Chapter 425: 7 Champions, Switch to NFL

On March 18, 2002, Zhao Dong came to New York to participate in the 2002 Nike International Training Camp.

In fact, although it is an international training camp, there is only one training player from outside the United States, and he is Kong Yiyi from China.

"I'll call you Ah Lian."

At the hotel, he met Yi Jianlian in advance.

"Brother Dong."

Yi Jianlian was excited.

After watching Zhao Dong's first game, he became Zhao Dong's biggest fan. It was so exciting to see him in person.

Zhao Dong has already arranged for Ah Lian to go to Duke University like Dayao and enroll in May.

He has changed Ah Lian's birth date through Liu Yumin. It was October 1984, and he is now seventeen and a half years old, the same age as Yao Yao when he came to the United States.

It was his parents who accompanied Ah Lian to the United States.

Ah Lian's parents were both members of the Guangdong handball team. When the handball team was disbanded in 1986, the two of them went to work at the Shenzhen post office. They came here on leave this time and had to go back afterward.

Zhao Dong had a meal with the Ah Lian family and talked about some topics that should be paid attention to in the United States.

Ah Lian's athletic quality is undoubtedly the best in the country. From now on, he will receive the best professional training and his plasticity is very strong. He believes that after a few years of training in the NCAA, Ah Lian's career will be better in the future.

This year's training camp attracted a lot of NBA scouts.

The reason is simple. There are many potential rookies this year, such as James LeBron, the No. 1 high school student in the country, as well as Carmelo Anthony, Nene, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Enwyd, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, etc., are all draft favorites in the next few years.

These college students or high school students have been in the sight of countless fans basically since junior high school. Their first games were recorded by these fans, and the stack of information on each of them exceeds two feet.

"You know, Feilong is coming today." Baby-faced Chris Paul shouted in the crowd at the training camp.

"Everyone knows, the media has reported it." James LeBron said.

"Hey, LeBron, tell me honestly, how old are you?" Paul asked curiously.

"Chris, tell me honestly, how old are you?" James LeBron said unhappily.

"Hey, Chris."

At this time Wade squeezed over and patted Chris Paul on the head.

"Don't touch my head, take your hand away." Chris pushed Wade's hand away angrily.

He doesn't like anyone touching his head. It makes him look like a child. He has a baby face, which is really annoying.

Wade smiled awkwardly.

"Hey, look, the flying dragon is coming." Someone shouted at this time.

As soon as Zhao Dong showed up, he was surrounded by some media. After dismissing the media, rookie players participating in the training camp surrounded him again.

He took a look and saw that many future superstars and even superstars were familiar faces.

Seeing these future superstars looking at him with admiration, a sense of vanity arose spontaneously.

"Feilong, I want to challenge you." The bold Chris Paul suddenly shouted.

"oh!"

Other rookies, the media, and scouts couldn't help but exclaimed.

Zhao Dong smiled and walked to Paul.

Paul couldn't help but take a step back, but he stood back immediately, unwilling to give up.

"How old are you?" Zhao Dong asked.

"Haha..." Everyone present laughed.

Paul was a little annoyed and angry, but he didn't dare to be too presumptuous in front of Zhao Dong, so he could only say honestly: "I was born in May 1985, and I will be 17 years old soon."

Zhao Dong raised his hand and touched Paul's head. His movements were too fast and his arms were long. The latter gave way but did not move away and was held down.

"Are you 175 centimeters tall?" Zhao Dong asked curiously.

"I'm 178 centimeters now." Paul, who was being held down by Zhao Dong, said angrily.

He struggled hard and managed to get out of Zhao Dong's clutches, but he didn't dare to get angry like he did with Wade, so he had to sulk on his own.

"How are you practicing your breakthrough skills?" Zhao Dong asked again.

When asked about this, Paul perked up and said as if he was offering a treasure: "Feilong, I have been learning your rhythm control technique when breaking through with the ball for several years. Now it is very good. There is no one I can't break through. I have a great ability to escape.”

Zhao Dong was startled. Well, his breakthrough with the ball was Paul's technique. Did he learn it again?

At this time, someone was slowly approaching from behind. Zhao Dong saw that it was James LeBron.

King James of this era actually looks the same as he did twenty years later. Anyway, his biggest advantage is that he doesn’t look old very much. He will probably look like this fifty years from now. He is a typical youthful person. Of course, the downside is that I never get any younger.

"Hey, Fei Long."

James LeBlanc saw Zhao Dong turning to look at him and shouted quickly.

"He is James LeBron, who is still in his senior year of high school. He is a rough guy who always walks around when dribbling. He only dunks with one hand." Paul immediately shouted.

"Who's the rough guy? Who's walking?"

James LeBron jumped up, furious, and looked like he was going to fight with Paul.

Zhao Dong laughed out loud.

After a few hours at training camp, he left.

Agent Ringo Wells followed Yi Jianlian, and the next affairs of the Arab League were left to him. When the Arab League enters the NBA, he will also sign under him.

Time passed quickly. On June 21, 2002, Zhao Dong led his team to defeat the Nets again in the finals, winning his second championship with the Trail Blazers and his sixth championship.

He has decided to win a dynasty with the Trail Blazers before leaving the NBA, so he will continue to play in the NBA in the next year.

The 0203 season started at the end of October 2002. Not long after the start, SARS broke out in China.

This alarming epidemic lasted for the entire season. In May, the epidemic in BJ and Hong Kong reached its worst point, and Zhao Dong once again led the team to eliminate the Lakers and reach the finals.

He had to make several phone calls to his family every day, repeatedly telling his mother to take good care of the old man and his wife, and to ask the two elders to stay in the yard and not go out.

In mid-June, Zhao Dong once again led his team to defeat the Nets, winning his seventh championship for seven consecutive years and establishing a great dynasty for the Trail Blazers.

Back in Portland, management organized a grand parade to celebrate, which lasted for three full days.

"Linge, please inform the management."

On June 20, 2003, Zhao Dong informed Ringo Wells of his decision.

"Do you really want to retire?"

Wells had known Zhao Dong's thoughts for a long time, but now he couldn't help but be very disappointed.

Zhao Dong has just turned 26. This is his peak period. It is too early to retire now. He can at least dominate the NBA for five to eight years, and even dominate an era.

"Haha, if I keep fighting, there won't be any challenge anymore. Wouldn't it be better to go to a new place to continue the next challenge?" Zhao Dong said with a smile.

Wells smiled bitterly and said: "But if you go to play in the NFL, let's not talk about how well you play. Even if you play well, you are not guaranteed to win the championship, right?"

Nodding, Zhao Dong smiled and said: "Of course, the NFL is very different from the NBA. The NBA can play one against five, but the NFL can't. It is a real team sport. If there is a weakness in any position, or even a little bit of luck, you can't win. To the championship.”

"Wouldn't you face a lot of failures? You are the undefeated overlord in the NBA." Wells sighed.

Zhao Dong shook his head and said: "Being undefeated is actually the most unpleasant thing, it's lonely!"

Wells opened his mouth, smiled bitterly and shook his head. He really couldn't understand Zhao Dong's thoughts.

He has never met someone like Zhao Dong. When Jordan retired for the first time to play baseball, it was actually a helpless move, but now Zhao Dong really wants to play rugby.

"What?"

After hearing what Wells said, Zhao Dong was going to change his career to play in the NFL. The Blazers' general manager, Wittester, was simply shocked. It was a bolt from the blue!

Boss Paul Allen was also shocked when he learned the news.

But they couldn't change Zhao Dong's decision. In this case, and the Blazers had already established a dynasty, they had no choice but to let him go.

Zhao Dong still has two years of contract worth up to 69 million US dollars. Paul Allen generously stated that he will continue to pay Zhao Dong's salary, even if he occupies a spot on the team.

However, Zhao Dong would definitely not take this advantage. After Allen's repeated requests, he repeatedly refused and terminated his contract with the Trail Blazers.

On the 21st, after the two parties negotiated, the management notified the league.

"..."

After David Stern learned the news, he felt bad and didn't speak for a long time.

But in the end, it was strange that he didn't say anything to persuade Zhao Dong to stay.

In fact, it's very simple. After Zhao Dong entered the league in 1996, his performance was too unparalleled. The championship never fell to him. He won seven consecutive championships. This has actually seriously affected the balance.

Of course, if Zhao Dong himself does not leave, he will continue to use it as the facade of the alliance, because the benefits brought by Zhao Dong are very large.

But now that Zhao Dong was leaving, he didn't want to keep him, and he felt very complicated.

On the 22nd, the Trail Blazers announced through the media that the team and Zhao Dong will hold a press conference at 12 noon on the 24th at the Portland Hilton Hotel. Zhao Dong will announce a very important matter.

After completing the broadcasting task for a season, Zhang Lili and others are also preparing to return to China. They have arrived in Los Angeles and are preparing to set off from here for tomorrow's air tickets.

In the hotel, Yang Yi suddenly received news that Zhao Dong and the Blazers were preparing to hold a press conference, and immediately discussed it with Su Qun and the others.

"Director Zhang, Su Qun, Zheng'erbajing held a press conference. I wonder what it is about? Do we want to go and have a look?" Yang Yi asked.

"We have bought all the opportunities. Let's make a call and ask Zhao Dong first." Zhang Liyi said.

"Okay, you can ask Guidance Zhang." Yang Yi said quickly.

Zhang Lili nodded with a smile and immediately dialed Zhao Dong's number. The call was answered quickly and the call was connected after three rings.

"Director Zhang, haven't you gotten on the plane yet?"

Of course they knew Zhao Dong and Zhang Lili very well and knew they were leaving.

"Zhao Dong, are you holding a press conference for something important?" Zhang Lili said quickly.

"Oh, yes, I'm ready to retire." Zhao Dong said.

"Oh, retire!"

Zhang Liji nodded without reacting. As soon as the words came out, he suddenly froze and shouted at a louder voice: "Retire? You, who, who retires?"

Seeing Zhang Lili stuttering in surprise, Su Qun and Yang Yi were also stunned, not knowing what was going on.

"Yes, I am retiring. Coach Zhang, I have achieved all the honors and achievements I want in the NBA. I have no interest in continuing to play here. I want to go to another sport."

Except for his family and manager Wells, Zhao Dong's retirement has never been revealed. Zhang Lili and the others didn't know about it at all. Surprise was inevitable, so Zhao Dong immediately explained it.

"Playing in the NFL?" Zhang Lili was dumbfounded, looked at Su Qun and the others, and said, "Zhao Dong is going to retire from the NBA and switch careers to play in the NFL?"

"..."

Su Qun and others were confused and looked at each other in bewilderment. Their minds could not react at all and could not turn away. Everyone fell completely silent and did not know what to say.

Zhang Lili chatted with Zhao Dong for another long time before hanging up the phone.

"He asked us not to attend this press conference. I just said that on the phone, but I think we still have to stay. If he really goes to the NFL, our station will definitely follow up and report it. In this way, I will first talk to the station Get in touch." Zhang Lili said.

On the 24th, many media reporters rushed to Portland.

Except for CCTV Zhang Liji and others, other media reporters have not heard any news and do not know what will be announced at this press conference. However, regarding Zhao Dong’s press conference, coupled with Lindsay’s background in the world’s financial world, the media coming here are very Many major media outlets in the United States have arrived, as well as major media outlets from other countries, not just media from the sports world.

After Zhang Lili and the others asked for instructions from their superiors, they also stayed and rushed to Portland, preparing to follow up on the news.

Even the sports department of CCTV has been meeting to discuss NFL issues in the past two days. If Zhao Dong really goes to the NFL, given his status in the international sports community and his influence in the domestic sports community, CCTV may consider broadcasting NFL games.

"Everyone, I hereby officially announce that I will retire from the NBA."

At noon, Zhao Dong arrived at the press conference. Looking at the crowded reporters, he announced a piece of news that made all the reporters stunned.

"What?"

"Did I hear wrong?"

"Feilong, are you kidding?"

"That's not funny."

After the reporters reacted, the entire press conference hall was in chaos and noisy.

"Playing for real."

"Next year is the Olympic year, what should the men's basketball team do?"

"I just retired from the NBA, so I should be able to play for the national team, right?"

In the front row, Zhang Lili and others occupied the best seats. When Zhao Dong revealed the news of his retirement in front of so many reporters, a few people truly believed it and whispered about some issues they were concerned about.

After the scene calmed down, Zhao Dong continued: "You heard me right, and I'm not kidding. I will retire from the NBA and leave the sport of basketball."

"Why?"

A reporter from a local sports newspaper shouted excitedly below.

Zhao Dong smiled and said: "It's very simple. In the seven seasons since I entered the league, I have not encountered a failure. I am tired of winning and can no longer feel the fun of this sport. I can't feel the challenge from here. I want to leave here and challenge another sport, I need a new start."

Next, he was bombarded with countless questions from reporters.

"Feilong, after leaving basketball..."

After asking for a long time, some media finally asked about the next sport that Zhao Dong wants to engage in.

"NFL, I will enter this league." Zhao Dong replied.

"According to the information, you practiced rugby for a period of time in college, but your level was not very good. You failed to join the school rugby team. Do you have confidence in this sport now?" asked a New York reporter.

Zhao Dong laughed several times and said: "Your information is very accurate. The first school team I applied for was indeed the football team. Unfortunately, they didn't take a fancy to me and thought my quality was not good, so I joined the basketball team." .

If I had time during those two years, I also practiced rugby skills. It was just a hobby, but my technical level was really not that good.

But now my physical fitness is pretty good, which will give me greater confidence that I can have a chance to play in the NFL. "

"So, you have contacted the team, is it the New York Jets?" the reporter asked.

"Yes, I did contact the Jets. When I sold the team, I made an agreement with them that one day I would retire from the NBA and they would give me a chance to join them, and they agreed." Zhao Dong smiled.

"Do you have any career goals for your NFL career?" a reporter asked.

"The first goal is to get a chance to play. Of course I also want to win the Super Bowl, which is an incredible goal for me now. I have said that giving up the NBA and going to the NFL is a new challenge, and I may fail. , became one of the countless marginalized players in the NFL, but I am looking forward to a new beginning." Zhao Dongdao.

"So which position do you want to play? Defense, offense or special teams?" another reporter asked loudly.

"My skills are average. I will conduct demonstrations and analysis with the coaching staff in the offseason, and then determine my position. After that, I will strengthen relevant technical training. Of course, I should be a substitute first, and strive for opportunities to play. What I have to do first, I said." Zhao Dong smiled.

"With your status, it should be easy to be a main force, right?" the reporter said.

"No, I will not use other identities and powers to help my competition on the team. That would be unfair to others and lose the challenge for me. If I want to do that, why should I leave the NBA? ?”

Zhao Dong finally emphasized: "I just need a level playing field."

As soon as the press conference ended, the news of Zhao Dong's retirement from the NBA spread from the scene and quickly spread to the world.

Regardless of how the media reacted, the NBA immediately exploded.