NBA: Start by torturing Jordan and add points to upgrade

"I knew you bastards wouldn't go straight back to the hotel." Jordan sat down smugly next to the group, leaning back in his chair, looking like he had everything under control.

"Then why do you think we're here?" Miller scoffed. "We're waiting for you."

“Your appearance caused Reggie to lose 3000 dollars to me.” Lin Tian held out his hand and said, “I told him he liked this place and would definitely come, but Reggie insisted that you would go to the bar for a couple of drinks first. Obviously, I won.”

Miller almost blurted out a curse as he looked at Lin Tian.

What kind of bastard would betray even his own teammates?

Which side are you on?

But regardless of which side Lin Tian is on, the problem is now facing Miller.

What should he do?
Because of saving face, he was swindled out of $3000 for no reason.

He still angrily berated Lin Tian, ​​saying, "You're talking nonsense. You didn't say anything about guessing that Jordan would be here."

Do you want to save money or save face?

This problem didn't bother Miller for too long.

Even Jordan saw it as this guy not hesitating at all. He was cursing under his breath as he reached into his pocket, pulled out his checkbook, signed a check, and tossed it to Lin Tian, ​​all the while yelling at Jordan, "It's all your fault, you bastard!"

Compared to embarrassing Jordan, the $3000 price tag is far too small.

"Alright Michael, tell me, what do you want from us?" Lin Tian finally stopped dealing with his steak and the check, and looked at Jordan instead.

“I’m the kind of person who always gets straight to the point,” Jordan shrugged. “I want to hire you. I think what you guys said at the end of the game was right. I want to hire you to manage the team for me.”

"That's the gist of it. You can start humiliating me and making your demands now." Seeing Jordan's expression that said, "Go ahead and try, I'll just pretend I'm being haunted," Lin Tian had no intention of continuing to torment him. Resistance is what makes things fun, and Lin Tian was really too lazy to torture him anymore with this kind of passive-aggressive attitude.

It's already completely its own shape, what kind of magic can it possibly change with further training? Even Master Lin isn't that perverted.

At the same time, Lin Tian could also see that Jordan was really helpless, in pain, and under a lot of pressure.

If it weren't for the constant ridicule, sarcasm, and pressure, he would never have given up and offered himself up to be humiliated.

This is truly a dead end, yet they are unwilling to admit defeat!

Regarding Jordan's performance, Lin Tian said, "I'll let you off the hook, bro."

"what do you want to do?"

Faced with Lin Tian's direct approach, Jordan was taken aback for a moment before simply and directly saying, "Everything!"

Yes, everything!
"You mean you'll give me complete power over personnel appointments and dismissals, let me do whatever I want, give me all the authority, and even make me the head coach?"

“Yes, just like Larry Bird in Indiana or Pat Riley in Miami! And of course, absolute confidence.” Jordan said in a somber voice, “Besides that, what else do you need? You can ask.”

It's clear that Jordan is going all in.

As for Miller and Van Gundy next to him, these two guys were not disappointed or upset at all because Jordan ignored them and was not going to hire them. They even excitedly took out their phones and started recording.

Jordan admitting defeat and asking for help is a rare sight, and it's something we must remember!
"The top physical therapists can be poached from the Knicks. I'll give you a few names in a bit; they are all top rehabilitation therapists who have worked closely with me over the past few years."

"No problem, I'll bring them over!" Jordan nodded without hesitation.

"A new ergonomic massage chair has recently been released in Germany. It can be customized according to each person's different physical condition and body shape, and can perfectly massage most of the joints and muscles of the human body."

"It allows people to repair fatigued muscle groups and joints as perfectly and quickly as possible while being completely relaxed."

"I'll get in touch." Jordan nodded without hesitation, his confidence in Lin Tian now unwavering! A team's performance is absolutely dependent on its health—one of the most crucial indicators!

Since entering the NBA, Jordan has seen countless teams with abundant talent and chemistry, only to fall victim to injuries. Using the best technology and top personnel to prevent injuries and ensure health is an extremely professional requirement!

He originally thought Lin Tian would ask for some fancy things to make things difficult for him, but he didn't expect that in the end it was all for the sake of the team.

For a fleeting moment, Jordan even felt a pang of guilt for judging others by his own petty standards.

Damn me!
"This is all I should do! No! It's something I should have done a long time ago. I did neglect the team's physical condition and the players' health before, and I didn't put enough effort into medical and logistical support. This was my oversight! Since you asked, I will definitely do my best!"

Seeing Jordan's somewhat excited expression, Lin Tian immediately poured cold water on him: "No, the massage chairs are for me. I need three: one in the locker room at the Spectrum Center, one in the training hall, and one in my office."

"Those Knicks physical therapists were theoretically there to treat me too. You know Michael, after playing basketball for so many years, I have a lot of injuries that require physical therapy."

“I need them.”

"Pfft." Hearing this, Miller couldn't help but burst out laughing, his body even shaking with laughter.

Just like Jordan, he was moved by Lin Tian and felt that he had been judging Lin Tian with his own petty mind.

He was confessing his sins when Lin Tian suddenly said: "These were all prepared for me?"
They have absolutely no shame.

It's safe to say that this is exactly Lin Tian's style.

"Can't I prepare it for myself?" Lin Tian looked at Jordan with a completely unaware expression and asked innocently.

“Sure! Any other requests? Just say it! Keep talking!” Jordan practically gritted his teeth as he agreed to Lin Tian’s request.

Of course, it wasn't because Lin Tian's two requests were too unreasonable; it was simply because he felt he had been tricked by Lin Tian again.

What respectable person would make such a ridiculous request before taking office?
"I won't sign a long contract with you, we can sign a one-year contract. That way I can leave whenever I want, and you can let me go whenever you get tired of me." Lin Tian's second request was also quite bizarre. What company would sign such an 'equal treaty' without giving itself any protection when hiring an employee?

"But I promise you, I won't leave you with a mess and then run away, nor will I leave before the team wins a championship, at least one! Only after I achieve that will I consider leaving."

"As for whether it's a dynasty or just a championship, that depends on my mood."

“You’re much more confident than I was back then,” Jordan said, looking at Lin Tian. “I hope you can be completely different from me.”

"Of course it's completely different. The two of us are not even in the same league. Don't think everyone is an idiot, Michael. Putting everything else aside, do you know how much money I've made this year? The money I've made this year might be more than you've made in your entire life."

"Michael, accept reality, I'm much smarter than you."

"Michael, how can you hold back from hitting him?" Miller couldn't hold back any longer. Lin Tian was really too arrogant and deserved a beating.

"I'll tolerate this idiot as much as possible until we win the championship." Jordan picked up the brandy on the table, tilted his head back, and gulped down a large mouthful. Then he looked at Lin Tian and asked, "Anything else you want?"

"Keep quiet! While I'm running the operations and building the team, you don't need to do anything. Just keep quiet, be your mascot, don't point fingers or offer any opinions."

“You don’t need to have any presence here, and you have no say in anything. This will be the case until I leave.”

“Okay! But I have a request!” After listening to Lin Tian state his requirements, Jordan finally made his own: “You’re the Vice President of Basketball Operations, but I’ll remain the President! I won’t relinquish that title.” “Stubborn to the end.” Lin Tian shrugged, indicating it was up to him, and then said, “Well then, that’s settled. As for my salary, to be honest, Michael, although I’m here to help you, to save you, I’m not short of money. I’m just doing my best friend a favor.”

"So I can just offer you whatever salary you want?" Jordan was taken aback, not expecting Lin Tian to be such a good friend.

"I've discovered that you've completely lost all shame." Lin Tian raised a middle finger, his expression one of utter contempt.

"I remember the highest-paid head coach was Don Nelson, right? How much did he earn a year? I think it was 1200 million? Then I want 1500 million! What was the highest salary for the president again? Never mind, it doesn't matter whether Riley earns more or West earns more."

“I want to earn at least 20% more than them! Of course, it will still be a one-year contract. If you are dissatisfied or feel that your money has been wasted, you can ask me to leave anytime.”

"I guarantee that every penny you spend will be well worth the price."

“No problem.” Jordan nodded and said, “Now I think we’ve reached an agreement. I’d like to hear your plan. How do you plan to get the team back on track for the new season?”

"None of your business." Lin Tian rolled his eyes and said, "Didn't we just agree that you wouldn't care about anything?"

"I can't even listen? I paid for this, I'm the boss, can't I even hear the plan?" Jordan's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief. Is there any boss in the league more aggrieved than him?
“Other people can definitely listen, but not you.” Lin Tian shook his head without hesitation and said, “You’re toxic. I’m telling you, I’m afraid that if you agree to a plan or deal that was originally working, it will immediately turn into a disaster.”

"Your judgment is terrible! You make me insecure, and I can't communicate my plans for the new season with you unless you reject every single one of my suggestions."

"But if you reject all my suggestions, it will indeed motivate me and make me more confident, but the problem is: it will make me think you are more of an idiot, and make me think you are a complete moron."

"So, do you still want to listen? Do you still want to hear my advice?"

"Go to hell!" Jordan cursed, stood up as if to turn and leave, but then sat back down and said, "Next season, I'll try to talk to you as little as possible, you bastard."

"I'll prepare the contract as soon as possible, a coach + vice president contract, guaranteed to be at least 20% higher than the top-paid guys in the industry! Once I have the contract ready, I'll make the official announcement, and then you can start working immediately to help me scout rookies. Finally, is there anything else you want to say to me?"

"Don't forget to pay for that bottle of brandy you just drank."

"Go to hell!" This time, Jordan really stood up and turned to leave.

But before leaving, he still called over a waiter and said, "The bill here is on me. I'll settle the account with your boss at the end of the month."

"By the way, Michael!" Just as Jordan finished giving his instructions and was about to leave, Lin Tian called him back again and said, "I really do have a serious question to ask you."

What are your requirements for the team?

"Requirements?" Jordan replied as if he had heard an interesting question. "A championship, of course."

"No, no, no, I mean, how much are you willing to pay for this championship? I mean the luxury tax, draft picks, your favorite players, and all sorts of other things."

"Everything." After a moment's hesitation, Jordan said decisively, "If necessary, I'm willing to give everything!"

"But of course, I can't afford the kind of spending that the Knicks or Trail Blazers have."

"Can't you use your common sense, Michael?" Lin Tian scoffed. "Now I understand why you guys haven't made the playoffs for so many years."

"You need to be eligible to pay that level of luxury tax! Do you even know about the labor agreement? With your current roster, paying the luxury tax would be extremely difficult."

"Your paycheck isn't enough to cover your expenses, so why are you paying such exorbitant luxury taxes? But don't worry, I'll try my best to make you pay more."

"If we don't win the championship or our performance doesn't improve, you know how I'll mock you, Lin." After saying this last sentence, Jordan turned and left the restaurant. He didn't want to stay there for another second.

He wasn't sure if Lin Tian could lead the team to glory and a championship, but he was certain of one thing: the league would never find an employee as arrogant as Lin Tian and a boss as frustrated as himself again.

Even Pat Riley and Jerry West, including Auerbach who has gone to play chess with God, would never have had an employee dare to speak to their boss like that.

Well, Nelson might dare to, but he would only do that when he's extremely angry. Most of the time, he can control his temper.

But Lin Tian only talks like that because he has a bad sense of humor and wants to provoke people.

That bastard is a complete bastard, it's that simple.

Damn it, if I can't win this time, I'll hire an assassin to kill this bastard!
Watching Jordan turn and leave, Lin Tian called over a waiter and asked, "What's the most expensive item here, and is it still available?"

"Australian lobster? No problem, three of them, and three more jars of caviar, I mean three jars, not three spoonfuls. Do you think I can't afford it? My friend is Michael Jordan, do you think I can't afford caviar? I don't care how this stuff is eaten."

"Can't I just take it to go? Also, give me a bottle of 9...8... never mind, I don't know anything about wine, just give me an expensive one."

After adding the dishes, Lin Tian shamelessly looked at Van Gundy and Miller in front of him and said with a smile, "I hope you can still eat."

“I have never seen such a shameless person in my life.” Van Gundy, who was not very familiar with Lin Tian, ​​couldn’t help but say, “I have worked with Pat Riley for many years, and I always thought he was the most shameless, scheming and calculating guy I had ever met.”

"Compared to you, Pat is as innocent as a high school student."

“It’s not that exaggerated, Jeff,” Lin Tian said with a smile. “He just cares about his image and wants to maintain his composure. If he didn’t care about these things, he would be even more shameless than me.”

"The worst I can be is this, but those other old guys, when they get bad, have no bottom line!"

Van Gundy and Miller both gave Lin Tian a "go to hell" look, clearly disbelieving him and thinking he was talking complete nonsense.

But Miller couldn't help but ask, "If you're so confident, do you already have all the preparations and plans, and are you confident that you can completely rebuild the Bobcats within 2-3 years?"

Van Gundy added, "I think Rose is definitely a promising talent. This guy might actually grow into an MVP-caliber star! With Iverson getting older and no longer at his peak, this guy might become the next number one offensive point guard!"

"But the rest of the Bobcats, honestly, I don't really think most of them have the ability to become the core of a championship team. That is, this year's rookie, DeRozan, has been doing alright. That guy and Rose's backcourt has potential!"

“No, there’s no plan at all. I’ve only watched one Bobcats game this season, the one just now.” Lin Tian shrugged and said, “Also, Jeff, I really don’t know the Bobcats’ roster. I can only recall no more than five players that I think are decent.”

"But Rose and DeRozan are definitely my favorites among them."

“If I didn’t know you quite well and know who you are, I would call the police right now.” Miller said to Lin Tian while eating the lobster that had just been served, “You look like a conman, the kind of bastard who’ll scam people for a year and then run away at any time.”

"It's really heartbreaking for Reggie to hear you say that." Lin Tian shrugged, then poured each of the three people a glass of wine that had just been served—who knows which year it was—and said with a smile, "For example, I already have the first step of my plan."

"Jeff, you just said you don't want to be the head coach, that the pressure is too much. How about an assistant coach? Come help me for two years. I need you to help me build the team's defensive system."

“Those guys at ESPN will definitely kill you.” Miller shook his head. This kind of direct poaching was really despicable.

"It's okay, they still have you, Reggie. With you here, they won't kill me." Lin Tian chuckled and stated directly that he would not invite Miller to join his team.

"Go to hell." Miller stuck out his middle finger, then took the bottle of caviar and poured it all onto his plate, taking a big bite. "It's fucking awful. I still don't understand what's so good about this stuff."

As he spoke, the guy, as if venting his anger, swallowed another large mouthful.

“I can give you a tip, Reggie,” Lin Tian said casually. “You can talk to your old buddy Mark. I think he has the potential to become an excellent commentator.”

“That big fat ass?” Miller muttered. “Maybe.” (End of Chapter)