Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 301 Everyone's Ruthless
9 month 25 day.

After a day of training, Chen Fang once again went to the coaching staff.

As the team's core and leader, he is now deeply involved in many aspects of the team's operations, including the development of training plans, tactical discussion meetings, and player evaluations.

Today's topic is about the preseason roster and tactical strategy development.

"A total of five games, spanning 10 days. They are the Hawaii games and the Sydney Kings' overseas games."

"Next up are two home games against the Timberwolves and the Nuggets."

"Then it's against the Lakers at the Honda Center in Houston."

"Finally, we'll play at home against Maccabi Haifa of Israel."

Brian looked at his colleagues and briefed them on the situation.

This year, the Clippers have not only undergone a major change in their roster, but also added two more members to their coaching staff.

Rivers remains the head coach, while Brian is the tactics coach, responsible for offensive tactics.

The defensive coach is Joe Mazura, who develops defensive strategies and countermeasures, while Tony Allen serves as his assistant, specializing in coaching the players' defensive abilities.

“Joe, tell me your thoughts,” Rivers called on him.

Mazura was prepared, replying, "My idea is still to treat the preseason games as practice games, allowing the players to quickly find their defensive rhythm. The results of a week of defensive training also need to be tested through games."

"The preseason serves two purposes: commercial promotion and team cohesion."

"I suggest that Chen Fang get more playing time in the first game against Sydney, and use the main lineup."

“That’s Chen Fang, Zubac, Harrell, Lou Williams, and Holiday,” Brian interjected.

“Okay,” Rivers agreed, while Mazura objected.

"The next four games will focus on honing our offensive and defensive skills and developing our rookies."

"The starting lineup is Jaren, Bridges, Dillon, DiVincenzo, and Brunson," Brian added.

The two agreed, and Mazura added, "Sangwell, Evans, Zubac, and Beverley need to become important rotation players, increase their playing time, and test the intensity of the rotation."

“Sure!” Rivers had no objections.

Finally, everyone looked at Chen Fang, who waved his hand and said, "I only brought my ears, not my mouth."

Everyone laughed. Although it's taboo for players to interfere with the coach's work, Chen Fang did a good job and never got into a direct argument with anyone.

After the meeting, Chen Fang and Mazura were stopped by Rivers.

"This is the starting lineup, rotation, and substitute list I created, as well as the playing time guidelines."

The two looked at it carefully, and soon Mazura replied, "I have no problem."

Chen Fang hesitated slightly and asked, "Isn't it a bit risky to compress the starting minutes to 28+ minutes?"

"This is the plan for the early part of the regular season. This year, our schedule is tough at the beginning, easy in the middle, and difficult at the end. We will use the 21 games from October 18th to the end of November as a time to fine-tune the team and tactics."

"The rotation needs 18+ because we need to have depth on our bench. We have four rookies, plus Rose, Thornwell, and Dillon, to build a seven-man rotation."

“There have been changes in the starting lineup. I want to see how Zubac is progressing and whether his weight gain has been effective.”

"In addition, Jaren and Bridges are the players we are focusing on developing this season. We want to establish pivotal points on both the inside and outside lines and achieve a balance on offense and defense."

Clearly, Rivers has considered many aspects. He is satisfied with the roster, which has also inspired him to work with great enthusiasm. Chen Fang can sense that Rivers is more focused on pre-game preparation than last season.

Rivers is a forward-thinking and strategic coach, but he lacks adaptability on the court. His strengths lie in planning and rebuilding strategies.

A head coach who only has the ability to command during games will find it difficult to survive. NBA teams value a coach's overall ability more.

This is why Rivers called out to Chen Fang.

He looked at Chen Fang and asked, "How is Dillon now?"

“Very good. His training attitude on the court has earned him widespread respect in the locker room. He spoke about fighting spirit and regular season goals, which received everyone’s support,” Chen Fang replied. He didn’t elaborate. Strictly speaking, Dillon’s emotional intelligence is not enough to control the whole game, but Chen Fang always provides support and smooths things over at crucial moments.

Rivers then asked the next question: "What about Brunson?"

This was actually a question for three people, and Chen Fang naturally understood. He replied, "Focus on adapting and improving. I have already conveyed the coaching staff's usage and playing time for the three of them, and I believe they are satisfied."

"15+ minutes of playing time is the norm, so giving the three of them 18+ minutes is quite good," Mazura interjected.

All three laughed, and Rivers reminded him, "Bridges lacks confidence. You need to constantly encourage him and instill important ideas in him."

“I’m already doing that. We still have a weakness at the small forward position. Dillon’s role is one-dimensional, and Bridges lacks confidence. Although he has potential, it’s difficult for him to perform well this season.”

“You’ll still be playing the number 3 position regularly,” Rivers said.

"Yes, at the moment, we are not worried about the shooting guard position. Zhu, Dillon, Lou Williams, and DiVincenzo can all play."

"The point guard position is for Brunson, Beverley, and Rose, and you can fill in occasionally."

"I understand, that's what I think too!" Chen knew perfectly well; he was a free agent with the Clippers.

He might even have to play the power forward position.

A man who can go from 1 to 4, at that time, the whole league will be amazed by the unity of the Red Devils' two kings.

Chen Fang and Tatum are similar in many ways. Jason is weak at point guard but stronger at power forward, while Chen Fang is the opposite.

Perhaps before long, many dreamers will start daydreaming about getting the Red Devil and the King of Fighters together. It's said that many people are already planning to play the game this year with 2K.

“We have enough assets in all five positions to implement multiple offensive and defensive strategies. Except for the five players we can’t play, we can play almost everything.” Rivers was excited; he had rediscovered the joy of coaching.

This Clippers roster has great potential, far surpassing the stagnant state they were in before.

In Rivers' mind, the opponent he has always wanted to beat is the Warriors.

At that time, Chen Fang, Julius Erdogan, Dillon, Bridges, and Jaren Jr. will be rotated in with Beverley, Sunwell, and Richon.

These eight players are a perfect copy of the Warriors' "Death Lineup".

Chen Fang also has his own understanding of this lineup. Jaren just needs to unleash his defensive talent this season, Brunson will become a reliable number 1 starter in the future, and Bridges just needs to do a good job on defense.

Dillon and Beverley were able to brand the Clippers' pirate-like style, which was enough to intimidate most teams.

As for Zubac, he only needs to score 10+ points and 7+ rebounds this season. The Clippers will give him plenty of time to adapt to the center position.

He is also the Clippers player with the least sense of crisis and competitive pressure. Hopefully, he can start to show Zunier's style next season.

Seeing that everything had been explained, Rivers let the two go. As he went downstairs, Mazura said to Chen Fang, "The Clippers' roster is still in its early stages and needs a lot of games to hone it."

"Go ahead and operate with confidence; it's okay to lose."

“That’s not what I’m worried about!” Mazura shook his head, his eyes gleaming. “If we need a winning culture, then we have to pay a price.”

"What do you mean?" Chen Fang asked, puzzled.

“Apart from the first game, we should set a goal for every domestic preseason game so that the players have direction.”

Chen Fang raised an eyebrow, pondered the sentence for a while, and asked, "Give me an example."

"For example, requiring each player to commit three fouls!"

Chen Fang was stunned. He thought for a moment and asked, "Why?"

"Increase players' initiative in defense. There is a huge gap between committing a foul and not wanting to foul. We need to train players' defensive offensiveness. What is a winning culture? A cactus and an orange."

"They're all on the dining table, which one do you want to touch?"

Chen Fang understood. He nodded: "You want the alliance to see us as hedgehogs?"

"No, it's a fortress." "You could also call it a hedgehog fortress!"

Chen Fang's mind flashed to Beverley's spiky hair, and he immediately laughed in a very vivid way. He also thought of Dillon's incessant, pointless fouls and his loud, mocking laughter that provoked his opponents to break down.

"I can already picture it!"

“I can tell you, but I need your help,” Mazura said.

"I'll take action."

※※※

On the 27th, the entire Clippers team arrived in Hawaii, firstly to prepare in advance and familiarize themselves with the venue, and secondly to allow the players, who had been training for half a month, to relax.

Maui, Maui Beach.

Known for its expansive beaches and clear waters, it is one of the largest beaches on Maui. The Clippers have reserved the entire beach, providing players with a comfortable and free environment to play.

Some players were participating in water sports; Zubac, Sandwell, and Evans were riding banana boats and being pulled on the sea by motorboats.

Brunson and his two friends went scuba diving, while Ross built a castle on the beach.

Everyone was playing, except for three people who were having a secret meeting.

They called it a meeting, but it was really just sunbathing.

Chen Fang lay in the middle, with Dillon and Beverly on either side.

"This season, the team needs you to make changes," Chen Fang said slowly.

Dillon, wearing sunglasses, lazily remained silent. He had already been informed by Chen Fang beforehand, and now it was up to Beverly.

Beverly spoke first: "What changes?"

"Attitude!" Chen Fang's words made Beverly shrink back.

During the offseason, the Clippers' major overhaul made Beverley very nervous. For a time, he was very certain that he would receive a call from his agent at any moment to tell him that he had been traded.

After enduring the ordeal until August, I finally felt relieved.

He was the first player to report to the team during the preseason, which speaks volumes.

After this period of training, Beverley keenly noticed that the team seemed to have changed completely, with huge changes in attitude and direction.

When Chen Fang said he was aiming for the championship, he realized that the team was serious.

Dillon's appearance made him very vigilant, while Brunson's performance in training made him anxious and uncertain.

Beverley has always considered himself a fighter and the role player the team needs most. He believes he can take on the number 1 defensive role.

But now, he has absolutely no confidence.

Even after arriving in Hawaii, the team still hadn't released a list of rights.

The so-called rights list includes starting lineups, rotation players, substitutes, and a standard for varying playing time.

You can clearly see your team's standing from this table.

Today, he was called over by Chen Fang, and when he saw Dillon, Beverly began to feel uneasy.

During training, he relied on his seniority to disobey second-year rookie Dillon and repeatedly caused trouble.

"Are they going to mess with me today?" Beverly was still in shock.

“Patrick, I’ve always admired and respected you.” Chen Fang’s opening line made Beverly’s heart skip a beat; usually, if the good things are said first, then a twist is likely to follow.

Sure enough, Chen Fang said, "But I still think you didn't go all out!"

“I don’t understand what you mean.” Beverly also sat up. He caught a glimpse of Dillon’s provocative sunglasses out of the corner of his eye, and he could even imagine the guy’s eyes right now.

Fuck, isn't he just Chen Fang's dog?
Chen Fang remained lying there, his tone calm: "Don't be motivated by specific people. I hope you can relentlessly attack the opposing point guard in every game. If you can limit the opponent to less than 5 assists in a game, I can suggest that management include incentive clauses in your contract."

"Really?" Beverly was surprised.

“Really, Dillon also gets a reward for limiting his opponents to 15 points or less, and for having more than 60 games in the regular season.”

"I've already been communicating with the coaching staff and management about this. Everyone should have a motivational role and regular season tasks. When these tasks are combined, it becomes one word!"

"champion!"

Beverly shrugged. "Sounds good."

"I think the Clippers already have the ability to support the team with the two of you. I need your defensive attitude on the court to influence more teammates to join in. We need to build a winning culture, and the two of you must set an example first!"

Beverly finally understood. He pointed at Dillon and asked, "How does the cooperation work?"

"You will all be on the court at the same time, playing your defensive roles and, together with Zhu, making the perimeter defense an impenetrable wall," Chen Fang finally revealed his purpose.

"You must cooperate sincerely; you are comrades-in-arms, not adversaries."

“You have no competition for positions. In my opinion, the inexplicable hostility between you is extremely foolish!” As he spoke, Chen Fang sat up. He not only sat up, but also stood directly in front of the two of them.

Looking at the two from an overhead perspective.

"Take off your sunglasses! I need to see your eyes!" Chen Fang suddenly shouted.

The two thugs obediently followed orders.

"Dillon was my handpicked first mate. He came to help me manage the team's pre- and post-game affairs, which was agreed upon by the management and coaching staff."

“Patrick, you and Ross are both fighters I greatly admire. You should be the guides for this group of hotheads, not troublemakers.”

"Of course, Dillon has some mental issues; he must have offended you with his words."

“I apologize on his behalf, please forgive him.” Chen Fang’s tone suddenly softened, which made Beverly straighten up immediately.

But at the same time, the dissatisfaction in my heart also disappeared.

"This season is very important to me and to everyone. If we don't make further progress, not only the coach, but also me and even the management will have to leave."

Suddenly, Chen Fang's tone changed, becoming extremely cold, even giving Beverley goosebumps.

"Everyone must give it their all. Any trouble will be dealt with immediately and then traded away. That's what I said!"

"Move forward, let's achieve glory together; if you're thinking of causing trouble, there's an abyss right next to you!"

Chen Fang's sudden change in tone caught Beverley off guard. He raised his hand and said repeatedly, "I understand. I can guarantee that I crave the championship more than anyone else!"

"So I wasn't wrong, I'm here today to mediate between you two!" Chen Fang laughed heartily, then winked at Dillon, who extended his hand.

The three of them put their hands together.

"You two, on the field, take care of the opponents; off the field, help me resolve all the troubles!"

"I will never let down anyone who helps me, and many people can attest to the truth of my words!"

“I believe in you. This season, you’ll see a battle mode Patrick!” Beverley vowed.

Having dealt with the team's biggest source of instability, Chen Fang was finally relieved.

He gazed out to sea and declared confidently, "Don't worry about anything. Even if you make mistakes, I'll clean up your messes!"

Although Dillon and Beverly will definitely bring him a lot of trouble, Chen Fang has to accept it compared to the benefits he will gain.

After all, there can only be one champion, and only the most ruthless players have a chance!

Chen Fang had painstakingly worked on this for so long, and this was the effect he wanted.

(End of this chapter)