Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 270: Late Spring Party, Domination Alliance
After a fierce battle with the Warriors, the Clippers faced the Kings back-to-back.

Even though Chen Fang applied to play, Lawrence refused, so Chen Fang could only cheer for his teammates in formal attire on the bench.

The whole team fought hard against the Warriors. No one was in good shape and they were beaten to a pulp by the Kings, a lottery-bound team.

91:106, the Clippers lost the game.

The Clippers reporter commented: Without Chen Fang, the Clippers don't know how to play. They don't even know where the basket is.

The Clippers flew back to Los Angeles overnight and faced the Kings again after a day of rest.

This time, Chen Fang, who started the game, scored 24 points in the first half and 36 points in the whole game, leading the team to a bloody victory over the Kings.

The score of 95:124 once again highlighted the importance of Chen Fang.

The Clippers' ranking dropped to fourth in the Western Conference for the first time due to losses to the Trail Blazers and Thunder.

This has sparked heated discussions across the league. Now no one doubts that the Clippers will not make the playoffs, and even whether they can get through the first round has become a question that is no longer discussed.

The league was surprised that the rookie led the team to the playoffs in his first year. Even Silver told reporters after an event: "The talents of overseas players will continue to inject strong competitiveness into the NBA. We will further develop the overseas draft market and allow more scouts to discover super players like Chen Fang."

Super player suddenly became Chen Fang's label.

Chinese reporters were even more proud. Even Yao had never received such praise. Yes, although Yao had several representative works in his first year, his overall performance was average. He was nothing like Chen Fang, who kept breaking out, became stronger, and began to show dominance.

Just when everyone was rejoicing, the Clippers' daily injuries made the Chinese reporters' mood plummet.

Chen Fang's old problem of back spasm has recurred. The Clippers officially announced a four-game rest. He will miss four very important Western Conference games against the Rockets, Nuggets, Jazz and Timberwolves.

And these four teams are the main opponents in the future playoffs.

"The back hit was too strong, and his back muscles can't withstand such strain." Duan Ran made this judgment after seeing the injury report.

"He's only 19 years old, just an adult. How can he handle the intensity of the NBA? Well, it will take at least two years for him to fully mature!" Ke Fan was in an even worse mood.

Their conversation also reflects the unanimous speculation of journalists and the media that the biggest problem facing Chinese people right now is that their bodies are not yet fully developed and cannot sustain the high-intensity games in the NBA.

"You say that again? Damn, will this become my nickname in the future?" Chen Fang at the training center felt extremely helpless.

The real reason for his rest was actually an old illness, inflammation.

Daily tests revealed that his white blood cell count was high, which means the number of white blood cells in the blood exceeds the normal range, mostly due to joint inflammation, colds, and viral infections.

After doing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a team of medical experts identified the problem.

Prolonged or high-intensity exercise causes muscle fatigue and micro-injuries, which trigger the body's inflammatory response.

Intense exercise causes tearing of muscle fibers, which triggers inflammation.

The combination of the two causes the white blood cell index to begin to exceed the normal range. Generally speaking, this test is a basic screening method for athletes.

MIR discovered that Chen Fang had muscle fiber tears in his thighs and shoulders. Normally, these would repair themselves through cell division, but if left untreated, the muscles in the body would remain in an inflamed state for a long time, which would turn into chronic muscle inflammation, leaving a root cause of the disease and becoming a typical old injury.
Now Chen Fang is the Clippers' treasure. As soon as Lawrence confirmed the situation, he immediately issued a truce order. Chen Fang's strong request was useless.

Helpless Chen Fang sent a text message to Harden, saying that he was sorry and that the wonderful time of the two of them competing on the same court would have to wait until the next time. After learning the truth, Harden comforted Chen Fang instead.

"You still have a long career ahead of you. Don't get discouraged, man. There are a lot of opportunities. Recovering well is your first priority."

Chen Fang's absence again made the Clippers go from a playoff-level team to an ordinary team.

After four disappointing games, Griffin, despite averaging 26 points per game, was unable to bring a victory to the team. Without Chen Fang as his backer, Kuzma's immaturity was fully exposed.

The four consecutive losses not only made the league see the Clippers' strengths and weaknesses, but also made the Clippers players understand the importance of Chen Fang.

"The Clippers' addiction to storage is already in the late stage. I don't know whether this is a good thing or a bad thing." A Clippers reporter said helplessly.

"This series of consecutive matchups against strong Western Conference playoff teams has made two things clear to everyone. First, Rivers is indeed a championship coach who relies on his players to carry the championship trophy. Second, Chen Fang is not only a super scorer, but also a super organizer and a spiritual leader." The famous podcaster VK commented mercilessly.

Just when the Clippers were being criticized, WOJ broke the news about a deal the Clippers had made.

The Clippers made a trade with the Cavaliers.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Traded Channing Frye, Derrick Rose, and a 2018 first-round pick for Nance Jr.

This is a regrettable deal. Frye and Rose are both players who are on their way out and have no value at all. One is old and the other is full of injuries. When everyone focused on the Clippers trading for two old guys and sending out a power forward with potential, they ignored the 2018 first-round draft pick.

Before Chen Fang could react, Shams, a rising star who is as capable as WOJ, revealed another deal for the Clippers.

New Orleans Pelicans: Traded Tony Allen and a protected 2018 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for Milos Teodosic and Willie Reed.

This is another veteran. Tony Allen is about to announce his retirement. People all over the league are laughing. Do the Clippers want to go further in the playoffs so badly that they can do it by recruiting a group of veterans?

As if competing with each other, WOJ immediately released the third transaction news.

Philadelphia 76ers: Traded Jahlil Okafor, Richaun Holmes, and a first-round draft pick for Gallinari and Brice Johnson.
This news is a bit explosive. Okafor no longer has a place in the 76ers, and his definition of being a good player has long been determined. In comparison, Richaun, a defensive stalwart and shot-blocking expert, is what the Clippers need in the interior.

But the Clippers sent out a starter and a quasi-starter after all, and this move made Clippers fans call the Clippers management stupid.

But this is not the end. On the morning of January 1, Shams revealed the Clippers' fourth transaction.

The Clippers sent Austin Rivers + Wesley Johnson + Jameel Wilson to the Rockets in exchange for Louis Williams + Beverley + Harrell and a second-round pick.

This deal makes more sense. Lou Williams and Beverley don't have much playing time because of the outstanding performance of Gordon and Tucker, and the Rockets need taller No. 3 and No. 4 swingmen and three-point shooters.

The Clippers lack defensive strength and scoring means at No. 1 and No. 2. Lou Williams and Beverley can strengthen the Clippers' backcourt depth. Harrell is a rough guy, but has certain low-post rim protection capabilities.

But more astute media began to notice a detail: in four trades, the Clippers obtained three first-round picks and one second-round pick. Although all of them were below 4th place, it was still a lot.

This immediately highlights the Clippers' strategic orientation, which is to frantically collect the 2018 first-round picks. As long as you dare to give them to me, I dare to take them. I can take any garbage contract.

So at noon on January 1, Stephen A. Smith, a well-known NBA media person, who was not yet jokingly called "American Yang Yi", expressed his own judgment.

"The Clippers are gearing up for the 2018 draft. There are signs that 2018 will also be a big year for the draft. It seems that after the Clippers' management team got Chen Fang, the cornerstone of the team, they immediately considered the 18 draft to find the most suitable person to team up with Chen Fang."

"I can bet that if there are any teams that don't have a 10-win record right now, you can try to talk to Lawrence of the Clippers, and maybe Griffin will be yours."

Smith's words immediately caused a huge stir in the league. This bold prediction made countless people surprised and laughed at it at the same time.

No wonder he was dubbed the American Yang Yi, as he always makes shocking statements.

But the Clippers management didn't laugh. Often, the jokes are outrageous, but they are the truth.

The Clippers management remained silent, but Rivers expressed his views in an interview before preparing for the game against the Celtics. The fact that he sent his own son away did prevent the criticism from reaching him.

"It's a painful decision. We're good, but we want to be better. Sometimes, for the playoffs, you have to make some tough decisions."

"Griffin? No, you'd be a fool if you took this rumor seriously." Rivers answered and turned away.

This point is very critical. The regular season has just been played halfway, and the predictions for the 18 draft are gradually becoming clear. Signs of a big year for the draft are beginning to become clear, and the teams that should be playing badly have already begun.

The Hawks, Bulls, Nets, and Magic in the East have already started, while the Suns, Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Kings in the West are all hesitating and making up their minds.

Because of the rules of the draft, even if you play badly, you may not necessarily get a high pick. All 14 teams have a chance, it's just a matter of size. There have been cases where a team with a very small probability has drawn the No. pick.

The management of each team has more or less heard the Clippers' rumors.

"Yes, we are laying our cards on the table. We are going to rebuild from the ground up. Come and play scratch tickets." These are Lawrence's exact words.

Apart from the impossible Chen Fang, the Clippers still have many valuable players.

Kuzma is the first to bear the brunt of the attack. He has proved that he has scoring ability and may be a good candidate to be a second-in-command.

Griffin, needless to say, has a new high in his averages this season. Even without Chen Fang, he is still a 25+ player. He is already the biggest fish in the league. DeAndre Jordan is a modern center with plenty of gas in his tank. He has no problem protecting the rim and running fast. His averages of 8 points and 7 rebounds per game are very attractive. He is a candidate that many strong teams hope to strengthen.

As for Zubac, few teams were interested in him. Only the Lakers asked, hoping to buy him back, but Lawrence ruthlessly hung up the phone.

With the opening of the Clippers supermarket and the approaching trade deadline on February 2, more teams began to trade.

The Cavaliers sent Thomas to the Lakers in exchange for Clarkson, and sent Crowder to the Jazz in exchange for George Hill, strengthening the backcourt.

Send Wade back to the Heat and get a protected second-round draft pick. Wade, a genius of his time, ended up in this worthless situation just because he trusted the wrong person.

So when he later wanted to hold a tour, he was ignored by the entire league, and it ended in embarrassment.

The Pistons, Suns, Kings, Nets, Pelicans, and Bulls continue to operate. In recent days, trading information has been flying all over the place, making people ignore the first showdown between the Celtics and Clippers on the 25th.

Chen Fang warmly entertained Tatum. This was the first time he brought someone from the NBA to his home. After all, Tatum's relationship was extraordinary.

On the court, they are competitors, but off the court, they are close friends.

As Chen Fang's NBA guide, Tatum deserves Chen Fang's respect.

Tasting the old Shandong cuisine again, Tatum collapsed in his chair in happiness, and it took him a long time to come back to his senses: "Damn, it's been a long time since I last had your food. Oh, I really miss the past. I could actually eat it every day."

After seeing Wu Zi leave, Tatum and Chen Fang started chatting in the living room.

"Are you OK?" Tatum asked.

"It was a bit uncomfortable at the beginning, but it's a little better now." Chen Fang sighed. These past few days were the saddest for him, as he saw off the team members one by one, especially Wesley, who was the first person he met when he joined the team.

They agreed not to separate, but this was a blatant slap in the face. Chen Fang hasn't been to the training center for four days and doesn't answer the phone, expressing his dissatisfaction to the management with his attitude.

"In fact, you Clippers are much stronger now. Both the backcourt and the frontcourt have improved. The key and main combat power are still there. Your strength on paper is already enough to win the championship." Tatum shared the analysis he saw in the media and comforted Chen Fang.

Chen Fang could only smile. What he said sounded reasonable, but in fact the situation was getting worse instead of better.

First, the team has a strong centrifugal force, and the original atmosphere is definitely gone. A group of old, disabled and troublemakers have come. God knows how much use it is for me to speak.

Second, it was stronger on paper, but how long would it take to get used to it? At such a critical moment, this really annoyed him.

Although Lawrence sent him a short essay similar to a couple's entanglement, discussing the Clippers' operations when the phone call was not connected, Chen Fang still couldn't contain his emotions.

Originally, Chen Fang was supposed to return to play against the Celtics today, but he still hasn't given any confirmation, so the Clippers still haven't removed him from the daily injury list. If it were someone else, the management would have been furious, but now they really don't have this idea, and even asked Griffin to come to him and comfort Chen Fang.

Now all the old members of the team know that Chen Fang is very angry. For the sake of the overall situation, Griffin took the initiative to recruit this task and persuaded Chen Fang to save face.

It's just that he can't play today, and Chen Fang doesn't want to wait for the game, so he directly invites Tatum to his house for a simple meal at noon.

Lawrence's meaning is very clear, that is, the trade starts for the first-round pick, because by the end of the season, it will be roughly known which team will get which pick, and now is a good time to fish in troubled waters.

The Clippers can't see clearly which one will win the prize, but they just go for it without thinking, taking whatever they can.

So the team was dismantled at the most crucial moment for the playoffs.

Fortunately, the players acquired through the trade are more or less capable, especially Lou Williams and Patrick Beverley of the Rockets, who are indeed very powerful.

I know from my memories of my previous life that with these two people, we can tie the Warriors on equal terms in the next season.

"What about you? How do you feel now?" It was Chen Fang's turn to ask.

Tatum smiled and shook his head: "I'm still adapting. To be honest, I'm still feeling it. Sometimes I play well, and sometimes it's a mess. How do you maintain such a high average?"

Chen Fang chuckled: "Shooting, without a basket, it's useless to say anything. Times have changed now, physical combat is no longer a smart choice."

"Yes, I plan to work on my shooting form during the offseason." Tatum has a deep understanding of this.

Chen Fang didn't say anything else. In 24 years, Tatum's shooting was still ridiculed. Although his hit rate had improved, there were still problems. But he didn't want to change it anymore and just had to put up with it.

In addition, his physique was in great shape at that time, and he could attack, carry, and shoot, and his arsenal was fully equipped.

"What do you think would happen if we only had one team now?" Tatum recalled a rumor in the team some time ago. Some people said they wanted to trade the entire team for Chen Fang, which made him anxious for several days and he didn't play well in the game.

"It's impossible, but if it really happens, it will be a devastating blow to the alliance. Within three years, we can stand on the floor of the finals!" Chen Fang said confidently.

Seeing Tatum's eyes widen, Chen Fang laughed: "You're 34, I'm 123. You're on the wing and I'm at the top of the key. Without three people on the other side, there's no way to suppress them. It's unsolvable."

Tatum has always been convinced by Chen Fang's tactical analysis, and just as he had judged before, they are now being realized one by one.

"They will be here next year!" Tatum said suddenly.

Chen Fang was stunned for a moment, then reacted and understood what Tatum wanted to express.

"Do you also believe what Smith said?" Chen Fang asked.

"You do not believe?"

Faced with the counter-question, Chen Fang remained silent.

"Will I be the only one missing from the Late Spring Team in the end?" Tatum felt uncomfortable when he thought of that scene.

Chui Yang plays 1, Chen Fang plays 2, Porter Jr. plays 3, Jalen plays 5, and they are just missing the 4th.

"Impossible, it can't be done." Chen Fang shook his head. Although he had thought about it, this operation was too unbelievable. Even if the operator was West, he would not believe it.

Not to mention being able to get so many high draft picks, it’s actually very difficult to actually predict it.

Now, Trump is playing like crazy in college and is a hot favorite in the draft. Porter Jr. was also one before, but his popularity has declined since his injury. Jalen's popularity is very high. Among these people, it would be good enough for the Clippers to get one.

Although Chen Fang has fragments of memory information from his previous life, God knows what he has become now after being fanned by this butterfly.

"How long will our good days last?" Tatum, who has not yet been confirmed as a core player, dares to take off the mask of strength and reveal his inner vulnerability only in front of Chen Fang.

"It's not far off. Be patient. We will be in the Late Spring Conference and will eventually rule the alliance!"

This is a sentence that Chen often uses to motivate everyone in the Wanchun group. This is also the goal of the five people. Everyone is gearing up and waiting for the day to get together.

"We agreed that you shouldn't keep asking for money. We'll talk about it after we win the championship." Chen Fang snorted.

Tatum nodded, and Chen Fang asked everyone to get together during the second contract period to build a dynasty and then discuss big contracts.

"Your rookie contract is about to expire. Wait for a good opportunity and come to the Clippers. My boss is still willing to spend money." Chen Fang suddenly painted a pie for Tatum.

Tatum neither refused nor agreed, he just smiled.

Chen Fang said nothing more. He said, "Wait until he leads others to win the championship. When you suffer setbacks in your pursuit of the championship, let's see if you will still be laughing."

He likes to build something from scratch, but that doesn't prevent everyone from working together since the rookie season. This is not a conflict, but deep down, Chen Fang is actually very conflicted about the current state of the management.

The original plan was to wait three to five years and then see how we could get together.

Because of the Clippers' operations, Chen Fang also understood that if he was involved in the management's trading decisions, there was a high possibility that they would reunite with the Clippers at the beginning of the late spring meeting.

But this involves everyone's transactions, which is undoubtedly very complicated.

Those who want to achieve great things must be ruthless and ruthless. This is easy to say but very difficult to do.

Now Chen Fang just can't get over this hurdle.

Maybe I should really seek answers from more people.

(End of this chapter)