Chapter 249: Big Draft

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At Chicago Bulls headquarters, owner Jerry Reinsdorf hung up the phone in disappointment.

Since meeting yesterday, he has been unable to contact Jordan today.

He knew Jordan was waiting for his final choice, and if he didn't announce the firing of Jerry Krause, he would no longer be able to contact Jordan.

Just then, the phone on the table rang.

"I am Reinsdorf."

"Mr. Reinsdorf, I am Philip Knight."

"Mr. Knight, do you have any news about Jordan?" Reinsdorf asked quickly.

"Sorry, I can't contact him now. Mr. Reinsdorf, you can no longer hesitate. I support Jordan's decision. It is necessary for the Bulls to change part of the management to win back Michael's heart. In order to express our Nike Sincerely, we will support the Bulls in rebuilding a championship lineup in the offseason." Philip Knight said seriously.

Reinsdorf's mind was running at high speed, weighing the pros and cons of things, and finally said: "This alone is not enough. Jerry Krause has built the lineup of the Bulls dynasty. His value is very great. You must show greater performance." sincerity."

"you mean?"

"If we want to build a championship lineup, it will definitely cost a lot, and we will definitely pay a high cost."

"Nike has made the decision to increase its sponsorship of the Bulls."

"Mr. Knight, I want to think about it again."

"Okay, please hurry up, I'm waiting for your news."

After hanging up the phone, Reinsdorf began to think about the issues of gain and loss, whether Jordan or Krause was more important.

But he only thought about it for three seconds and realized that this issue didn't seem worth considering.

In the hotel, Neil Grant did not return to New York with the team, but stayed in Chicago.

The Bulls collapsed and would definitely become a player supermarket. He wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and trade Kidd for Danny Fordson, who Jerry Krause wanted.

Now he is waiting for news on who the Bulls will choose.

noon,

The Bulls held a press conference and owner Jerry Reinsdorf officially announced the firing of general manager Jerry Krause.

Jerry Krause can be said to have made outstanding achievements in the Bulls, but his disagreements with Jordan and Phil Jackson led to mixed reputations. His dismissal was cheered by most Bulls fans.

"Great, we can keep Michael!"

"He should have gone away a long time ago. Management made the best decision."

"Phil Jackson should also be able to stay, right?"

"To be honest, I was a little disappointed with Jackson in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. We originally hoped to win, but we were stunned by the Knicks' broken tactics."

"It's because Ewing and Rodman are old. If they hadn't been beaten by the flying dragon, how could we have lost?"

Many fans waiting outside the press conference started talking excitedly.

I don’t know how the outside world reacted. After Neil Grant got the news, he immediately called the Bulls owner.

"trade?"

After receiving Grant's call, Jerry Reinsdorf, who had just left the press conference hall, smiled bitterly: "Mr. Grant, we haven't selected a new general manager yet. This matter cannot be carried out at the moment."

"Mr. Reinsdorf, the league is likely to shut down. If the Bulls rebuild, they must trade as soon as possible. Otherwise, once the shutdown occurs and the team does not complete the rebuilding, you are also likely to lose Jordan, because he is likely to be selected due to lineup reasons. Second retirement.”

Grant advised.

Jerry Reinsdorf was startled, and after thinking about it for a moment, he realized it was really possible.

After agreeing to meet in two hours, he hung up the phone.

Although he has not chosen a new general manager, he is already prepared. In order to appease Jordan and Phil Jackson, he is going to give Phil Jackson more power this time and let him concurrently serve as the general manager. This is what Jackson has always wanted. of.

An hour later, Jordan and Phil Jackson showed up at Bulls headquarters.

"Ah, Michael is back, he's back!"

"Oh my God, who do I see?"

A large number of fans outside the headquarters cried with joy and were extremely surprised after seeing Jordan.

"Michael, Phil, I'm really happy that you can come back." Jerry Reinsdorf said a little helplessly after seeing the two of them in the office.

"Jerry, I'm sorry, but I have to stand up for what I have to stand up for."

Jordan also said something apologetically, and then added: "Actually, last offseason, faced with the bewilderment of Jerry Krause, I lost my way and agreed to trade Scottie, and then agreed to trade again. Ewing, it’s been proven wrong now, so I can’t back down this time.”

"Well, it's all over and we're going to have a new beginning."

Jerry Reinsdorf nodded and said to Phil Jackson: "Phil, you will also serve as the new general manager. I hope you can build a championship lineup that satisfies Michael."

Phil Jackson was so surprised, this was such a surprise to him.

His goal has always been to become a person like the red coach, Pat Riley, and Popovich who combine the two positions of general manager and head coach, so he has always been unhappy with Krause, and now he has finally driven him away , achieved his goal.

"Congratulations, Phil." Jordan smiled.

"Thanks."

Phil Jackson said excitedly: "Michael, Jerry, I won't let you down, I will get to work right away."

Jerry Reinsdorf said: "Nike has contacted me and they will work with us in terms of building the lineup and we will have quite a few options."

"That's great." Phil Jackson said excitedly.

"Also, here's the contract, a head coaching contract, a general manager contract, look at it."

Jerry Reinsdorf took out two prepared contracts and handed them to Phil Jackson.

Phil Jackson happily took it and flipped through it briefly.

It was no more complicated than a player contract, and he quickly signed a big name.

"Michael, this is yours."

Jerry Reinsdorf handed over another contract and gave it to Jordan.

Jordan took it over and looked at it. One year, it was 34 million US dollars, which was 4 million US dollars more than last season. It was exactly 10%, the highest increase in Bird rights, and he nodded.

Nike also hopes that he will continue to stay in Chicago, which is his base camp. Chicago is also one of the largest football markets in the United States. Now that Jerry Krause has been kicked away, he is not dissatisfied.

Seeing Jordan nod, Jerry Reinsdorf breathed a sigh of relief and said to Phil Jackson: "Phil, I made an appointment with Knicks general manager Neil Grant... There are still twenty minutes left to talk to him. A trade, for Danny Fortson, for Jason Kidd, that's your first job."

"Trade Kidd?"

Phil Jackson immediately rejected the deal in his heart.

Jordan immediately said from the side: "This is not okay, I don't agree, Kidd can't be traded."

Jerry Reinsdorf laughed and said, "Just talk about it and you decide."

Phil Jackson smiled and said: "Rodman has decided to leave, but even if he stays, he is old. Fordson's rebounding ability is what we need. The trade still needs to be discussed, but we have to exchange chips, maybe Let Ewing go back?"

When Jordan and Jerry Reinsdorf heard this, they couldn't help shaking their heads and laughing.

Leaving Jerry Reinsdorf's office, the two went to Phil Jackson's head coach's office to discuss it.

"Michael, what are your thoughts on the lineup?"

"Inside, inside, we need to be strong inside."

When he thought of the memories of being knocked down by Zhao Dong again and again in the G4 game, Jordan's brain ached and his eyes turned red.

That should be the time when he was most embarrassed. He had never been so embarrassed in his life, and he had never been so embarrassed in front of the bad boy army back then.

Phil Jackson nodded and said: "Inside, you can attack and defend, and you can also open up. This kind of inside is best for you.

Also, do you think No. 3 Tracy McGrady needs to be traded? "

"This rookie's defense is okay, his offensive talent is also good, and he also has organizational talent like Pippen. We have been training him for a season. It is a pity to trade him. I estimate that after one more season, he will be almost there."

However, Jordan hesitated and said: "He is very fast and can definitely keep up with the flying dragon, but his tonnage is not enough. Since he mainly defends the flying dragon, he cannot guard against it.

Now he is 98kg, but gaining weight will slow him down. In addition, his spine... cannot be capable of strong confrontation with the flying dragon. "

"Have you forgotten the last rule of Feilong? He doesn't have to engage in strong confrontation with Feilong on the outside. Of course, he still has to gain weight. Once Feilong crosses the free throw line, there will inevitably be a strong confrontation, so your worry is justified. Then , why not trade him for Fordson?" Phil Jackson said.

"Can."

Jordan nodded immediately, but then said: "The reason why the Knicks traded Fordson is probably because he committed too many fouls, had a bad temper, and was difficult to control. Have you considered this issue?"

"You can make Rodman obey, but you can't control a rookie?" Phil Jackson laughed.

Jordan nodded, but he still had some doubts in his heart, because he knew that the Knicks' locker room was very stable. It could be seen that Feilong could also suppress Fordson, so the reason for the trade should still be the problem of too many fouls.

At this time, there was a knock on the door, and Neil Grant arrived as requested.

"Congratulations, Coach Jackson."

After learning that Phil Jackson was also the general manager, Grant extended a hand of friendship.

"Thanks."

"Michael, does this mean you're staying with the Bulls?" Grant asked.

"Yes."

Jordan raised the contract in his hand and said.

Next, the three began to discuss the transaction.

Kidd's trade was clearly rejected, and Phil Jackson offered McGrady as a bargaining chip in exchange for Danny Fortson.

Both were first-round picks in the same year, with McGrady ranked one spot lower and of similar value.

"I need to consider Feilong's opinion." Grant said.

"Doesn't he not interfere with management operations?" Jordan quipped.

"Yes, he does not interfere. But I hope to get his advice. Mutual respect is very important." Grant laughed.

After being scolded, the black-faced Jordan snorted coldly and was no longer interested in talking.

Grant left the office and dialed Zhao Dong's cell phone.

"Maddie?"

Zhao Dong began to consider this deal.

He has never wanted to trade future stars like Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant. Now that his scoring ability is getting stronger and stronger, the Knicks have no room for them to grow.

If McGrady is traded in, there is an 80% chance that McGrady will not grow into the scoring champion McGrady he later became, which would be a pity.

Instead of trading McGrady, it would be better to keep Fordson and continue to practice. He doesn't believe that Fordson can't change his bad habits of rebounding.

Or you can trade one or two outside fixed-point shooters. You need someone with strong stability. If you have a certain ability to cut inside and defend outside, that would be the best.

He remembered that Tracy McGrady was Adi's player and a person that Adi valued very much.

Kobe is also a member of Adidas, and his current contract is 6 years and 48 million. Later, when the Lakers played a dynasty in 2002, Kobe asked Adidas to renew his big contract. Adidas claimed that the contract extension could not exceed Tracy McGrady, and finally gave up on Kobe and gave it to Tracy McGrady. A lifetime contract.

Of course, this choice was the same as giving up Jordan, which was also extremely wrong, and was then picked up by Nike.

If McGrady is really brought in and fixed as a 3D player type, who doesn't give the ball or takes a shot, and is used as a basket leader, I'm afraid Adi will also be mad, right?

"Nair, judging from the complementarity of the lineup, what we need now are 3D role players. Although McGrady meets this condition, he is the tenth pick in the first round. Is it too extravagant to use him as a role player? "

"3d?"

"It's three-point + defense, a role player with long-range shooting ability and good at perimeter defense."

"Well, Feilong, what you said makes sense. Now we really need stable outside shooters and outside defense."

"This is just my personal idea, you can make your own decision."

Zhao Dong expressed his opinion to Grant, who said he would consider it and ended the call.

After hanging up the phone, Grant began to consider whether to trade McGrady.

He and Zhao Dong had different ideas. Zhao Dong was considering affecting Tracy McGrady's growth, which might cause some regrets, but he was simply considering that the current Tracy McGrady did meet the 3D conditions that Zhao Dong just mentioned.

Indeed, using a No. 10 pick in the first round as a 3D player is a bit too luxurious, especially using Danny Fortson, a rebounding monster, as a substitute.

With this in mind, he decided to abandon the deal.

"Don't want Tracy McGrady?" Phil Jackson was startled, but it didn't matter.

He also knows the potential of McGrady, and being able to get such a big rookie contract with the Heat also means that Pat Riley values ​​McGrady's potential. Now that the team has Nike's sponsorship support, it is also a good choice to keep McGrady in the Bulls for training. .

"Mr. Grant, are you still interested in Ewing?" he asked tentatively.

Jordan couldn't help but look at Grant, and then saw a black face.

"No." Grant said unhappily.

"Well, except for Kidd and Michael, you can choose anyone else on our team. We only want Fordson."

In order to get the next Rodman, Phil Jackson directly laid out the bottom line.

He is now going to start a cleanup plan, leaving only Kidd, Jordan, and Tracy McGrady as bargaining chips. With the support of Nike and Adidas, I believe he can easily rebuild a championship lineup.

"Sorry, except for Kidd, you don't have anyone I want." Grant looked down on the Bulls' fringe players.

In the evening, Zhao Dong called Liu Yumin.

"Hey, Zhao Dong, congratulations, you have reached the finals."

"Thank you, Director Liu."

Liu Yuming smiled and said: "Zhao Dong, the training base you built has been very useful. The General Administration is very satisfied and fully affirms your contribution.

Those training methods, concepts, and training equipment are very advanced. We did not have these things in our country before, and our training was very backward. Without exposure to these, many of our outstanding athletes suffered a lot of injuries. On behalf of the General Administration, I want to thank you. ! "

"It's just a little small and can't accommodate many people. I plan to expand it and increase the size." Zhao Dong said with a smile.

"Yes, the General Administration is also considering this issue." Liu Yumin said.

"By the way, Director Liu, how's Da Zhi's problem going? I've already signed him up. If the problem is solved, it's time for him to come over and the draft will be at the end of next month." Zhao Dong said.

"Oh, that's what I was about to say. The center has had many talks with the army, the CBA, and other parties, and the problem has finally been resolved." Liu Yumin said with a smile.

"That's great." Zhao Dong smiled.

That night, the G6 game of the Western Conference Finals began.

Oakley showed off his power and scored 39 points, defeating the Jazz. The two sides will decide the tiebreaker.

In the evening, Zhao Dong also contacted Da Zhi.

"Brother Dong?"

"Da Zhi, come over as soon as you're ready."

"Thank you, Brother Dong."

"Thank you for nothing. I have nothing to thank you for. Just come here and play hard."

"By the way, Brother Dong, if it comes to the draft, I will..."

"Don't worry, the Knicks' pick is at the end. If you haven't been picked earlier, the pick at the end of the round will be prepared for you." Zhao Dong said with a smile.

"Thank you, Brother Dong." Da Zhi said excitedly.

At noon that day, a group of national men's basketball players including Liu Yudong and Li Nan paid a farewell party in Beijing.

"Da Zhi, come on when you get there. Hu is an important substitute for the Knicks. You have to strive to go one step further and become the main force." Sun Jun said.

"That's really possible. In the G4G5 game of the Eastern Conference Finals, the two inside players that the Knicks often start in the regular season didn't play much. Their offensive ability is very weak and they are likely to be abandoned. They may even have a chance to become the main force." Shan Tao road.

"In this year's World Championships, we will strive to make another step forward." Liu Yudong said suddenly.

Everyone was startled. If they go further, they will have to be at least seventh in the world, which means they have to win in the first round of the knockout rounds. Although Zhao Dong is there, it also depends on luck. If they encounter the strongest countries, they will have no chance at all. .

Time enters June.

On the 1st, the league's labor negotiations broke down again, and the risk of a lockout is increasing.

Starting in March, after the All-Star Game, labor negotiations began, and both sides refused to back down and reached a deadlock.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, Zhao Dong, Dayao and Hu Weidong went to the airport.

At half past one, we landed at New York International Airport.

After a year of the most professional training and a professional nutritious diet, I have become a different person compared to last year. I have become a lot stronger, but I have not become very strong.

Zhao Dong's vision for Da Zhi is the same as that of Dayao. The two of them are originally skilled players, and he also wants to make them into skilled centers, the same type as Dameng.

Therefore, Da Zhi has not gained weight. He currently weighs 115 kilograms. Like Zhao Dong, he performs strength training to reduce fat and gain muscle. It can increase resistance and strength without increasing tonnage without affecting his physical fitness. Mobility.

In addition, there are some speed training, especially parallel movement training, which increased Da Zhi's lateral speed and increased his ability to assist defense.

On the offensive side, this year we have been training on shot stability during confrontation.

This season, DaZhi's strength has improved greatly, he won the CBA MVP honor, and led the Bayi team to win the CBA championship.