Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 255 A Tribute to Former Rivals

The bet between Townsend and Bird, made in front of a national audience, sent chills down the spines of all New York fans.

The following day, while the New York Times was wildly praising the Knicks for winning three championships in Atlanta, the headline read, "Chauncey Billups Becomes a New York Hero."

In the main text, The New York Times gave Bird a good scathing critique.

They were practically begging him to admit he was shameless.

Taking advantage of the nationwide live broadcast, he made a bet with Tang Sen, putting Tang Sen in a difficult position.

What if Billups doesn't win the championship, and Townsend actually pays off the bet?
If Townsend were to announce his resignation and leave New York when the Knicks were on a winning streak and had a real chance to contend for the championship, New York fans would go crazy.

……

That evening, at the end of All-Star Weekend, the main course was served.

Whether Jordan will start remains the biggest concern for fans worldwide.

This is Michael Jordan. He's participated in so many All-Star games, and in his final farewell game, he's playing as a substitute. That doesn't make sense.

The pressure was once again on Carter.

Just last night, Carter came over to have a couple of drinks with Tang Sen, and said, somewhat dejectedly, that he regretted it.

If I had known it would turn out like this, I would have just gone along with the public opinion and given in.

Tang Sen advised him, "That's why you should learn from Kwame."

What did Kwame Brown do last season?

His feud with Jordan was so heavily publicized that during the All-Star Game, Brown actually gifted Jordan an All-Star MVP trophy.

After that, even if the media knew in their hearts that Brown did it on purpose, when they brought it up, they could only praise Brown to the skies as a good kid who respected his seniors.

The same thing happened with Carter.

If everyone else gives way and you don't, won't you seem like you're not fitting in?

Just let it go, and we'll leave it to Jordan to decide whether he accepts it or not.

Anyway, I conceded, so the question was passed on to Jordan.

Carter must have thought about it all night, because the next day, before the All-Star Game, he went straight to Jordan and offered to give up his starting position to him.

Make way at the scene!
If Jordan doesn't accept it, he'll just quit playing altogether.

On the Eastern Conference bench, a host of stars applauded Carter.

Eastern Conference head coach Doc Rivers also stepped forward to persuade Jordan.

"Michael, come on, without you, this game will lose its luster." Rivers' words were still as persuasive as ever.

With the atmosphere so conducive, Jordan had no choice but to agree.

Jordan started the game as promised, winning cheers from the entire arena.

"Isaiah should come."

Bird remained close to Townsend, watching Jordan walk onto the court in his 88 All-Star jersey, as if from another era.

That year, I was a senior player, standing right next to Jordan, watching this young man score 40 points and lift his first All-Star MVP trophy.

Now, years have passed, and at Jordan's last All-Star Game and his farewell ceremony, Isaiah Thomas was not present, which Bird found quite regrettable.

It's time for the two of them to make up.

Tang Sen didn't know what Bird was thinking at that moment, but looking at Jordan running on the court, he also felt a sense of time flying by.

A legend will depart forever after this season ends.

As a child, Tang Sen grew up watching Jordan's games and once longed to become the next Jordan.

Their first meeting was not pleasant.

After actually getting to know Jordan, Tang Sen couldn't help but have many things he wanted to complain about.

This guy is arrogant, self-righteous, haughty, and has countless flaws.

On the field, however, he will always be number 23.

Now that he is truly leaving, how can one not feel a sense of loss and regret?

The competition was unremarkable.

At halftime, the West led the East 64-59, a five-point advantage.

Garnett stole the show.

Under Tang Sen's tutelage, his mid-range shot has become quite powerful, scoring 19 points in the first half with 8 of 11 shots made and free throws.

Jordan only scored 11 points.

But the game isn't over yet, and the most important thing now is Jordan's farewell ceremony.

As the players left the field, the staff busily began setting up the stage.

The stadium lights also dimmed.

Wearing a blue, form-fitting long dress with the number 23 printed on the chest, the voluptuous Mariah Carey walked onto the stage and paid tribute to Jordan with a song called "Hero".

A large number of players gathered around the stage.

From Tang Sen's perspective, Jordan can be seen from the side.

Under the light, his eyes were sparkling.

"damn it."

Bird cursed under his breath and gently wiped his eyes.

Beside Mariah Carey, four screens were playing highlights of Jordan's career.

Tang Sen watched silently, recalling those years when he sat in front of the TV watching the Bulls win the championship.

He even told his parents that if he had the chance, he would definitely go to Chicago to watch a Finals game at the Bulls' home arena.

Unfortunately, it's too far away, and the tickets for the finals are too expensive.

Jordan never fulfilled this wish until he retired.

But anyway, the song is pretty good.

After the song ended, Mariah Carey introduced Jordan in a way that was unique to the Bulls.

Of course, we can't forget the BGM that was exclusively for Michael Jordan – Sirius.

As soon as the somber song started playing, Tang Sen inexplicably shuddered.

It tastes right, that familiar feeling is back.

"From the University of North Carolina, Chicago, Washington, shooting guard, 6'6", Michael Jordan!"

Her voice may not be as distinctive as that of the Bulls' home DJ, Reklay, but it has its own unique charm.

The audience stood up and applauded.

Jordan expressed his gratitude, but no one sat down, and the applause continued for a long time.

Jordan repeatedly expressed his gratitude, but the applause and cheers continued unabated.

Tang Sen was overwhelmed with emotion.

A legend is about to end.

After a long while, the applause gradually subsided.

Jordan on stage was already in tears.

"I want to thank my family for supporting me in pursuing my dreams over the years, which has allowed me to play basketball well."

"Thank you to all the basketball fans. You support more than just Michael Jordan."

As he spoke, he looked down at the players below the stage.

The camera panned across O'Neal, across Yao Ming, across Kobe, and across Nowitzki.

Everyone looked at Jordan with longing and admiration.

Kobe, in particular, stared intently at Jordan, his eyes filled with admiration.

Nobody wants to be the next Jordan.

There will only ever be one Jordan.

At that moment, Jordan's gaze became complex and tender.

It was as if I could see through time and space, and looking back, I saw my struggles and efforts time and time again.

“Dr. J, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, these are great players.”

Jordan paused for a moment, then his gaze fell on the legendary figures on the sidelines. Beside Townsend, Bird gave a thumbs-up from afar.

"A salute to our former rivals!"

"You passed the torch to me, and now I want to pass it on to these best players so that I can go home in peace."

He pointed to the group of young players in the audience, thanked them again, then walked off the stage and shook hands with each player.

It was as if they were truly passing the baton to these younger generations.

Notably, Jordan gave everyone a high-five, but there were two people he chose to hug.

One McGrady, one Kobe.

Is this considered designating his successor?
Speaking of which, the original successors to Jordan, Hill and Hardaway, are now getting old.

Hardaway, in particular, is still struggling with injuries for the Suns.

Among the new generation of players in the league, it seems that only McGrady and Kobe are able to follow in Jordan's footsteps.

Bird, who was standing next to Tang Sen, also noticed this detail.

The league is always looking for the next Jordan.

But what about the next Larry Bird?

"Tang, is it possible that Tae-Sean could become the next me?"

Bird suddenly turned his head and asked again, "Did you show him my video?"

When New York media were scrambling to report on the next Garnett or the next Jordan, some people also mentioned Prince. Layden admitted that he wanted him to be the next Larry Bird.

Bird saw the message.

He also knew that Tangsen would show the players video footage.

Jordan's successor is shining in the league, but what about your own successor?

“Why don’t you come to Indiana? I’ll trade you for Taeshorn and I’ll train him myself.”

Bird stared intently at Tang Sen.

Tang Sen rolled his eyes.

That's enough! You keep bringing up poaching people in every single sentence you take.

"Larry, I have no plans to leave New York."

I've already settled down in New York, so why would I want to leave so soon?

Bird pursed his lips, muttered "lucky New Yorker" under his breath, and said no more.

In the second half, the Eastern Conference began to exert its strength.

Rivers clearly also had plans to promote Jordan, and he put Yao Ming and Brown on the twin towers combination.

This combination is incredibly powerful on the defensive end.

And then there's Hill.

Add McGrady, and Jordan gets to control the ball.

This lineup quickly turned the tide of the game.

Moreover, the Eastern Conference had a common goal: to get Jordan to win the MVP.

Yao Ming sets a screen for Jordan, and Brown goes for the offensive rebound.

"Tracy, you should attack more."

During the break, Jordan spoke to McGrady.

During halftime, when he hugged McGrady and Kobe, he was thinking about passing on the torch he had inherited to these two of the most promising young men in the league.

He is also the youngest who is most like himself.

Jordan even told McGrady to attack more in the second half and compete for the MVP.

The last MVP, surpassing Bob Pettit, the league specially commissioned this grand trophy for itself.

To be honest, Jordan didn't really care about any of that.

One's own strength does not need these things to highlight it.

He would prefer to see McGrady and Kobe compete against each other.

McGrady remained silent, simply passing the ball to Jordan, signaling him to attack.

We agreed before the game that we would try our best to help Jordan win the MVP.

A mere AMVP award is something I can easily win; there will be plenty of opportunities to get it later.

Seeing Brown rush over to set a screen, Jordan sighed and pulled up for a long two-pointer.

So you're all being so kind, huh? Then take it.

Jordan's gaze hardened.

It's not like they're incapable of taking it.

This season, Jordan's attendance rate has improved significantly, and he hasn't been injured much so far.

"Tracy, watch closely."

Jordan dribbled the ball, backing down Kobe, and called out to Tracy, reminding him to watch out.

"And you!"

He then looked at Kobe in front of him.

Watch closely, this is what a real fadeaway jump shot looks like.

What Tang Sen taught you is not authentic!
Thinking this, Jordan blew the ball and leaned back, then instantly took a step forward to feint, his timing perfect.

Kobe was fooled.

Tang Sen had said long ago that Kobe's acting skills were lacking, falling several orders of magnitude short of Jordan and Bird.

Jordan flipped himself up and leaped high, as if he were back in his prime, and with a flick of his arm, he made a clean shot.

"did you see it?"

Jordan landed and ran off with a flourish.

His gaze swept across the sidelines and caught sight of Tangsen next to Bird.

For some inexplicable reason, I thought to myself how the media always talked about how good Tang Sen's training was, but unfortunately I never had the chance to experience it myself.

And in the future, there may never be another chance.

Looking back now, I do feel a little regretful.

When Jordan got serious, he didn't waste the opportunities created by his teammates.

His score quickly reached 20 points, and then 30 points.

The West is catching up.

In previous years, as long as O'Neal was willing, it was easy for the Western Conference to win games.

But this year they ran into the Eastern Conference, which has Yao Ming and Brown.

In the final moments, Yao Ming decisively erupted, hitting consecutive fadeaway jumpers to secure the victory for the East.

127:123.

With a 4-point advantage, the Eastern Conference won the game.

Inside the top-floor luxury suite, David Stern breathed a sigh of relief.

The East won, Jordan scored the most points in the East, and won the MVP award. There could be no more perfect farewell ceremony.

Unfortunately, with Jordan's retirement, the league will never have another Michael Jordan.

Who can uphold the reputation of the league?

Kobe or McGrady?
Or perhaps it's that brat Akron?

Stern had no idea, but as he stood up and applauded, his gaze swept over Townsend beside Bird, and a plan that had been in his mind before suddenly popped into his head again.

Leiden shouted that we needed a plan.

Stern also had a plan in mind.

But right now, he doesn't have time to think about it too much.

(End of this chapter)