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Chapter 234 Earthquake Strikes, Taming "Jordan" (6K Chapters Introduced!)
Last year, when the Warriors acquired Jamison through a trade, Qin Yue had considered whether it was worthwhile to include the team's 2011 first-round draft pick in that trade.

Because Qin Yue, having been through it all, understands this very well.
At the end of the first round in 2011, there was a player whose style and characteristics were a perfect fit for the Warriors.

That's right, the player in question is Jimmy Butler.

Before entering the draft, Butler, who played four years of college basketball, was 198 cm tall barefoot and had a wingspan of 201 cm.

Although his standing vertical jump and running vertical jump reached 81 cm and 99 cm respectively, in the NBA, where superhumans abound...
Butler's talent, if not mediocre, is at least unremarkable.

After all, in the NBA, any dynamic talent that is not analyzed in conjunction with static talent is meaningless.

For example, Stephen Curry.

It's worth noting that Curry's standing vertical jump and running vertical jump during his draft days were 84 centimeters and 90 centimeters, respectively.

It can be used in high-intensity NBA games.
Curry's dunks are usually not even close to being dunks, let alone after a drive. Even during fast breaks, his dunks are barely passable.

The so-called "Golden State LaVine" mostly exists only in Curry's imagination.

The same goes for Butler.

Because of his lackluster physical attributes, even though Butler's running and jumping performance ranks among the top in his class, considering that he played a full four years in college, his potential is basically already limited.
It's no exaggeration to say that if 2011 hadn't been a "weak year for talent shows"...

For a player like Butler, it would be reasonable to fall to the second round.

So, here's the question.
How did such an ordinary guy like Butler become the dark, tough, and powerful "Big Chiba" in Qin Yue's memory?

The answer is that Butler has three talents that were overlooked by scouts before he entered the draft.

One is his ball-handling coordination.

One is his body control.

Another factor is his basketball IQ.

Qin Yue watched Butler play basketball in later generations.

He knew very well just how slippery his dribbling was, given that this left-handed swingman was so adept at driving to the basket.

Admittedly, in the world of basketball, many skills can be mastered with hard work.

However, if a player is born lacking in ball-handling coordination, no matter how hard he tries later in life, he is destined to have a hard time becoming a master of breakthroughs.

As for body control, it is the main reason why Butler can become a master at drawing fouls in the future.

In the NBA, the skill of drawing fouls can generally be divided into two schools.

One is the "flopping" style, represented by Harden.

One is the amplification flow, exemplified by Butler.

Unlike many fans who dislike Harden's "one-point rain" in the future.

In Qin Yue's view, Harden's ability to benefit from the rules is itself a testament to his own strength, especially after playing in the NBA.

but
Compared to the more easily understood "fake accident" style, what exactly is Butler's "amplification" style?
Simply put, when Butler is finishing for his team on the court, he always uses his body control to initiate contact and exaggerates the defensive moves of the opposing players by using exaggerated body postures during the contact.

This is an extremely difficult skill.

Because anyone who has played basketball should know that in the struggle with a defensive player, even the slightest physical contact can very likely lead to your end ending in failure.

But Butler can not only transform into "Butler" with his powerful body control.

Furthermore, even in possessions where he didn't get free throws, Butler rarely complained about the referees.

This also made Butler the least famous NBA star in later generations, yet he always received preferential treatment from the referees.

After all, put yourself in the referee's shoes. Would you really like a player who keeps shrugging and complaining to you whenever you don't blow the whistle?
Having just led his team to a title defense this season, Qin Yue has personally experienced how the league is targeting the Warriors for that damn balance.

Therefore, a player like Tillerson who can draw a lot of fouls for the Warriors after he matures is undoubtedly exactly what the Warriors need.

And finally.
This refers to basketball IQ, which is what Qin Yue values ​​most.

This further determines that Butler can seamlessly integrate into the current Warriors team.

Can play without the ball.

They can also serve as ball-handlers on the field, distributing possession to the team.

In addition, there's its inherent "high fighting spirit" and its always-full-strength attitude on the defensive end.

In Qin Yue's eyes, how could anyone not be captivated by such a large Jiba?
of course
Judging from the Warriors' championship run last season, no matter how many times history repeats itself, Qin Yue would still agree to make that trade with the Cavaliers for Jamison.

Because from the Western Conference semifinals onwards, only Qin Yue knew what kind of offensive environment Jamison, with fuel still in his tank, created for him on the court.

Perhaps in Cleveland, Jamison is just a "CBA teammate".

But in Auckland, Jamison, who plays alongside Qin Yue, is definitely a star striker.

just
Since the Kings have given Qin Yue another chance to acquire Butler, how could Qin Yue possibly miss it?

In Qin Yue's view, Butler's only shortcoming is that he needs one or two seasons to gain experience and adapt to the intensity of the NBA.

Can.
With Wallace still in his prime, Butler, who needs to develop, can actually benefit from a more favorable environment for growth, much like Curry, who serves as Nash's backup, and have a mentor who can help him grow quickly.

At the draft
The Kings' management breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that the Warriors had agreed to the trade.

Although the Kings' management was worried that a 27th overall pick in the first round of a weak draft class would be hard to entice the Warriors when they made the trade proposal to the Warriors' front office.

But since the manager of this Warriors team is Qin Yue.

Even the usually shrewd Warriors president Pat Riley couldn't stop the "inspiration" that suddenly surged into the mind of the new GOAT.

However, the Warriors still have to wait patiently for the draft before they can make a trade with the Kings.

The "Morris brothers," Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris, were selected 13th and 14th overall in the first round. Even veteran fans would have difficulty distinguishing them if they played for the same team at the same time. They were selected by the Suns and the Jazz, respectively.

The 15th pick in the first round
As agreed with Budenholzer, he refused tryouts with other teams, which resulted in Kawhi Leonard, whose true worth was unknown except to the Hawks and Qin Yue, being recruited by the Hawks.

In Qin Yue's previous life, it was Budenholzer's suggestion that prompted the Spurs to make the trade that sent Popovich's beloved George Hill to acquire Leonard.

It is said that this deal almost broke Popovich's composure on the spot.

At that time, Hill had basically realized his potential, but the Spurs wanted to trade him for a young forward whose potential was unknown.

Fortunately, since Budenholzer left the Spurs early on and started his own team, Popovich no longer needs to break through the defense.

Qin Yue believes that with Budenholzer's careful guidance, it's only a matter of time before Leonard realizes his potential and becomes a god of war.

I just don't know.
Can Atlanta, a typical small-market, big-city basketball city, hold onto the heart of this frame-perfect Jordan in the future?

In addition, Qin Yue recalls that some of the more well-known first-round picks in 11, such as Nikola Vucevic, Iman Shumpert, Tobias Harris, Donatas Motiejunas, "The Beast" Faried, Nikola Mirotic, Reggie Jackson, and the future CBA legend Marshon Brooks, were selected by the 76ers, Nuggets, Pistons, Rockets, SuperSonics, Bulls, Knicks, and Bucks, respectively.

This is the 2011 NBA Draft, which scouts generally consider a weak draft year.

With the 27th pick in the first round, as agreed with the Warriors, the Kings traded Jimmy Butler to the Warriors after helping them select him, in exchange for Josh McRoberts, who was highly regarded by the Kings' front office.

ESPN's A. Smith immediately commented on the trade, saying, "What magic did the Kings use on the Warriors? Isn't this just a robbery?"

Yes, if we don't look at this deal from a time-traveling perspective.

That would definitely be a robbery.

What level of player is McRoberts?

That's a champion striker who already has two titles in hand.

He is a high-performing player who combines long-range shooting ability with playmaking and support skills.

And what about Butler?
It was just a late first-round pick from a weak draft class.

Is he really going to trade McRoberts for a spot?
In fact, at the moment the trade was completed, Warriors president Pat Riley had already drafted a self-criticism in his mind.

After all, the Warriors can't let Qin Yue take the blame for a bad trade.

Therefore, since this was just a transaction to meet GOAT requirements, Riley naturally had to prepare in advance to take the blame for Qin Yue in the future.

As for Butler himself?
In the interview booth, Butler learned that he had been traded to the Warriors.
This young player, who was Wade's junior from Marquette University and looked remarkably like Jordan, was overjoyed.

Whether in his past life or this one, Butler's biggest dream before running for the draft was to play for a strong team, with his only goal being to win.

Even if this means Butler might not be able to secure a starting position early in his career, it doesn't matter.

Because Butler has always preferred winning to playing as a starter.

Furthermore, to Butler's great surprise, the renowned GOAT actually called him afterward through his agent.

Although Butler couldn't understand why GOAT's advice to him was:

Get a clean shaved head.

He chose the number 23 jersey, which had been vacant since Jason Richardson left the Warriors, as his jersey number for his NBA career.

But when he learned that the GOAT planned to personally coach him this summer, Butler said excitedly, "It would be a great honor for me to receive your guidance!"

This summer, Grover and Malone were prepared to give Qin Yue a break until the start of the regular season.

Qin Yue, who couldn't just play "ball" on the sidelines forever, had already made up his mind.

“Tim, I can skip the high-intensity, systematic training,” Qin Yue said, “but what if I just coach young players?”

Upon hearing this, Grover, who knew that Qin Yue's true love was basketball, said with a wry smile, "If you just want to teach young players how to play, that's perfectly fine."

Given that his judgment in player selection has been seriously questioned by the Warriors' management, Qin Yue has already prepared to personally coach Green and Butler this holiday, in addition to seeking guidance from Grover.

For no other reason
Just to prove that his judgment as the new GOAT is absolutely spot on!
Without a doubt, this is the episode where Qin Yue needs Green and Butler to prove those Warriors management staff who constantly question his poor judgment of people wrong.

after all
As a time traveler, how could Qin Yue accept having his perspective questioned?

The 2011 NBA Draft, which still featured promising young players like Bojan Bogdanovic, Chandler Parsons, and Isaiah Thomas even up to the second round, came to an end after these three young players were selected by the Pacers, Kings, and Cavaliers, respectively.

Whether the weaker teams are satisfied or not, they have already chosen their own cornerstone for rebuilding.

And what about the strong teams?

In fact, the draft is often a barometer for strong teams to initially show their ideas for strengthening their roster.

For example, the Knicks, who already had Westbrook and Harden, still chose Reggie Jackson.

After a crushing defeat in the Finals, it is common knowledge that the Knicks desperately need a trade to improve their current roster.

Therefore, Westbrook, who was demoted from a starter to a substitute by D'Antoni during the Finals, naturally became the Knicks' top trade asset this summer.

Originally, when the Knicks decided to put Westbrook on the trading block, Knicks general manager Walsh's biggest concern was that Durant, who had a good relationship with Westbrook, would oppose the trade.

But when Walsh learned that Durant had accepted James' invitation to vacation in the Bahamas together...
With the head coach's tacit approval and the star player's lack of objection, Walsh understood almost immediately what he should do.

"We need a player who can anchor the interior defense."

This was D'Antoni's only request before Walsh was ready to use Westbrook as a bargaining chip at the betting table.

And coincidentally
There is currently a team actively selling their star center.

"What do you think of Dwight Howard?" Walsh asked.

"Dwight? Would the Magic agree to this trade?" D'Antoni asked rhetorically.

Seeing this, Walsh laughed and said, "The Orlando people have been very critical of Dwight for the past two seasons. If we are willing to give up Russell, they will definitely agree to the trade."

As it turned out, Walsh's conjecture was correct.

From fans to management, and even the local media in Orlando, everyone has had enough of Howard's "babyish" behavior on the court.

So when the Magic's front office learned that the Knicks were willing to send the energetic and infinitely young Russell Westbrook to help them rebuild,
The Magic's management team's sentiments can be summarized as follows:

We're definitely sticking with the Knicks!

……

In July, as soon as the free agent market opened, an earthquake triggered by the Knicks and Magic shook the entire league.

With the Knicks agreeing to trade Westbrook, Turiaf, and Jeffries, Dwight Howard, an NBA All-NBA First Team center for the past few seasons, will switch to a Knicks jersey for the new season.

In this trade, Turiaf and Jeffries were merely add-ons the Knicks sent out to balance salaries.

Therefore, aside from these two dispensable peripheral figures, you can completely understand it as Westbrook being traded for Howard in this deal.

Although many Knicks fans online expressed their reluctance to see Westbrook leave.

But it's no exaggeration to say...
Through a series of coincidences, this Knicks team has assembled a luxurious roster that would put any super team to shame.

"Dwight Howard"

"The King Without a Crown" James.

"Little AI" Iguodala.

"New York Messiah" Durant.

James Harden has "started researching how to become Magneto."

If you don't understand, just ask. With this Hall of Fame starting lineup, how many championships could they have won if they were placed on the timeline without Qin Yue?
Although I have no contact with James in this life.

But Qin Yue still had to speak.
James' decision to join the Knicks last year was indeed a wise one.

Because if it weren't for the Knicks' seemingly bottomless financial resources, plus the salary cap window created last summer by the Knicks' young trio acquired through the draft.
Regardless of which team James chose to join last summer, he was destined never to have a championship-winning roster like he did with the Knicks, a roster that even a game like NBA 2K couldn't assemble.

Bahamas.

When James, who was leisurely vacationing with Durant, learned that the Knicks had acquired Howard in a trade, his mood could only be described as ecstatic.

Because after this transaction.
Not only did James eliminate Westbrook without even taking a shot, but the Knicks also acquired a superstar center in the prime of his career.

Just like "No one understands Qin Yue's strength better than me".

As for Howard, his old rival, no one in the league today understands just how good Howard is right now better than LeBron James.

“'KD', you don’t need to be sad about Russell’s departure. Friends come and go, but the championship banner will always fly high.”

That day, seeing Durant feeling sad about Westbrook's departure, James said, "Dwight is definitely a better fit for us. With his and my help, you will definitely lead us to the championship in the new season and personally end the Messiah's reign!"

With the comfort of his loyal friend James, Durant's mood improved considerably.

Although Durant and Westbrook have not spoken since the Finals.

But how could Durant not have any feelings for this younger brother who has always supported him over the past three seasons?

only.
Durant, already immersed in James' sweet words, had no time to care about the so-called brotherhood.

Indeed, Durant knows better than anyone that it was his tacit approval that led to Westbrook's trade.

As for why he can now accept Westbrook's departure with a clear conscience?

Because, as James said...
Durant also believes that Howard is a better fit for the current Knicks than Westbrook.

Therefore, when James found the perfect opportunity, he used a reason that could persuade Durant to accept Westbrook's departure.
With no other thoughts in mind, Durant readily accepted the fact that Westbrook had been traded.

"Brown, I think you're right."

At that moment, turning his gaze to James, who was loyal to him, Durant said, "Friends come and go, but the championship banner flies high."

……

The blockbuster trade completed by the Knicks and Magic has undoubtedly become a hot topic in the entire basketball world.

Kupchak, who had promised Kobe during last year's playoffs to strengthen the Lakers' current roster, once again caused an earthquake in the basketball world a week later.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has kept his promise to let Chris Paul leave this summer.

Furthermore, among Paul's potential destinations, Sloan stated, "I will only send Chris to a team that has the ability to contend for a championship."

Coach Sloan, who was already preparing for retirement, reserved his last act of tenderness for his beloved disciple, Paul.

So Kupchak took action.

On July 8, with the Lakers agreeing to trade Monta Ellis, Lamar Odom, and a future draft pick, Qin Yue's former college teammate, Chris Paul, officially donned the Lakers jersey.

Paul helps organize the ball possession.

In addition, my current gun also has a stable rhythm pull-up jumper.

Kobe, who could focus more on scoring for the Lakers in the new season, was almost instantly inspired to lead the Lakers to another championship.

Shortly after the Lakers and Jazz completed the trade, Qin Yue, who was busy coaching Butler and Green, was also asked by reporters about the Lakers in the new season.

Why was Qin Yue, a Warriors player, asked about the Lakers?

The reason, of course, is...
On the day he joined the Lakers, Paul made a bold statement, saying that he would personally end Qin Yue's dominance in the NBA.

In response, Qin Yue laughed and said, "I'm glad Chris has such ambition, but he's clearly a hundred years too early to defeat me."

The Gasol brothers, Kobe Bryant, Klay Thompson, and Chris Paul.

Without a doubt, if we look at this historically, it would be a lineup that dominated the league for a very few seasons.

However, at this current point in time...
Just like how the Knicks, after acquiring Howard, could only challenge the Warriors as challengers.

Facing Qin Yue, the new GOAT.

Even though these teams, eager to break the Warriors' championship monopoly, have assembled all sorts of star-studded rosters, none of them dare to say that they will definitely win the championship.

Because last season, that unparalleled god proved that no one in this era can compare to him.

And saying it out loud might upset the Warriors' competitors.
This summer, compared to these two earthquakes that shook the basketball world.
What truly interested Qin Yue was Jimmy Butler, who had shaved his head as he had hoped and was currently receiving his coaching.

"It looks like! It's so similar!"

Standing to the side, looking at Big Jimmy, who was at least a carbon copy of Jordan, Grover couldn't help but exclaim, "Is he really not Michael's illegitimate son? How can he look so much like Michael?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Yue thought to himself, "Isn't this one of the reasons why he is so fond of Butler?"

Although to outsiders, Qin Yue's idol is no longer Jordan.

But only Qin Yue himself knew the true nature of his feelings for that old GOAT.

Now, let's not care how much noise the outside world makes.

Qin Yue only wanted to focus his energy on training this young player who looked remarkably like Jordan.

……

PS: A short 6K chapter is included.

(End of this chapter)