Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 227 I just wanted to praise you a couple of times, and you really think you're all that?
In today's league, if you don't praise the Knicks' huge potential at the pre-game press conference, it's like you're not part of the group.

Therefore, even the humorous Popovich raised his hands and complained to the reporter who kept asking him if he had any plans to deal with Yao Ming: "Kevin, damn it, I've already said they have unlimited potential, what more do you want from me? If we reveal our methods, we'll lose, understand?"

His exaggerated expression immediately amused a group of reporters in the audience.

Popovich himself couldn't help but laugh.

He admitted that Yao Ming was great, and that if San Antonio were the largest basketball market in the United States, and the league had given him the number one draft pick, he could have gotten Yao Ming.

Yao Ming took over from David Robinson and then continued to form the Twin Towers with Duncan.

At the height of his excitement, Popovich gasped and shivered.

He couldn't even imagine how wonderful that scene would be.

But they lost?
After all, I've already praised you guys for having unlimited potential, so the subtext is that you still need to practice.

Compared to Popovich's joking and relaxed attitude, Carlisle was much more serious.

He didn't start by talking about himself, but instead praised the Knicks players extensively.

"Seriously, I feel like we have the best group of players in the world, and I think we should open our training center to you so you can see just how hard our players train."

His words were also an indirect response to his experience with the Pistons.

Look at the Knicks, at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, what kind of training attitude do they have?

And look at you?
"So I would like to ask the New York fans to be a little more forgiving towards them. These guys are really great, and every single one of them is working hard."

"And Yao, everyone knows he's great, but he's still working hard. We've only just met, but it feels like we're old friends. Believe me, he's a Hall of Fame player."

These words are not flattery.

At 22 years old, a promising young player, the NBA's number one draft pick, who immediately scored 20 points and 10 rebounds upon entering the NBA and ranked seventh in scoring, such a player has a hundred reasons to be arrogant and cocky.

But Yao Ming did not.

After meeting and talking, Carlisle's biggest impression of Yao Ming was his humility.

Think about those guys from the Pistons. They admired Yao Ming so much that they wanted to tell the whole world, "Look, this is a true role model."

"So please don't put too much pressure on them. Give them time, and they will amaze the world."

Carlisle has a bit of a "take it all on me" attitude, and he's fiercely protective of his own.

……

"He really said that?"

During the match, while the players were warming up to get used to the field, Brittenham relayed Carlisle's exact words to Townsend.

Brittenham nodded and said he felt Carlisle was a good coach.

Tang Sen nodded slightly.

Although we've only just met, based on what he said, he's at least a responsible head coach.

As they were talking, Tang Sen noticed that Chandler had dunked the basketball while warming up.

"Tyson."

Tang Sen waved to Chandler.

When Chandler stepped forward, he asked, "Are you nervous?"

He already knows he will be starting today and will be directly matched up against Duncan.

Chandler quickly shook his head, then nodded reluctantly.

Normally, Tang Sen should say it's okay; no one expects you to be able to defend Duncan, just do your best.

But Tang Sen changed his mind before he could finish his sentence, saying, "Tyson, I know you also crave success. Now the opportunity is in front of you. Use what I taught you to defend against Tim."

"If you succeed, your name will be all over the newspapers tomorrow!"

"Just like Jonathan."

Tang Sen mentioned Bender's name.

Bender has now managed to establish himself and make a name for himself.

Moreover, after returning home last time, Tang Sen felt that he worked even harder, and his training attitude was really excellent.

Chandler's youthful face showed longing. He nodded, turned, and ran away.

Brittenham looked at the group warming up meticulously and said, "I feel like Rick wants to win today, but well..."

He did not continue.

Although the Spurs are only fifth in the Western Conference right now, they are still the Spurs.

Moreover, the western region this year is noticeably wilder than last year.

Kobe really seemed to be on fire, carrying the Lakers single-handedly at the start of the season.

Now that O'Neal has recovered from his injury, he has won four straight games.

Then there's the Wolves. Garnett's scoring ability has become even more explosive after summer training. Although the Wolves' roster is a bit weaker, they still firmly hold a top-four position.

And the Mavericks, they seem to have cheated this year, surging to second place in the Western Conference.

"But what?" Tang Sen retorted, "If you don't have confidence in Rick, you should at least have confidence in us. It's been three months already, think about how much effort we've put in?"

We gathered in October, and today, December 30th, marks exactly three months.

From gaining weight to intense defensive training, three months have passed. Although they can't compete with Sasser who doesn't have to play and can focus entirely on training, it's time for them to see results.

Brittenham chuckled and turned to look at Yao Ming in midfield, who was talking to Battier on the other side.

If Carlisle wants to get off to a winning start today, he'll have to rely on Yao Ming.

"I can't compare to you."

Battelle couldn't hide his envy.

I was just a nobody in the Spurs, but look at Yao Ming, he's a force to be reckoned with in a big city like New York.

Even in a remote area like San Antonio, he could often see reports about Yao Ming in the newspapers.

Even if Yao Ming makes two turnaround fadeaway shots, the media can boast about it for an entire page.

Think back to a few years ago, when Yao Ming was still playing as a substitute for himself on the national team.

Yao Ming has high emotional intelligence and understands the importance of not showing off in front of acquaintances. He said, "As everyone has said, the data of weak teams is meaningless. Besides, no matter how many points I score, it's useless if we don't win."

Battier nodded without hesitation and, following Yao Ming's words, added, "If you have the opportunity, you should come to a strong team."

Yao Ming disagrees with this statement.

Go to a strong team, even if they win the championship, what's the point?

If you want to win the championship, you have to win it yourself.

He didn't reveal his feelings, and changed the subject by asking Battier how he was doing with the Spurs.

"It's great." Battier has a straightforward personality and doesn't have any trouble getting along with people. He even told Yao Ming about Duncan's embarrassing moments, saying that Duncan even went to learn Chinese specifically for his sake.

As it turned out, they were learning Cantonese, and the first thing they said was "lei hou a," which left them completely confused.

This sounded a bit boastful, but Yao Ming didn't take it to heart. He chatted for a few more minutes before returning to the locker room.

This game was not broadcast live across the United States.

However, the broadcast was live in China.

It's a Chinese derby, after all.

"Hopefully, Battier can play," host Yang Jian concluded.

The clash between two Chinese giants on the NBA stage was truly a historic moment.

Guest Zhang Weiping said with a smile: "There should be a chance. The Knicks have improved their strength recently, but overall, they still can't compete with the Spurs."

"So the game could very well be decided early on, and at that point, I think Popovich might bring Battier on."

"I saw a lot of Chinese people at the scene, all of whom are supporting Yao Ming and Battier. Popovich won't refuse them."

At this point, Yang Jian received the starting lineups for both teams.

The Spurs, as always, have twin towers in the paint, Bowen at forward, Parker at point guard, and Stephen Jackson at shooting guard.

Jackson, who averaged only 4 points per game last season, is now aiming for 10 points per game this season.

The Spurs have maintained their consistent performance in scouting players.

But the Knicks' starting lineup surprised Yang Jian.

"Tyson Chandler has replaced Bender and is starting. Are the Knicks going to play a twin towers game?" Yang Jian exclaimed.

Chandler, as Yao Ming's backup, has limited scoring ability, but he is hardworking and a qualified substitute.

But can a big center like him play power forward if he's promoted to the starting lineup?

Zhang Weiping and Su Qun exchanged a glance, neither of them rushing to offer their opinions. Neither of them understood this move.

You can't just copy the Spurs' twin-tower strategy.

Chandler can't be compared to Duncan.

Su Qun spoke first, saying, "Actually, Chandler has strong athleticism and good help defense awareness, so he could play the power forward position."

He paused for a moment, perhaps feeling that his words were not convincing, and then changed his tune: "The Knicks have a new head coach, which is a good thing, as they can make some changes to the roster."

"The Knicks' previous rotations were too rigid."

Whether it's Cheney or Thibodeau, Thibodeau is a little better; occasionally, when there's a chance of winning, he'll let Yao Ming play a little longer.

If it were Cheney, Yao Ming would really be substituted off the court at the appointed time.

The Knicks' poor record is largely due to their rigid rotation system.

Therefore, in Su Qun's view, being able to make changes is already enough.

Popovich was equally baffled.

He peeked at Carlisle across from him, curious about what was going on.

I could guess that the twin towers strategy was aimed at Duncan. Bender's defensive ability is relatively poor, but Chandler...?

Popovich frowned.

Does Chandler really think he can stop Duncan?

Seeing Carlisle constantly talking to Billups, Popovich suppressed his doubts and prepared to give it a try.

In his view, no matter how the Knicks adjust, they can never be a match for the Spurs.

Just because I praised you a couple of times, you think you're all that?
The game began, and Yao Ming leaped and swatted the basketball away.

Popovich sat firmly, but kept his eyes glued to the field, trying to figure out what Carlisle was up to.

The Knicks' role players weren't good scorers to begin with, and Bender was finally showing some of Garnett's flair, but you just abandoned him. Popovich really doesn't understand this move.

Yao Ming continued to play in the low post as always.

It feels like the Knicks' old style of play: everyone else spreads out and the ball is passed to Yao Ming.

All tactics revolve around Yao Ming.

David Robinson is getting old; he's already turned 37.

Moreover, his main characteristic is that he has strong upper body but unstable lower body, which often makes it difficult for him to play against heavy centers, requiring Duncan to come over and help defend him from time to time.

This is precisely the significance of the Twin Towers.

Duncan and Robinson were inseparable, each with their own strengths, complementing each other and supporting the Spurs' interior defense.

Before the game, Popovich gave instructions that Duncan should quickly help defend.

If that doesn't work, we can replace Yao Ming with Duncan and have Robinson help defend. Once Yao Ming passes the ball, Robinson can use his mobility to block Bender.

Surprisingly, the Knicks didn't even field Bender, instead opting for Chandler, whose offensive capabilities are even worse.

What did Duncan have to worry about? He stood in front of the basket, arms outstretched, ready to double-team anyone who passed him the ball.

Yao Ming immediately made a run back to the high post.

Robinson wasn't intimidated at all; he could easily switch onto fast small forwards.

He's old now, but he still has no problem keeping up with Yao Ming.

Yao Ming sets a screen, and Billups starts his run towards the basket.

Duncan tried to put in the rebound, but Chandler moved his feet at the right moment and blocked Duncan.

Billups ducked past Chandler and threw the ball in.

Double cover?
Popovich frowned slightly and crossed his arms on the sidelines.

When both teams play with twin towers, having four 7-foot giants in the paint will discourage any guard from even trying to drive to the basket.

However, the ball still ended up in Duncan's hands.

Like the Spurs' twin towers, Carlisle's twin towers also focused on flexible defense, complementing each other's weaknesses.

Yao Ming switched to defend Duncan.

Chandler, on the other hand, would wait for an opportunity to intercept and help defend whenever Duncan passed the ball inside, just like Robinson would use his athleticism.

Duncan is tough, but he still struggles against Yao Ming, who is 15 centimeters taller and weighs more than 20 kilograms.

It's very difficult to push him down. Yao Ming has a strong core. Even if he adjusted the muscle mass of his upper and lower body, there are few people in the league who can't withstand his lower body stability.

Moreover, after getting to know Yao Ming, Duncan felt that although Yao Ming was a rookie, he actually had a lot of defensive experience.

He knows when to engage in confrontation, and his feet aren't always planted firmly on the ground to wrestle with you. He's constantly adjusting, like the waves of the ocean, giving you resistance wave after wave, disrupting and interfering with your rhythm.

Moreover, the predictions are very accurate, and the opponent is rarely misled.

With that kind of experience, how does he resemble a rookie?

Last year when Duncan faced Brown, he could clearly sense that Brown had physical attributes but lacked experience.

But when it came to Yao Ming, he seemed too mature.

He turned to face the basket, initiated a powerful hook shot, and Duncan's first offensive play ended in failure.

Chandler instantly blocked Robinson behind him and secured the rebound.

Carlisle paced back and forth on the sidelines with his arms crossed.

In his view, Chandler was the most suitable second center for Yao Ming, as he had little offensive ability and was only good at cleaning up messes.

But he had spoken with Townsend and knew that Townsend wanted to develop Donil Harvey into a Rodman-style striker, so he was quite looking forward to it.

The Knicks played at their usual slow pace.

Then, following the same tactic, Yao Ming was pulled out to provide cover.

However, having tried this tactic once, the Spurs weren't so easily fooled.

Duncan had already made a conscious effort to move ahead and block Billups.

Billups didn't force his way in, and instead made a sudden stop and passed the ball back to Yao Ming.

At this moment, Yao Ming was still in the screen position, standing above the free throw line.

Knowing that Yao Ming had a mid-range shot, Robinson quickly turned around to defend him.

He was extremely fast, and Yao Ming had already lost his chance to shoot, but the tactic was not over yet.

Yao Ming feinted a shot, drawing the defense's attention while suddenly flicking the ball towards the weak side baseline.

Duncan's heart skipped a beat, only then noticing that Billups, who had made a sudden stop and passed back, had circled around the baseline and appeared in the weak-side corner.

After he passed the ball back, the Spurs' defensive attention was drawn to Yao Ming.

No one noticed him.

Parker, who was following Billups, was shielded by Chandler near the baseline.

It's still a double cover.

Billups received the ball in an open position, calmly took the shot, and made the three-pointer.

He is still practicing his three-point shot diligently, expanding his coverage area, which is now his most reliable scoring method.

Carlyle clapped with satisfaction.

This is his tactic: double screens, then utilizing Yao Ming's card-setting ability to create scoring opportunities for the outside shooters.

The pick-and-roll is initiated, and there are many, many more changes that follow.

Carlisle can devise countless variations of a single tactic.

It's just that time was too tight and there wasn't enough time to teach too much, otherwise he would definitely let Popovich know that all those years of watching videos weren't for nothing.

However, Carlisle hadn't expected the tactics to be executed so smoothly right from the start.

He felt it wasn't just because Yao Ming and Billups were smart enough.

It's like the training center in New York has some kind of magic; the players have an exceptionally strong understanding of the game.

During morning training tactical drills, after a few runs, I can run them quite well.

It's amazing.

This Knicks attack caused Popovich to furrow his brow and rest his chin on his hand.

If I'm not mistaken, this seems to be my own tactic.

The Spurs often utilize Duncan's screens and passing ability to execute tactics like driving along the baseline and then hitting a three-pointer from the corner.

(End of this chapter)