So I am the god of basketball?

After deciding to adjust his playing style, Meng Lang began to focus on getting used to the playing style at the third position.

Ok……

You can't let Kobe play small forward, right?

Although he can also fight!
But compared to his size, Meng Lang is more suitable for the role of the third position.

Of course, Meng Lang cannot be an all-around No. 3 position like Pippen.

His playing style in the new season will be more "classical small forward"!
According to the initial division of the five positions on the basketball court.

In fact, the second position, the shooting guard, should be mainly responsible for scoring and defense.

Scoring refers to catching the ball and shooting!

As for attacking with the ball, the small forward should be responsible for this kind of thing.

The main role of the "classical small forward" in the team is to hold the ball and score points.

This can be seen from the cartoon "Slam Dunk High School".

Hisashi Mitsui is good at shooting, and his position is the shooting guard; while Rukawa Kaede plays offense, and the reason is that he is the representative of the "classical small forward".

However, the emergence of Jordan made the positions of the second and third positions blurred, so a special word appeared called:
Swingman!
Although they are in the second position, they play like a small forward!
Speaking of which, starting from the "swingman" position in the league, the five positions in the league gradually became blurred.

In the "small ball era", or more than 20 years later when basketball tactical literacy has become more mature, the skill packages required for each position are actually similar:

You must be able to run tactics, pass the ball, and shoot!
To a certain extent, positional ambiguity is a catalyst for more mature basketball tactics.

In this era, the development of tactics, or the tactical literacy of players has not yet been developed.

Coupled with the arrival of the "Absolute Defense Era", which is an era that relies heavily on players' hard solutions, Meng Lang must become more familiar with his fixed play style at the third position. Only in this way can you fully play your role.

Another important reason to consider playing the third position is:
This position can bring out the attraction of his catching and shooting ability.

Any team that sees him running without the ball from the wing to catch the ball will definitely arrange corresponding defensive measures. Maybe just a "sliding step" like his can cause the opponent's defensive formation to tear...

Of course, as a "small forward", Meng Lang must use the "triple threat posture" as his starting hand with the ball.

This is still very different from his habit of facing defenders with his back when playing the No. 1 position. ——If he faces a defender with his back on the wing, since the opponent is also a small forward, it will be difficult for him to find a breakthrough space with his back at the first time. Instead, it will give the opponent a chance to double-team.

The "Triple Threat Pose" start is different.

The opponent does not dare to double-team him prematurely, and may even allow him to find an opportunity to "play from behind" with the ball!

In short, it looks like just a change of position, but if he wants to truly benefit the entire team, he must adapt to the style of play that is most suitable for his position. If he is like some "goats" who directly ask for the ball when playing in the first and third positions, asking teammates to pick and roll, and if he doesn't give the ball, he just stands with his arms akimbo...then he has become a "team vampire" "Yet?
Anyway, for this reason, he's been doing the same thing lately:
Run out from the wing, catch the ball, break through, pass the ball, or shoot laterally or step back...

Every day comes over and over again, and soon September will come, and the first day of the Lakers' closed training camp will be the media open day.

Kobe Bryant showed up in the arena in a majestic and high-spirited manner.

After entering the locker room, he moved his things directly to the closet left by "Magic" Johnson.

He had already communicated this matter with Jerry West, but West did not agree immediately. Instead, he asked Kobe to ask Meng Lang for his opinion. Originally, he thought he would be challenged by Meng Lang, but what Kobe didn't expect was that Meng Lang only asked him one question:
"Do you think you're really ready?"

There are also "hidden rules" in locker rooms. Moving to the wardrobe used by "Magic" Johnson means a lot, and these meanings are self-evident. Meng Lang only asked this question.

And regarding this question, Meng Lang obviously knows the final answer better than Kobe.

In other words, he knew very well the last answer from Kobe's mouth:
"Of course!"

But he did it anyway.

What Kobe didn't even expect was that during the makeup photo shoot in the morning, Meng Lang and Barkley took the "final makeup photo" together, and then called Kobe in front of him and took the "final makeup photo" with him.

At this time, even Jerry West at the scene was surprised.

After finishing the shooting of the makeup photos, West went to the photographer to take a look at all the makeup photos taken today, and selected 4 of them, including Meng Lang's solo photos, a group photo of him and Barkley, and There is his cooperation with Kobe, and there is also a set of photos of the "new Lakers five" lineup:
Meng Lang, Jones, Kobe, Barkley, Ben!

“Let’s use these four posters for the advertising wall outside the arena in the new season!”

The afternoon is the day for interviews with the Lakers.

Naturally, there were the largest number of people surrounding Meng Lang.

The first question from the media: "Dream, the Lakers have no obvious reinforcements this summer. What do you think of this? Do you think the Lakers can defend their title in the new season?"

Meng Lang said: "The retirement of the magician and the essence of human movies cannot be compensated by just any reinforcements. Jerry discussed this issue with me very carefully. Maintaining the current lineup is a better choice for us. choice, the Lakers are still the favorites to win the championship in the new season. No one can question this. This at least shows that our paper strength is not weak. Even if we are regarded as the favorites for the championship, then we should Have enough confidence to defend the title!”

There really isn't a team that was called the "favorite to win" before the season started, and then it became a fringe playoff team, right?

However, if you really want to say it, the Lakers' paper strength in the new season is actually not very strong.

Because if you truly analyze the lineup, you will find that except for Meng Lang and the 35-year-old Barkley, the other players in this lineup are not stable. Their current ratings are based on their performance last season.

The outside world currently regards the Lakers as "the favorite to win the championship" simply because this team is Meng Lang's team.

But if we really want to be competitive enough, then Ben Wallace, who became the "dark horse" last season, first-year pick Kobe Bryant, and third-year pick Eddie Jones must continue to improve and continue to give more outstanding performances. .

And their performance must be outstanding enough to fill the problems caused by the retirement of Wilkins and Johnson!
But Meng Lang was still very confident that they could successfully defend their title.

Not only is there enough confidence in these teammates, but the more important reason is:
He’s grown a lot this summer too!

"Tracy is the most watched rookie this summer. Everyone is looking forward to his debut. You have just won a championship with a high school student. Do you think a high school student like Tracy can gain a foothold in the NBA? , do you think his performance in his rookie season will be better than Kobe’s?”

The reporter's second question, not surprisingly, mentioned Tracy McGrady.

McGrady originally attracted quite a lot of attention.

But it was because Adidas gave him a contract worth 2 million. In addition, after participating in the ABCD camp, he quickly became "the strongest high school student in the United States" and was ranked as the 9th overall pick in the first round...

And now, because the Bulls traded him for Pippen, and the person who helped him grow in the summer was Michael Jordan's "official trainer" Tim Grover, it can be said that he is as popular as Beatty. M-Duncan is even taller!
Among the high school students in recent years, he is the most eye-catching. Including Kobe last year, no one has such a high level of attention...

Kobe was right next to Meng Lang. When he heard the reporter's question, he became nervous for no reason. The outside world is comparing him to Tracy McGrady. Since this summer, Meng Lang has often used news about Tracy McGrady to stimulate his training.

However, he really wanted to know how Meng Lang would evaluate Tracy McGrady in front of reporters.

You know, Meng Lang agreed to let him move into Magic Johnson's wardrobe, and even took the initiative to take makeup photos with him. This should be regarded as...a kind of recognition, right?

Another one, they are from the same team after all. Meng Lang should support him more, right?

"Tracy and I have known each other for a long time. When I first met him at the ABCD camp, I was shocked by his talent because he surpassed Kobe in one step. He was only 17 years old at that time. , I haven’t seen him for more than a year. I believe that he has become stronger. The reason why some high school students can enter this league at the age of 18 is precisely because their talents are more dazzling, especially for outside players. That’s it. Michael is very lucky. I think Tracy will perform very well in the new season. As for whether he can be better than Kobe..."

"That's for sure. After all, he's ranked higher, isn't he?"

Kobe:…

What on earth was I expecting?
Just know that this person will not have any praise for him!

Sure enough, what happened in the morning was all an illusion.

This man only has Tracy in his heart!

Kobe was very angry, especially when reporters asked him similar questions. He said: "If I also had Tim Grover as my trainer, I think I would have performed even more brilliantly in my rookie season. , but it’s okay, at least I have touched the championship trophy!”

The meaning of this statement is obvious:

What's the use of performing well?

If you have the ability, you can win the championship trophy in your rookie season!

Ok……

The NBA is a place where players at the same level compete for championship rings until the end.

What’s the use of having good-looking data?

Isn’t there still no championship?
Kobe didn't know whether he said this to reporters or to himself. Anyway, after saying it, he felt much better.

Meanwhile, Chicago.

The much-anticipated Tracy McGrady also appeared at the United Arena at the specified time.

The locker room in the locker room he used belonged to none other than the one Pippen used before. Putting on the Bulls No. 1 jersey of his choice, he walked to the court. Tim Grover was waiting at the entrance of the arena. When he saw him, he waved to him: "Man, you are finally here. Michael is already waiting for you inside!"

McGrady nodded silently and followed him into the arena. Jordan, who was wearing training clothes inside, saw him coming and did not speak. Instead, he held the ball in one hand and waited for him to come to him. As if he was checking his homework, he looked at McGrady's figure from top to bottom: "The figure is still a bit thin!"

Grover said: "There is no way. This kid is only 18 years old. He is not suitable for gaining too much weight at this time. This is the most suitable amount of weight for his frame. Believe me, there is no problem with his confrontation in the second position. !”

Jordan nodded, said nothing more, and threw the ball directly towards McGrady, with a look of anticipation on his face: "Come on, kid, let me see what you have practiced this summer."

"Tracy, you should warm up first..." Grover stopped Jordan's suggestion of direct bullfighting.

Jordan was also late and asked Tracy McGrady to warm up first.

About 20 minutes later, the bullfight officially started. In order to better understand McGrady's ability, Jordan asked McGrady to attack directly. Just watching him holding the ball in his hand, still looking half-dead, he couldn't help but frown: "Rookie, what the hell are you doing?" Have you taken this seriously? I’m not that easy to talk to!”

Tim Grover whispered a reminder: "He is actually very serious."

is it?

Jordan took another serious look at McGrady's expression.

no……

He really wanted to ask, how could he be serious about this look of not waking up?
Forget it, forget it, he doesn't bother to care. Even if his expression is not serious now, he will scold this guy until he is serious later!
"Can we start?" McGrady asked.

He is still anxious!

Jordan put on a defensive stance: "I hope you're not wasting my time."

McGrady slowly approached with the ball. Jordan took a step forward and made a move to grab the ball. However, McGrady quickly pulled back and easily avoided Jordan's interference.

Holding the ball is pretty good...

Jordan commented in his heart, but at this moment, McGrady pulled back the hand and quickly gave the ball from his crotch to the other hand, and the center of gravity of his entire body also shifted. His whole body was leaning forward almost parallel to the ground.

"Shh!"

Jordan only felt a cool breeze next to him. Before he could move sideways, McGrady rushed past him.

So fast!

Although if Jordan had taken precautions, he might have been able to defend more promptly. But even so, the explosive power that can beat Jordan in one step is quite terrifying.

"Bah!"

After the breakthrough, McGrady took two big steps to the basket, and then dunked the ball with one hand into the basket.

When he landed, he stood firmly and showed excellent body control.

"what happened?"

Tim Grover asked knowingly.

Jordan nodded: "Not bad..."

But his eyes were more than just "nice". (End of chapter)