Bishop of the Abyss

Chapter 237 237. Busy Grizzlies, indulgent all-star weekend, this kid Martin is really admirable!

The only regret is that last season Luke served as the Western All-Star coach.

According to the rules, even if Luke leads the Grizzlies to the top of the Western Conference this year, other people can only be the All-Star coaches.

Otherwise, Luke can use his power to help Kevin Martin or Pau Gasol try to get an All-Star MVP.

But right now Luke can only give up this idea, because the current second-ranked team in the Western Conference is the Los Angeles Lakers.

The relationship between Jackson and Luke is a bit delicate, and the three of the Grizzlies can guarantee a normal rotation time, which is considered "Zen Master" Jackson.

And if Zen Master is the All-Star coach of the Western Conference, Kobe will have a high probability of attacking AMVP this year.

After all, the last time Kobe won the All-Star MVP was in the 01-02 season. Now the opportunity is in front of him. Judging from Kobe's character, Kobe will never miss this opportunity.

In addition, "Spring Man" Swift of the Grizzlies also signed up for this year's slam dunk contest. Kapono and Novak will join forces to participate in the three-point contest. A showdown in the competition.

In short, in addition to this year's skill competition, the Grizzlies' All-Star weekend this year will be extremely busy.

From Marc Gasol in the Rookie Challenge, to the slam dunk contest, the three-point contest, and the final day of the All-Star Game, there will be Grizzlies players.

This is the first time that Luke has so many players signed up for the All-Star weekend.

During the Timberwolves period, Luke only had the championship in his eyes, and Luke basically would not allow players to participate in the All-Star Weekend, and even Luke would help to reject the invitation of the league.

But this year the Grizzlies are full of young people. Since these guys are interested in participating in the game, Luke will naturally not disappoint.

This year's All-Star weekend will be held in New Orleans, which is the home of "Queen Bee" Paul.

As the 57th All-Star Game in NBA history, Luke feels that it will be more appropriate to hold it in New Orleans next year. After all, the fate between Paul and 58 is wonderful.

It is a pity that Paul, as the host, did not catch up with the 58th All-Star Weekend.

Luke will definitely not miss this year's All-Star Weekend. In addition to the many players on the team participating in the game, Luke is indeed also very interested in the food of New Orleans.

Especially a restaurant called Acme Oyster House, every time he goes to an away game in New Orleans, Luke will take Lambir and others to taste it there.

As can be seen from the name of the store, oysters are a specialty of this store.

Both raw and grilled, the taste is not the same as the garlic roasted oysters in China, but it can satisfy Luke's taste buds in a foreign country.

After eating too much Western food, Luke always began to miss the food in his hometown. Fortunately, the crayfish rice bowl and oysters in New Orleans made Luke feel a little bit of his hometown.

Even though Luke feels that the extremely expensive oysters are not as delicious as the roadside stalls in small Chinese cities, he is considered lucky to be able to eat them in the United States.

.........

Before the All-Star Weekend, the remaining opponents of the Grizzlies were mediocre, and there were no top teams in the league like the Celtics and Lakers.

In the next few games, even though the Grizzlies will rest every game, they can still beat their opponents by double digits.

Only the Atlanta Hawks led by Joe Johnson have created a little trouble for the Grizzlies.

Joe Johnson, who was selected as an All-Star for the second time in his career throughout the game, felt hot, and scored a season-high 38 points from inside and outside.

It is a pity that Kevin Martin was scheduled to rest in this game, and the fans failed to see the matchup between Martin and Johnson.

We can only let Johnson chop melons and chop vegetables at the Grizzlies' home court, playing the best battle of the new season.

However, the depth of the Grizzlies' lineup is unmatched by the young Eagles. The Eagles' offensive end mainly relies on Joe Johnson's individual singles and Josh Smith's assault inside.

But it was Gerald Wallace who faced Josh Smith in this game. Wallace's style of play is very similar to Smith's.

Wallace knows how to defend players like Josh Smith. This season, Smith’s three-point shooting percentage is only 25.3%. When Wallace cuts off Josh Smith’s breakthrough route, Smith’s offensive efficiency begins to decline in a straight line. .

And Joe Johnson couldn't kill the game alone,
Even though the offense felt hot, the Hawks were still able to complete a 17-point reversal by the Grizzlies under the joint pursuit of points by Pau Gasol and a group of shooters on the bench.

It is worth mentioning that the Grizzlies are the team that has completed the most reversals by [-] points this season. Even the second-ranked Phoenix Suns have a gap of up to three games with the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies have never been afraid to play against the wind. When the Grizzlies' offensive touch starts to heat up, even if the point difference on the field has been widened to more than 20 points, as long as there is enough time, the Grizzlies always have the ability to create miracles.

With Pau Gasol's 27 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks, his opponent Marvin Williams was almost blown out.

All Marvin could do throughout the game was stand in the penalty area and watch Gasol score at will on his head. Even if he moved too much, Gasol would score a two-plus-one goal.

Now the Grizzlies have become more and more adapted to the rotation plan arranged by Luke. No matter which player is absent from the game, the Grizzlies can find a way to win.

On the whole, the Grizzlies have become more and more like a championship team.

With the Grizzlies playing the last game before becoming a full star on February 2th, the Grizzlies set a record of 14 wins and 43 losses, still ranking first in the league. At the same time, only the Boston Celtics can keep up with the Grizzlies. .

As for the Los Angeles Lakers led by "Zen Master" Jackson, the Grizzlies have widened the win gap to 4.5 games.

Unless the Lakers can usher in an explosion after the All-Star break and launch an offensive with a winning streak, Jackson is doomed to escape the fate of "second child" this season.

…………

"Tomorrow's game is estimated that our first-year rookie team will be abused miserably again. The first-year rookie team has not won for a long time, and is hanged by the second-year team every year. I really don't know what the league means by arranging this kind of game."

"Is it just to let us accept the reality of the sling, or to find a sense of existence for your second-year rookie team."

"If you want me to say that this kind of game has to be reformed sooner or later, otherwise the first grade will lose every year. The probability of winning is so low, and the fans don't seem to be interested." Gasol put the fresh and tender oysters into his mouth, One side said helplessly.

At this time, the Grizzlies were tasting the food that Luke had just brought back from the hotel. Marc Gasol, who will represent the first-year rookie team this year, began to complain helplessly.

Especially when Kyle Lowry and Novak, who are sitting across from each other, will play on behalf of the second-year rookie team, Gasol just feels that this game is a bit dull.

"Don't say that, it's very meaningful for the league to arrange this kind of competition. After all, we were also beaten all the way last year. If there is a sudden reform, wouldn't we have been hanged for a year in vain?"

"You should think about it, wait until next season and you will be able to represent the rookie team in the second year to abuse the rookies who have just entered the league. Do you feel more comfortable thinking about it this way?"

Lowry said while putting the peeled crayfish aside, winking at Gasol Jr.

Due to the existence of Paul Gasol, Gasol Jr., who has just entered the league, mainly plays the role of a meat shield center in the Grizzlies.

Even if Gasol's coping ability is equally good, his tactical status in the team is not as good as Kyle Lowry.

However, the atmosphere in the Grizzlies team has always been good, especially with Lambiel in charge, and the players get along very well in private. Since McGrady was traded away, there have been no conflicts between anyone and anyone.

"Stroh, you have to come back with a slam dunk contest this year, otherwise the fans may almost forget that you are still a Grizzlies player."

"The outside world says you are a spring guy who can only dunk. Don't let the team down in this year's dunk contest."

"Lu has thought of several dunk moves for you this year. Some moves are unheard of, and I dare not even think about them."

"As long as these moves can be made without mistakes, you will definitely be the slam dunk champion this year."

Lambiel peeled a lobster for Swift with his own hands, which caused Swift to panic.

After all, this guy in front of him is a villain with a hidden knife in his smile. Who knows if there is some conspiracy hidden under the charitable appearance.

"I'll try my best." In the corner of the dining table, the thin and dark Swift was visibly nervous, not as relaxed as the others.

After all, Swift's presence in the Grizzlies has not been very high. Due to his personal style of play, Swift basically fell out of Luke's rotation list, and only occasionally appeared on the court during garbage time.

But it is such a fringe player in the league who can be remembered by fans because of Swift's sky-defying bounce.

It is rumored that Swift can touch the top of the backboard when he takes off with all his strength. Of course, rumors are just rumors. After all, there are no less than ten rumors in the NBA that a certain player can touch the top of the backboard.

But until 2021, no NBA player has demonstrated this ability to the audience on the spot.

On the contrary, an unknown league once released a video in which a player actually touched the top of the backboard during training, but netizens questioned that the height of the basket was not enough. In short, NBA players have never accomplished this feat in public.

Although Swift's jumping ability is against the sky, there is still some gap from the top of the rebound.

Don't ask why Luke is so clear, because the first joke Luke made when he saw Swift in the new season was, "If you can touch the top of the backboard, I will allow you to stay on the team."

Swift: "..."

"Then I'll go?"

This year Swift's participation in the slam dunk contest is Luke's suggestion, mainly because he has witnessed the peak match between Gordon and LaVine. In Luke's opinion, the slam dunk contest in recent years is too eye-catching.

In order to save his eyes, Luke decided to let Swift, who has a good bounce, participate in the competition, and then customize his dunk moves for him, which is also a good time to have fun.

And Swift's sense of presence in the Grizzlies is indeed too low. It would be a good thing for Swift to really win a dunk king.

A player with more exposure in a contract year means a higher chance of getting a contract, especially in a team that has attracted much attention like the Grizzlies, any advantage will be infinitely magnified by the outside world.

"Don't listen to that Bill guy. This guy is a typical believer in God's in no hurry. Don't be pressured about the slam dunk contest, just play normally."

"It's just an entertainment game. There's nothing wrong with anyone. After all, the players participating in the slam dunk contest this year are quite strong."

"Especially last year's slam dunk champion Gerald Green will also play, and with the popularity of that guy Dwight, if you want to win the championship, you have to do every dunk perfectly, which is really difficult."

"Of course, everyone knows your slam dunk level. As long as you can calm down, perform those moves almost perfectly, and don't make too many mistakes, it will not be a problem to win the slam dunk champion this year."

Luke on the side patted Swift on the shoulder, telling him to relax as much as possible without any pressure.

Luke and Lambiel have always been like this in front of the players. Lambiel is willing to play the role of the villain, while Luke can stand up and act as the good guy every time.

And the steps that Lambiel provided for Luke are just right under his feet. As long as Luke speaks, the player's favorability will rise instantly.

This is why Luke appreciates Lambiel. After all, such a good assistant coach is very rare, and a development coach like Lambiel who can calm down players is even more rare.

Without Lambiel's assistance this season, it would be impossible for Luke to take control of a team so quickly, making all players, including Pau Gasol, fully convinced of Luke.

Among them, Kevin Martin and Gerald Wallace are full of gratitude, especially after being selected as an All-Star, Martin's attitude towards Luke is simply respectful.

Luke has no doubt that when Martin's contract expires, even if he is asked to cut his salary and stay on the team, Martin will not hesitate.

After all, Martin really knows how to be grateful. Among the many NBA players Luke has coached, Martin is definitely one of them.

What's even more rare is that the 25-year-old Martin has been in love with his girlfriend for 14 years. The two are childhood sweethearts and support them all the way.

Even though in Luke's opinion, the beauty of Martin's girlfriend is unbearable, but Martin has been able to dote on his girlfriend Hayes for 14 years. No matter how bad this kind of man is, he can't be so bad.

The sex life in the United States is relatively open, and rumors of three wives and four concubines are not uncommon after NBA players are prosperous. At worst, going to nightclubs with teammates is simply commonplace, and there will be no psychological pressure afterwards.

But Martin has never been sorry for his girlfriend Hayes. There are many players in the Grizzlies who like to go to nightclubs, but Martin always leaves Hayes alone.

Especially in the case of Hayes's relatively ordinary appearance, Luke thinks Martin is really admirable!

On the normal historical trajectory, Martin held a wedding with his girlfriend who had been in love for 2011 years in 17, but because of the salary negotiations between the players and the league, the league prevented any private contact between the team management and the players.

So there were only a few players who served as Martin's wedding at that time.

If Martin can walk into the palace of marriage with his girlfriend Hayes this time, Luke must make this wedding lively and become a model among NBA players.

"Don't worry, coach, I've practiced those moves many times in private, and this year I will bring back the dunk king for you!"

Swift clenched his fists hard and nodded gratefully to Luke.

　After two days of work, there will be more every day.

　　Friends who are short of books can also read the old book "Salted Fish Bishop" by the third child to see if it suits your appetite.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)