NBA, Yao Ming is back!

"What? You want me to have a joint tryout with that Asian guy?"

Duncan was shocked when he received the news, because he had only completed the Spurs' tryout and had no interest in the others.

Historically, he didn't even go to the Celtics' side.

Of course, if you know history, you'll know that David Stern didn't want Auerbach to rise again.

There was even a period when I felt annoyed just looking at cigars.

Although Auerbach was a strong supporter of Stern when he came to power, their goals diverged as their interests became more intertwined.

The two have been at odds ever since the Bird Agreement.

Back then, when they tried to poach Ewing, Stern sabotaged their plans.

Then came the current Duncan controversy.

The Celtics are tanking relentlessly, losing five more games than the Spurs, in an effort to get the number one draft pick and select Duncan.

Because of this incident, Auerbach suffered a major blow and was relegated to the sidelines.

The two men's logics differed. Auerbach publicly criticized Stern for excessive commercialization, claiming it ruined the essence of basketball. Stern, on the other hand, privately stated, "One person cannot control the league."

Anyway, some of these things are true and some are false. Just listen to them as stories and rumors. You need to filter out how much of it is true yourself, but the two of them don't have a good relationship.

But Duncan was too lazy to do so many tryouts. After going to San Antonio and beating David Robinson, the deal was basically done.

Although the Celtics have the highest probability of getting the number one draft pick, everyone knows that.

With Stern around.

It's impossible for the Celtics to be treated fairly.

Want fairness? Sure, you can.

Let the person smoking the cigar step down. Once he's down, we can talk about fairness.

Therefore, Duncan did not even go to the Celtics for a tryout.

That's the best answer.

Because there was no point in going, he knew he couldn't possibly get there.

Stern wouldn't let him go.

Moreover, even if he can't tell, his agent can.

As for whether doing this is against the rules.

Hehe, all Stern wants to say is that I set the rules, and I am the rule.

This world is just a giant makeshift operation.

What you think is absolutely fair often hides behind-the-scenes manipulation.

And speaking of the NBA... when has it ever been absolutely fair?

I just didn't expect Stern to actually send Duncan to meet that Asian guy.

Of course, this is just a suggestion, and Duncan is not forced to follow it.

Since that was the case, Duncan didn't intend to reply immediately. He called over his current manager, Lon Babby.

There wasn't any other reason for hiring this person; it was just cheap.

Because he doesn't calculate based on commission, he calculates it at $400 per hour, which adds up to about $80 per year.

Under normal circumstances, if you hire an agent, you might have to split a large contract worth several million.

Compared to other options, it's really cheap.

It's such a pity, Little Deng, all the money you saved here.

They'll all end up being fooled by women.

In addition, your financial advisor is also sharpening their knives at you, ready to prey on you like cattle and sheep.

So what's the point of saving money here?

They'll all have to spit it out eventually.

……

Wake Forest University student housing.

"Tim, what are your thoughts?" Lon Bobby asked.

"I don't know, I'd like to hear your opinion, sir."

"If this were before the training camp, I might have let you play against him, but now he's made a name for himself. Rumors in Indiana say he beat the number one high school player in the nation. If even that bastard Michael says he's pretty good..."

"I'm not doubting your abilities, I just feel that it's not worth it for you to fight like this."

Even if you win, you'll still be the top scorer.

"If you lose, your score will likely drop."

"That kind of matchup would only do you harm, not benefit you. Considering that, I don't think there's any need for you to accept this joint training invitation."

Duncan looked at Bobby and nodded silently; in fact, he thought the same thing.

This won't do you any good.

Either way, I'm the one who loses.

But this invitation came from Stern, and he was a little taken aback.

I'm still a college student, after all.

They can't compare to that old geezer Stern who's been in charge of the league for so long.

"Don't worry about that old guy. Didn't he say it himself? It's just an invitation, he's not forcing you to do it."

"If he pressures you, I'll teach you a trick."

"Just say it directly then, that you actually think Boston is pretty good too," Lon Barbie said with a laugh. "That way, the old man will definitely agree; he doesn't want Auerbach to rise again."

Duncan was happy to hear that he didn't have to go.

I agreed immediately.

But actually, he had a strange feeling in his heart...

Before the draft.

It's best to avoid running into him.

Duncan studied psychology, so he had great faith in his own mind.

That's a very reasonable approach.

Anyway, Duncan felt there was no need for him to raise Duncan's value.

It is said that he beat Jordan, who wasn't taking it that seriously, at training camp.

Whether it's true or false.

What if I accidentally make a mistake...

That would be a huge loss.

With a sure-fire top pick already secured, why would they do something like this?

not see!

It's normal for psychologists to follow their hearts, right?

……

The news was released very quickly.

After all, many people in the United States make a living by relying on inside information.

Tim Duncan rejects David Stern's combine.

Duncan's agent, Babby, stated that there's no need to compete against someone who has never even played in the US; if he wants a duel, he should stay in the NBA.

Of course, the most outrageous rumor came from Bobby himself—"It's said that Duncan is starting to consider Boston; actually, I quite like lobster."

Stern could only shake his head at this sight.

He did indeed want to use Duncan to elevate Yao Ming's position, which would benefit him regardless of whether they won or lost.

Losing to Duncan is nothing. The whole league is tanking for him. Isn't it normal to lose to someone like that?

But if he wins or the game is intense, that's a good thing for Yao Ming.

Unfortunately, while he had a good plan, the other party wasn't stupid either.

We won't give them that chance.

Ugh.

They don't understand my good intentions. I'm doing this to open up the Eastern market and make money for the entire alliance.

None of them have a sense of the bigger picture.

Making money is the most important thing.

Don't you understand that making money is the most important thing?

A bunch of ungrateful wolves!

But there was nothing that could be done after complaining; Yao Ming had to make the decision himself. Even though he was the president, he couldn't really force others to do it.

In fact, Yao Ming's side was too lazy to do any more tryouts.

He would be interested if Duncan were to go.

It would be good to test Duncan's current level, after all, Duncan is a prime example of a rookie reaching his peak.

See where your current strength level is.

But what if Duncan doesn't go?

forget about it.

There were no newcomers among them who deserved my special attention.

This year is considered a big year for talent shows.

But the only ones truly worth noting are Duncan and his old teammate, McDaniel.

McGrady has already taken shape.

It's no use targeting him again.

Besides, I've been the top scorer before, and even if I can't be the top scorer, I'll be fine with any other number.

It all depends on which of you has good judgment.

……

And at that very moment.

The newly appointed general manager and head coach of a team is pushing open the door of his boss's office.

He slowly and deliberately stated his opinion.

"Are you sure you want...this guy? He's never played a single official game in the US, and judging by his age, he should only be 17 when the new season starts."

"That's too risky."

"Besides, are you sure you want to gamble on this young man since you just arrived? If the results aren't good, you know I won't be able to explain it to the fans, and then we'll have no choice but to..."

"Don't worry, I think he's great. I watched his training camp, and he's the piece of the puzzle I need."

"Alright, I've already said it. Since I'm letting you play, I'll do whatever you say. You're the general manager and head coach, so you can handle it yourself."

……

And right now, in Boston.

A man smoking a cigar listened to the report outside the door that Duncan intended to change his mind, and felt somewhat pleased, but...

The smile quickly disappeared.

He is not a fool.

On the contrary, this old man is very shrewd.

Based on recent news, Stern's desire for Duncan to participate in the Combine made him sense something was amiss.

This might just be a pretext for Duncan not to go.

If we can't get Duncan...

Is it possible to choose other people?

Duncan didn't even come for a tryout, which already gave Stern a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on, plus Stern often didn't play by the rules.

Just look at the various behind-the-scenes stories of the NBA draft.

He knew there were quite a few, and that... was definitely not some kind of gossip.

He glanced casually at the list.

Suddenly I saw an Asian person.

Then he fell into deep thought.

Furthermore, Hardaway and the Magic also made some mentions.

If we can win him over.

Hardaway thought he was a good partner.

After all, Hardaway was quickly eliminated in the first round of this year's playoffs.

He averaged over 30 points per game in this round, but it still wasn't enough.

In an instant... it reminded him of the advantages of a center.

People only learn to cherish what they have after they lose it. Now that he wants to cherish it, he hopes that God will give him another tall person.

Hadaway swore.

I'll definitely cherish this opportunity!

Laimbeer also spoke to the Pistons about his situation.

Even Jordan of the Bulls mentioned to Krause that if no one wanted this big Eastern player in the first round...

Our Bulls can sign him.

The alliance appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath.

Even though Yao Ming has indeed never played a single official basketball game in the United States.

I can't even find any data from the US.

Can……

The name Yao.

However, it has already secretly become the target of various teams.

Even...

The primary objective.

After all, everyone needs a backup plan.

If it's dark in the east, it's bright in the west.