Basketball Terminal

Chapter 58 First Release
The formal training session only lasted two hours because there was a game that evening. After a brief debriefing, the team disbanded, and everyone went back to the locker room to tidy up, take a cold shower, and go out for dinner.

Levy Restaurants, the catering partner of Barclays Center, provides in-house cooking services inside the HSS training center. Players and staff can order food at the restaurant on the 8th floor, or they can go out to eat, depending on their own needs.

Li Wei ran into the Nets' owner, Joe Tsai, along with General Manager Max and Coach Nash—three of the most influential figures in the team's management—at the restaurant. They invited him to sit down and have a bite to eat. Li Wei couldn't refuse; he actually wanted to eat out, as Li Yue was still waiting for him.

"How's your Chinese?" Cai Chongxin asked Li Wei in fluent Mandarin with a slight Taiwanese accent.

"I can speak Chinese; I grew up in China."

"That's great! Where is your ancestral home?"

“My dad is from Jiaxing, my mom is from Huludao, and we are now registered residents of Flushing.”

"Your dad is from Jiaxing! My ancestral home is Huzhou, but I grew up in Taiwan."

In China, especially in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, Chinese people are very particular about their relationships, not only within their own province but also within their own prefecture-level city, and they often look down on each other. But once they go abroad, they feel a sense of kinship with people from the same province.

Tsai Chung-hsin and Li Wei chatted casually in Mandarin for a while and found that the 20-year-old spoke logically and sensually, with occasional humor, unlike most young people his age whose prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed.

Sitting to the side, Marks and Nash rarely saw Joe Tsai talk to the players for so long; usually, everyone just goes through the motions. Especially the Black players, whose thought processes are often not on the same wavelength as the Asian owner. If you talk about one thing and I talk about another, it becomes awkward conversation, so it's better to remain silent.

Even though Chinese people have significant differences in their backgrounds and political stances, they are ultimately of the same language and race, growing up under similar historical and cultural influences. In the United States, where cultures and races are mixed, being able to chat about old stories from home feels different.

"Your parents met at the textile factory, immigrated to the United States and opened a laundromat. Business must have been tough these past two years."

"It's not easy, so I went down the path of basketball because I didn't want to keep doing laundry. There are many things Chinese people can do, not just wash clothes, wash dishes, and cook."

"You're right, Chinese people can do anything, and they can do it to the best of their ability."

"He's not very good at football."

"Hahaha."

The two chatted happily, further damaging the reputation of Chinese football. Nash and Marks exchanged bewildered glances. Other staff and players, seeing the two talking and the boss even smiling, realized that the rumors about Victor being related to Boss Cai were indeed true.

Li Wei finished eating quickly, said he had something to do, and said goodbye. The remaining three were Cai Chongxin and his companion. Cai Chongxin said, "Sorry, I ran into a fellow Chinese and we talked a little longer than usual. He's an interesting kid, very quick-witted, and has his own ideas."

Nash said, "That's right, he has his own ideas and isn't easily influenced by others."

"We'll definitely get him," Max said. "He's been playing well. But... we're under a lot of pressure on our payroll. Right now, for every dollar above the pay cap, we pay $3.75 in taxes. And considering the next few years, once we hit the super luxury tax line, the pressure will likely only get worse."

This is the first time the Nets have paid the luxury tax. Exceeding the $20 million tax threshold, they will pay 3.75 US dollars per dollar, with an additional $0.50 for every $5 million spent. If the Nets maintain their Big Three lineup for a long time, paying the luxury tax every year is inevitable. When they trigger the super luxury tax threshold, the portion exceeding the $20 million threshold will be subject to a $4.75 tax per dollar – a truly painful penalty.

Tsai Chung-hsin wiped his mouth and said, "This is a problem for your manager and coach to consider. I believe in your abilities and will solve this small problem. Victor is good; I admire him."

Instead of giving Marks and Nash a firm order, Tsai Chong-hsin posed the problem to them. It wasn't that Tsai lacked decisiveness, but rather that after buying the Nets, the basketball management team, composed of former NBA players and executives, had been in a state of semi-cooperation and semi-resistance towards the new owner.

This is common practice in NBA teams. When a team is bought by a capitalist group, the team's president, vice president, CEO, finance, marketing, and security teams can all be replaced with their own people. However, it's very difficult to touch the basketball management team.

After all, the NBA is an elite sport. In other positions, you can say, "If you don't do it, someone else will." But the staff in the basketball uniform department is a small circle. They are mostly composed of former NBA players, coaches, or senior managers. There are very few newcomers, and you can't find a replacement in other industries.

Some long-established teams have deeply entrenched management with strong connections to fans, players, and the city. If you fire them, the team won't be able to field a good lineup and win games, and the fans will riot.

For example, the Boston Celtics, the team with the most NBA championships, have long been known only by Red Auerbach, with little to no knowledge or concern about who the owner was. In the 30 years from 1964 to 1993, the Celtics had 10 owners, averaging one every three years. Auerbach led the team to nine championships, also averaging one every three years.

In the battle between the boss and the uniformed staff, the cardinal can be said to have won completely.

Nets general manager Marks and his team are all remnants of the previous owner. Joe Tsai, new to the NBA, lacked resources in the basketball world, so he had no choice but to employ veterans from the previous administration. Even this season's head coaching choice of rookie coach Nash was a reluctant move.

First, Nash is Canadian, and so is Joe Tsai. As a legendary figure in Canadian basketball, Nash could provide Tsai with ample connections. Second, Marks and Nash have been friends for over 20 years, so the management team would be happy to choose Nash.

Because some veteran NBA coaches are very assertive, with their own teams and philosophies, their arrival in Brooklyn could disrupt the existing front office. It's not uncommon in the NBA for coaching staff to come to the team and take over from the front office, effectively usurping power.

Nash is a compromise, and he had a very successful playing career with great popularity. Even if his individual ability is a little lacking, the coaching staff he has is luxurious enough, so there shouldn't be any major problems, right?

However, after the start of the new season, Tsai Chong-hsin still noticed that there were many problems with the team's operation, including the somewhat impulsive trade of Harden, the team's roster being unbalanced, the rotation being insufficient, Nash being too idealistic and not like a coach, the management acting independently and not following orders, and nepotism being rampant, etc.

Fortunately, the team had a good record. On the basketball court, victory determines everything. No matter how united a team is, it's all for naught if they can't win. And even with numerous internal conflicts, winning a championship is legendary. Like the 1998 Bulls, who were so torn apart internally but still managed to win the championship, which ironically cemented Jordan's legend.

This may be a major difference between Chinese and American cultures. Chinese people value stability and unity in order to achieve external victory, believing that internal stability must precede external resistance. Americans, on the other hand, use external victory to maintain internal stability. They cannot afford to lose; they must win. If they win, everything is fine; if they lose, things explode.

Only Max and Nash remained at the dinner table. Max said, "Steve, how about we control Victor's playing time a bit tonight? You know, we'll probably win this game whether Victor plays or not; the Kings aren't in good form."

The Sacramento Kings have recently suffered a seven-game losing streak, with a particularly poor defensive performance, allowing opponents to score 120 points in several consecutive games. The Nets, on the other hand, have a strong offense; as long as Irving and Harden perform normally, they are likely to win regardless of who plays the role players.

Nash said, "Aren't you afraid other teams will snatch Victor away?"

"No, his home is in Brooklyn, so the Nets are the best option. We'll control his playing time this game, then give him a short-term contract or a two-way contract. That's standard practice; every manager would do that, so we can get a better understanding of him."

Marks is right; most team managers are generous to superstars, stingy with role players, and relentlessly exploit lower-level players on short-term contracts. Nash said, "There are no absolutes in games, and the Kings, on a seven-game losing streak, definitely want to win."

“Every choice must be made rationally, absolutely rationally. I know you and the boss admire Victor, but you know how the NBA is, there are always variables. I don’t want to have the boss throw the financial statements in my face when I have to pay the super luxury tax in two years.”

Nash remained noncommittal; he too was pondering which side he should take—the management or the owner. Currently, he was caught in the middle, a compromise between the two. He didn't actually like this situation; it felt completely different from playing basketball.

Meanwhile, Li Wei went downstairs to find Li Yue and took him out to eat. Li Yue, however, looked sullen and unhappy.

Li Wei asked, "Why are you unhappy? What happened? Do you want to go up and take a look? That's a workplace; you can't just go in like that."

Li Yue shook his head and slowly said, "Brother, besides me, do you have any other younger brothers?"

"What? Another younger brother? Our parents... only had the two of us, right? With Dad like that, how could he have an illegitimate child? You mean my cousin?"

"No, he's my younger brother, we live together."

"My own brother? Then it can only be you."

"Really... Then why did I see an article that said you have a mentally challenged younger brother, and you took care of him since he was little, used basketball to help him recover, and gradually he mastered basic life skills and can even drive?"

Li Wei then realized what was happening, gave an awkward laugh, and said, "Oh dear, my foolish brother, that's you."

"Brother! I'm your assistant! How could I be mentally challenged! If you become famous... no, you're already famous, how am I supposed to face my relatives and friends? A person with a hidden intellectual disability? How could you..."

"Ding~"

Li Yue's phone suddenly rang. Li Wei pointed to it and said, "Look, it was sent to you."

"What?" Li Yue took out his phone and saw a text message from the bank: $5000 had been deposited into his account! It was Li Wei who had transferred the money.

"You've been doing a great job lately. This $5000 is your assistant's pay. Keep up the good work. Once I get a formal contract, I'll make sure you get your full salary."

Li Yue kept his head down and didn't speak, just tapping away on his phone, seemingly doing nothing. Li Wei asked, "Hey, I've paid you your salary, what are you doing?" Li Yue replied, "I'm researching the early and middle stages of intellectual disability, and what level of self-care I can achieve after treatment."

In the afternoon, Li Wei drove to the Barclays Center. The last time he was here was as a spectator; a month later, he would be an NBA player. This time, he entered the arena through the player tunnel, where many reporters were waiting to take photos.

Compared to away games, home players can wear more flamboyant clothes, suits, trendy brands, and all sorts of glamorous or artistic costumes. NBA players are mostly in great shape, walking clothes hangers, and their entrance attire is a major attraction off the court.

Li Wei entered the arena in a clean and simple tracksuit; his wardrobe didn't contain any particularly expensive or flashy clothes. But this didn't stop him from becoming the focus of attention before the game, with many reporters surrounding him to take photos and ask for interviews. The arena was open tonight, and the number of reporters had increased considerably.

Li Wei spotted Zhenli immediately; although he was wearing a mask, his hairstyle and eyes made him easily recognizable. Of course, his physique was even more important.

"Congratulations, you're a reporter now?"

"Yes, I'm interning at Turner TV. Let's keep in touch."

The NBA's media department has deep partnerships with major media outlets across the United States, making it easy for executives to arrange internships for their children or friends. Turner Television is one of the NBA's television broadcast partners, and Vera is beautiful and has a great figure, making her very suitable for a frontline reporting role. This position is highly competitive among beautiful women at various television stations.

"After the competition, I'll ask you to do an interview. You'll be my first one."

"Just watch how I do. If I'm great, come find me. If I'm bad... well, that's impossible."

After warming up on the field, they went back to the locker room to rest and make final preparations for the game. Playing at home for the first time is different, especially with an audience tonight. Their performance will directly influence the fans' impression of them, which is crucial for their popularity.

Li Wei was as excited as ever, but also a little nervous. Perhaps he had eaten an extra meal with his younger brother at noon. Just before going on stage, he went to the toilet to take a dump. It would be embarrassing if he got a stomachache during the match, so he would have to fake an injury and make a triumphant return.

After I finished showering, someone came in to urinate; it was Nash.

"Coach, are you coming in to let us off easy too? Are you nervous?"

"What's wrong? Are you nervous?"

"A little, but I'm mostly excited. It's our first home game, and there are fans here."

The bathroom was quiet for a moment, with the sounds of water running and urination audible. Just as Levi was about to leave, Nash stopped him, saying, "Hey Victor, I didn't think things through when I asked you to apologize the other day."

"Oh no, Coach, actually I should be the one apologizing to you. I feel very sorry for openly talking back to you. I know you're a good person and you only said that because you wanted what was best for me. I'm sorry."

Nash shook himself, fastened his pants, and said, "Victor! I'm going to start you tonight, so get ready."

Li Wei was surprised and said, "What? Starting lineup? But... Brown and Jeff, and Harris's three-pointers, and... OK, I can definitely play, I can start, absolutely no problem!"

Nash smiled, came over and patted Levi on the shoulder, saying, "I believe in you. Do your best."

Li Wei nodded, glanced at him sideways, and said, "Coach, you didn't wash your hands, did you?"

(End of this chapter)