NBA peak Jordan template

Chapter 51 What Year Is It, Still Using Traditional Center Forwards?

On November 11, one day away from playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jokic forced himself to come to the training base an hour earlier. For this reason, he specially prepared a large bottle of iced Coke for himself to refresh himself.

When you come to a new team, you naturally have to be more active.

"So they look at me and say, oh my god, Nicola, you're here at seven in the morning, and your professionalism is amazing."

Jokic muttered to himself, showing a smug little expression.

Then, he opened the door of the arena, and saw a scene that was beyond his expectations, one, two, three, four, there were actually four new teammates, who were already sweating profusely on the court.

Jokic was stunned for a second.

"I'm stupid, I'm so violent, I'm hallucinating, why don't I go to sleep for a while?"

Just when Jokic took out his mobile phone to confirm the time, Zheng Long ran over to pick up the ball and said hello to him.

"Good morning, Jokic, why are you here?"

Jokic:? ? ?

"Just here? I'm already an hour early, did you guys sleep in the arena yesterday?"

"No, we are only an hour early for you."

Listen, is this a human language?
Jokic was silent, silently carrying a large bottle of Coke, walked into the arena, and sat down on the sidelines.

At this time, Ingram was panting and resting in the seat, and greeted Jokic equally enthusiastically.

Compared with the bald head wearing the No. 23 jersey, Jokic has a better impression of this honest and handsome teammate.

Because it seems easier to get along with.

"I heard from the 23rd that you will come at six o'clock, is it true or not, do you have an appointment?"

Ingram shook his head and said, "Brother Long and I are so early every day, but Jimmy and Victor, they arrived not long after Zheng Long and I came."

"every day?"

"That's right, we arrive after six o'clock every day."

Ingram didn't realize Jokic's facial expression froze. After the break, he played again and started shooting training.

"This group of people is designated to be a little seriously ill, why are they working so hard at work?"

Jokic took a sip of an iced Coke to calm himself down.

The gymnasium at the training base is very large, with several courts. Except for Zheng Long and Ingram training together, the remaining two people each occupy a court.

Just when Jokic was hesitating whether to train alone or find someone with him, Jimmy Butler walked over.

For Jimmy, Jokic's impression is also average. This black man with a haircut, like Zheng Long, always has no expression and looks fierce.

When they were in the Nuggets last season, the two had played against each other. This man always rushed inside with the ball, like a cheetah.

And when he is attacking, he will keep spouting trash.

"Little fat man, will you practice with me? I just want to practice small and big."

"I'm not fat."

"Oh, is it? And what shall I call you, skinny man?"

Butler smiled, and Jokic curled his lips. In order to build a good relationship with his new teammates, he stood up and started a simple warm-up.

Soon, after more than 40 minutes, Jokic was so tired that he slumped on the court.

Butler is like an idiot, pulling him to play singles all the time, and he keeps spouting trash, which makes Jokic have to cheer up.

Such a high-intensity one-on-one fight consumes the most energy.

"It's time for you to lose weight and stay away from high-calorie foods, such as the one you brought over."

Butler was sweating a little on his forehead. He took the ball and looked at Jokic, who was slumped on the ground, and raised his head to signal Coke.

"Coke is my life and I'm increasing my tonnage and strength right now, that's in my plan."

Jokic pleaded guiltyly.

Butler shook his head, hesitated to speak, since he came to the Lakers, of course Butler hoped for results.

But the big fat man in front of him will be the team's starting center.

While he does have agility that doesn't match his appearance, Butler is worried that Jokic will slow down the team's offensive rhythm.

I really don't know what the lake management thinks.

This kid doesn't look like he's here to play ball, but rather a comedian in a TV show.

Jokic also couldn't understand the situation at this time.

In the Nuggets, no one would come to the arena to practice more than two hours before the official practice started.

This group of new teammates seems to be working too hard.

This gave Jokic a sense of crisis.

After resting for a while, Jokic stood up immediately, approached Butler, and asked to continue the matchup training.

This surprised Butler, but he readily accepted it, and his gaze towards Jokic also changed.

This time, Jokic got serious.

Soon, Butler's trash talk rang out here.

"Little fat man, you're too slow, I'm going to break through from your left side now!"

Snapped!An unexpected layup to block the shot.

Jokic looked at Butler with a startled expression and laughed.

Butler didn't believe in evil, but found that Jokic's defensive footsteps were completely different from just now.

Originally, Jokic had a large area, but Butler could only use speed and rhythm to break through and shoot him.

But Jokic didn't hesitate at all, he seemed to have seen through his own thoughts, and was able to quickly move sideways and get stuck.

He's not like those other big men in the NBA.

Jokic was very happy to see Butler's distressed expression, and said, "Your fake moves are too fake, and you can't fool me anymore."

This aroused Butler's competitiveness, and he became more focused. This time, after passing Jokic with difficulty, he sent the basketball into the basket before Jokic topped the cap.

When it was Jokic's turn to attack, Butler seemed a little helpless. Jokic turned his back and pressed his big butt against himself, so that he couldn't hit the ball at all.

And his footsteps are very flexible and varied.

He was literally circling around the basket.

Then, I could only watch this kid in the penalty area, then suddenly turned around and hooked the basketball into the basket.

Even if he didn't score, this kid would accurately find where the basketball landed and make a second tip.

This little fat man.

What a ghost!
At this time, Zheng Long was training Ingram's baseline three-pointer.

Naturally, he silently paid attention to the situation in the arena.

Seeing the heads-up between Butler and Jokic, I couldn't help but shine in front of my eyes. He deserves to be the future two-match MVP, and he played too smart.

The perfect use of his size advantage and footsteps made Butler powerless.

Although the current Jokic does not have the dominance of the MVP level in the future, it has already taken shape.

And that's just his offensive ability
To some extent, compared to Butler, Zheng Long knows that Jokic is the "big lottery ticket" he helped the Lakers get!
On the other side, Oladipo is like an orphan, training alone, holding the ball on the court and tirelessly practicing ball control.

When Zheng Long went to ask if they could train together, he was rejected.

Oladipo showed his big white teeth, "I enjoy training alone."

Zheng Long nodded and didn't force it, because he knew that from the first day he came to the Lakers, Oladipo was doing extra training alone every day.

Often practice until late at night, but the next morning, you can still see him on time in the arena.

Even Ingram complained to Zheng Long, "Long, where did the team find such a madman?"

"I originally thought that the intensity of training between the two of us was unmatched."

"But in front of Victor, it's almost like we're giving ourselves vacations every day."

Zheng Long: "Do you think Kumamba is joking with you?"

Ingram didn't understand what Zheng Long meant, but it didn't prevent him from being in a good mood.

Because in the arena in the early morning, I and Zheng Long were finally not the only ones.

11 month 21 day.

Game day arrived as scheduled.

Zheng Long and his teammates took the bus together and came to the long-lost Staples Center.

When you have experienced an away trip, the cheers of the fans welcoming the team bus outside the stadium can make you feel at home and excited.

The fans queuing up outside the arena have formed a golden ocean.

They shouted in unison, six consecutive victories, awakened the sleeping blood of the Los Angeles fans, and it was deafening outside the stadium.

Butler is okay. In Chicago, such scenes are not uncommon. Among the entire NBA team, Bulls fans rank first in loyalty.

But Jokic and Oladipo are different, I was surprised by this, especially Oladipo, who kept looking around with his head stretched out.

Among the entire NBA teams, the Magic can be regarded as a small ball market, and those fans are far less crazy.

"The fans in Los Angeles are so enthusiastic!"

Oladipo couldn't help sharing his emotions with JaVale McGee beside him.

McGee was equally excited, giggling.

After being waived by the Mavericks at the end of last season and thinking that his job was hopeless, he himself did not expect that he would be found by the Lake Management and signed a one-year contract.

When the players came to the locker room, the excitement turned into a surprise. The Lakers renovated the locker room and made it look brand new.

Everyone found a new locker with their own name tag.At this moment, the players felt that the Lakers valued themselves.

After a brief explanation, Wharton hurried to the scene of the press conference.

His eyes are bloodshot, and for the past week, he has been so busy that he can only sleep for four hours a day.

Player analysis, tactical research, watching videos, organizing training, and endless meetings.

all.

All for today.

In order for the "New Lakers" to achieve a good result in the first game.

Walton doesn't expect to be able to win, but at least, he must give the board of directors and the fans an explanation.

I can only look forward to this group of lads, don't fight for pizza, fight for breath!
The press conference site.

The questions prepared by the reporters surrounded Wharton, and he couldn't answer them at all, even though some questions had already been answered at the player's signing ceremony.

Still, the reporters flung themselves out, begging to wring some unofficial answers out of Wharton's mouth.

"The adjustment of team personnel is a decision we made after careful consideration."

"Every player who has left has been excellent and I am very grateful for all the contributions they have made to the team's six-game winning streak."

"Okay, that's all for today's press conference. I need to go back to the locker room to prepare for the game."

Finally, when the reporters once again raised their hands in unison, Walton simply ended the interview.

It was the turn of the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tom Thibodeau, to have a chance to speak.

The former defensive coach during the Celtics championship period and the head coach during the Bulls Ross period has been at home for a year.

In this season, he became the head coach of this talented Timberwolves team. In the team's first 6 games, he led the team to achieve a moderate result of 3 wins and 3 losses.

With a winning rate of 50.00%, this is not optimistic for the Timberwolves who hope to hit the playoffs this season.

In the Western Division, except for a few years, there is no winning rate above 50.00%. Want to enter the playoffs?
Wild West, stay away!
"Win the game? That's always been the team's goal."

"The rebuilt Lakers, in addition to Zheng Long, have an All-Star player like Jimmy."

"I know Jimmy, he was my most trusted player, full of competitiveness!"

"Their strength has become stronger, but the team came to Los Angeles today, just to take away the victory!"

The "young" Minnesota Timberwolves did not join the NBA until 1989. It was not until the 1996-97 season that they entered the playoffs for the first time in team history.

With Wolf King Kevin Garnett, they have entered the playoffs for 8 consecutive years and entered the Western Conference Finals.

Then, there was a long 12 consecutive years at the bottom of the ranking.

Some fans even ridiculed that the NBA should be allowed to join the relegation mechanism in the football league.

In this way, you can never see this rotten Wolves team in the NBA.

Now, things are a little different.

As confident as Thibodeau has shown.

Tonight, the Timberwolves' cubs are full of fighting spirit. Compared with the Lakers, this Timberwolves' youth is no less.

Among the starting lineup, Wiggins, LaVine and Gion who entered the league in 14, and Towns who entered the league in 15.

and talent.

The No. [-] pick Towns, Wiggins, who is second in the list but has the No. [-] talent because of Zheng Long's appearance, and LaVine, who has won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for two consecutive years.

This is why the outside world is full of expectations for this Timberwolves.

Their talents are so fucking overflowing.

Although, they achieved No. 13 hip-pull results in the Western Conference last season.

But the team has given the blame to the head coach in exchange for Thibodeau.

"Players from both sides have already entered the field, and the following are the starting lineups of both sides."

"Home, Los Angeles Lakers, Oladipo, Zheng Long, Butler, Nance Jr., Jokic."

"Away, Minnesota Timberwolves, Rubio, LaVine, Wiggins, Dieng, Towns."

"The game is about to start!"

Today the management of the Lakers can be said to be all present, and Magic Johnson even sits on the bench with Walton.

Johnson was a little nervous and asked Wharton.

"Today's game, how sure are you?"

"70.00%."

Johnson was surprised, surprise flashed in his eyes, "So tall?"

"I mean seven of them and three of us."

"."

Wharton smiled wryly. He naturally had nothing to hide from Johnson.

The team has had several days of tactical training.

All in all, it's a mess, the existing tactics, and a complete run seems to be stumbling.

The preparation time is too hasty, and half a week is not enough time just to get the players familiar with each other.

Soon, Walton's statement was confirmed. After the kickoff, Oladipo collided with Larry Nance during the defense change, resulting in a loss of position.

Rubio was also stunned for a moment. Usually three-pointers are not his regular offensive method, but there is nothing in front of him, and it seems inappropriate not to make a shot. He made a three-pointer from the outside.

Lakers 0:3 Timberwolves.

Johnson covered his eyes, unable to look.

On the court, Larry Nance kept apologizing to Oladipo, "I didn't expect you to run so fast, mine, mine."

Oladipo returned a friendly smile.

Walton yelled from the sidelines, "Two iron fools! Now there is no time to play a loving family on the court!"

The duo returned to the game in embarrassment.

In the offensive round of the Lakers, Oladipo received the serve and accelerated to the frontcourt. His speed made the eyes of the Lakers fans on the scene shine.

"This kid can do it, he's full of energy."

Before Oladipo, Lakers fans were not satisfied with Russell, except for his pick.

Now don't forget, Oladipo is also the second place.

This is also Oladipo's motivation tonight. He replaced Russell as the new starter of the Lakers and wanted to explain one thing.

There is also a gap between the second place.

After the ball passed halftime, Zheng Long did not take the ball into his own hands as before.

Compared with myself, today's Lakers have too many people who need to prove themselves to the fans in Los Angeles.

Facing Rubio, Oladipo suddenly accelerated, and directly chose to break through and get inside!
When Rubio was passed by Oladipo, he turned his head and suddenly found that his center Towns ran beyond the three-point line.

At this time, there was a smooth road in the penalty area, and Oladipo scored a layup directly.The home fans started cheering, a goal in the first leg, which is a pretty good sign.

Lakers 2:3 Timberwolves.

Rubio looked at Towns, "Dude, you're a center, why are you hiding so far away?"

As the core of the team, Rubio, who was the first to enter the league in the starting lineup, plays the role of the boss of the locker room in the Timberwolves.

Downs looked at Rubio innocently.

"It's not that I want to go out. The fat guy I'm facing doesn't stay inside. As soon as his teammates break through, he runs outside. That posture, like Curry, is about to set up an anti-aircraft gun. I can only follow closely. .”

Rubio looked at the white and fat pork belly not far away - Jokic, and understood everything.

The two are both European players, and their relationship has always been good. They have also played against each other in European national team competitions. They can also be called fellow villagers who work in the United States.

For the NBA, Jokic's label is a rookie, but for Rubio, Jokic is already an old fritter.

"That kid has a lot of eyes, don't be fooled by him, pay attention to defense."

Rubio has a faint worry that in this game, "silly, black and sweet" Towns will be played around by that black-bellied boy Jokic.

Rubio's concerns are not without reason.

In the next offensive round of the Lakers, Jokic took the initiative to come to a position close to the basket, and reached out with his back to get the ball.

Downs was stuck behind Jokic's buttocks and raised his hands.

Then, Jokic started to move his feet, turned his back, and made a shooting motion.

This completely attracted Towns' attention, and he took off to block the shot.

Then, Jokic suddenly put away the basketball and sent it to Butler who cut inside and entered the basket.

Butler easily got behind Towns and sent the basketball into the basket.

The basket guarded by Towns missed again.

Jokic's pass was unexpected this time, and everyone thought that the little fat man was going to single out Downs.

As a result, he accurately sent the ball into the hands of his teammates.

The cooperation between Jokic and Butler this time made the fans shine.

Center, can you still play like this?

This kid can still do hand work!
Butler and Jokic clapped their hands together and said, "The little fat guy did a good job, and the pass is quite comfortable."

Another offensive round.

Butler held the ball at the top of the arc, and Jokic ran out for a pick-and-roll. After the screen was over, Butler passed the ball to Jokic.

Then Jokic took a step back, and at this point he was one step beyond the three-point line.

At this time, it was Wiggins who was defending Jokic. Wiggins opened his arms and did not rush forward to defend.

Because Jokic has raised the basketball with both hands, shaking his head left and right, observing the situation on the court, and preparing to pass the ball.

Rubio, who knew something about Jokic, had already realized that something was wrong, and shouted to step forward to defend.

But it is already late.

Jokic, the sixth child, didn't pass the ball, he made a shot suddenly!

This is barely a jump shot.The distance from the toes of this little fat man to the ground is conservatively estimated to be only one centimeter.

But the basketball slammed into the basket steadily and made a three-pointer!
Wiggins was a little dizzy.

This little fat man actually made a super long shot and made it? !

Seeing this scene, Downs smirked at Rubio with lingering fear, "Fortunately, I followed closely when defending. This little fat man is so accurate with three-pointers."

Rubio:
I didn't see you defending the basket!
When Jokic completed the pick-and-roll with Butler again, but caught the ball inside and completed a European step layup.

Played a Timberwolves timeout.

The game has started 5 minutes, the Lakers 15:10 Timberwolves.

Among them, Jokic's performance is the most eye-catching, and he has scored 5 points and 3 assists.

Almost the Lakers' offense in the first 5 minutes was organized by other hands.

Thibodeau hurriedly called the players to his side.

"Keep an eye on that fat man!"

The Lakers players enjoyed a brief break in a good mood.

The players are not yet familiar with each other, but it does not affect the frantic waving of the towel on the bench.

McGee enthusiastically sent praises to Jokic.

"I thought you were the best at making coke, little fat man! Well done."

Jokic: "."

Everyone laughed.

aside.

Magic Johnson couldn't help asking Wharton, "Is this all a tactic you arranged?"

Wharton shook his head, "In such a short time, how can there be time to design such a tactic for the center?"

"Then what is your core tactical arrangement today?"

Walton bit the bullet and replied: "I let them play freely and play with style!"

Johnson: "."

Johnson: "Looking forward, maybe our existing tactics are not suitable for the current lineup, especially this little fat man, whose ability is different from that of traditional centers."

Wharton: "So I'm a blind cat and a dead mouse, and I found the right way to open it?"

Johnson: "Yes, that's right, tomorrow you can pack up and leave, let them play freely, no need for a head coach."

Wharton: (Д`)
Before Jokic was traded, the two naturally analyzed Jokic's ability in detail.

I came to a conclusion that this guy from Europe, with the characteristics of European team basketball, especially likes to organize on the field.

It's just that the two didn't expect that in the first game, apart from Butler and Oladipo, who played as expected.

I saw this little fat man showing his hands so quickly.

Such a big surprise.

The key is.

This little fat man was personally called by Zheng Long, and he also put on the attitude that if you can't get it from the lake, I will show it badly!

This frightened the lake management.

It was all to coax Zheng Long to be happy, and then he worked so hard to get Jokic from the Nuggets.

Unexpectedly, it seems to be quite fragrant?
Zheng Long, who was half lying down at this time, overheard the conversation between Johnson and Wharton, chewing gum silently, with a smile on his lips.

Although in the first 5 minutes, I only took one shot and scored 2 points, but I have never felt so comfortable.

Zheng Long doesn't care about being the top scorer.

The most important thing now is to let the new teammates complete the running-in as soon as possible and develop unique tactics for the lineup.

It's still far from the point where I need to take action by myself, my goal today is to do my best to prevent the dead brother!
Azui who is already 0-3: I thank you for thinking highly of me.

　==I was scolded at four thousand yesterday, but six thousand and five today!Continue to improve tomorrow!By the way, thank you little bosses for your votes and subscription support!It's near the end of May, if, I mean if, you happen to have a monthly pass, fearing it will be wasted, you can slam it on Xiaoshu's face!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)