Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 122 The Counterfeit Scholar
In a back-to-back game, Brown scored 51 points, but his performance was poor due to overexertion, scoring only 14 points against the Mavericks.

The Magic lost, as expected.

Fortunately, the Nets also lost.

But the Pistons won, and they're about to push the Magic down to third in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics are also trying hard to catch up.

This year's Eastern Conference upper half has taken on a slightly wilder vibe.

Rivers is no longer bothered by the loss.

The day after the game, he returned to Orlando and held a meeting with Gabriel to discuss mid-season reinforcement plans.

"We need a power forward who can provide excellent help defense."

Rivers then made new demands.

Grant is doing well. After training with Tang Sen recently, his condition seems to have improved. At least his old legs can run again.

But he's getting on in years, and we can't really rely on him completely for the high-intensity playoffs.

Moreover, Rivers' request was very targeted.

I went there because of the Lakers.

In the last two years, if you want to contend for the championship, you just need to adjust your roster to resemble the Lakers'.

Rivers believes that Brown is passable against O'Neal.

Brown defended well in the last game against the Lakers.

But this means Brown will be locked into the low post.

And who's the Lakers' power forward? It's Robert Horry.

In crucial moments, Old Deng's knife is incredibly fast!
Therefore, someone needs to be able to go with you.

Pat Garetti can follow the ball out, but he follows out to shoot three-pointers, not to defend.

He's a defensive liability.

Don Reid isn't good enough either; the power forward isn't tall enough, and the small forward is too slow.

In addition, Kobe often attacked the paint, staging the OK connection, so there was a need for a power forward with excellent help defense to relieve Brown's defensive pressure.

After Rivers finished making his request, Gabriel said quietly, "Doug, you don't want Garnett, do you?"

Not a single word was mentioned about Garnett, but if you listened carefully, every sentence sounded like Garnett.

Rivers glared at Gabriel, annoyed. "Can't we talk seriously now?"

Gabriel chuckled awkwardly, thought for a moment, and said, "How about PJ Brown?"

We definitely can't consider star players; we can only choose useful role players.

PJ Brown is a defensive-minded interior player who is still in his prime.

Rivers shook his head and said, "PJ has the advantage in height and weight, is excellent in low post play, and has some awareness of help defense, but he is not suitable for us."

He hesitated for a moment, then said a player's name.

Clifford Robinson.

"Although he is about the same age as Horace, he is in better condition."

Robinson was born in 66 and is already 35 years old this year.

But like Kevin Willis, he is a perennial favorite in the NBA. Last season with the Suns, he averaged 16.4 points per game, which doesn't seem like a 35-year-old at all.

He has excellent athleticism, an amazing wingspan, a wide defensive range, and, most importantly, a deadly three-point shot, which allows him to receive inside passes and outside passes from McGrady.

The salary isn't high either, around seven or eight million, which perfectly matches the Magic's current need for the power forward position.

"The only problem is that he was traded to the Pistons. You need to figure out how to trade him back," Rivers concluded.

Everything is suitable, the only problem is that he's currently on the piston.

If he were still with the Suns, and the Suns were focused on rebuilding, then Firth felt that acquiring him in a trade wouldn't be a problem.

The problem is that both the Pistons and the Magic are in the Eastern Conference and are direct competitors.

Nobody would do something that benefits their competitors.

Sure enough, Gabriel immediately frowned and said, "Doug, you should find someone else."

Rivers shook his head and said that he was the most suitable, and how would you know it wouldn't work if you didn't try?

Gabriel nodded with a wry smile; he figured it was hopeless anyway.

“Let’s talk about point guard first. Dave has given me an option.” Gabriel glanced at Dave, the assistant general manager, who was not far away, and then said the player’s name.

Chauncey Billups.

"he?"

Rivers frowned.

He was familiar with this name; he was the third overall pick in the 97 draft.

Duncan overshadowed the brilliance of that year's rookies, and Rick Pitino, whom the Celtics had poached from the NCAA, was too eager to succeed, putting all the pressure on Billups to improve the team's record.

The key issue is that his use of Billups was a complete mess. He played him at point guard one minute and shooting guard the next. Billups was labeled a bust by TD Garden fans, and after being traded by the Celtics, he gave an innocent interview, saying that he had no idea what Pitino wanted him to do.

He was traded to the Raptors in exchange for Kenny Anderson, who absolutely refused to play in Canada.

It's like exchanging rotten goods for rotten goods.

Then, the Raptors welcomed their new king, Vince Carter.

The newcomers are laughing while the old ones are crying, not to mention the Raptors didn't have the patience to develop Billups and sent him back to his hometown.

Going back to my hometown is not an option either, as there are already people there.

Fan Fengzi had just begun to rise to prominence, so there was no place for him; he was directly assigned to play the number 2 position.

Adding to his woes, he got injured, and now the label of "counterfeit" is stuck forever.

The Nuggets immediately handed him over to the Magic.

Then Rivers didn't take a liking to him and didn't sign him.

A former third overall pick has fallen to the point of being unable to play for a team. Fortunately, Garnett helped him out and he was able to get a contract with Wolves.

But he still wasn't given a prominent role.

"Until this Tuesday, in the Timberwolves vs. Mavericks game, Trill Brandon, who was out for the season, started and scored 23 points and 7 assists."

As he spoke, he listed the statistics for Billups' four games up to yesterday, the 22nd.

又分别拿到了11分6助攻，17分8助攻，12分9助攻。

Although his shooting percentage wasn't high, his average of 7.5 assists per game was outstanding.

“Doug, I think we might have misjudged him last summer,” Gabriel sighed.

There was once an opportunity where, for just 200 million a year, one could become the third-ranked scholar.

As it turned out, he didn't like him, listened to the reporter's nonsense, thought he was a fraud, and that signing him would only make him a laughing stock.

In retrospect, it's like asking whether Shaquille O'Neal is worth a hundred million; you really can't believe the reporters' nonsense.

They don't know anything!

Gabriel continued, "In their game against the Hornets on Friday, he was matched up against Baron Davis, and he held his own, going 6-for-11 for 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists."

"Although he's not very fast, his height and weight are good enough to defend most guards on the perimeter. Most importantly, he's the third overall pick, so there might still be potential to be tapped."

Some players just don't get a chance.

Just like now, as soon as he got the starting opportunity, he immediately exploded.

This shows that there is still potential.

Gabriel lowered his voice and said, "We have Tang. If we put Billups in his training, he might actually be able to play at the level expected of a third overall pick."

Although Tang Sen isn't a member of the team, his home is in Orlando, giving him a significant advantage.

"Most importantly, he has just played at the level of a third overall pick, and Wolves have not yet fully realized his potential. If we make a trade now, we have a chance to acquire him."

Rivers pursed his lips and remained silent.

Now you're focusing on someone else's third-place finish in the imperial examinations, but what were you doing last year? You still have the nerve to say you have good judgment.

Of course, I also bear some responsibility for not recognizing Billups' strengths.

And you said that Wolves haven't fully realized his potential yet, so how did you come to realize it?

However, Gabriel's next words gave Rivers some ideas.

Tang Sen is there.

Given Tang Sen's ability to turn the impossible into the possible, he might be able to unlock the true potential of this third-place scholar.

Then, as Gabriel said, Billups at least has height and weight, so he could really be an outside defender.

"I can consider it. I'll watch his game video in a bit and think about it."

Rivers nodded, but still earnestly reminded Gabriel.

You'd better get me a star player; your judgment in people is really bad.

However, after the meeting, when he had someone find the video recordings of the last four Wolves games and watched them all, Rivers suddenly realized that Billups was actually quite good.

Because he noticed a certain trait in Billups.

That means he plays very steadily.

He can't deliver the kind of unconventional passes that Hardaway has, but he's methodical and follows the tactics exactly.

Furthermore, it demonstrated a certain ability to control the situation.

Rivers was very interested in this.

He knew very well that having star players was not enough for a team to pursue the championship.

We need tactics.

The Magic now have a strategy: Brown and McGrady's inside-outside connection, with outside shooters ready to fire.

The ability to execute is insufficient.

Armstrong's only ability as the starting point guard was to bring the ball across half-court, and his average of 7 assists per game was achieved by McGrady's scoring.

While McGrady possesses passing ability, he primarily needs to be responsible for offense. Assigning him too many playmaking tasks would only divert his offensive energy. Therefore, considering this, the Magic definitely need a point guard who can methodically orchestrate the offense.

The key is that it's not expensive, and there's hope of trading it.

He's still third in the standings; if we hand him over to Tang Sen, he might actually have some potential to be discovered.

In addition, given that his height and weight are suitable, it is indeed a good choice.

Rivers wanted Payton, but knew it was unrealistic.

They want Baron Davis, but Davis is an offensive guard who might take away the ball from McGrady.

After considering it this way, Rivers felt that Biloops was more suitable.

I simply picked up the phone and called Gabriel, deciding to ask for the price without further ado.

With the season nearing its midpoint, any trades would require ample time for the teams to gel, so Rivers doesn't want to overthink it and will make a trade if a suitable opportunity arises.

……

After beating the Mavericks, the Magic can finally take a three-day break.

Since it was a back-to-back game, they definitely needed a day of rest. However, when the team returned from Dallas that day, some players asked Tang Sen through Guo Yonglin if the next day would be the same as usual, with training starting at five o'clock.

They've already used up their three-day trial cards and are just waiting for their memberships to be officially activated.

Tang Sen was also planning to do this.

Just as I thought before, training everyone together is simply not feasible.

In the past few days, Tang Sen took some time to consider the team's positioning, potential for development, and training difficulty, and decided on a few spots.

There was nothing to be embarrassed about refusing; for convenience, Tang Sen simply sent text messages to everyone.

Those who were not selected don't need to come tomorrow morning.

You were not selected.

Hunter is from Chicago, and his current income is not enough to support him buying a house in Orlando, so he is still renting an apartment.

He hardly gets any playing time these days; he just looks at the water cooler, waves a towel, and doesn't expend much effort, so he has plenty of energy to train.

Not to mention, having experienced Tang Sen's training, his enthusiasm for training has soared to new heights.

So, having nothing to do in the evening, I dragged Sather along and we went to the gym to train.

They both rented apartments near the Water House Centre, not far away.

While they were practicing, their phones received text messages one after the other.

"Wortfalk!"

Hunter was completely dumbfounded when he saw the text message.

Sather on the other side yelled, "Why? What do you mean by limited energy, unable to provide training services for everyone, and then I'm being abandoned?"

Sather's eyes widened.

The money was all borrowed and was just waiting to be paid, but it wasn't spent?

"Steven, you received the text message too, right? Are you going to training tomorrow?" Sather hurriedly turned to Hunter and asked.

He looked a little nervous.

Hunter was the 15th overall pick in the first round.

Rivers personally selected him, so he'll definitely be given special attention and development.

Sather felt that while Tangsen's limited energy was one factor, the team's management definitely had raised concerns.

Those with potential should be nurtured, while those without potential, like myself, should stop dreaming too much.

Therefore, Sather's eyes held a hint of resentment and unease.

Hunter pursed his lips, lost in thought for a moment. Sather called out again, and he snapped out of it, muttering, "I'm the same as you."

I was eliminated as well.

At this moment, Hunter's feelings were extremely complicated.

You want to work hard and improve yourself, but you don't even have the chance.

Sather secretly breathed a sigh of relief and immediately comforted him, "It's okay, Steven, we can train on our own."

Hunter didn't say anything, put down his phone, grabbed the basketball, and prepared to practice.

That's right, you look down on me, huh? Well then, I'll train on my own.

He charged toward the basket and unleashed a furious dunk.

Just then, the phone rang again.

Hunter paused for a moment, then quickly dropped the ball and ran back to pick up his phone.

Has Tang Sen changed his mind again?

Unfortunately not.

Tang Sen sent another text message, saying that although he didn't have enough energy to train himself, he could provide him with a short-term training and improvement plan, and he could contact him to request it if needed.

Of course, it's definitely not free.

Five thousand US dollars!

Sather, who was next to him, had obviously finished reading the text message and looked up to ask Hunter if he wanted it.

"Nonsense, why wouldn't I want to?"

Hunter answered without hesitation.

A top trainer will create a personalized training plan for you; only a fool wouldn't want that.

Early the next morning.

Tang Sen arrived at the water house center on time.

Everyone was there, not a single person was missing.

Leaving aside the four Browns, Tang Sen added four more people.

De Klerk, Pat Garretti, Mike Miller, and Darrell Armstrong.

Actually, I was originally planning to add three more.

But De Klerk is a good friend, and with that relationship, as long as he's willing to train, Tang Sen certainly won't refuse.

Several people had different expressions.

Garetti, for example, was clearly very excited.

"Alright, let's train."

Tang Sen clapped his hands, signaling everyone to begin.

Today is a rest day, so we'll definitely have to schedule three training sessions.

We didn't go to Windermere Stadium for the next two practice sessions; we just stayed at the Water House Centre instead.

After the afternoon training session ended, just as everyone was about to leave, Rivers suddenly walked into the locker room, greeted everyone, and then waved to Armstrong.

"Darrell, let's talk for a bit."

Rivers smiled.

Armstrong frowned slightly, put down his things, and walked out.

Tang Sen was packing his things when he suddenly noticed that the atmosphere was a bit quiet. He turned his head and noticed that Grant's expression was a little off.

"what happened?"

Tang Sen asked in a low voice.

Grant shook his head, indicating that he was fine and that he was overthinking things.

That's what he said, but deep down he felt that Rivers' sudden conversation with Armstrong might not be a good thing.

Perhaps it's about to be a transaction?

With the team's excellent record and the 15th just past, he believes the management won't sit idly by and will definitely adjust the lineup.

In Rivers' office, Armstrong was on the verge of a breakdown.

"Doug, why me?"

Armstrong demanded loudly.

He had never participated in the draft, had been wandering overseas for many years, and had finally managed to gain a foothold in the NBA after giving it his all.

I also dream of winning the championship.

This year, I finally saw hope. I'm already 33, and at this age, I'm still willing to get up at five in the morning to train with Tang Sen. I just want to give it my all one more time.

As a result, it was traded away.

Perhaps by leaving, he will miss the chance to personally compete for the championship.

Rivers got up to hug Armstrong, but Armstrong pushed him away, leaving Rivers looking helpless and unable to say anything more.

The meeting was held yesterday, and later that day, Gabriel contacted McHale to inquire about Billups' price.

Unexpectedly, McHale contacted Gabriel this morning, saying he was willing to make a deal.

But they requested Armstrong.

Clearly, although Billups played two good games, he still carries the label of a bust third overall pick, and McHale can't be sure if he truly has potential or if it's just a flash in the pan.

At this point, it would be better to replace him with a more mature and stable Armstrong.

Last season, Armstrong averaged 15.9 points and 7 assists per game.

He's just too old, so his defense isn't very good.

After a quick discussion, Rivers and Gabriel decided to make a trade.

If we get Billups, then keeping Armstrong would be pointless.

He has a three-point shot, as does Troy Hudson off the bench, who is also younger, so their functions overlap.

"Darrell, I'm sorry."

Rivers sighed and could only offer an apology.

(End of this chapter)