent need of an experienced guard to fill the vacancy.

Even though he is just a backup guard, you can't just get anyone. Roger's requirements are: high basketball IQ, the ability to pass, shoot, and defend at least one of them, and he must not be afraid of the bad smell that may appear on the court at any time.

Among active players, no one knows how to win championships better than Roger.

So Roger has a clear mindset, and he knows what kind of talent to surround himself with in order to get the team to championship level.

Guards who get rotation time are either like Eric Snow, who can defend and organize, or like Sarou, who can shoot from long range and organize.

Roger doesn't need any breakthrough player, nor does he need some sixth man with a sharp edge.

In his mind, a qualified backup defender can be described in one word: stable.

This type of guard can be plug-and-play whether he is leading the bench or playing with the starting lineup, and can adapt to various tactics.

The Eagles have been searching the free agent market for a long time, but couldn't find the kind of player Roger needed.

Isaiah Rider, who the Hawks wanted to sign in the middle of last season? In Roger's words, "He's even more disgusting than Paul in Game 2 of the Finals."

Third-year guard Bobby Jackson? Although he is 185 cm tall, he is a shooter rather than a point guard, and his organizational skills are not strong.

John Starks, the former New York player? He is famous, but he is too aggressive.

Chauncey Billups is the top player on Roger's "I like him a lot" list and the top target for the Hawks to strengthen this summer. Although this talented guard from the University of Colorado has changed three teams in three years and has been in constant trouble off the court, Roger still has a soft spot for him. After all, he is the director of the basketball masterpiece "The Tragedy of 58".

Unfortunately, Billups wanted to play for a team with a starting position, but after Pete Babcock negotiated with him many times, the plan fell through.

After going around in circles, Babcock remembered Jeff Hornacek.

Hornacek is already 37 years old, but he still scored 12.4 points last season and his three-point shooting percentage was an astonishing 47.8%.

Moreover, many people have misunderstandings about Hornacek, thinking that he is just a pure shooter.

There is no doubt that Hornacek is an off-ball scorer. His three-point assisted efficiency was 89% last season and his two-point assisted efficiency was 71%.

But Hornacek is not only good at shooting, he is also an excellent organizer. In the past many years, when John Stockton controlled a lot of the ball rights of the Jazz, Hornacek was still able to steadily send more than 4 assists every year.

Compared with some other pure shooters, Steve Kerr's highest assists in his entire career was only 3.2 times in one year, and most of the other times it was around 2 times.

Reggie Miller also only had one season in which he averaged 4 assists per game.

While in Philadelphia, Hornacek averaged 19.1 points and 6.9 assists per season, making him a true point guard.

He is very smart, a team player, and rarely makes mistakes. Although his defense is a little bit poor, it can be covered up by the system.

Hornacek fully met Roger's requirements for a backup defender.

Jeff Hornacek was really tempted. No team was closer to the championship than the Hawks. This was a great opportunity for him to get a ring.

However, he was very worried about one thing.

"I have to make sure that Roger won't disrespect me in the locker room! We all know that bastard's personality. I can cooperate with him, but I don't want to be pointed at and called an idiot every day. If Roger has no problem, then I have no problem!"

Pete Babcock smiled. Who could have thought that the amiable Roger would one day become an obstacle for the Eagles in recruiting players.

"How is that possible? Roger is the most approachable person I have ever met in the world."

"God, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! Are you telling me that a guy who elbowed Karl Malone to the ground is friendly? A guy who beat up Scott Pippen less than two weeks after joining the team is friendly? Or a guy who implanted titanium alloy into Michael Jordan's eyes is friendly?"

"Hey, you don't have to worry about this at all, because Roger asked me to come to you. You know Roger's standards. If he doesn't respect you, he won't even think about you. Maybe Roger is a strict person, but Jeff, did the warm Salt Lake City let you win the championship? Also, if Jerry Stackhouse beat you up in the Hawks, believe me, Jerry would not have walked out standing. Forget those damn hearsays, there is no better place in the league than the Hawks atmosphere."

Jeff Hornacek was silent for a long time, then nodded. "I have to go back and talk to my family to see if they are willing to move to Atlanta. Damn it, my wife will kill me. I just told her about my plan to travel around the world yesterday."

"Looking forward to your good news, Jeff. If the lady really does do something, send me a text message and press 1, and I'll help call the police."

Hornacek, who had already stood up and was about to leave, took two steps and seemed to remember something. He turned around and looked at Babcock's face: "Hey, Pete."

"What's wrong? Want to sign the contract without consulting anyone? That's a good strategy." "No, you really should take a good rest. The circles under your eyes are darker than Charles Barkley's butt. You'd better not stay up like this at your age. If you're not careful, you might die."

After Hornacek left, Pete Babcock drank half a cup of coffee in one gulp.

The sour and bitter black liquid stimulated his taste buds and made him more energetic.

Caffeine no longer had any effect on him. He simply needed the unpalatable bitter taste to wake himself up.

Hornacek's observation was correct; Babcock hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in days.

He flew back and forth for days on end, meeting with different people for summer reinforcements.

After the negotiations with Billups broke down yesterday, he immediately bought the latest flight and flew to Salt Lake City overnight just to meet Hornacek earlier.

His nerves were completely tense all the time, and he couldn't sleep even when he had some free time.

He had a terrible headache and was extremely sleepy, but he just couldn't fall asleep.

Babcock drank the remaining half cup of coffee and raised his hand: "One more cup!"

At this moment, the sound from the TV attracted Babcock's attention.

Because he had booked the entire cafe, he was the only customer there and the sound from the TV was crystal clear.

"The 00-01 Los Angeles Lakers will be a strong contender for the top ten teams in history. I have never seen such a brilliant lineup in my career."

This sentence on TV made Babcock even more irritated, and he shouted: "Turn off the damn TV!"

The Los Angeles Lakers' brilliant lineup is the source of Pete Babcock's huge pressure.

Two major events happened in the NBA during this period, both related to the Lakers.

The first thing is that Lakers flag player Jerry West left the place where he had been since 1960.

For nearly half a century, Jerry West has served as a player, coach and management staff member of the Lakers, and personally created the Lakers' glory.

But the arrival of Phil Jackson ended it all. Phil Jackson wanted to be the next Pat Riley, and he had been rejecting the logo since he joined the Lakers.

He did not allow Logo to attend any team meetings, and if there was an idea for a personnel change, he would skip Logo and tell Jerry Buss directly.

In addition, Phil Jackson is Jeanie Buss's man, so he is favored by the Buss family.

This fact tells everyone that being with a rich woman is the best direction for a man to strive for in his life.

Logo was heartbroken and resigned immediately.

The second thing is that the Los Angeles Lakers used Glen Rice, Derek Fisher, and two first-round draft picks in 03 and 05 to get Grant Hill from the Pistons in a sign-and-trade!

This is an absolutely earthquake-level deal. People knew that the Lakers would strengthen the team, but they didn't expect that they would directly bring in a third superstar!

These two things can be viewed together, because this transaction was the fuse for Logo's departure - Logo even learned about the transaction from the news. Old Buss and Zen Master participated in the transaction throughout the process, but Logo, the general manager, was excluded.

These two things that happened to the Lakers are the source of Babcock's huge pressure.

First, Babcock was shocked by Jerry West's departure. Pat Riley, who led the team to four championships, was unable to shake the position of the logo, but the Zen Master, who had only been with the Lakers for a year, did it.

You know, Jerry West's glory is almost the glory of the Los Angeles Lakers. Since the Lakers moved to Los Angeles, the team and the logo have been completely integrated. He has participated in all the championship journeys of the Lakers since they moved to Los Angeles in various capacities.

As a result, the Lakers just eliminated him.

This reminded Babcock of his own experience. He was almost out of the game this summer, but a phone call from Roger saved his job.

Logo would be kicked out by the Lakers, but Babcock was able to stay because of Roger, which made Babcock dare not let Roger down.

So after seeing the Lakers form such a strong lineup, he was busy day and night trying to strengthen the team.

The Lakers have already got Grant Hill, but they just need to get some role players.

If he can't even do this, how can he be worthy of Roger's trust and support?
Therefore, Babcock traveled across the United States day and night during this period.

He didn't dare to rest until the reinforcement was completed.

That night at the hotel, Babcock suffered from insomnia again.

Maybe it was because he drank too much coffee during the day, but Babcock couldn't fall asleep. But his brain was very sleepy, and he had a splitting headache.

This pain tortured him and made every second seem like a year.

Meanwhile, Jeff Hornacek had just finished watching a movie on the couch with his family.

This is a regular family activity for them every weekend, either going to the cinema or watching movie DVDs at home.

Taking advantage of his wife's good mood, Jeff Hornacek announced his decision: "Honey, I met with the general manager of an NBA team this afternoon. I think I still have a chance to fight for another year. Do you mind moving with me again?"

Her wife Stacy was surprised because they were talking about traveling around the world yesterday, and today they were going to play basketball again?
Before Stacey could comment, Hornacek's youngest child, Abby, the only daughter and sweetheart among his three children, pouted: "Dad, you said you would spend more time with us! Liar!"

"Jeff, put it down. I'm mainly worried about your knees. I'm really afraid that you will have to sit in a wheelchair and play with the children in the future." Stacy also did not recommend her husband to continue playing.

Their family has a good income and expenditure plan, and they don't have to worry about bankruptcy like the profligate black players. To put it bluntly, she doesn't need her husband to play for money.

So the most important thing is Hornacek's health. His knees are already full of holes and Stacy doesn't want to see him get injured again.

"My knees are fine. I'm not at the point where I have to use a wheelchair." Jeff Hornacek still wants to fight for himself. After 14 years of professional career, he doesn't want to be without any glory worth remembering.

"As long as you stay healthy, I support you no matter what, but what about the children?" Stacy glanced at the three children.

The 11-year-old Ryan is already a competitive boy. He understands his father's desire to win a championship and is very supportive of it.

But 10-year-old Taylor and 6-year-old Abby both clamored for their dads to accompany them.

According to the principle of majority rule, Jeff Hornacek's comeback plan has basically come to an end.

He also felt that he owed his child and didn't want to break his promise: "Okay then, Daddy won't go anywhere."

The two children cheered and celebrated their victory, and the matter was settled.

But Stacey still casually asked, "Which team?"

"That's not important."

"I'm just curious."

“Atlanta Hawks.”

"Dad!" At this time, Abby Hornacek suddenly rushed to her father.

"I'm grown up now and I can't keep you around for such a childish reason. In fact, I absolutely support you to go to Atlanta to realize your dream of becoming a champion!"

10-year-old Taylor was anxious. He felt betrayed: "Abby, then Daddy won't have time to spend with us. Our Disneyland and our trip around the world will be gone!"

"Shut up, childish Taylor. The majority is better than the minority. Dad, when are we moving? Can you get Roger's autographed jersey for me? Can we go to his house as a guest?"

This was the first time that 10-year-old Taylor Hornacek experienced the fickleness of women.

The next day, Pete Babcock walked into a private training gym in the suburbs of Atlanta.

Roger, Paul Pierce, Andre Patterson and rookie Michael Redd are preparing for the new season.

Nowadays, extra training during the offseason has become a popular trend.

Roger was shocked when he saw Babcock: "Damn it! Were you bitten by a vampire? Your eyes have turned red!"

"Maybe he was seduced by a vampire." Pierce joked.

"Don't mention Roger," Babcock waved his hand. "I came here to tell you that Jeff has it done. He doesn't even need the mid-level exception. He accepted the veteran minimum salary. This means that we can save the mid-level exception for your old friend Horace Grant to strengthen the inside. No need to ask, I have already taken care of Horace."

"Great, now our lineup is complete. Pete, go home and get a good night's sleep, we still need you."

Roger is very satisfied with the current lineup. The original starting lineup from last season plus Hornacek, Reed, Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Horace Grant forming a ten-man rotation is more than enough.

Of course, don’t forget that there is also the 11th man, Andre Patterson, who is ready to pick up the MVP trophy and smash the heads of all troublemakers.

Roger patted Babcock on the shoulder, but Babcock held Roger's arm tightly: "Sorry Roger, but this is all I can do. I should have gotten Chauncey Billups, but... Damn, I was just a little bit short! Compared with the shocking deal with the Lakers, what I did is insignificant. Sorry Roger, sorry that I didn't let the team get ahead in personnel configuration."

Babcock still feels he owes Roger because he failed to take down the top guy on Roger's list.

But Roger smiled contemptuously: "What nonsense are you talking about, Pete? We are the championship team, which means our personnel configuration is far ahead. The Lakers in the new season may be strong, but not as strong as us. Go home, get some sleep, and spend time with your family. You don't have to worry about what happens next, because killing people and bleeding is my job."
-
Kobe Bryant, Grant Hill, Shaquille O'Neal, the Big 3! - Sports Illustrated.

The Atlanta Hawks' road to a dynasty has been blocked again, but this is good for the fans because next season will be full of competition and will definitely be more exciting. - "Slam Dunk".

The Minnesota Timberwolves' illegal signing with Joe Smith was exposed. The Timberwolves were fined $350 million plus five future first-round draft picks, and general manager Kevin McHale resigned. This is a lesson that cheating is absolutely not allowed in this competition. --NBA Time and Space.

Doc Rivers missed Tim Duncan because he didn't want Tim's family to fly with him to away games. You read that right, that's the outrageous reason. We held an online poll, and 96% of the fans thought Doc Rivers was a pig, and 4% thought he was worse than a pig. --Orlando Sentinel

Jeff Hornacek and Horace Grant signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Compared with the Lakers' super deal, these are two insignificant signings. But considering that it is Roger's team, you still can't underestimate the Hawks next season. The Hawks' dominance will definitely last longer than the Dream Team. I can't wait to see Roger beat up the big three. - "Sports World".

Grant Hill was swept by Roger for many years, Kobe and Shark were also defeated by Roger. So this is not a big 3, this is a loser league. Roger can save energy next season because he can deal with these losers in one go! - Atlanta Constitution.

(Sorry for being so late. Today’s update is 7K words, which is 3K less. Because I have insomnia like Babcock, and I have a splitting headache, I will reduce it slightly today and continue to update with words tomorrow)

(End of this chapter)