Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 411 The Next... O'Neal?

D'Antoni isn't an extroverted person like Rivers, who can make friends with anyone.

But despite his quiet demeanor, he is actually quite easygoing; he's just not good at expressing himself.

This is also related to his upbringing.

When he was a child, his mother often told him, "I raised you not so that you would like me, but so that others would like you."

Therefore, under his mother's guidance, D'Antoni is very humble and occasionally has a touch of humor.

After the victory, at the post-game press conference, when asked by reporters how the Suns won, D'Antoni paused for a moment and then made a humorous remark.

"Is it possible that it's because we're better than magicians?"

Upon hearing this, all the reporters in the audience were taken aback.

The reporter who asked the question had an extremely strange expression.

It's even better than magic; do you want to listen to what you're saying?

Although the Knicks and Lakers have risen again, they are the Magic, and they were once champions.

Their core roster has remained unchanged to this day, and they are still one of the top teams in the league.

When did you, Sun, become worthy of sitting at the same table with them?

The atmosphere froze, and D'Antoni awkwardly explained, "I was just joking."

Only then did scattered laughter from the reporters begin to ripple through the audience.

I almost thought you were going to pretend to have big breasts.

D'Antoni couldn't laugh as he left the scene.

He felt slighted.

It's like you work hard and finally get good grades, and then someone says you're just lucky.

But you still have to admit that you were just lucky.

D'Antoni must have felt frustrated.

They both won, so why can't we say the Suns are stronger than the Magic?

Back in the locker room, Howard, who scored 24 points in the game, was bragging to Marion about his dunk.

After receiving a pass from Nash, Howard took off and slammed the ball over Brown for a powerful dunk.

He vividly described Brown's changing expressions, saying that Brown was so frightened that after landing, he even asked himself if he had secretly done extra training since returning from New York.

Howard loves these kinds of opportunities to perform.

They've been together for about two months now, and D'Antoni is slowly starting to understand Howard, realizing that he's just young and that's his nature.

Thinking of this, D'Antoni gritted his teeth, walked over, and called Howard aside.

He plans to speak with Howard again.

As for the method, just follow Jaffaroni's method: praise him a bit, or rather, fool him a little.

D'Antoni has never done anything like this.

He was known for his cold-blooded and ruthless attitude when he coached in Italy.

Is it possible in the NBA?

If I give Howard the cold shoulder and cause a conflict, there's a 99% chance I'll be the one who gets fired in the end.

"Dwight, you played exceptionally well today. We won entirely because of you."

D'Antoni started boasting right away.

Howard said no, being modest, but his face was beaming with joy.

D'Antoni offered a couple more compliments, then changed his tone, saying, "Dwight, but I think you still have potential; you can get even better."

"Like Kwame, like Yao."

Howard immediately perked up when Yao Ming was mentioned.

He has yet to have the opportunity to play a match face-to-face with Yao Ming.

D'Antoni continued, "Do you know where you fall short compared to them?"

Howard shook his head and asked what was wrong.

"It's defense."

D'Antoni held up one finger and said, "They all have top-notch defense, especially Yao. No one can easily score in the paint where he's guarding it."

"And you, I think you can also become a great defender like Yao."

The reason D'Antoni chose to "fool" Howard is because one of the key reasons the Magic won today's game was Howard.

D'Antoni saw it clearly: when McGrady drove to the mid-range position, it was Howard's timely help defense that disrupted McGrady's score.

McGrady only scored 25 points today, which is considered a poor performance. Howard not only provided quick help defense, but also effectively limited McGrady when directly matched up against him, thanks to his speed and agility.

His timely help defense also disrupted the Magic's strategy of having McGrady drive and pass the ball to some extent.

D'Antoni felt this was a good sign and that they should continue.

"By then, you will be a true all-rounder on both offense and defense, and become a superstar in the league."

"You have to understand that every superstar is not only good at offense, but also good at defense, and I think you have that potential."

This persuasive talk really hit Howard right where it hurts.

Howard patted his chest and said, "Coach, watch me. You have no idea how much I practiced defense back in New York. I'm a great defender."

In New York, just like Harvey, I practiced blocking and rebounding with my fingers tied.

He was repeatedly matched up against superstar centers like Duncan and Garnett, giving them his all to gain defensive experience.

So it was just defense; it was just that I wasn't paying attention.

"Very good, I look forward to your performance." D'Antoni patted Howard with satisfaction and told him to get back to work.

After sending the players away, D'Antoni didn't rush to leave. He stayed in his office to study video footage and devise tactics.

The first 7 seconds were entirely due to Nash's performance.

The second 7 seconds will depend on tactics.

D'Antoni needs to hurry up and fill out his tactics manual, and then get the players familiar with it as soon as possible.

And defense.

While championing a fast-paced style and seemingly obsessed with offense, D'Antoni does not neglect defense.

Having achieved such success in Europe, how could D'Antoni not understand the importance of defense?

Previously, I simply didn't have the energy.

The offense isn't even organized yet, so what's the point of talking about defense?

Seeing Howard's potential, D'Antoni feels it's time to prioritize defense.

After all, his goal is the championship.

D'Antoni plans to dedicate another month, setting aside wins and losses, to focus on integrating the roster and improving player chemistry.

Next year, we'll get the roster in sync and unleash the offensive potential of Howard and Ray Allen.

D'Antoni believes the Suns will go even further in the future.

The Suns struggled with their remaining games in December.

In the five games played before Christmas, the Suns only won three.

Meanwhile, Tang Sen returned to the United States to spend Christmas and New Year with his family.

Upon learning that Tangsen had returned to New York, Stern spoke with Tangsen alone again after Christmas, during a league meeting.

Stern smiled, and Tang Sen knew he had something to ask of him.

But now that we all eat from the same pot, it doesn't matter.

really.

Stern said, "Don, it's almost the new year, I think we can focus our attention on the rookies."

"Tang, you're right. Whether a game is exciting or not depends on the players themselves, not the rules."

This season has been anything but ordinary since it started.

Various personal scoring records were broken, high scores were achieved, star players went head-to-head, viewership soared, and merchandise revenue increased significantly.

The hype has also been generated.

This is the prosperous scene that Stern wanted to see.

That is enough to prove that the "one city, one star" plan was successful.

"Tang, we need more star players. I have an idea. I think you could select one rookie each year."

"Then we'll train him in advance and help him prepare for his entry into the league."

"Just like the number one picks in previous years, we're giving the league a number one pick who's mature enough to be a star as soon as he enters the league."

Stern not only had this idea, but he even prepared a target.

A center prodigy, barring any unforeseen circumstances, is a high school student.

Hailed as the next... Shaquille O'Neal?

Tang Sen opened the scouting report and his eyes fell on the name.

Andrew Bynum.

Born in 87, only 17 years old this year?
(End of this chapter)