Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 213 Founder: Chen Fang
52 points, Chen Fang's great achievement, this performance in the top 16 to 8 really shocked the whole United States.

It was at this time that the entire NBA league began to talk about him.

At this moment, we have entered the late stage of the regular season. Even the teams that want to give up are powerless, but the bottom team is smiling.

There is still some suspense about the 14 teams that missed the playoffs. The Bulls, Heat, Pistons, Nuggets, Mavericks, etc. are still working hard for the playoffs, but the 76ers, Magic, Lakers, Suns, and Timberwolves, who have no chance at all, have already begun preparing for the draft.

Among them, only the Nets look lonely. They are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and are undoubtedly the favorites for the No. 1 pick. But the problem is that their pick already belongs to the Celtics, and this draft has nothing to do with them.

It is not clear how Boss Cai will curse his predecessor, but everyone has begun to quietly accumulate merit for the draw on May 5. All the presidents and general managers have become gentle in their voices and have kind faces.

Both the 76ers and the Lakers lack talented guards with great potential. They have already set their sights on Fultz, Fox, and Lonzo, and now they have another option.

That's Chen Fang.

It is rumored that at least twelve NBA teams will come to watch the quarter-finals and experience Chen Fang's talent with their own eyes.

Moreover, the people who came were either the president or the general manager. It was a very grand and solemn occasion.

But there are still errors, and the needs of each team are different.

For example, the 76ers already have Simmons, the No. 16 pick, but the No. pick was injured and missed a season, so what they need is a shooting guard. After all, there is no problem with Simmons' connection.

The Suns, on the other hand, are just the opposite. They have Booker, a shooting guard with great potential, but lack a core point guard. They need a talented star who can connect the team and grow into a second-in-command.

The Lakers just want a point guard. They have a group of talented young players on the forward line, but they find that they don't have a qualified point guard.

These three teams are all in the early stages of rebuilding and are eager for the draft.

The 17 draft was neither a small year nor a big year, but it was a very good year among draft years. The lottery zone was full of talent. Except for the center position, which was still lacking as always, all other positions were full of talents.

What awaits them is the call of the NBA, where both light and darkness coexist.

The lottery is full of luck and bad luck. It is only March now, and no one can be sure who will have the last laugh, but it is wise to prepare for a rainy day.

In fact, it is not just Chen Fang. Currently, all outstanding NCAA players, especially FR freshmen, are attracting much attention from NBA teams.

Tatum, Lonzo, Fox, etc. are all already in the lottery zone. Of course, with Chen Fang's outstanding performance, the golden words will always shine. He is already sitting in the lottery zone. As long as there is no physical accident, he is guaranteed to be in the top six.

Life is a process of ups and downs, and Chen Fang now has to face this kind of ups and downs.

At the post-match press conference, Chen Fang simply took a shower and changed into a USC-colored sports jersey. He faced the reporters filling the entire conference room with a calm expression.

After some nonsense, the reporters waited for the question-and-answer session. Under the tacit call of the organizing committee, NCAA reporter Danny Carr asked Chen Fang: "Is it yesterday's scandal that made you explode today?"

Adjusting the microphone slightly, Chen Fang corrected himself: "I don't think it's a scandal. It's just a boring pre-match trick, full of lies and slander."

"So you mean, you think what they said is not true?"

"It's just a trick of taking things out of context. I believe the truth will be revealed soon."

CBS reporter George raised his hand. According to the order, it was either him or ESPN. Sure enough, he was handed the microphone.

"52 points, you broke the 8-year NCAA tournament record. You were only points away from breaking the record. How do you feel about this now?"

"I'm very happy to get so many points. It's an incredible day." Chen Fang was modest at first, then said: "I don't feel anything about the record. This is just an extra reward for helping the team win. I'm happier because we have made one step further."

"At the Xavier press conference that just ended, head coach Chris Mack praised you for defeating them all by yourself. What do you think of that?"

"First of all, I would like to thank my opponent for his respect, but I think it is the result of the efforts of the whole team. We are a very good team, and everyone is working hard for victory. Today's victory is the best reward for our efforts."

Chen Fang's answer was still flawless.

Afterwards, the topic turned to the draft. Facing the reporter's questions, Chen Fang did not answer but shook his head: "My focus is on the tournament. Anything irrelevant is not something I will consider now. I will think about it carefully after everything is over."

Andy ended the interview at the right time. The two walked on the way to meet up with the team. Andy said, "Your performance today surprised us all."

"I'm also surprised. In fact, I'm very worried now." Chen Fang decided to tell his coach his true feelings, because recent events made him feel the protection and love of this middle-aged man for him.

"My body is a little special, but when my emotions are stimulated, I often explode into unimaginable states."

"Just like the one I played in the Olympics, today is also the case."

Andy said: "Unbelievable talent."

"But there are pros and cons. I tend to be sluggish for days, which is why I don't dare to get excited."

"Will it take long?" Andy asked curiously.

"Usually there are two or three days, I don't know, I know this is a big problem, it will cause my condition to fluctuate a lot, I have been looking for a solution."

"Why should we solve this problem when other players can't get it even if they want it?" Andy provided a new idea, and it was Chen Fang's turn to be curious.

"You should learn to control your emotions and be able to control them freely. Use them when you need them." Andy said, "For example, in a tiebreak or a final. The only downside is that it will make you weak for a few days. This kind of punishment is worth it."

"That seems to be the truth."

"But our problem now is that we are still two days away from the Final Four, and I'm not sure if I can recover."

"Don't worry. The more you worry about it, the slower your recovery will be. This is a mental problem. I think relaxation is the key. Of course, relaxation here does not mean you can go crazy, but it is a spiritual and physical relaxation similar to yoga."

"I'll try, thanks coach."

"Let's go, let's put aside our worries for a while and enjoy the joy of victory." Andy saw the bus in front of him, he pulled Chen Fang forward and quickened his pace.

※※※

USC chose to celebrate in a very childish way. Andy booked an arcade and had everyone play together for an afternoon. Chen Fang showed a talent for games that was even more terrifying than his basketball talent. In shooting games, he never missed a shot. In all games that had to do with reaction, he crushed other players.

The nickname "Game KING" came immediately, and Shaqkun was very happy. He pulled Chen Fang and begged, "Let's form a team. We will climb the ladder in CS:GO."

"Haha, it's a deal." Chen Fang would not refuse. He knew very well that when you excel in a certain aspect, what you have to do is to provide emotional value to others to make up for the loss.

Just like on the court, if you take up a lot of the ball, how to make your teammates accept it naturally requires you to compensate in other ways.

The reason behind this is that Chen Fang is still on the road. When he goes to the NBA in the future, he will need the ability to handle relationships with teammates even more. This is very important and even determines many other aspects.

To give a simple example, if you want to take action against a locker room leader, there are many things you need to consider.

After returning to the hotel, Chen Fang began to reply to messages. There were more messages today compared to yesterday.

Soon, news about one person caught his attention.

It's DeRozan.

He just sent a message saying, "Call back if you see me."

I called and the phone was connected after only two rings.

"Hey, congratulations, you have achieved the dream of many people, including me." DeRozan sounded very happy, as if he had been waiting for a call.

"Thank you, that's what I should do."

"I hope you don't mind. Kobe wants to see you. He said you can decide the time and place."

"Kobe? Why?" Chen Fang was shocked and confused.

"I think it has something to do with the draft."

Lakers!

Chen Fang figured it out instantly, and said, "Give me the number, I'll call him."

"Are you sure you want to talk about it now?" It was DeRozan's turn to worry. After all, this was a critical moment. As a senior, he shouldn't do this, but Kobe's request made him unable to refuse.

"It's okay. Believe me, if I can't even control this, how can I talk about breaking the record?"

"Yes, you are stronger than I thought. I was worried at first, but after watching the post-match press conference, I realized that you are calmer than anyone else. Thank God for giving us a true god of war."

In response to DeRozan's flattery, Chen Fang just smiled lightly and did not respond.

He cannot control other people's thoughts, but he is confident that more and more people will believe in him.

After a few pleasantries, DeRozan finally said: "I will be there on the 27th. I hope this will not disturb you."

"Of course not, let us face this critical moment together." Chen Fang didn't mind, instead he wanted to thank him.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Fang quickly received the phone number. After thinking about it, Chen Fang dialed it.

"Hello?" The voice was very low, and it was indeed Kobe's voice.

"It's me, Chen. DeRozan called me."

"Oh, I didn't expect you to reply so quickly. Is it convenient for you now?"

"Actually, I roughly know why you want to meet me. I won't consider the Lakers!" Chen Fang's words made the other end of the phone silent. After a while, Kobe asked, "What's the reason?"

"It's simple. That's your team, and I have no intention of climbing this monument."

"I think I didn't quite understand. You know, I loved the Lakers because of Magic." Kobe made it clear that he didn't think this was a reason.

"There is a difference. I hope I don't cause you to misunderstand. I have great respect for you and the history of the Lakers." "But please allow me to be frank. The Lakers are a pit and a swamp."

"Wow, that description surprises me."

"Please allow me to make a long speech. I do this just because I don't want you to misunderstand me." Chen Fang first stacked a BUFF.

"I believe in my judgment. The Lakers are in Los Angeles, the best city in the United States. It is the largest market. The attention here is inherently the highest. Any disturbance will cause huge waves."

"So, that led to the Lakers being impatient, and when Magic left, it needed a new king and emperor, and along came you and Shaq."

"This is undoubtedly a match made in heaven. Your destinies are linked to each other and you have become a community with a shared future."

"The most fortunate thing is that you have shown your extraordinary talent and immeasurable future in the new season, and the mature Shaq not only guarantees the lower limit of the team's performance, but also provides a high enough upper limit."

"The Kosha combination is the most successful in history."

"You go through those most dangerous years, and then in just the fourth year, you win the championship, and it's the third consecutive championship that's the best in the league."

"You are the undisputed king of Los Angeles. Even if Shaq travels east, it can't stop your status."

"Now let's go back to the present. What does the Lakers have? Can they still be so lucky? In my opinion, what the Lakers need now is a superstar, not a future star."

"Management won't be patient, and neither will the market or history."

"Excuse me for being blunt, but the Lakers can't pick a rookie. They've been glorious for too long. From Magic to you, going from extravagant to frugal is the most impossible thing for a human being to do. It's harder to accept than eating shit."

"Are you done?" Kobe waited for a long time before asking. He was surprisingly calm.

"Yes, this is my judgment, and I believe in my judgment." Chen Fang was also very calm. In fact, from the very beginning, he rejected the Lakers. As he just said, the history of the Lakers determined that it could not be rebuilt.

It can only continue to build a championship lineup by attracting superstars. It is impossible to replicate the task of cultivating superstars again.

Because this goes against the law, the fans will not have patience, the capital will not have patience, and the management will not have patience. It's not just a requirement for the players, but also for the coaches. Whoever goes will die miserably.

Unless you are a super giant.

"Your thinking surprised me more than your football skills. I must admit that what you said makes sense. Your words gave me new ideas. I know the management too well. When you were talking, I seemed to see what they were saying."

"Now what I'm interested in is, what do you think the Lakers will do next?"

"In this year's draft, they will definitely select a guard. Apart from that, the Lakers management will not consider other positions. Even if they are eager to have a new Kobe, everyone knows that there is only one Kobe."

"So, the most likely choice is between me, Lonzo, Fultz, and Fox."

"Fox is ruled out first, he needs more time to grow. Fultz is very good, but no one can say for sure."

"Lonzo is very comprehensive. His connection and basketball IQ both meet the requirements of the Lakers. Of course, I seem to be more suitable than him."

"Yes, this is not only my attitude, but also the attitude of the Lakers. They want you."

"I'm sorry, I won't go. This is my attitude. I won't even give the Lakers a tryout opportunity. No kidding, I won't jump into the trap." Chen Fang reiterated without hesitation.

"Well, if it weren't for your long speech, I would be very angry, but now think about it, maybe you are right." Kobe was not frustrated. He was optimistic about Chen Fang, but not 100%. The draft, except for a few people, is a lottery.

Even he himself was lucky in winning.

If West hadn't been so sure of him and traded him for Divac, who knows what his career would be like now.

So Kobe is very clear about all this.

"So is there anywhere you want to go?" Kobe was in a chatty mood. He especially liked communicating with wise people, which allowed him to learn more.

As a high school student and a black man who spent his youth in Italy, Kobe's current achievements are directly related to his eagerness to learn and his willingness to learn from others.

"I am actually very confused, but if I look at the draft as an investment and the 30 teams as 30 projects, I actually have a direction in my mind." Chen Fang certainly understands Kobe, basketball, and investment. These are all must-see topics that stir his heart.

"Oh, I like chatting with you more and more. I pressed the speakerphone and I want to sit up straight. I hope you don't mind." At this moment, Kobe was more inclined to treat Chen Fang as a peer.

"Thank you for your appreciation. I know you never joke about serious topics, so I won't be vague." Chen Fang paused, organized his words, and said, "If you regard the team as a project, then you have to consider the underlying color of this project."

"The underlying color is the championship. We all like to invest in angel rounds because the returns are the greatest, so I will eliminate all the teams that have won championships, and then screen among the teams that have not won a championship."

"Because what is more impressive and worth remembering than the revival is the first crown."

"Just like I am now at USC, if I lead the team to break the record, then even if I only stay here for one year, USC will put me in the school history."

"So, you don't object to my logic?"

"Yes, I have no objection, please continue."

"Then it's relatively simple at this point. Among the NBA teams that haven't won a championship, who would you think of first if you were looking for a team that's willing to spend a lot of money to rebuild?"

Kobe didn't let Chen Fang wait. He answered without hesitation: "Steve Ballmer."

Chen Fang smiled: "Yes, the Los Angeles Clippers."

"Your thinking is clear and convincing, but the Clippers don't have a draft pick this year."

"Yes, we are just discussing the team with the strongest momentum in the future. I don't consider the record. At least in terms of recruitment and investment, the best team is the Clippers."

"Why not the Nets?" Kobe objected.

"I haven't overlooked that the Nets will be one of the major teams that will make big moves in the player trading market in the next few years, just like the Clippers."

"Didn't you think about going to the Nets?"

"No, just like the Lakers, I don't want to go."

"Why? The boss is also Chinese."

"Yes, that's why I won't go." Chen Fang explained: "It will make it difficult for me to move forward in the league. Not only will the players not be respected, but the fans will be the same. This is a stupid idea. Unless I have proven myself, it would be better to go to the Lakers and take a gamble instead of going to the Nets."

Kobe smiled and said, "Oh my God, Chen, your mind is so clear. I have never seen an 18-year-old young man look at problems so wisely."

"Thank you for your compliment. In fact, every draft will not satisfy the players. I can only hope that things will get better in the future."

"After the tournament, when you have enough ideas, I wanted to give you some advice, but now it feels like you don't need it at all."

"Actually, I want to thank you."

"Really?" Kobe was surprised.

Afterwards, Chen Fang felt that he couldn't say this, but he had already said it, so he could only bite the bullet and said, "In today's game, I was on the court, and everyone was pointing fingers at me. I thought of you, and suddenly I wondered how Kobe would face and deal with it."

There was silence on the other end of the phone. Kobe probably remembered something that made him unhappy, something he didn't even want to touch upon.

(I'm not trying to discredit this, but many friends don't know the whole story. A quick search will reveal it. First, the heroine had sex with three men within 18 hours, including a male waiter, and it was this waiter who told Kobe about checking into the hotel. Kobe's lawyer was omnipotent and produced three DNA underwear pieces in court to prove the truth.)
(This woman was deliberately provocative, going directly to Kobe's room through a secret passage and actively showing her back tattoo.)
(Third, in fact, she just wanted to get some money. Afterwards, she asked Kobe to give her 100 million yuan, but Kobe did not give it. Dozens of people later confirmed that it was her routine operation for women to select service objects in hotels.)
(These are all admitted by the plaintiff in the court testimony, not made up by me. In fact, at this point, the essence of the matter is clear. It has nothing to do with rape. Kobe was just a man who wanted to vent and release his repressed psychology before knee surgery, and he happened to meet this person.)
(There is a very interesting thing here, which also led to the separation of Shaq and Kobe. Afterwards, when Kobe, who was blackmailed, was looking for off-court assistance, he called Shaq. Shaq told him about his personal experience, saying that he had also given a woman 100 million yuan in hush money. So, Kobe, who has low emotional intelligence, accidentally told this to others. At that time, Shaq had just gotten married, so he was directly confused.)
Chen Fang was also embarrassed. He felt that he did not have high emotional intelligence and became flattered.

"I think people always learn to see themselves and their surroundings clearly when they are in the trough." Kobe's voice rang out.

"I fell from the top of the mountain. I had no friends, no family, no lover. I locked myself in the darkness. I kept blaming myself, but I had no answers, so I just didn't want to go and focused on basketball."

"But I found that there was no point in doing this. I was just avoiding it and not facing it."

"That period was very difficult for me. On the one hand, I had to face opponents who constantly challenged me, and on the other hand, I had to deal with teammates who didn't trust me. When I returned home, no one paid any attention to me." Kobe's tone was full of sighs.

"These were the most tormenting days of my life. Until one day, I felt relieved and reconciled with myself."

"It's just because I said to myself in the mirror, you are so stupid, you deserve it, this is what you deserve."

Chen Fang listened quietly. He didn't expect that Kobe would open up to him.

"I never admit defeat, but in this incident, I realized that only by recognizing your mistakes can you stand up again and start a new life. So when I face criticism and insults again, I never care, because I already know it clearly."

"I'm sorry, I said the wrong thing, but I really want you to understand that I have also experienced what you said. Actually..." Chen Fang didn't know how to continue.

"Are you kidding? You shouldn't lie when you're comforting someone." Kobe interrupted Chen Fang. He would never believe that an 18-year-old boy would go through this, but he appreciated the kindness.

"Well, today's conversation was deep enough. I believe we will have more opportunities and time to communicate."

"Yes, sir." Chen Fang also came to his senses and realized that he almost let the cat out of the bag just now.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Fang couldn't calm down for a long time. Fortunately, at this time, Ilya, who was visiting, came back and Chen Fang's attention was diverted.

While he was chatting and laughing with Elijah, Kobe, who was far away in California, made a phone call.

"Mr. Jerry?"

"I want to recommend a man to you. I believe that if you meet him, you will think the same as I do."

"He's good enough to be the founder of a team."

　First of all, I would like to say sorry to everyone for talking so much about Kobe. This is just my attempt as a Kobe fan.

　　Second, I don’t want to keep everyone guessing. In fact, no matter whether it is hindsight or not, the Lakers are a trap, and only James can keep them under control.

　　Third, a talent show is actually a marriage. You will never marry the person you love, but the truly strong ones can always live the life they want.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)