I just play ball

Chapter 142 Unreasonable Request
"Are you Li Yue from the Lakers?" Covington's voice was a little excited, but there was also a hint of doubt.

Li Yue nodded, turned around and waved at the office next to the court, intending to keep the conversation confidential.

After getting the name, Li Yue immediately remembered the physical test data of the players highlighted earlier. He remembered Covington more clearly because Covington was 206 cm tall, with a wingspan of 218 cm and a height of 269 cm. The position is quite good, only losing to abnormal players such as Iguodala and Paul George.

However, Covington was not selected in the predictions of NBADARFT and other websites. The reason is that many scouts feel that the height and wingspan are not enough. Li Yue carefully analyzed that it is probably because Covington's neck is too long and his shoulders are too wide.

After thinking about it, Li Yue felt that this was not a disadvantage. After all, the wider the shoulders, the better the pick-and-roll quality.

Soon, the two entered the office and sat down facing each other.

"The draft will be held soon, have you received any promises from any team?" Li Yue got straight to the point, "If you feel inappropriate to answer this question, you can choose to keep it a secret, I understand very well."

"Not yet, but a few have expressed their intentions." Covington looked a little embarrassed, and his voice became smaller and smaller.

It's obviously a lie, but it's to cheer for himself. Li Yue didn't intend to expose it, and continued with a smile: "If you lose in the end, are you interested in representing the Los Angeles Lakers and going to Las Vegas to play in the summer league?"

"Of course, I am very happy. I have always been a Lakers fan." Covington said excitedly, his eyes shining.

"Then I would like to invite you for an informal interview, would you accept it?"

"Please tell." Covington raised his hand, "You can ask me any questions, including my family background."

"First of all, please give me a self-introduction, the content is random." Li Yue nodded slightly. Self-introduction generally examines the ability of language organization, and then we can see the basic coordination ability. It is the most common interview question.

"I was born in 1990, and my hometown is Bellwood, Illinois, where there are many grasslands... I started to officially contact professional basketball at the age of 12. I joined Tennessee State University in 19 at the age of 09 and served as a forward in the school team for four consecutive years. In 09 -Elected to the Ohio Valley League All-Rookie Team in the 10th season, was selected to the best team in 12 as a junior, averaged 17.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, is currently graduating from senior year, and is preparing to participate in this year’s NBA draft.”

Li Yue continued to nod to show that he was listening.

The stats of 17.8 points and 7.9 rebounds are still impressive in the NCAA, but considering that Covington is an older player, and the Ohio Valley has lacked strong teams in the past two years, and the civil war is a pecking of chickens, the value of this data is greatly reduced.

"OK, if you stay with the Lakers for a long time, what kind of role do you think you are suitable for in the team?" Li Yue wanted to figure out Covington's position for himself. If others want to be a scorer, it is best not to demand.

On the other hand, Li Yue wanted to verify what Covington said before, "I have always been a Lakers fan." If the content of the answer deviates too far, it is basically a lie and must be handled with caution.

"I can do whatever is arranged for me. If I stay with the Lakers for a long time, I can serve as a backup small forward and make some contributions in three-pointers and wing defense. I am fast and can make up for the lack of perimeter defense." Winton said smoothly.

Li Yue nodded repeatedly.

Covington is on point. This season, the Lakers are often outflanked by speedy point guards and forwards. Kobe's defense is not bad, but Nash, Blake, Meeks and others are not good. They really need a lot of wing defense.

"Then briefly talk about your understanding of assisted defense and single defense."

"I think the most important thing about defense is the timing judgment. If you play too early, you are easy to slip, and you are easy to be vacant. If you play too late, it will be useless. To solve this problem, you can make predictions by studying the opponent's video before the game. , if the opponent is a speed type, then be firm, if the opponent is a technical type, then be patient."

Li Yue nodded as he listened. Covington could mention studying the opponent's video, which means he has already started.

"My understanding of single defense is similar, but rhythm and initiative are the most important. If you blindly make changes based on the choice of offensive players, you will always be in a passive state. This is what I learned from studying Kobe's defensive videos."

Hearing this, Li Yue gave a thumbs up in his heart.

Kobe really likes to take the initiative when defending. For example, in the 08 Olympic Games, Chen Jianghua dribbled the ball in a single defense, which was to suppress the right side and force Chen Jianghua to go to the left sideline through cross steps. Get rid of it, but if it is someone else, there will be mistakes in all likelihood.

"Okay, keep going with this research. Now let's talk about, why did you choose to try to make it to the NBA?"

"I hope to live a good life." Covington shrugged. "I have this physical condition, and I don't have many other options."

"If you fail to stay in the NBA, what are you going to do?" Li Yue asked along the way, wanting to see if Covington had made enough plans for his future and thought clearly enough.

"If I lose the election, I will go to the development league or play overseas, continue to hone my strength, and strive to become an NBA player as soon as possible." Covington spread his hands, "The key is that I will not do other things."

"Understood, leave the phone number to me." Li Yue took out the phone and pushed it in front of Covington.

Covington showed joy, quickly pressed a series of numbers, and then said, "Did you watch me play just now? Can you give me some advice?"

Li Yue took back his mobile phone: "You performed very well, continue to train defense and three-pointers, and stay focused."

Covington nodded seriously: "I remember."

"Okay, that's all for our conversation today. If you need help, you can call me from 8:21 to [-]:[-]."

Covington thanked him again and again, and the two got up and left the office.

In line with the principle that today's affairs are completed today, Li Yue immediately dialed Kupchak's mobile phone and was connected almost instantly.

"what's the matter?"

"I have identified a more suitable player, and I will send you a profile and report later. If you also think it is suitable, then I suggest selecting him with the No. 48 pick. If you choose other players, then I hope he can appear in the Among the summer league teams."

"Okay, after receiving your information, I will arrange a time to discuss it as soon as possible."

After hanging up the phone, Li Yue called D'Antoni again, who was also quickly connected.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he went straight to the point.

"Coach, I have an unreasonable request."

"Oh? You go first."

"I want to be the summer league interim head coach."

(End of this chapter)