NBA: Start by torturing Jordan and add points to upgrade

At the start of media day, a total of 10 new recruits, including Yao Ming, Carlos Boozer, Jeremy Lin, Steve Fields, and Stephenson, appeared together holding up their new jerseys, as the Bobcats did not move their jerseys, and only four veteran players remained on the team.

Therefore, this year's new signings have basically all chosen the numbers they wanted and liked.

For example, Yao Ming's number 11, Carlos Boozer's number 5, and Jeremy Lin's number 7 were all taken by other players.

Then, after the new recruits made their appearances and gave their monotonous and unoriginal speeches, it was the Bobcats' biggest and most important new recruit of the summer to take the stage.

Lin Tian!

Just like when he was a player, whenever Lin Tian appears, no matter where or what the occasion, he is the focus of the spotlight and the center of everyone's attention.

As he sat in the interview booth, the reporters who had been interviewing other players all moved over to Lin Tian, ​​eager to hear what this outspoken and uninhibited guy could say after transitioning to management and head coaching.

"Lin, this is your first public appearance since becoming president and head coach. How does it feel?"

“First of all, he’s the vice president; Michael is the president.” At this moment, Lin Tian still gave Jordan some face.

For Lin Tian to give Jordan so much money every year and then humiliate him in front of so many people for no reason is really unfair of him.

Lord Lin is not that kind of person!

"Secondly, I have to say it's more exciting than I imagined, especially during training. Watching the players improve little by little, and seeing them make up for their shortcomings over time, is really exciting and fulfilling!"

"I feel very fortunate to have assembled such a talented and passionate team, and I am also very happy to be able to coach and nurture them and grow together with them!"

Huh? Such a normal answer?
Faced with Lin Tian's standard and conventional answer, the reporters were completely stunned.

What's going on?
Is this still Lin Tian?

A few months ago, when this guy was doing commentary, wasn't he always criticizing everyone and everything?
Fortunately, when the reporters asked their next question, Lin Tian immediately reverted to his true nature, reassuring them that he was still the same Lin Tian.

"So Lin, tell us how you got this job. Many people say that you were able to become both the vice president of basketball operations and the head coach of the Bobcats because you are good friends with Jordan."

"Quite the opposite." Lin Tian shrugged and said, "It's because Michael is my good friend that I agreed to let him take on both positions at the same time. I was giving him face. Otherwise, do you think anyone would be willing to take on this hot potato, given Charlotte's situation last season and its past record?"

"I have to say that under Michael's guidance, the Bobcats' team building over the past few years has been a complete failure and a laughing stock. That's why he came to me. He hoped someone could get the Bobcats back on track and lead them out of their predicament."

"And by all accounts, I am the best person for this job, and I am the best person to help the Bobcats get back on track."

"So Lin, do you think you're better than the top, most experienced professionals? Do you think you're the best president and head coach in this league?"

"Why not me?" Lin Tian smiled at the reporter who asked the question and said casually, "Or why don't you tell me who the best person in your heart is?"

"Is it Larry Bird, Jerry West, Pat Riley, or Gregg Popovich?"

Lin Tian's simple question cleverly silenced the reporter; who didn't know it was a trap?
Which of these people isn't one of the top guys in the league? And as everyone knows, each of them is more petty than the last.

Lin Tian can say they're no good because he's not afraid of them. Would a reporter dare to say that?

For example, if a reporter says Riley is number one, Riley will feel good, but he basically won't get any special treatment. However, at the same time, the reporter will offend Bird, West, and Popovich.

What if those old guys secretly say something like, "We will not accept interviews from this media outlet in the future"?
Better safe than sorry!

After silencing the reporter with his words, Lin Tian continued, "So, to reiterate, I'm here not because Michael offered me a job, but because I did him a favor and gave him an opportunity."

"An opportunity for a team that will no longer be a joke, a team that can finally stand up and become a truly strong team."

"So let's get back to Lin. How did you convince Jordan? Or rather, how did Michael recognize your abilities and ask you to do him a favor?"

“It’s simple, just point your finger at him and yell at him.” Lin Tian said casually, as if it were the simplest thing in the world: “Michael has always been like this, ever since I’ve known him.”

"To put it simply, he deserved a beating. From my rookie season onwards, I never gave him a kind look. When I was happy, I would yell at him, and when I was unhappy, I would give him a few elbows to vent my anger. And guess what? We quickly became good friends, and he thought I was a reliable player."

“He was like this after he retired. A few years ago, he asked me who to pick in the draft. I also communicated with him in a very peaceful and relaxed way and recommended new players to him.”

"But this guy wouldn't listen. He completely ignored my introductions and recommendations. He still insisted on choosing players according to his own ideas, which is why the Bobcats' record in the past few years was so dismal."

"Two years ago, when he called me again, I told him: Fuck you, you stupid idiot. If you want my advice, then choose that damn Derrick Rose. If you don't want it, then you f***ing delete my number."

"We all know what happened next. He chose Rose, the best player in the 08 draft class, the best rookie and future MVP, and the cornerstone of Charlotte's team building for the next 10 years."

"We have set sail."

Listen to this! What outrageous and treacherous talk!

What's the difference between this and "If you see a girl you like, go up to her and tell her directly that you like her, but you're too busy to go on a date, see a movie, or have dinner, so let's just sleep together"?
Don't be afraid when you see Jordan. Go up to him, point your finger at him, and he'll acknowledge you as his boss sooner or later.

Is this what a human being would say?
So what are your goals for this season?

"The overall champion." Upon hearing this question, Lin Tian immediately woke up. His eyes swept over all the reporters, and he said with an air of authority, "This is not just a routine statement, nor is it some nonsense I'm spouting to boost morale."

"I truly believe this! Our goal this year is the championship!"

"What if you can't get it?"

“There are times when goals are not achieved, and there are times when you fail on the way to achieving them. Isn’t that normal?” At this moment, Lin Tian suddenly showed his infinitely thick skin again: “We aim for the championship, but that doesn’t mean we will definitely achieve it.”

"There will always be unexpected events and setbacks on the road to success, and that's normal."

"Isn't what you're saying just like what other coaches say? It's just a slogan, without any real meaning or effect."

In response to reporters' questions, Lin Tian reiterated: "The premise of aiming for the championship is that we already have the strength to compete for the championship. We are a championship-level team, and we have the ability to become a top-five or top-three team in the league."

"The rest depends on how well they perform on the day, unexpected events, or other uncontrollable factors like injuries, right?"

"So, you think the Bobcats are already a top-three or top-five team in the league?"

“Yes, that’s us.” Lin Tian said, “We have the best center in the league, we have the best point guard in the league, Rose, we also have a top-five power forward in the league, and we have a bunch of other talented players.”

"If we can't even become a top-three or at least top-five team in the league with this kind of roster, then I'm really no different from a piece of trash."

"Michael paid me to hire a good-for-nothing, not to find a useless person."

Lin Tian is still Lin Tian, ​​whether he plays basketball or not, whether he is a head coach or a president, whether he is in the basketball world or has gone to other industries, this will not change.

This guy is always so confident that he looks like no one else exists!

Lin Tian stated frankly that the Bobcats are already a championship-caliber team, and he will set his sights on the championship!

"Simply stating that Rose is the best point guard, the pressure is now on Paul and Deron!"

"It wasn't Jordan who gave me the job, it was me who gave Jordan face!"

"Lin claims to be number one! He says he's the best president and head coach in the league!" "No one but me can save the Bobcats! Where does Lin's confidence come from?"

From failing to make the playoffs to aiming for the championship: arrogance or confidence?

Lin's season debut was still in his familiar style! The Bobcats have set sail again!

……

They stole the show.

This is what Lin Tian did at the Bobcats' media day.

Throughout the history of the league, no management or head coach has ever stolen the spotlight from the players on media day, dominating the front page and the longest stretch of all articles related to the team.

At least in terms of attracting attention and creating buzz, Lin Tian is definitely the GOAT of the NBA forever!

Of course, because of Lin Tian's status and prestige, neither the new nor old members of the Lynx team had any dissatisfaction or jealousy towards him.

Everyone knows who the true core and soul of this team is.

Lin Tian had already won the loyalty of all the players through that small training camp in the summer. Who told this guy to talk to the whole team with almost the same words?

At least before the players found out about this, all 14 players on the team believed that they were one of the most important people in Lin Tian's mind!
Actually, Lin Tian didn't lie, did he?

One of the 14 most important players, he really didn't lie to anyone.

After the media day ended and the staff saw all the reporters off, the Lynx team did not disband immediately. Instead, they gathered together, waiting for Lin Tian to deliver his final declaration.

"I only have one thing to tell everyone: the new season has begun, and I've already blown the 'awesome' card for you all. Our goal for the new season is to win the championship!" Lin Tian paused for a moment before continuing, "So starting tomorrow, we need to get into the game as fast as we can!"

"Tomorrow, I want all of you to be fully engaged from the very first minute of training! We need to be in 'all-out' mode! Our new season has officially begun!"

"Let me reiterate: No one's position here is absolutely secure! No one should think that just because they are a core player or a key player, they can rest easy. Similarly, no one should relax their standards just because they don't have playing time and are just a benchwarmer."

"understand?"

"understand!"

"Very well, dismissed! See you tomorrow!"

……

If the small training camp a month ago was mainly to increase the players' understanding and chemistry, and to help everyone improve their weaknesses, then this formal training camp is the time to practice tactics and team tactics!

The team needs to finalize its tactics and system within a month, ensuring that the players memorize all the team's tactics and that they thoroughly understand each other, developing chemistry and synergy.

And, most importantly, Lin Tian also needs to fully understand the players' condition and playing habits within this month, and then determine the rotation order!
As he said, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the team's starting lineup this year will be Rose, DeRozan, Hayward, Boozer, and Yao Ming.

However, if any of these players suffer an unexpected injury, are in poor form, or have problems with their attitude or team chemistry, Lin Tian will not hesitate to remove them from the starting lineup and try a new one.

Therefore, he also rigorously examines the condition and ability of the substitute players, whoever falls down will take their place, whoever is in poor condition will be in good condition, which players have the best chemistry when playing together, and which players have no chemistry when playing together.

These are all things Lin Tian needs to study and analyze carefully before arriving at an answer.

Being a head coach is definitely not an easy job; it's a very demanding one!
Well, even though Lin Tian assigned a lot of tasks to Van Gundy and Stevens, ostensibly because he trusted Van Gundy's experience and gave Stevens opportunities for practical training, and acted as a shameless hands-off manager, his work was still not easy.

Lin Tian has to make all the decisions regarding the team's tactical system, overall playing style, player rotation, and on-field reactions.

At the same time, Lin Tian also understood another principle during the training camp.

Why is it that top players are highly unlikely to become top coaches?

Throughout NBA history, head coaches who have become renowned coaches have either been college players who couldn't play basketball at all, or they are the type who were just extras in their NBA careers, like Don Nelson, Phil Jackson, George Karl, and Steve Kerr, but became dominant as head coaches.

Of course, there are exceptions. Bird, Larry Brown, Kidd, and others were great players, and they were just as great coaches.

However, for many top players, the experience of becoming a coach after retirement is painful and terrible.

After retiring, Ewing has been striving to become a head coach, but after 20 years of hard work, he still can't find an assistant coach position. Isaiah Thomas dreams of achieving the same success as Bird, but his reputation is already terrible, both in management and coaching.

Others, such as Nash, Magic Johnson, and Jones, were top-tier players, but their coaching careers were also quite disappointing.

It can only be said that there are specialties in the art industry.

Lin Tian now understands why so many top-tier players struggle to become good coaches.

Because they are so talented and amazing!
For example, when Lin Tian was in the small training camp, he went to great lengths to teach Rose how to make the right choice between passing the ball or attacking after a pick-and-roll.

In Lin Tian's own words: "If a big guy switches defense, you drive to him; if the opponent squeezes through the screen, you try to draw a foul; if the opponent goes around the screen, you shoot; if you are double-teamed, you pass the ball."

How simple is that?

Even though Rose is a prodigy, he still plays with considerable confusion, often unable to make the right choice in an instant.

For example, when Jordan was coaching DeRozan, he told DeRozan: "You first spin to the top of the court. If the opponent double-teams you, you do a reverse spin move, pull up and shoot. If they don't double-team you, just shoot!"

Even though DeRozan's post-up game and mid-range shot are quite good, he stumbled when he tried to do what Jordan considered an incredibly simple move in front of his assistant coach during practice.

Jordan was completely baffled by it.

Either their shooting percentage is extremely low, or they spin around and then can't find the basket anymore; they just can't seem to figure out how to play the spin move.

There are actually many similar examples; the things that Lin Tian thought were incredibly simple, the players just couldn't do well.

However, coaches who are former ordinary players or bit players understand the players' thoughts and know why they can't do a certain move well or can't find the point guard's teammate in time.

Because they themselves can't do these things when they're playing, they're naturally much more lenient when teaching their students.

But top stars often lack this patience and empathy.

Fortunately, both Van Gundy and Stevens are the type who can do meticulous work and delve into details. These two really helped Lin Tian get through many complicated and difficult parts.

Because of this, the Bobcats' training camp is progressing quite smoothly.

As the training camp progressed rapidly, the Bobcats players became increasingly tacit, their relationships improved, their on-court teamwork became more and more professional, and the team's chemistry grew stronger. They also quickly grasped the system and tactics required by Lin Tian.

By the end of training camp, the players had mastered this offensive system, which was based on pick-and-roll and passing and featured Rose, to a high degree, if not perfected.

All that's left is to wait for a real-world opportunity to test what the Bobcats have been practicing all summer. (End of Chapter)