NBA Building Cardinals

Chapter 108 On the Right Track
post game press conference
Reporter: "As we all know, when Ariza was in the Knicks, he was just a substitute player, and even in the regular rotation, there was no rotation position for him."

"Then under such circumstances, how did you come up with the idea of ​​letting him play as the starter?"

Bickerstaff: "Well, although Ariza struggled a bit after entering the league, as a rookie, it does take time to adjust."

"I am very optimistic about his prospects and future, and coach Liu Rui also praised him greatly."

"Although Ariza's performance in this game was not very satisfactory, it also has a lot to do with the current team's incomplete lineup."

"So I believe that in the future, the situation will definitely get better, and he will definitely prove himself to others."

Reporter: "Since Ariza entered the league, his shooting percentage has always been very low. Whether it is from the Knicks or in this game, even if he is facing an open three-pointer, he has not been able to grasp it."

"Some people say that you have suffered a lot by trading Tron Smith for a rookie with little potential. So what do you have to explain for this statement?"

Bickerstaff: "I don't agree with this statement. A person's potential is not only his own talent, but also his hard work in the later stage."

"And Ariza's efforts are beyond your imagination. I still say the same thing. In the future, after coach Liu Rui returns and our lineup is in order, Ariza will definitely fulfill his talent."

"It's sure to surprise everyone who underestimates him and respond to those who taunt him on the pitch, that's it."

With the exception of Bickerstaff, the players seemed rather disappointed in the loss of this game.

Because the team has now come to an eight-game losing streak, and in this game, all the players played relatively badly.

Whether it was Trevor Ariza's debut, or Okafor's recent success, in this game, they all suffered serious contusions.

Looking at Ariza's somewhat nervous expression, it is obvious that the reporter's question just now also had a certain impact on Ariza.

"Don't care about the opinions of the outside world. On every road to success, you should be firm in your inner thoughts."

"And you are exactly the person coach Liu Rui needs by name, so no matter what outsiders think, at least you have to believe in yourself, and the next thing you have to do is to train hard."

"Try to prove yourself in the next game, and the best way to respond to these public opinions is to slap them in the face severely in the game."

"Instead of being alone in a corner and indecisive, because that's what cowards do."

In the locker room, Bickerstaff said seriously to Ariza.

Because the growth of every rookie player, in addition to talent and external factors, psychological factors are also a huge problem.

There are too many rookies who are given high hopes after entering the league, but due to various reasons, they are under a lot of pressure.

In the end, I doubted myself in my heart, and gradually became less confident.

And when a person no longer trusts himself, who do you expect to trust you.

"Yes, coach, I will definitely concentrate on training and not let outside public opinion affect me."

Hearing Bickerstaff's words, Ariza smiled wryly.

Decided to put in more effort in future training, trying to make those who looked down upon me obediently shut up.

With the Bobcats' loss in this game, they are also returning to Charlotte.

Because they will continue to face the challenge of the defending champion Pistons at home in the next game.

And even if the winning rate is slim, the team still has to devote themselves to training during the two free days.

Among them, Ariza was the most hardworking. During the two days of training, he trained day and night, and his daily sleep was only guaranteed to be six hours.

The rest of the time was basically spent training in the arena, except for frantically practicing two three-pointers from the bottom corners.

Bickerstaff also recruited the team's 13-year veteran in the league, Stephen Smith, to serve as Ariza's sparring partner.

After all, Smith has played in the league for so many years, and he was also a legendary All-Star figure in the past, so whether it is in terms of offensive skills or rhythm.

Both have greatly improved Ariza's defense.

In this regard, Bickerstaff is very pleased every time he sees it on the sidelines.

After all, maybe hard work will not be rewarded, but if a person does not work hard, he will definitely not be rewarded.

Especially for these players who have no money to eat, in this league, those who can be called truly talented are simply rare.

April 11

Smith, the general manager who returned to Charlotte, still received a call from Bulls general manager Foreman.

Although for this call, it came later than Smith expected.

Obviously Foreman is also an old fox, very calm.

But at this time, Smith was sitting in the office, opening a bottle of red wine leisurely.

Looking at the cell phone that kept ringing, he didn't mean to answer it at all, and let it ring non-stop.

With a smile on the corner of his mouth, he poured the red wine into the goblet and swung it gracefully in his hand.

He said to himself: "Hehe, since you are so calm, then I would like to see if you are really not in a hurry as you have shown."

Obviously, for Foreman, Smith has completely gained the upper hand.

After yesterday's game between the Bulls and Bobcats.

Smith asked someone to deliberately release some rumors, expressing his intention to trade out the team's rookie Bernard Robinson.

Because Robinson's performance is very good, but the Bobcats want a high-ranking rookie, or a draft pick, as the cornerstone of the team.

Because Robinson's recent performance has been so good that Smith is not willing to trade him.

If it weren't for the boss Robert's order, Smith would definitely oppose Liu Rui's deal.

Sure enough, as Smith expected, after he released the news, he clearly felt that several teams were ready to move.

Among them is the giant Lakers. After the Lakers traded O'Neal away this season, they urgently need to achieve a good record.

To prove that even if the team does not have O'Neal, the Lakers can still become a strong team under the leadership of Kobe.

So for the cultivation of rookie players, at this juncture, the Lakers simply don't have that much patience.

Because once the Lakers' record plummets, someone will definitely come out to add insult to injury and sow discord.

For a rookie like Robinson who has already shown his immediate combat power, even if everyone knows, his potential is very limited.

But for all the teams that want to achieve better results in the playoffs, this kind of player is the best candidate for all teams.

Although the potential is limited, there is no need to cultivate after the deal comes.

Because it is plug and play, and the salary is low, and compared to the basic salary veteran, it has more training value...

　Powell of the Lone Ranger suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the game against the Clippers today. After watching the game, I felt a little heavy.

　　Like a rubber band, it breaks in an instant, and the trembling amplitude of the calf is visible to the naked eye.

　　That kind of pain that hurts even looking at it is really depressing, and for an inside player, especially a non-core inside player.

　　A ruptured Achilles tendon may mean that there will be no chance of a big contract from now on. Not only that, but even after the contract expires, it will become difficult to survive in the league.

　　Because he is not Durant or Cousins, not many people are willing to bet on his future.

　　Finally, I wish Powell a speedy recovery.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)