I'm good at basketball too

"Li Ran, will you sign up for any events in this year's All-Star Game? For example, a dunk contest or a three-point contest?"

The next day, Li Ran was blocked by reporters as soon as he arrived at the arena.

Li Ran spread his hands: "Hey, brother, I'm just a coach now, you let a coach go to the All-Star, what about the players who play normally in the league?"

"So will you participate in the race?"

"Of course, the fans voted for me to recognize me, and it is also a great honor to appear on the All-Star game."

Li Ran said the same thing, but only God knows what will happen when the time comes.

"Then when will you take part in the challenge again?"

"Who knows, but it probably won't be this year."

"What about next year?"

"As I said, who knows what will happen in the future, brother. I still need to focus on the team now. You see, your team has a good momentum this year. I have to be responsible for them, right?"

After Li Ran finished speaking, he waved his hand coolly and walked into the arena.

Li Ran is really not interested in participating in the dunk contest this year, but next year. . .

That session was called the most exciting slam dunk contest since Carter won the championship, and Li Ran didn't want to miss it.

Time passed quickly, and it was January 1th in the blink of an eye. On this day, the Hornets faced Li Ran's old club, the Grizzlies, at home.

Duncan is basically just playing the role of a mascot in the Grizzlies now, and Kirilenko is also on the verge of retiring. The omnipotent super sixth man Crawford also left the team, and the Eagles issued him With an annual salary of 1400 million and enough championships, money is the only thing the players pursue.

As for basketball?

Just kidding, in the NBA, among the 450 players every year, how many of them enter the league purely because they like basketball?

However, although there is no dominance in the dynasty, the core of the Grizzlies lineup composed of Curry, Pickle and Xiaojia is still very competitive, and they have always lingered in the upper half of the West.

Moreover, Calipari adjusted his tactics again this year. Jeremy Lin and Curry formed a double point guard starter, and Calipari's DDM tactics that shined in the NCAA appeared in the league again.

"Li Ran, aren't you going to play today?"

Looking at Li Ran who was staring at the tactical board in a daze in the locker room, Yao Ming asked jokingly.

Li Ran was suddenly startled and raised his head.

"Play? Why should I play?"

"Don't you want to try playing against your old team on the pitch?"

Yao Ming's words seemed to have special magic power, and Li Ran was immediately moved.

Yes, the Grizzlies that I created by myself back then are not what they used to be, but the foundation is still there. What will happen when I face my old club?
After hesitating for a moment, Li Ran smiled.

"Okay, then I'll give them some surprises!"

In fact, Li Ran was not thinking about the next game just now, but a deal.

To put it bluntly, it was Rose's deal.

Rose's performance in the Bulls was not satisfactory after his comeback, and it seemed that he would never be able to return to the era of the omnipotent MVP. Li Ran believed that the time was ripe.

As for the bargaining chip, this is easy to discuss and discuss, and the Hornets can still come up with a bargaining chip that satisfies the Bulls.

The Bulls are now a championship team, as long as they can strengthen the team, they must be happy to accept the Hornets' offer.

However, there was still some time before the trade deadline, so Li Ran calmed down and focused on the next game.

The fans were pleasantly surprised to see that Li Ran appeared in the pre-match warm-up in training clothes.

Does this mean anything?
When they were guessing excitedly, the Hornets gave the starting list for this game.

For the first time, the full version of the Hornets appeared in front of everyone.

Li Ran, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Nikola Jokic.

Calipari and a group of Grizzlies players were also surprised and delighted.

"Great, I can finally compete with Li Ran on the court." Curry said excitedly while playing with his braces with his mouth.

Since Li Ran left the team, the Grizzlies no longer have anyone to discipline him for this bad habit.

But Jeremy Lin poked Curry.

"Stephen, you are facing Li Ran today."

Curry's complexion changed, and the bitter gourd fell instantly.

"Jeremy, go defend Li Ran today."

"I won't go, you are the number one point guard, and you are the one to face Li Ran." Jeremy Lin shook his head.

Duncan tapped Curry on the shoulder.

"You're lucky, Stephen."

Curry suddenly felt that it was dark.

He had a premonition that when confronting him, Li Ran would definitely kill him.

Yes, dead hand!

Li Ran also planned so.

To be honest, Li Ran was panicked after not playing the game to his heart's content for so long, but in order to train the team's newcomers, he has always restrained himself.

Today, I finally have the chance.

"Today I will attack, who is in favor and who is against?"

After warming up and returning to the locker room, Li Ran sat carelessly on the physiotherapy chair in the middle, which seemed to have become his exclusive position.

The Hornets players nodded and laughed.

Just kidding, who dares to disobey Li Ran, who is not afraid of being abused during the training match?

"Okay, I'll take you to win today!"

Before the game, most people were optimistic about the Grizzlies. After all, it is a dynasty team, and the airs are still there. They are also ranked higher than the Hornets in the Western Conference.

But as soon as the news of Li Ran's first start came out, the betting company immediately changed the odds for this match.

Although Li Ran played tepidly this season and looked like he had lost all his skills, since he dared to start today, he must be prepared.

Calipari also gave his proud disciple enough face and sent the team's strongest lineup.

Stephen Curry, Jeremy Lin, Paul George, Tim Duncan, Marc Gasol.

Looking at Li Ran standing in the middle circle looking at him with a smile, Gasol felt as if he was in another world.

The last time I saw Li Ran standing in the middle circle jumping the ball was the last time.

When jumping the ball, Xiaojia habitually and symbolically stood on tiptoe and watched Li Ran jump the ball away from his head.

This was his subconscious action, because when he was in the Grizzlies, Xiaojia had never jumped against Li Ran.

However, the fans on the sidelines exclaimed.

It was only then that Xiao Jia realized that this was the first time Li Ran had used his full strength since his return.

Everything is the same as it was two years ago.

"It's back, it's all back!"

A fan wearing the No. 0 Grizzlies jersey said excitedly with tears in his eyes.

At this time, Li Ran had already got the ball from Butler who was protecting the ball, and slowly walked towards the frontcourt with the ball.

The Grizzlies' starting five are ready, and even Duncan, who is inside, feels as if he is three years younger.

This is a very meaningful game. For Lao Dengtou, it is more important than a playoff game. (end of this chapter)