Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 276 The second Jordan?
On February 2, the Clippers visited the Brooklyn Nets.

In this battle, the Clippers team was affected by continuous fighting and was in poor condition. Chen Fang's performance was also very bad, which disappointed the Chinese and international students present.

He only got 14 points and 4 assists, and made 7 turnovers.

The Nets upset the Clippers who had won four consecutive games.

After the game, Chen Fang took the initiative to take responsibility for the loss in an interview. When the reporter asked whether the loss was caused by consecutive away games, he replied: "This is not an excuse. We are professional players. Today's game was terrible and I was the worst."

"I will go back to the hotel to review the situation. This kind of fluctuation should not happen to me. I am sorry to disappoint the Clippers fans who came to watch the game today."

Chen Fang, feeling depressed, returned to the locker room. The moment he entered the door, the noisy locker room became quiet.

"You don't have to look at me like that." Chen Fang looked around the entire court, then said, "My biggest problem today was that I didn't lead everyone to win the game. I'm not a demanding person, but I won't turn a blind eye to everyone's lazy attitude in the game today."

"I didn't see any determination to win today. I hope this situation won't happen again. We can lose, but we can't die on our knees." In the last sentence, Chen Fang's voice suddenly became cold and sharp.

Chen Fang, who was secretly angry, made everyone bow their heads. Rivers, who had been silent, came to the rescue at the right time: "The coaching staff did not fully anticipate the tenacity of the Nets today. They did a good job today. As the head coach, I take all the blame."

"Come on, let's go through our postgame routine." Rivers walked to the center of the locker room with all the players surrounding him.

"Let's GO Clippers!"

After shouting, Rivers unexpectedly stopped everyone: "We have one more sentence. The boss, the president, and I all think we should add this sentence."

"Wherever the boat is, the wind is there!"

Chen Fang was stunned, but he quickly reacted and said, "It's a cool slogan."

As the eldest spoke, everyone spoke up to express their likes.

When everyone shouted this sentence together, an inexplicable feeling emerged in their hearts. At this moment, it meant that the management, from the boss to the coach, all recognized Chen Fang's core position.

This is the coronation!

After returning to the hotel, Chen Fang did not go to rest, but asked for leave to go out.

This time it was a private matter. He was going to visit Jeremy Lin, who was ruled out for the season due to a patellar injury last October. Since he was in New York, he should be polite.

Based on the address provided, Chen Fang asked the team security to act as a driver and take him to 123 Washington Street in the downtown financial district of New York. Jeremy Lin's home is on the 38th floor of this building.

The monthly rent here is as high as 1.5 yuan, and it is not big, only about 110 square meters. Jeremy Lin's residence is just a two-bedroom apartment.

After knocking on the door, it was Jeremy Lin's mother who opened it. After seeing Chen Fang, she warmly invited him in and kept exclaiming: "Wow, you are really tall."

"Three years ago, I was only 177cm tall. In fact, I am the same as Brother Hao, we both have genetic mutations."

Chen Fang's words eased the awkwardness of their first meeting, and Jeremy Lin, who was wearing protective gear and trying to move on one leg to greet him, also laughed.

Chen Fang trotted over and supported Jeremy Lin, saying, "It's just a few steps away, there's no need to be so polite, Brother Hao."

"As I should. Come on, let's go to the sofa." Jeremy Lin, who is undergoing post-surgery rehabilitation, looks good. His hairstyle is not as sharp as it is on the court. With his short hair, he looks like a boy next door.

The two sat down, and Chen Fang looked at his right knee: "Is the recovery going smoothly?"

Jeremy Lin smiled bitterly: "It was a struggle. This was the most difficult rehabilitation I've ever had after being injured."

Then he talked about how to do rehabilitation, how many minutes it took to bend and straighten his knees, and how to sit and lie down. Chen Fang listened quietly. He knew that injured people are most eager to talk.

Perhaps feeling that he had lost his composure, Lin changed the subject: "I watch every game you play now, and you play very well. I feel that you are already the best among the younger generation in the league."

"But today's fight was terrible."

Jeremy Lin shook his head: "It's hard for anyone to guarantee anything, mentally and physically. Even if everything is OK, if the opponent is better, there will be fluctuations."

"The label of dominance is the most difficult to obtain among stars. It means that you have many unstoppable skills that can help you no matter what situation you are in."

Chen Fang was thoughtful. He was somewhat inspired and asked, "Should we strengthen some of our advantages?"

"Yes, that's what I mean. I think your pull-up jump shot and turnaround fadeaway shot are likely to become your signature score."

"I actually decide what to use based on the situation on the field. Is that wrong?"

"The theory is fine. To use an analogy, I know you have a gun, but I also know you only pull out the gun and shoot when you see prey." Jeremy Lin blinked: "So now if I hide the prey or prevent it from showing up, do you lose the reason to shoot?"

Lost in thought, the clever Chen Fang immediately understood what Jeremy Lin wanted to tell him. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Do I need a reason to shoot even if I don't have prey?"

"That's pretty much what I meant. This is what I said to Nick Young when I was with the Lakers and listening to Kobe training. But he said it in very general terms, and I also added some of my own understanding." Jeremy Lin did not take this concept as his own, but stated the source very frankly.

"Dominance is very abstract, but if I were to understand it, it means that you scare your opponents. They are always afraid of your next move, and they feel desperate after resisting again and again."

Chen Zhang was inspired. He felt that he had come to the right place today and asked, "Scare the defenders?"

"Yes, there was a time when I felt that I made others fear me. I could accurately find the opponent's defensive weaknesses and score continuously whenever I wanted."

"It's just an injury." Jeremy Lin sighed. He looked at his right knee with a worried look on his face. "I don't know if I can survive in the NBA. Maybe I will be traded soon and then cut."

Chen Fang was dejected. Indeed, after this injury, Jeremy Lin essentially lost the possibility of continuing to play in the NBA.

Because rhythm, speed, and reaction are what NBA guards must have, even as a player as strong as Rose, no one cares about him when he loses these things.

"As long as it exists, it is glorious." Chen Fang's words made Jeremy Lin's eyes light up.

"Instead of worrying about these things, it is better to have a firm belief that no matter where you play, it is God's gift." Chen Fang knew that Jeremy Lin was a devout Christian, so he tried to comfort him with these words.

After a long while, Jeremy Lin thanked Chen Fang and said, "You are right. I was too greedy."

The knot in their hearts was temporarily untied, and the two resumed their normal chatting. When Lin Shuhao learned that Chen Fang was now the one who had the final say on the Clippers, he was indescribably envious.

"It's really not easy for a yellow person to achieve this in the league. Yao Ming spent several years but still couldn't achieve it."

"It's just that I have a tough personality. I've known how to be the center of attention since I was a kid." Chen Fang was not modest, which made Jeremy Lin nod his head: "Yes, although I have been in the United States longer than you, you are more adapted to it here. No wonder Kobe favors you."

When talking about Kobe, Chen Fang thought of an old case.

“Are you still in touch with Kobe now?”

Jeremy Lin smiled, shook his head and answered with a surprised expression: "Do you think it's possible?"

So Chen Fang also laughed, and the two of them laughed. In the end, Jeremy Lin said, "In his world, I am invisible."

"But I respect him very much. After I got injured, he sent me a text message, saying, hey, little brother, cheer up and don't let the injury get you down."

"I'm grateful for his encouragement. That's enough."

"What about you? How do you deal with him?" Jeremy Lin was curious.

"Me?" Chen Fang curled his lips. "He's annoying and chatterboxes all the time. Being friends with him is like having a foster father. I know what he means, but I have my own ideas."

"Have you ever quarreled with him?"

"Not at the moment. Does bickering count?" Seeing Jeremy Lin's expression that said what do you think, Chen Fang could only smile and say, "Well, probably a lot, but he knows I'm not easy to mess with, so he doesn't dare to go too far."

"You've opened up the league, what do you think about the future?"

Without hesitation, Chen Fang said without hesitation: "The next step is to experience the playoffs, and then improve with the team and strive for the championship."

After a while, the surprised Jeremy Lin said, "You are so confident. I am serious. I understand why you are so popular with Kobe. Your personality is really like Kobe."

"Championship." Jeremy Lin's eyes showed anticipation.

"I probably won't have a chance in this life." He said dejectedly.

"No, you will, because you deserve this honor." Chen Fang made another small prediction. Jeremy Lin, who wandered to the Raptors in 19, was lucky enough to win the championship with the team and got the ring.

Jeremy Lin naturally understood Chen Fang's good intentions, so he didn't continue the topic. Then he remembered something: "You just mentioned Kobe. Actually, at this time last year, Kobe sent me a business proposal, saying that there was a variety show in China, which might be a good opportunity to help promote the domestic basketball market.①"

"Did Kobe tell you that?"

Chen Fang shook his head: "No."

"Then can you participate? It's scheduled for the off-season. I believe this is a very good plan."

"Did you agree?"

"No, I'm still recovering from my injury, but I also have to consider the future. Plus Jay is coming, so I should go." Professional athletes should try their best to make money while their careers are still there, because once it's gone, it's gone.

Chen Fang naturally understood. He smiled and said, "I'm actually doing a similar variety show in China. I know what you're talking about, but I don't think it's helpful."

"You have a variety show too?" Jeremy Lin was surprised, and then he thought it was very normal. After all, Chen Fang is now the most influential person in domestic basketball.

"This is made by my own company, and it seems to be competing with the variety show you are participating in!" Chen Fang then briefly introduced his philosophy and ideas for hosting this variety show.

"Yours is good. You can tell the difference by comparing them. I've seen their plans. To be honest, they're all variety shows. Yours is very real." "His is a reality show. Mine is also a reality show, but it's more grassroots."

"Then I'll come to your side?" Jeremy Lin's words surprised Chen Fang, but he quickly recovered: "I'm very happy about Brother Hao's kindness. In fact, it's better this way. There is value only when there is comparison. You make your money and I do mine. There is no conflict."

After being politely rejected, Jeremy Lin might have been a little sensitive, so he stopped talking.

Chen Fang couldn't stay out for too long. After saying a few words, he chose to say goodbye. He felt that he had gained a lot from this trip. As for the inspiration for the attack, Chen Fang suddenly thought of a lot.

"My gun should shoot as I please, as long as I have enough bullets, whether there is prey or not."

He found that he had been trapped in a misunderstanding before. He always followed the routine to play what he thought was a good shot. As he was constantly targeted on the court, he could feel a sense of obscurity.

Just like in this game against the Nets, it was not only because of the lack of physical strength, but also because the Nets used a lot of defense to block Chen Fang, coupled with the slump of his teammates, losing became inevitable.

You have to make yourself unpredictable. First of all, you have to break the shackles of restrictions. Otherwise, when the intensity of the playoffs increases, you will encounter the same situation as today.

On February 2, the Clippers challenged the Celtics away.

Although they attached great importance to the game before and Chen Fang also tried his best, the Celtics, who obviously did a better job of reviewing the game, learned the reasons for their defeat in the previous game. Irving was more reasonable in the connection and Brown also restricted Chen Fang to the extreme.

Tatum also put aside the burden of being the boss and quickly double-teamed Chen Fang after he got rid of the pick-and-roll.

Horford in the interior played Okafor and Zubac around, and the two young men looked desperate as if they would rather die.

The Celtics scored across the board, handing the Clippers two consecutive losses.

This time, Chen Fang was really beaten to a pulp, feeling like he was being fooled.

Were you just being perfunctory with me in your previous relationships?
Why are you so fierce now?

I really start to doubt my life. The whistles that referees used to blow are gone now, moves that never happened before are now happening, and the breakthroughs that I used to be like a fish in water have turned into a swamp.

He only got 17 points and 5 assists. When facing the reporters' interview, Chen Fang still held his head high, but lowered his posture.

"The Celtics played much better than us today and were very successful in defending and restricting me. This is an unpleasant fact."

"Is this the rookie wall?" the reporter asked mercilessly.

"Maybe. I also want to see how long it will stay." Chen Fang said helplessly.

The locker room was very depressing. It was the first time that Chen Fang felt that being the boss was not so glorious. There had been a series of losses before, but Griffin and Jordan handled it very well. Now it was his turn, and he didn't know what to do.

Fortunately, Rivers did not embarrass Chen Fang. He once again took the responsibility for the failure. He kept comforting the players in the locker room and found excuses and reasons in all aspects. In the past, Chen Fang would only laugh in his heart, but now, he can only sit there with a dry and gloomy face.

This is also a rare occasion that Chen Fang did not speak in the locker room. In fact, it is very normal. The performance is the backbone of professional players. They cannot stand up straight if they lose. No matter what the media or fans say, they cannot resist.

Fortunately, this was also the last away game, so Chen Fang rushed back to Los Angeles overnight. When he got home, he felt relieved when he saw Wu Zi.

But he could only take this night off, because early tomorrow morning, Lin Na would give Chen Fang a public relations lesson so that he could face his first All-Star Game in his life.

Even though his role was only in the Rookie Challenge on the 17th, with Duffy's business expansion, Chen Fang did not have much personal time from the week of the 16th to the 22nd.

The two of them were lying in the living room watching a variety show and chatting. Chen Fang suddenly asked, "At the All-Star Game, will you come to watch me play?"

Wu Zi hesitated. In fact, this was a topic that they had tacitly avoided for a long time. This issue had existed since Chen Fang entered the NBA.

When she was in college, Wu Zi would go to watch Chen Fang play basketball with her classmates, but they were just spectators and no one paid attention.

But now it is the world of fame and fortune, the glamorous world of Los Angeles, where there is never a shortage of women around the stars. Often, the first two rows of seats on the court are prepared for them.

Chen Fang had no objection to Wu Zi coming to watch the game, but Wu Zi obviously didn't want to step into the spotlight again, especially as Chen Fang's girlfriend, which meant greater pressure.

"You just play well and I'll watch at home." Wu Zi still replied.

Chen Fang didn't dare to say anything further. He knew very well that as Wu Zi became more famous, she fell into identity anxiety and lack of confidence.

It can be seen from the fact that she is more proactive in doing housework, as if she is like a housewife.

"You can do whatever you want. Duffy has a modeling agency, Victoria's Secret models, and fashion is also covered. If you want, you can do it anytime."

Unexpectedly, Wu Zi shook her head and said, "I don't want to be a model anymore. I don't have much talent for it. Mom is right. Being the woman behind you is also the greatest career for a woman."

Stunned, Chen Fang took a while to realize that it turned out that his mother had used PUA on Wu Zi.

"I think you should follow your heart. I think you smile less now."

"Really? Why didn't I feel that?" Wu Zi denied.

Seeing that Wu Zi didn't seem to be pretending, Chen Fang didn't want to cause trouble, so he shut up.

Nothing happened that night. At eight o'clock the next day, Lindsay arrived at the door of the house on time. Today she would take Chen Fang to the 18th All-Star Organizing Committee and the Clippers' Public Relations and Media Department to fully support Chen Fang's first All-Star Game.

The organizing committee was located in the Staples Center, and Chen Fang met Tatum.

"Good fellow, they are chasing us all the way to Los Angeles."

Perhaps because he won against Chen Fang, Tatum smiled even more. He first hugged Chen Fang, and then replied: "I brought a lot of people with me this time."

"I have a lot of people too." Chen Fang said without showing any weakness.

Laughing together, they are going to take a group photo today and the rest of the day will be very busy.

With Chen Fang's record and leadership ability, he has already stood out among the rookies. No one dares to be hostile to him. Even if there is, you have to hide it well in this situation.

Both Ingram and Mitchell seemed very enthusiastic at this time, but Embiid and Simmons stayed away.

Chen Fang saw Fox, who replaced the injured Lonzo and was lucky enough to be selected for this year's Rookie Challenge.

Twenty of the best first- and second-year rookies of the season gathered together to talk about everything except basketball.

It’s just that Chen Fang feels a little regretful. Lonzo and Fultz, their fate has been revealed. The two have never been selected for the All-Star Game and are not destined to have this honor.

This was more like a party gathering. In the afternoon, Chen Fang had his first meeting with a sports brand owner.

Duffy met with Nike, Adidas, Converse, Under Armour, and Puma. In a private meeting room, Duffy discussed the recent signing progress with Chen Fang.

"Nike's conditions are actually at the bottom, Converse is the best, and Adidas is second."

"It's not that we don't have a good opinion of you, but Nike refuses to agree to your request." Duffy was helpless.

Chen Fang nodded. He knew this very well. In his previous life, Tatum rejected Nike's 60 billion RMB contract extension because Nike had too many restrictions, which led to Tatum, who loved saving money, to refuse it.

"Adi is relatively better, but they still rejected your request."

At this point, Duffy couldn't help but complain: "Chen Fang, your request for equity is too unbelievable. This is not the 1980s, and you are not Michael Jordan."

"What did Converse say?" Chen Fang asked, as if he hadn't heard.

Duffy had no choice but to say, "Converse has loosened up. They said they are open to talks."

"Then let's talk about Converse first." Chen Fang felt that there was no reason to sign a sneaker contract with a group of people. In his previous life, Alexander could serve as the creative director of Converse's own sneakers. It was not excessive for him to ask for a share of the profits from his own brand of sneakers and company shares.

What's more, if Converse wants to return to the NBA, he is the best choice. Chen Fang really thinks Converse dares to agree.

As for being laughed at as the second Jordan, it doesn’t matter. The money is in my pocket, so who will laugh at me?
"Well, to be honest, once this contract is disclosed, you're going to face a lot of criticism," Duffy warned.

“Making money comes first, but identity is more important.”

"I don't want to be the second Jordan, but that doesn't stop me from envying Jordan's retirement life," Chen Fang replied.

The next step is to sign contracts with other brands. Chen Fang has no requirements for these. They are all contracts worth hundreds of thousands or millions. Don't think it's too little, it's already a lot. Most NBA stars never refuse short-term contracts of 50,000 or 60,000 or even hundreds of thousands.

It’s not that even a small amount of money is worth it, but apart from salary, most endorsements are for short-term, frequent and fast results.

Show your face, shoot an ad, take the money and leave.

They were busy until the afternoon, when Tatum came to ask him to go to the next party. From his grin, there was a hint of lewdness.

"No, I want to go home." Chen Fang refused decisively.

"You should also be careful not to get weak legs tomorrow."

"How could that be? You underestimated me." Tatum made a strong gesture.

After giving a middle finger, Chen Fang left the Staples Center. In the car, Lindsay, who was still energetic after a busy day, asked, "Are you confident about tomorrow's MVP?"

"no problem!"

Chen Fang answered clearly and concisely.

(End of this chapter)