NBA: Back to 97, to be the Jagged Bishop

Chapter 185 The Power of the Crazy Arms Race

"Dong dong dong."

Kumbu was just about to call Adelman Jr. to ask him to help him book a plane ticket back home when he heard someone knocking on the door of the office.

"Come in."

"Kong, long time no see."

A middle-aged Caucasian man came in, and Kong Bu looked strange, as if he had never met him before.

"You are?" Kongbu asked with a frown.

"I'm Billy, Billy King." The visitor said with a flattering smile.

Kumbu was speechless. He had called Billy King, but he had never met him before, and he hadn't seen a picture of Billy King in the newspaper, so he couldn't recognize him for a while.

"Billy, you have a nice office."

Kong Bu laughed and said that the office he is using now is the former general manager's office of Billy King.

"As long as you like it, this office has a secret door and a small private room inside, you understand." Billy winked.

For a while, Kongbu couldn't figure out what this guy was doing here?It's not like showing off what happened to him in the private room with the beautiful secretary, is it?

"Billy, what are you doing?"

"No, I just came here to apologize to you."

"All the previous things were all my fault. I was too simple and stupid to fall into the trap of that old Larry Brown."

"Kong, I sincerely apologize to you, sorry."

"Larry Brown is really nothing. He fled back to the NCAA in desperation now, and he didn't even give me a position as an assistant coach."

"Tell me why there are such ruthless people in the world."

Billy King was full of resentment, and began to scold Larry Brown in front of Combe.

Kong Bu burst out laughing, dare to believe that this kind of filth happened between these two people?
Thinking about Larry Brown's character, this kind of thing is really not enough for him.

Looking at the poor Billy King in front of him, Combre couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.

"I accept your apology, is there anything else?"

"Kong, can you give me a job, any job is fine, even if it is the team's assistant coach, I can accept it."

"I still have a mortgage to pay, my wife spends money every day for beauty treatments and Michelin-starred restaurants, and I have three children. If I have no income within two months, the end of the world will come."

"You must help me, please," Billy King begged.

This is the pain of a middle-aged man. In order to make a living, he can only give up his dignity to beg Kong Bu.

After contemplating for a while, Combe came up with an idea, and it wasn't that he couldn't help Billy King, because there was an offending task that he needed to do right now.

"Billy, I can help you."

"What about the position of the team's scouting director? The treatment is the same as that of the previous scouting director. It seems that the annual salary is 45 US dollars."

Billy King directly shouted excitedly, 45 US dollars is not high, but it is enough for him to overcome the difficulties in front of him.

It's better to be a teaching assistant in the past.

And the scouting director is also a real management, and he is in charge of the five scouts of the Philadelphia 76ers.

"Thank you, Kong, you are really my savior."

"Larry Brown should die in the NCAA, he should never set foot in the NBA."

"If he dares to return to the NBA in the future, let's see how I deal with him."

Billy King began to show courteousness and scolded Larry Brown angrily. He really hated Larry Brown so much.

"Billy, now that you're the scouting director, I have a job for you."

"Fire all the five scouts in the team, we 76ers don't need scouts."

Kumbu is now the general manager of the team, and he needs to start thinking about the team's various expenses.

Because I am a time traveler, no one knows better than Kong Bu whether the rookie is strong or not, and whether he has potential, so scouting is completely useless.

A scout's annual salary is almost 20, and then he travels around to inspect new recruits, which requires at least more than [-] US dollars in travel expenses every year.

Once these five scouts are fired, the team can immediately save 200 million dollars in expenses.

With the boss Schneider's annual salary of 2500 million US dollars, in addition to the record, he should make more money for Schneider. Don't wait until the end of the season to check the accounts. The team is still losing money. The general manager Kombu is too bad. Competent.

"Okay, I will successfully complete the task."

Billy King was not stupid, he knew that Combe had given him a job to offend others, but now he had no other choice?

"In the future, in this alliance, keep to the rules, no matter how bad it is, it won't be much worse."

Seeing that Billy King took over the task, Kong Bu nodded in satisfaction and said.

"Is it the rules of the alliance, or your rules?" Billy King felt that his relationship with Combe had eased, and made a joke.

Kong Bu nodded, "Is there a difference?"

These words were full of confidence. Billy King was joking, but Combe didn't mean to be joking at all.

It took him three full years to become a giant in the league. At present, in this league, Stern may be the only one who can really threaten Comb.

When Stern resigned and Stu, whom he supported, took over, then Kumbu would really be rampant in this league, and his rules are rules.

Billy King was speechless secretly, shocked by Kumbu's arrogance or arrogance.

But he also knew that Combe did have the capital to say this, at least he killed himself and Larry Brown without any effort.

……

The matter of joining the Philadelphia 76ers has basically been settled.

By the end of June, Combe led Adelman Jr. to Minnesota. This year's draft was held in Minneapolis.

Originally, Kumbu didn't want to come to this draft. The 76ers only have two picks. There is definitely no possibility of being intercepted for the No. 76 pick, and Reid is not paid much attention to. The 43rd pick in the hands of the [-]ers , basically there will be no surprises.

In previous years, because there were too many draft picks in hand, it was inevitable that there would be a situation of cutting off Hu, so Kong Bu was required to sit on the draft scene.

But after all, this is the first year that Combe served as the general manager and coach of the 76ers team, and he still came to the draft scene in person.

In addition, the draft scene can also be regarded as a social occasion. Kongbu and many old friends have not seen each other for a long time, so they took this opportunity to get together.

Target Center, home of the Timberwolves.

Timberwolves general manager McHale and coach Saunders Sr. stood at the entrance of the venue and looked around anxiously.

When he saw two young figures appearing, he quickly walked up to them.

The two are naturally Comb and Adelman Jr.

"Kong, I called you a few days ago and asked you to come here a few days earlier, so that we can do our best as landlords."

"I heard that this year's draft is a super young year, Kong, do you have any news to disclose?"

McHale asked in a low voice.

"Kong, the number of draft picks in your hand has become an indicator of whether the draft is good or bad."

"You only have two draft picks this year, so it must not be a big year, right?"

Old Sanders also answered from the side.

Combe nodded with a smile, "When I have a chance, I will find a mild weather to go fishing in Minnesota."

"Your place is too cold in winter and too hot in summer. Most people can't stay here."

"As for whether it is a small year, there is no doubt about it, not only a small year, but also the weakest young year in the entire NBA history."

Comb gave such an evaluation, which directly shocked McHale and old Sanders.

The weakest draft in NBA history?Boy, that's as small as it gets.

The Timberwolves had three draft picks. Hearing what Kumbu said, there was no draft. McHale immediately began to think about selling these three draft picks and replacing them with the 01 or 02 draft picks.

As hosts, they took advantage of a lot of convenience this time, and learned a very valuable piece of information from Kong Bu.

"Kong, I won't greet you anymore, we are old acquaintances, you can do what you want."

"I still have things to deal with, so I'll take my leave first."

The Timberwolves bid farewell to Konbu and rushed back to the venue, looking for the big guy to trade the pick.

"Boss, is this draft really that bad?"

Little Adelman couldn't help but speak out of curiosity.

Kong Bu nodded, "It's really that bad, maybe worse than you think, but Yao Ming is special, he can't be counted as a draft pick."

Adelman Jr. also didn't know why Combe wanted to exclude Yao Ming alone.

"Boss, what is the basis for your judgment?"

"I don't mean anything else. I'm not questioning you. I just want to learn more from you."

Kumbu pondered for a while, this question really caught him, and he couldn't tell little Adelman that he was a time traveler.

"confusion!"

"The basis of my judgment is chaos!"

Seeing little Adelman's puzzled face, Combe continued to explain.

"I have read the lottery pick predictions of this draft in dozens of newspapers and media, and I have never seen the same one."

"Even the forecast in the same newspaper can change completely in a month's time."

"You have to trust the eyes of the masses. Such chaotic predictions mean that the rookies in this class generally do not have overwhelming strength."

"The last time there was such a chaotic situation was in 97. At that time, apart from Duncan, very few rookies could stably occupy a position in the lottery prediction."

"So there were only three good players in the '97 draft."

Combe explained patiently.

Little Adelman nodded again and again. He felt that he had finally learned something from Combe, which his father, the old Adelman, could not teach him.

If it weren't for Duncan's outstanding performance in the 97 draft, and if McGrady hadn't shined in the hands of Comb, it would have been a small year in terms of the number of stars.

This year's situation is very similar to that of 97. Yao Ming, like Duncan, has booked the No. The more stable projections are picked in the lottery, and the other players are uncertain.

And like those big draft years, the predictions of various media are actually pretty much the same, there are some changes in the draft, but the people are still those people, one carrot and one pit.

Therefore, the basis given by Kong Bu is scientific, not just nonsense.

When Kumbu walked into the draft venue, the scene immediately boiled up.

In the last draft, Kumbu had already shown a very strong network, and almost all the famous people in the league had friendship with him.

This year, things are different.

In addition to friendship, some people also began to fear Kumbu's madness.

Comb's retaliation for Larry Brown and Billy King's crazy operation is frightening. If it really annoys Comb, who can guarantee that Comb will not come to their team next season?
Anyway, the contract that Kongbu signed with the 76ers this time can leave the team at any time, as long as he wants, he can leave at any time.

At that time, his fate may be worse than that of Larry Brown or Billy King. At least Larry Brown still has an NCAA retreat, and Billy King can put down his dignity and go to Kombu for peace.

Of course, the ones who are afraid of Comb are all shallow coaches like Doc Rivers. Like Wilkens of the Eagles, there is no need to fear Comb. They have already branded themselves in their respective teams. , the boss wants to fire them, but also has to worry about the fans' opinions.

It's just that these old men really don't have any reason to quarrel with Kong Bu right now.

"You guy is too scary. At that time, the gossip said that you were leaving the Raptors, and the head coaches of all the teams in the league were panicked."

"They're afraid to go to bed at night and wake up to the news that the team fired them."

Old Thomas, who hadn't seen him for a long time, approached Kongbu and smiled.

"Is that exaggerated?" Kumbu rubbed his temples and said.

"Exaggeration? It's even more exaggerated than this. I heard that Phil Jackson didn't sleep all night, and he didn't close his eyes until after your press conference the next day."

"The Lakers are a well-established wealthy family with a high degree of attention. The life in Los Angeles is very attractive to young people. Of course he thinks that your next family will choose the Lakers."

"If I were the head coach of the Lakers, I would definitely not be able to sleep."

Old Thomas said with a smirk.

"Aren't you worried that I will go to the Knicks to grab your job?"

"Don't tell me, Stern asked me to include the Knicks in consideration."

Combe threatened.

Old Thomas was so scared that his back broke out in cold sweat. If Combe really came to the Knicks, he would definitely not be able to find a job, but the positions of general manager and coach would not be considered.

"Are you trying to scare me, kid? I don't believe you're coming to New York."

"I always feel that you look down on the Knicks team, am I right?"

Old Thomas didn't know if he was seeking a psychological comfort for himself, and said with an embarrassed expression.

Kong Bu waved his hand and didn't continue to talk about this topic. In fact, what Lao Deng said was correct. Kong Bu really didn't think much of the Knicks in his heart.

The Knicks have the largest ball market in the league, and the owner is not reluctant to spend money. The key is that Stern has been helping the Knicks overtly and secretly, but this team is too disappointing. There are only a handful of honors that can be obtained.

Knicks is a dou, a dou who cannot be supported.

Such a team, why should Kumbu look up to them.

If it weren't for Da Zhi's current play for the Knicks, Combe wouldn't bother to mention this team.

"By the way, have you heard? The Jazz seem to be negotiating a deal with the Lakers. The details of the deal haven't been leaked yet, but I think it must be related to Karl Malone."

"You left the Raptors, and the whole league sees a chance to win a championship, so they're all recruiting, it's a crazy arms race."

Old Thomas said mysteriously.

Comb frowned, and left the Raptors himself, but the Raptors' foundation is still there. The Lakers may feel that the current lineup is still unable to guarantee victory over the Raptors. They just took advantage of the expiration of Glen Rice's contract and saved about 800 yuan. The salary space of [-] US dollars is used for further reinforcement.

They lost last season, mainly on the fourth position, no one can compete with Dampier.

If Malone got his hands, the situation would be completely different.

"They even took the initiative to contact Payton and wanted to sign Payton as a free agent." Old Thomas continued to tell Comb the news he had inquired about.

Kumbu frowned even more. The Lakers wanted to build the F4 Galaxy Battleship in advance?

This is just 2000, whether it is Malone or Payton, it is definitely not the state of 2003.

In the 03-04 season, the Lakers' F4 Galaxy Battleship became a joke, but if they really do it now, the combat power will be too terrifying.

The Raptors are missing Payton and Tracy McGrady. Under the ebb and flow, this Lakers team is really capable of overcoming the Raptors.

"How did you know the news?" Kong Bu asked curiously.

Logically speaking, it is impossible for such top-secret information to be leaked out. It seems that the only source of news for Old Thomas in Los Angeles is Magic Johnson.

And this level of news, it is impossible for a magician to know.

"Payton told me, you don't think there is only one chasing Peyton, do you?"

"Our team has money and lacks point guards, you don't know that."

"We are infinitely close to signing Payton. How can a poor team like the Lakers compete with us?"

Old Thomas was full of pride, and those who didn't know thought he was the owner of the Knicks.

Kong Bu grinned, and things seemed to be getting a little serious. After he left the Raptors, he immediately made the group of demons in this alliance dance wildly.

All the teams want to take advantage of the time when Kumbu has not put the 76ers in order, and the strength of the Raptors has shrunk, so they should win the championship first.

If Kumbu turns the 76ers into the second Raptors team, there will be no chance for them to win the championship.

The Lakers are already strong, and now it is very likely that there will be another Malone. I don't know if there are other reinforcements. The strength will become amazing.

And the Knicks are not weak at first, their only flaw is the No. [-] position. Now if they get Payton, it will be even more powerful. It is hard to say whether the Raptors can pass the Knicks.

In addition, it is impossible for the Knicks to sign just one Payton. According to Comb’s knowledge, the Knicks are not planning to renew Ewing’s contract. Aunt’s salary of more than 1000 million is also a team option, which directly frees up at least 2600 million US dollars. salary space.

Signing Payton doesn't even take half of it, and they can at least sign another first-tier star.

Although Comb didn't need to fight for the championship in the first year of coaching the Philadelphia 76ers, but it is impossible for him to have no pursuit at all.

His original plan was to at least make it to the Eastern Conference finals, when he would face the Raptors, and it wouldn't hurt if he didn't win.

However, as the strength of the Knicks soars, if Comb doesn't do something, it will be very difficult for them to pass the second round of this year's playoffs whether they encounter the Raptors or the Knicks.

(End of this chapter)