Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 233 Let’s continue to be crazy!
July 7th, Jazz vs. Clippers.

Chen Fang scored 28 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds. It seemed that his numbers were declining, but those watching the game felt that Chen Fang played better than in Game . His control of the game made the Jazz unable to resist from the beginning and they were always behind.

July 7, Clippers vs. Bucks.

Chen Fang's performance showed some fluctuations, with 15 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds. This data was based on 21 minutes of playing time. Due to the intensity of the Bucks' confrontation, Chen Fang fell to the ground repeatedly. In order to protect him, Brian replaced Chen Fang early.

But many media only look at the data. The data of the three games showed a downward trend, so they began to conclude that the characteristics of the Chinese have been seen through by all teams and his performance will only get worse.

Even the domestic media followed suit, with a sense of self-admitted defeat, and several basketball bloggers were singing the praises of Chen Fang.

The most consistent opinion is that Chen Fang lacks confrontation and it is difficult for him to survive in the high-intensity environment of the NBA.

After 3 rounds of competition, the knockout stage begins. The knockout rules of the summer league are the same as those of the NCAA, with one game, 16 to , to , semifinals, and finals.

There are handicaps that the Clippers will be eliminated in the quarterfinals because this Clippers has no veterans, the No. 2 pick brings with him a second-round pick and an undrafted player, and they cannot compete in terms of game experience.

But to everyone's surprise, on July 7, in the round of 13, the Clippers faced the Kings and won the game cleanly with a score of 16 to 112.

Chen Fang played for 28 minutes and scored a pseudo triple-double of 24 points, 13 assists and 9 rebounds, leading the Clippers to maintain their lead until the end. His outstanding defense and organizational skills were greatly praised by the mainstream media.

ESPN's NBA columnist Jeremy Woo likes Chen Fang very much. He is one of the few reporters who has not criticized Chen Fang since the draft.

Jeremy said on his Twitter: It's hard not to like Chen Fang, he is a super team player, he is the most stable backup of the team, he contributes a lot whether in scoring or defense, the Clippers' rebuilding plan is on the right track.

The next day, the Clippers faced the Cavaliers and scored 101 points in the third quarter. Seven players on the team scored in double digits. In the end, they won 137 to 112, advancing to the semi-finals with a big score of 25 points.

The media exclaimed that it was incredible. As a core player, Chen Fang's data was mediocre, with 23 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds, but he contributed defensive data of 4 blocks and 3 steals, and his plus-minus value was an astonishing +31.

Extremely efficient performance on the field.

Many media even feel that with the Clippers' current lineup, they will not be at the bottom of the regular season. This group of young people has fierce firepower, a positive defensive attitude, and the whole team shares the ball unselfishly, generating a total of 32 assists.

Some reporters who have followed Chen Fang for more than a year are saying that Chen Fang may be the king of the cup competition. For him, playing in this elimination system is really a feeling of homecoming and his performance is amazing.

All major bookmakers adjusted the Clippers' odds of winning the championship. Overnight, the Clippers' odds of winning the championship dropped to +310.

But these did not affect Chen Fang. He continued to focus on preparations. As for the next semi-final opponent, the Heat, he kept in mind everyone's weaknesses and strengths. His attitude also affected the entire team. Brian then announced the cancellation of the outing and asked the entire team to devote themselves to preparations.

On July 7, facing the Heat, Chen Fang went all out in the first quarter, scoring 17 points alone and leading the team to 14 points in a single quarter, directly defeating the Heat. In the second quarter, even though the Heat fought back with all their might, the Clippers, who had gotten into the rhythm, under the leadership of Chen Fang, handled offense and defense transitions and semi-transition positional battles with ease, scoring 40 points in the first half and completely shutting down the Heat.

Four minutes into the third quarter, Chen Fang clocked out, sat on a chair, and chatted and laughed with his teammates.

Jerry, the team reporter, immediately took a picture of this scene and planned to use it as a report photo for this game. He started working on the sidelines and wrote the article online.

"Da Falcon has successfully changed his job. Please call him by his new nickname: Captain"

In the article, he analyzed the reasons why the Clippers were so dominant in the summer league and believed that Chen Fang was the biggest contributor to the victory.

The Chinese player's proficiency in offense-defense transitions exceeds that of many NBA starting point guards. He drives the team's tempo with his own actions, and it is difficult for opponents to withstand his high impact in a few rounds.

Moreover, Chen Fang was exceptionally good at the details of the transition between offense and defense. He was always able to find the slightest mistake in the opponent's positioning and forcibly turn the positional battle into a semi-transitional attack on the frame.

It is hard to imagine that he is actually a rookie. His rich game experience and broad vision have already reached the level of an NBA starter. I am very willing to believe that in the regular season starting in October, Chen Fang will undoubtedly be in the starting lineup. No coach will refuse to have such a player under his command.

The Clippers sent away the second mate and welcomed a new captain. For Griffin, Chen Fang is more suitable for his technical and tactical characteristics, and Jordan's dunk data will not decrease either. Praise this transaction, which is definitely one of the best transactions in the NBA in 17.

For the Lakers, Paul's experience is enough to train the talented players in the team, but I am very sure that the Chinese are more suitable for the current Clippers.

As for the finals starting tomorrow, I'm sorry, I don't think there will be any suspense.

Because Chen Fang was facing the Lakers, whom he had just defeated.

After the game, Chen Fang and Brian came to the press conference again. Facing the reporters' questions, Chen Fang answered calmly.

His hair has grown again and he just washed it, so it is still a little wet, which makes his spiky hairstyle look quite sharp.

"Yes, I know the Lakers will face each other in the finals. I won't be optimistic. Often, the defeated opponents understand us best," said Chen Fang.

"Do you know what Ingram said when he knew his opponent in the finals was the Clippers?"

Chen Fang shook his head: "I only focus on the game. As for everything after the game, at least for now, I don't have the energy to pay attention to it."

"Well, let me repeat it. Ingram said that he will guard you throughout the game and show you respect with the best attitude."

Chen Fang smiled: "Really? That's great. My liking for him has improved. I long for such a competitive attitude. This is the original intention of us standing on the court. The audience will like to see this scene very much."

Even Brian looked sideways, not to mention the dozens of reporters present, especially the seven or eight Chinese reporters, who secretly exclaimed in their hearts: Wow, such a positive speech, it just came out of his mouth. I have always heard that Chen Fang has high emotional intelligence, and it seems that he is not exaggerating.

Finally, the organizing committee gave the right to ask questions to Chinese reporters.

A pretty, elegant-looking girl with long hair stood up and said, "Hello, my name is Shen Yang, and I'm a reporter for TX Sports in the United States. I want to ask about Zhou Qi's performance in the Rockets, which has been high at the beginning and low at the end. As a compatriot, do you have any good suggestions for him?"

Chen Fang thought for a moment and replied, "NBA is the coolest basketball league on earth. The best 450 people gather here. I am glad to see Zhou Qi come to the NBA. He is already far ahead of his peers, but this is far from enough."

"He needs to be more confident, work harder, keep up with his teammates, keep up with the coach's ideas, not only on the court, but also off the court."

"This is my advice to him. Coming to the NBA is just the beginning. More difficult modes are still to come. Similarly, I also need to have a more vigorous attitude to meet more challenges."

"Thank you!" Shen Yang was very satisfied. She was very satisfied with this big boy Chen Fang. Not only did he look sunny, but his words also demonstrated the wisdom of the Chinese people in dealing with people.

After the game, after returning to the hotel, Chen Fang was called to the conference room by Brian, where he met an unexpected person.

A thick-necked, bald man in a plaid shirt looked on with a warm smile.

Steve Ballmer, owner of the Clippers, has always been among the top ten richest men in the world.

Chen Fang's heart was slightly shaken. To be honest, he had not expected this. He had not thought that they would meet so soon.

"Hey, my No. 2 pick, your performance during this period has really excited me, very excited, very excited!" Ballmer has a habit of repeating his opinions three times to express his importance.

"This is what I should do. I'm honored and I made the boss happy." Chen Fang's answer was very low-key.

"Very good. I am very optimistic about you and I like you very much. Your performance in the summer league has made me feel relieved of the anxiety of losing Paul. I thought this season was over again, but you gave me hope."

"Tell me, what do you want?" Ballmer spoke very quickly. This kind of passionate boss is easy to serve, but also difficult to serve. Chen Fang had not yet had a deep contact with him, so he could only answer in a humble manner: "I am very satisfied with the current situation. The whole team is helping me. This place is like home."

"Okay, this is my phone number. If you have any ideas, you can call me. I will be watching the game tomorrow. Let's win a small championship first and reward ourselves."

"As you wish, I will do my best."

After Chen Fang left, Ballmer also hurriedly left the hotel and got into his Ford F150. This billionaire is fond of Ford, and his cars are mostly hybrid. Although this F150 has been modified, it is too low-key for his identity.

Ballmer said to Wenger next to him: "What is your judgment?"

Now, his expression does not show any excitement, but rather a scrutinizing and solemn look, which means that he is thinking and reviewing.

"From the course of the game, the Chinese player was beyond my expectations. I didn't expect him to be so smart. He used various means to avoid confrontation and protect his weaknesses. This surprised me. I haven't met such a smart player for a long time." "No, I was surprised by his calmness. He obviously didn't know I was coming. Except for the surprise at first glance, he regained his composure the next second. His mental age is too mature. The Chinese are very sophisticated."

"Yes, I feel that way too," Wenger echoed.

"That's a good thing. We don't need to worry about his mental health. He will adjust himself according to our attitude, but we can't be too enthusiastic."

"Keep your eye on him, he's a very good potential."

"Understood, boss."

Chen Fang, who returned to the room, was also thinking about Ballmer. He knew that he could never beat this kind of billionaire who represented the world's top technology. He was not even qualified to have a conversation with him.

In the eyes of others, his wealth was just a dish. Whether or not to eat it was just a matter of thought.

"If one's edge is revealed, it will attract evil dragons." Chen Fang muttered to himself. He would not think too much about it now. This was not within his consideration because there was no need.

If he puts his energy into the finals and wins, he will have a little bit of capital, which will allow him to gain a foothold in the Clippers.

But the thought still couldn't get out of his mind. After lying in bed for half a day, Chen Fang couldn't help but pick up the phone to look for some off-field help.

"I thought you would look for me after the finals." Kobe's voice sounded quite tired.

"You haven't been training for a whole day, have you?" Chen Fang asked.

"You guessed right. You said that we will have another competition after the summer league."

"Okay." As expected, Kobe was competitive above all else. Chen Fang said, "There's something I want to talk to you about."

"Tell me, what aspect?"

Chen Fang heard the bed creaking, and thought it must be Kobe sitting up from the bed.

"I just met with the Clippers owner, Ballmer."

"Oh, why, isn't it only a matter of time?"

"Yes, but I'm a little uneasy. I know I'm overthinking it, but I still want to find some answers."

"Tell me what you want to ask."

"How did you get in touch with Lakers owner Buss?"

"Oh, Mr. Buss, he is a shrewd and respectable businessman. He may not love basketball, but he knows how to be a man." Kobe's tone can be heard as he is reminiscing. Then he said: "I was not afraid at all at the time. I just felt happy to be recognized by the boss."

"Yeah, you were only 19 then, about the same age as I am now."

"So, what are you worried about?"

"I think it's stress. I feel uneasy when facing someone who can control my destiny." Chen Fang answered very frankly. There is no concealment between him and Kobe. On the one hand, he recognizes Kobe's character, and on the other hand, he knows that Kobe values and appreciates him.

"Oh, I see. It's like being pushed onto an operating table and facing the surgeon. Everyone would be afraid."

"Yes, this metaphor is very good." Chen Fang thought about it and realized that it was indeed the case.

"Ha, your reaction is very interesting. Well, this also represents your personality. Maybe you have encountered something very bad in the past, so you began to desperately strengthen yourself to prevent similar situations from happening again."

"Yes, you got it right. Well, I'm starting to regret talking to you about this. I feel like my secrets are being discovered bit by bit."

"Don't worry, I'm not a curious person. I'm more concerned about the impact this will have on your future."

"I just want to be indispensable now, so that he will have some concerns when he wants to dominate me."

"I'm sorry, I want to tell you directly that these are purely your imaginations."

"why would you say so?"

"Because it is inevitable that the greatest pleasure of being an NBA owner is not winning a championship. Although this will make him look more prestigious in front of other team owners, it is far less than the sense of accomplishment of controlling the fate of the players."

"Making money through the team, using the team's influence to directly enhance one's own influence, using the team as a platform to gain more friendships and effective social interactions, and discovering more money-making resources are the original reasons why rich people buy teams."

"And when you come to the NBA and become a member of it, you actively accept the fate of being dominated."

“Usually, the greater your achievements, the less control your boss has over you, but it is impossible to reverse the status of the two because it goes against the logic of production.”

"So, I said you think too much. It's like when a person is born, he has to face death. If you think about how to transcend death all day long, it's a very boring idea."

"Yes, what brother said is right." Chen Fang couldn't help feeling a little frustrated.

"Play basketball with peace of mind and pursue more honors. Maybe you can't reach my level, but at least you won't be traded so easily."

"If you really can't rule out this idea, what you need is a trade veto, but this is difficult and it's too early to say now."

"Well, thank you very much for your enlightenment. I think I understand now."

"Really?"

"Fake!" Chen Fang became even more depressed.

"Haha, I finally discovered your weakness. I'm actually very happy. I don't like your idea of doing nothing. You should become more motivated."

"Why, you're actually worried about this."

"Of course, you have never been interested in honors. You have never asked questions about the championship. I can feel that you are already very satisfied."

"Somewhat, I think my life is pretty good, but playing in the NBA is just a sour taste."

"Evil fun?"

"It's a long story, and I can't tell you yet, at least."

"It's okay, but I hate these thoughts. You should change your mind, otherwise we will lose our common language in basketball."

"Okay, let me win the Summer League championship first, and then I'll talk to you about the honors."

"I'm glad to hear your promise. I'm waiting for you to fulfill it."

Putting down his phone, Chen Fang went to the bathroom to wash his face. He hoped to calm down. His mind was a little confused and his intuition told him that he needed to reflect.

Maybe Kobe was right. I took my plan for granted. At least I need to get some honors first so that I have the capital to continue my plan.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Chen Fang said to himself: "I have come this far, so I have to keep going."

"Then keep going crazy!"

(End of this chapter)