Pick Westbrook

Chapter 128 This Is Curry's Tactic
9 month 15 day.

Bucks makeup photos and press conference for the new season.

At the press conference, a reporter took the lead in saying: "This season you used the No. 5 pick traded from the Kings to select Stephen Curry. This is a player who has been questioned in the NCAA, and it is obvious that his body Not ready for the NBA yet.

How do the Bucks plan to use this player going forward?After all, you already have Westbrook, George Hill and Dragic on your team. "

Tyronn Lue and Marshall who attended the press conference also had the same doubts.

Because the team has not officially practiced and practiced tactics, the two are also very curious about how Li Lai will use Curry in the new season.

Li Lai did not answer directly, but looked at the reporter and said seriously: "I am very grateful to those who questioned Curry, because of their existence, I will choose this future top [-] player in the NBA.

Remember, it is the top fifteen players in the entire history of the NBA! "

Ah!
The crowd was in an uproar, and even Tyronn Lue and Marshall were shocked. Li Lai's evaluation of Curry was even higher than when he evaluated Westbrook.

It's just that after the uproar, these reporters quickly looked at Li Lai with the eyes of a mentally retarded person.

If it is said that James in Cleveland can become a top fifteen player in the future, they may believe it, but Curry who looks like a primary school student?These reporters never thought he had such energy in him.

The player tunnel behind the press conference.

Curry gritted his teeth looking at Li Lai's back.

"You are the second person in the world who has such evaluation and confidence in me. The last person is my father."

After finishing this question, the reporters continued to talk about other issues about the new season.

"ESPN has given the team strength prediction rankings for the new season, the Lakers ranked first, the Celtics ranked second, and the Bucks ranked eighth.

Compared with the second-to-last ranking in the league given by ESPN last season, the Bucks seem to be very optimistic this season. "

In fact, it's not just ESPN's prediction. After the Bucks successively won O'Neal, Rasheed Wallace, and Iverson in the free market, most NBA commentators believe that the Bucks have made up for last season. The biggest shortcoming.

You must know that they had three junk contracts in the team last season, and the entire team only had a roster of 12 people, which means that the Bucks only had 9 players who could play last season.

And this season, the Bucks' roster has been expanded to 14 players, and many veterans with excellent strength and experience have been filled in, especially Rasheed Wallace. His joining will greatly increase the inside of the Bucks. strength.

This signing is also considered by ESPN to be the most perfect operation for the Bucks in this offseason.

Li Lai said with a smile: "ESPN predicted that we were 29th in the league's strength list last season. As a result, we made it to the playoffs and the Eastern Conference semifinals, and we also ranked 10th in the league in terms of regular season record."

"This time ESPN once again predicts that we are No. 8 in the league's strength list, so we may become No. 1 in the league's regular season record."

The reporters at the scene were amused by Li's humor. Even if your Bucks have improved and can beat ESPN in the face, isn't it a bit too exaggerated to have the first record in the regular season?

After all, the Lakers and Celtics are two big mountains in the east and west. With these two teams, it is not easy to get the first record in the league.

These reporters naturally knew that Li Lai was joking with them, so another reporter asked curiously: "What is the goal of the Bucks in the new season?"

Tyronn Lu and Marshall looked at Li Lai at the same time.

Marshall was full of confidence and thought in his heart: The goal of the Bucks this season must be the Eastern Conference semifinals. After all, we made it last season.

Tyronn Lue also thought in his heart: Coach, you have to be tougher at this time, at least our goal is the Eastern Conference finals, otherwise it will be the Eastern Conference semifinals. These reporters will definitely be on the headlines of the newspaper the next day wrote that the Bucks intend to muddle along, and their goal this year is the Eastern Conference semifinals again.

Under the curious eyes of countless reporters in front of him, Li Lai remembered the old man on the shore of Lake Michigan and the poster he showed when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Big O won the championship, so he stood up and put the microphone in front of him. Take it out and put it in your hand.

He said.

"The Bucks Championship!"

Oh~
Tyronn Lue and Marshall both opened their mouths wide and bounced off the bench directly, which was pretending.

Bucks training facility.

14 players have arrived.

Reggie Miller accompanied the players in warm-up training, and Iverson and Rasheed Wallace were also actively doing stretching training.

O'Neal was the only one chatting with Reggie Miller on the sidelines.

Li took a look at O'Neill's figure, frowned and shook his head.

Tyronn Lue explained: "We have conducted physical tests on the players to determine whether they were out of shape during the off-season. From the results, most of the players kept their bodies in good shape, with the exception of O'Neal.

He now weighs 170kg! "

what!
Li Lai, who heard this data, looked at Tyronn Lu with a shocked expression.

When he first entered the league, O'Neal was only 125kg. At that time, the opponent's body looked like an admiral, with both strength and good speed in the center. When it came to the Lakers, O'Neal's body weighed up to 154kg. But fortunately, under this size, O'Neal still has good explosive power, and he becomes more aggressive due to the increased tonnage when playing low backs.

But now it is 170kg!

Li Lai never believed how explosive O'Neal could be at this weight, and whether he could even help the team on the court was a big question.

Seeing Li Lai come to the training ground, O'Neal also thought of the head coach who sent himself to the free throw line at the beginning of the game last season.

And this season, almost no team in the league is willing to take him, and the Suns are also distressed about how to send him away. It was Li Lai who gave him great respect and traded him to the Bucks, so O'Neal was very friendly. Go to Li Lai.

"Yo yo yo, this handsome boy is mine, head coach. His face doesn't look very good. Is it the girl from last night with too small breasts?"

O'Neill rapped sharply while walking, and at the same time sang and danced and raised his hands to show off his big chest muscles to Li Lai.

The other members of the Bucks looked over at this time. No one in the entire team dared to joke with Li Lai like this in normal times. After all, Morris Williams, the third leader of the team last season, was a bloody lesson.

Li Lai raised his eyebrows and looked at O'Neill.

Tyronn Lue and Marshall are ready to go up to persuade the fight.

It's just that in the next picture, Li Lai also raised his hands to show off his not-so-abundant big chest muscles, and then Rap said: "You big shark, you are about to become a square, what are you playing, go home and plant Dish, Bucks goal, glamor shines, the champions are us, yay! The battle has begun, shame on you! O'Neal dragged his feet."

Ok? !

O'Neal put down his hand, looked at Li Lai with a dazed look on his face, and said, "The Bucks' goal for the new season is to win the championship?"

Tai Lue and Marshall nodded affirmatively, confirming the result.

O'Neal quickly waved his hand and said, "How is this possible? The Bucks don't have the strength yet. It will take at least two or three years. When these rookies fully grow, they may still have the hope of winning the championship."

Li Lai did not explain. Iverson and Rasheed Wallace on the side glanced at O'Neal, and then continued stretching training on their own, and prepared for the next shooting training.

The other players of the Bucks have also returned to training, and they will follow the lead of Li Lai's goal.

O'Neal finally calmed down his idle mood. He found that everyone in the Bucks except him seemed to know that their goal this season was to win the championship.

He still said in disbelief: "That's winning the championship, it's impossible!"

Reggie Miller came over at this time and said: "Last year, I didn't believe that the Bucks would make the playoffs and play 6 games against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Shaq, this is a different team." team."

Li Lai also patted O'Neal on the stomach at this time and said: "Shaq, you are a legendary star in the NBA and the most destructive center in the history of the NBA. I am willing to spend 2000 million US dollars to keep you in the Bucks." Team retirement, if you are going to retire this season, the Bucks will also perform for you throughout the season."

"However, our goal is still the championship. If you want to contribute to the team, you must first control your weight below 160kg. When you reach this standard, I will let you play. "

Li Lai's words not only gave O'Neal full respect, but also once again confirmed the Bucks' goals for the new season.

He originally won O'Neal because he hoped that the opponent could become the largest inside protection barrier for the Bucks' bench during the rotation time. Even when encountering the super centers in the league, O'Neal can still play a very important role.

But judging from O'Neill's current size, he is simply here to complete the last big contract of his career!

Li Lai didn't let things stay in this place, because the Bucks team practiced late compared to last season, so he had to start rehearsing tactics immediately and let the players get through as soon as possible.

Group A: point guard Westbrook, shooting guard Curry, small forward Artest, power forward Villanueva and center Yi Jianlian.

Group B: point guard Dragic, shooting guard Iverson, small forward Danny Green, power forward Rasheed Wallace and center Elson.

Intra-team rivalry.

Group A is coached by Li Lai, and Group B is coached by Tyron Lu.

Reggie Miller invited O'Neal, who hadn't recovered, to watch from the sidelines.

He said: "After watching this game, maybe you understand the difference between the Bucks and other teams."

Game start.

Yi Jianlian jumped high and successfully jumped off the first wave of possession.

This jump also caught Li Lai's attention, because Yi Jianlian's jump was obviously better than last season.

Westbrook attacked with the ball, and then signaled Yi Jianlian to mention the high pick-and-roll, which was a tactic they often played last season.

In order to take care of rookie Curry, Artest yelled a reminder at this time: "Pay attention to the bottom line, those two guys are easily double-teamed in the pick-and-roll, your task is to find open receiving spots, and then hit those damned Three points!"

Curry nodded, but he already knew that the boss of the Bucks was not Westbrook with more potential and strength, but this ruthless man with fists as big as sandbags.

Curry, who has a very high basketball IQ, quickly understood the key points of the Bucks' offensive tactics.

In the high pick-and-roll, two offensive points, Yi Jianlian and Westbrook, will appear at the same time.

If the opponent chooses to substitute for defense, then Westbrook will execute a small attack, or Yi Jianlian will directly pull to a super long three-pointer for a long-range shot.

If the opponent doesn't choose to switch to defend, then the only way is to squeeze through the pick-and-roll in advance, but this defense is very risky. Except for those players with extremely strong defense in the league or teams with extremely strong overall defense, no one dares to defend like this!

Because once the defense is not in place or fails to squeeze through early, then the punishment for them is Westbrook's dunk directly into the basket.

In other words, no matter whether the defense is replaced or not, the opponent's tactic of defending the Bucks' outside pick-and-roll is extremely annoying, so they have to use double-team tactics.

At this time, Curry and Villanueva have to make sure to find open spots after double-teaming and hit those three-pointers.

"It's easy for me!"

Curry is very confident.

And Dragic, who is very familiar with his own tactics, shouted decisively after seeing this tactic: "Teaming!"

He's not the kind of player who can squeeze through the pick-and-roll early or defend tough alone.

The honest Danny Green stepped forward decisively to double-team, Artest cut into the basket and prepared to dunk, and the experienced Iverson hurried back to the basket.

"Curry has a chance!"

O'Neal on the sidelines also said with full experience.

However, in his opinion, there is nothing wrong with Iverson's defensive choice, because in this year's game, defending the inside is more important than defending the outside.

Westbrook made a decisive pass.

After Curry received the ball firmly, he threw the ball directly into the sky.

O'Neill was dumbfounded. This shooting posture is really not standard. If it were him, he could throw it like this.

Reggie Miller smiled wryly at the side. Although Curry's shooting posture is indeed not standard, it is accurate!

He saw Curry and Dragic's three-point competition with his own eyes. The other party was beaten by Curry and had no power to fight back. Moreover, this guy invited everyone from the Bucks to compete for three-pointers. In the end, no one is his opponent.

The only one who lost the least was Andre Ingram, but he also lost 6 goals.

And Reggie Miller also found that although Curry's shooting posture is not standard, it is very fast.

Swish!
Three point hit.

on the field.

After making a three-pointer, Curry gritted his teeth and raised his hand, then patted his chest and said, "I'll shoot a three-pointer, so don't worry!"

"Good job!"

Westbrook also high-fived his new teammate.

But Li Lai shook his head off the court and said, "It's too late."

Marshall, who was taking notes, raised his head and asked in great perplexity, "Coach, why are you slow?"

Li Lai said: "Curry's shooting speed is slow."

Marshall pursed his lips and said, "Coach, his shooting speed is fast enough. I'm afraid there is no player in the Bucks who can shoot as fast as him."

Li Lai did not explain.

He would like to say that Curry's rapid shooting is the most unique existence in the league in the future, which is why many players are willing to learn Klay Thompson's shooting movements, but they will never learn Curry's shooting movements.

Because you can't learn.

Few people can make such a quick shot and still maintain a very high hit rate.

This is talent.

To switch the offense, Tyronn Lue also let Group B play the tactics that the team often played last season. Dragic dribbled through to attract double-teams, and then spread the tactics outside.

This tactic of last season was naturally to help Iverson and Rasheed Wallace get familiar with the Bucks' offensive system in advance.

It's just that, because Westbrook's strength has soared this year's off-season, and his defensive level has also risen to a new level, Dragic didn't even pass the opponent after breaking through fake moves to find pick-and-rolls.

Seeing that time was running out, Iverson took the initiative to pull the ball beyond the three-point line to signal a singles.

Curry rushed to the three-point line and followed Iverson closely.

A rookie who just entered the NBA, on the first day of team training, he had to defend the former four major shooting guard Iverson alone, and Curry was about to cry.

Iverson lowered his center of gravity, passed Curry directly with a simple cross step, and then made a mid-range shot.

Marshall frowned and said: "Coach, Curry's defense is indeed a big problem."

"Although he played shooting guard most of the time in college, if he still plays like this in the NBA, I am afraid that he will be directly smashed into the sieve by those famous shooting guards in the league."

Li Lai thought for a while calmly.

It's no shame for Curry to be beaten by Iverson. After all, breakthroughs are something engraved in Iverson's bones. Even if Kobe is allowed to defend Iverson alone, he may not be able to defend all of them.

But Iverson broke through so easily, and Curry's defense is indeed a bit eye-catching.

Marshall is still proposing to put Curry on the bench, just like Dragic, who is also strong in offense and defense, so that the Bucks' bench offensive firepower is likely to be the best in the league.

But Li Lai still shook his head and rejected the proposal.

Because Curry still has many advantages that they haven't discovered, this will also become the most unsolvable killer on the court, so it is impossible for Li Lai to put Curry on the bench anyway.

"Only Curry, who is the starter, can truly be the most powerful in the league."

Team training continues.

Yi Jianlian hit a super long three-pointer, Artest succeeded in stealing chickens from the basket, and the players in Group A showed their strength one after another.

"Good job!"

"All cheer up!"

The encouragement from Li Lai on the sidelines and the encouragement from the players on the court continued.

On the other hand, Group B has now completely turned into a singles session between Iverson and Rasheed Wallace.

Because of Westbrook's sudden improvement in defensive strength, Dragic played very uncomfortable on the court. In the end, Iverson could only target Curry's defensive weakness and play infinite singles.

And Rasheed Wallace's post-up singles also made Li Lai's eyes shine.

Li Lai always thought that O'Neal should be the most capable post-up player in the Bucks. Originally, he planned to let the opponent guide Yi Jianlian's low-post skills, but now that he saw Rashid's low-post post-up skills, Li Lai Decisively gave up this idea.

"O'Neal's back is too rough. If you want to play like him, a strong body is the foundation. With Yi Jianlian's physical condition, Rashid's back is the most suitable for him."

In the end, Group A won the game 90:60 without any surprise.

Marshall compiled the data and details of the entire game together.

A组：威斯特布鲁克18分10篮板12助攻3抢断，库里22分3篮板3助攻，特别注明三分9中6，易键联25分7篮板，阿泰斯特8分8篮板2抢断1盖帽。

B组：德拉季奇4分3篮板5助攻，艾佛森20分4篮板3助攻，拉希德华莱士18分10篮板1抢断1盖帽。

Tyronn Lue gave his experience in coaching Group B.

"Danny Green is still too bad, can't make three-pointers, can't defend, he is almost a side effect on the court."

"Besides that, Iverson and Rasheed Wallace are two veterans who are quite good."

"Iverson is good at offense, but he doesn't need to be transferred to the starting position in the new season. This will put him under great defensive pressure, allowing him to let go of the offense on the bench, and it may have a miraculous effect."

"As for Rasheed Wallace, I think he's good enough to be a starter."

Li Lai nodded. He is also very satisfied with Rasheed's performance in the team. The arrival of this veteran has indeed filled the Bucks' weak inside defensive strength. No wonder he was selected by ESPN as the Bucks of the Year The most perfect operation.

Li Lai asked, "How is Danny Green's recent training?"

On this point, Marshall said very sincerely: "Very hard!"

Li Lai nodded and said, "Then he won my rotation. Be patient with him. He will definitely be of great use in key games."

After the team game, Westbrook arrogantly spat trash at the players in Group B, even if they were teammates, he had to spam. This is Westbrook's long-standing habit.

Seeing that the atmosphere in the team was so harmonious, Curry also arrogantly shook his shoulders at Dragic.

"Hold!"

Dragic chased Curry around the court for several laps.

And Elson also sprayed back at Westbrook without any weakness, "Let's fight again tomorrow!"

O'Neal watched the Bucks' entire team confrontation training.

To be honest, the Bucks' offensive tactical system really shocked him.

The pick-and-roll cooperation led by Westbrook and Yi Jianlian was extremely unsolvable. More importantly, he obviously found that Li Lai was still trying to get some new tactics.

Of course, these are not the real reasons that shocked O'Neal, but the way of getting along with the players in the team, which can be called unity or the feelings of these players.

Even the newly joined Curry quickly integrated into the team atmosphere.

O'Neal remembered the year when the F4 team was combined. If there was such an atmosphere in the Lakers at that time, how could the Lakers lose!

Reggie Miller said: "Let's go, Shaq, and watch the next game tomorrow."

At this time, O'Neill seemed to have made up his mind, walked up to Li Lai and said, "Coach, can I also participate in the team's match?"

Li Lai nodded and said: "Of course, I originally planned to let you play in the next game to familiarize yourself with the Bucks' tactics, but my request is still the same. If you can't lose weight, I will never let you go." Playing in the regular season."

O'Neill admires Li Lai's courage. After all, he is also a famous superstar in the NBA. He used to be No.1 in the league, and the other party dared to talk to him like that.

"Don't worry, I remember your rules."

Li looked at O'Neal, who was like a mountain in front of him, and exhaled suddenly. After all, the one standing in front of him was his favorite center player in his previous life, so he said suddenly.

"Shaq, Kobe has won his fourth championship ring."

O'Neal nodded and said, "I know the coach. Now all the media are saying that even without Shaq, Kobe can win the championship."

Li Lai shook his head and said, "Shaq, you should know that this is not what Kobe wants."

O'Neill was startled, but didn't react.

Li Lai stretched out four fingers and placed them in front of O'Neill, then shook them, and stretched out the last finger.

"5 will be one more than 4."

On the second day, Li Lai re-divided the lineup.

Group A: Westbrook, Curry, Artest, Rasheed Wallace and Yi Jianlian.

Group B: Iverson, George Hill, Danny Green, Villanueva and O'Neal.

Game start.

This time during the team training, Li Lai obviously had the idea of ​​experimenting with new tactics. He also told Yi Jianlian and Westbrook that they were not allowed to play their pick-and-roll tactics on the court.

The two were also extremely puzzled, what tactics could the Bucks play if they didn't play pick and roll?
Li Lai redesigned a new tactic for the Bucks. Westbrook held the ball in a high position, Artest made an off-ball screen in the paint area, and then Curry ran back to the weak side beyond the top of the arc. Rasheed and Yi Jianlian stood near the free throw line at the same time.

Curry passed through the gap between the two, then made a three-pointer and hit.

This tactic is extremely complicated, and requires a high level of cooperation from the players. Once the cooperation fails, letting the opponent pass through the gap is the next best thing. If a mobile cover is formed, that is the biggest trouble.

"It's also a tactic that can easily be called by the referee for violations and offensive fouls."

Li Lai knew that the key point of this tactic was Yi Jianlian and Rashid, and the timing of their lateral movement would become the most critical point of this tactic.

Swish!
Three point hit!

Li Lai was surprised.

The Bucks played this tactic for the first time, but it succeeded easily.

The reason for the success is not how good the timing of Yi Jianlian and Rashid's lateral movement is, but that the timing of Curry's crossing is too fast, which makes it difficult for chasing players to keep up with him. This gave Yi Jianlian and Rashid enough time to traverse.

Li Lai breathed a sigh of relief, "As expected, it is the most suitable tactic in the world for you, and it works so naturally on you."

Of course, as this tactic is played more and more on the court, Li Lai also believes that Yi Jianlian and Rashid will cooperate better and better.

On the court, the members of Group B were all stunned.

They watched Dragic chase Curry, but in the process of running from inside to outside, Curry passed through the gap formed by Yi Jianlian and Rasheed, and then the two closed instantly like a door. Dragic, who was chasing after him, had no choice but to hit this human wall.

Curry received the ball from outside the three-point line, and no one was two meters in front of him. For a shooter like him, this situation is similar to the shooting percentage of layups under the basket.

Everyone's heads were full of question marks, "What kind of tactic is this!"

(End of this chapter)