Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 306 Lightly Cruel Thunder
Despite losing Carmelo Anthony, the Thunder are considered by the league to have improved in strength, and before the start of the regular season, they were generally regarded as being at the level of a top-four team in the Western Conference.

This involves a fundamental logic regarding team composition.

Blindly stacking scorers is definitely a mistake.

There are two reasons. First, the existing tactical system may not be able to handle and coordinate the distribution and use of the ball among each player.

Secondly, can the players' playing styles be integrated with each other?

Clearly, after a season, the Thunder coaching staff and management believed that Anthony was the one who hurt the team, so they sent him away peacefully.

There are two reasons why the Rockets accepted Anthony. First, Anthony is a trusted former player of Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni, and they can be compatible both emotionally and tactically.

In addition, the Rockets were eliminated by the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. The management believed that the team lacked an All-Star caliber player to relieve Harden's pressure at crucial moments.

But in reality, Anthony did not have a good time with the Rockets. From then on, wandering and being forced to retire early became Anthony's inevitable fate.

Actually, this reason isn't just about Anthony; it has happened before and will continue to happen in the future.

There was a time when Westbrook mocked Carmelo Anthony's failed attempt to leave for the Rockets, but he never expected that the boomerang would hit him the hardest.

This involves a difficult problem to solve.

When a star player changes teams, the reason why most of them decline and go downhill is that they continue to use the same playing style.

Take Westbrook as an example.

He went to the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, and finally the Nuggets, but none of those times ended well.

In the past, it could be said that high salary and low ability were acceptable, but when Westbrook is on a minimum salary and contributes nearly a triple-double of more than ten points per game, he is still criticized and scolded. So where is the problem?
The answer is simple.

A player on a minimum salary doing core work, consuming a lot of ball possession, and unable to generate an efficient offensive and defensive ratio, may have a few outstanding performances in a few games, but in the long run, it will harm the team.

Professional teams have a framework and a hierarchy of status.

Leaders, core players, starting lineup members, rotation players, substitute tactical pieces—dispensable peripheral elements.

This formed a regular season roster of 15+2 and a playoff roster of 15.

View a match as a game of 1 rounds, with each round representing one possession of the ball.

Each possession includes possession of the ball, the right to pass, and the right to finish.

Positional warfare can be viewed as having three powers, the transition between offense and defense can be viewed as having two powers, and at critical moments there may only be one power.

Possession of the ball is equivalent to a team's status; it and playing time are both positive values.

The amount reflects your salary and status.

When Westbrook is on a minimum salary and plays a lot of minutes, consuming a large number of possessions and resulting in low offensive efficiency, the Nuggets will have a hard time winning.

These possessions, which should have been converted into more points and assists, have instead become fast break assists and points for the opponent, leading to an increase in the number of possessions, a decrease in positional play, and a year-on-year decline in offensive and defensive efficiency. When all of this is embodied in a series of defeats...

You can't just say you can achieve this statistic on a base salary, why ask such a rhetorical question?

Rose is also a good example.

He changed his playing style, followed the coach's positioning for him, controlled the ball above half-court, positioned himself to facilitate play, took shots when open, focused on delaying the transition between offense and defense, and did a good job of marking and helping out at the top of the key.

But if you ask Westbrook to play like that, he won't, and he won't agree.

Just like when Anthony went to the Rockets and was assigned to be a substitute, he was furious.

Of course, there are exceptions in the league.

Players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant transcend the specific boundaries of basketball. In certain tactical applications, they operate above the rules and don't need to change their style; they can succeed anywhere.

If Durant hadn't ruptured his Achilles tendon, his performance would still be at an extremely high level, and even age wouldn't hold him back.

Chen Fang was well aware of these things; he had discussed this issue in depth with Mazura.

Mazura had predicted the Thunder's future.

The Thunder's team-building strategy has problems. They select future core players from the draft, and in order to avoid drafting busts, they often go through several years of selection to achieve a team model of building a three-star team.

This group will reach the top together, but the window for winning the championship will be very short. Once they miss it, they will be separated due to salary issues.

Harden left, Durant left, and this kind of operation, which ultimately became a three-way choice, can't be said to be wrong, but it can't be considered the most correct either.

Chen Fang was deeply moved after hearing this, because in his previous life in 2024, the Thunder were going through the same cycle again. If they didn't win the championship, the Thunder players would most likely split up.

At that time, Alexander will become the second Westbrook, and the Thunder will continue to build a Big Three similar to last year's Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to contend for the championship.

Therefore, Chen Fang thought of some things and, taking precautions, went to Rivers and frankly expressed his concerns.

“Your concerns are valid, but it’s something that’s hard to stop,” Rivers said to Chen Fang after making sure the office door was closed.

"To win the championship, you need a group of outstanding teammates. The team should have two or three players with a scoring ability of 20+ points. This will not only greatly restrain the opponent's defensive strategy, but also ensure the team's scoring level."

"In the league, players who score 20+ points can, in principle, request a maximum salary."

"If a team's salaries are too disparate, with the gap between the main rotation players and the starting core players exceeding tenfold, then the team becomes very unstable."

“我们教练之间也有过类似的讨论，在2015年前。我们认为3000万一人、2000万两人、1000万三人、800-500若干人，是比较稳定的争冠阵容。”

"The ratio is changing rapidly now. It's either two people with 3000 million, or three people with 4000 million and 2000 million, one or two with 3 million, and the rest are in the millions."

"Despite the rising salary cap, player salaries are rising even faster, meaning the window of opportunity for a team to contend for a championship will not be longer than three years."

"So, is this something the alliance did intentionally? Do they not want a dynasty to emerge?" Chen Fang asked.

"It's safe to assume that the old Bulls dynasty will never reappear, and even a Lakers dynasty is unlikely. When Paul wanted to join the Lakers to extend Kobe's career, he was interfered with. Even when Kobe threatened to leave, it seemed like he was forcing the Lakers, but actually the Lakers were forcing the league," Rivers revealed some league secrets.

"Oh, so Kobe and the Lakers put on a show?" Chen Fang asked in surprise.

"No, it's more like a triangular debt. You pressure me, I urge him. The league also thinks the Lakers have been weakened, so they've stopped suppressing them."

Rivers continued his analysis: "The Warriors haven't established a dynasty yet. If they win this season, then they can barely be considered one." Rivers now treats Chen Fang as an equal, and his conversations are primarily based on discussion.

"It's very difficult!" Chen Fang shook his head.

"Leaving aside our Clippers, the pressure from other teams will only increase."

“Have you ever thought about it? We might experience something similar in the future,” Rivers said.

"I've thought about it, so let's go back to the previous topic: how to do it better!"

"Come on, tell me!" Rivers wanted to know how Chen Fang would deal with this league problem.

"I want to build a core group of players and rotation players with salaries of 2000 million to 1500 million."

"I'm not looking for the league's maximum salary, I just want a market value."

Rivers sighed: "I guess that's what you're thinking, but you can take a pay cut yourself, but how can you get others to do the same?"

“Yes, this is the most difficult.” Chen Fang admitted first, and then said, “I want to average out the playing time first, so that the data won’t be too outstanding. Between a group of players scoring in the teens and a couple of key players scoring in the twenties, I would rather choose the former.”

“That means you’ll have to shoulder more responsibilities, and you’ll have to take on all the problems,” Rivers pointed out incisively.

"Yes, that's what I think. First of all, I have the ability. Secondly, I won't let my teammates stay like this forever. Those who want to leave or make a lot of money can leave, so that others can continue to rise to the top."

"I remain as immovable as a mountain. There is an old Chinese saying: 'The camp remains, but the soldiers come and go.'"

"I am the Clippers' camp!"

Rivers pondered for a moment, then said, "Well, let's analyze each situation specifically. Take the current Clippers roster, for example, what's your thinking?"

"First of all, Zubac must be kept. He won't be the one with the skyrocketing salary for a long time. In the next four or five years, his salary won't exceed 20 million."

"Then Brunson and the other two can be used for at least three years. Then there will be problems with their salaries for another three years. At that time, we can consider keeping two and letting one go."

"Who's leaving?"

Brunson.

Rivers nodded and said, "That's what I was thinking."

"Brunson wants possession of the ball, but DiVincenzo and Bridges don't."

"what's next?"

"Don't worry about Jaren. He will be the core of the Clippers that will allow them to stand out from other teams in the league. He will be the one who connects me and Zubac and maximizes our value."

"He can make it, and in three to five years, he will also be worth around 3000 million."

"Next, I need Dillon to stay; I need someone like that!"

"His asking price is also within 20 million." "Sangwell has development potential, his salary won't be high, 10 million will suffice."

Chen Fang counted on his fingers and said, "If we calculate it this way, the whole team can stay around the salary cap in the future. Even if it exceeds it, it will only be a little bit of luxury tax."

Rivers thought about it for a moment and agreed: "That's the ideal situation. If everything goes as you predict, then it will work. The question is, can the Clippers hold on until then?"

Chen Fang laughed and said to the head coach, "Coach, you should at least get a ring before you leave. You've been with the Clippers for so many years, you should get something out of it!"

Rivers smiled wryly: "Yeah, otherwise I would have left last year. Paul and Griffin would have been traded. Lawrence said I should rebuild, but I know very well that it's just a delaying tactic because we can't find good candidates right now."

Everyone here is smart, they just don't say it out loud.

"This season will be tough. The bigger your spotlight, the greater the external pressure. It's not just other teams; the league will also consider suppressing you. The first thing they'll do is target the referees."

"can you?"

"Yes, the referees' association will, as is customary, be stricter with our calls without explicit instructions from the league."

“Dillon, Beverly, Harrell, and Richon, these four will definitely cause us a lot of trouble in the future.”

"Then come early." Chen Fang got up and stretched.

※※※

The Staples Center is packed with celebrities, making it a great option for wealthy people to enjoy a game from the sidelines.

The Los Angeles Clippers are now showing signs of catching up with the old Lakers. This season, the arrival of LeBron James has once again filled the Lakers' home arenas to capacity.

As if sensing the change, Clippers' star player Chen Wang began to make frequent outrageous remarks, which many people saw as a publicity stunt to increase his exposure.

Today's main event is the home game against the Thunder, Chen Wang vs. George.

The two sparked a connection last year, and George definitely wants to prove himself this year. Having just renewed his contract with the Thunder, George needs to do something convincing.

If they are completely suppressed by Prince Chen, not only will they lose face, but their own value will also be reduced.

This is the current attitude of many star players in the league towards Chen Fang's rise.

It's complicated, but to sum it up, it's about not wanting a second-year student to be on your head.

After all, Prince Chen is now indiscriminately ignoring everyone, and his tone alone is enough to teach him a lesson.

Furthermore, there is a deeper element of confrontation involved.

That's the All-Star Game, and Chen Fang is bound to compete with George for it.

Therefore, this matchup is very valuable for reference.

Therefore, Paul George unusually avoids social interaction and maintains a good physical condition.

The rest of the Thunder players were also on high alert.

Billy Donovan, the Thunder's head coach, has been preparing for this game for two days. He and his coaching staff have been analyzing the Clippers' new roster for a long time.

The final conclusion was that as long as George dealt with Chen Wang, double-teaming too much would only allow the Clippers to break through with more attacks.

With the Thunder's current offensive capabilities, they are unlikely to escape from an away game.

Suppressing Prince Chen is no easy task.

To this end, Billy Donovan found two helpers for George.

Norrens, Schroeder.

One inside and one outside.

Nerlens Noel is a mobile defensive center with an advantage in shot blocking and steals in the paint. This allows George to focus on blocking Chen Fang's shots and give up on driving to the basket, as Nerlens will be there to contest the shot immediately.

Schroder is a Lou Williams with organizational skills and help defense capabilities. Having him help defend George can greatly limit Chen Fang's lateral movement.

This is the Thunder coaching staff's idea, but Billy Donovan himself is unsure whether it will actually come to fruition.

After all, Chen Fang's performance in the first match was remarkable.

The most efficient ball-handling core player!

This is Billy Donovan's assessment.

Chen Fang saw George, who nodded to him, and he walked over.

"Let's have a great showdown today!"

“That’s what I think too!” George replied with a straight face.

Without another word, the two turned and parted ways almost simultaneously.

Today's Clippers starting lineup: Chen Fang, Zubac, Jaren, Jrue Holiday, and Dillon.

This lineup is well-rounded in both offense and defense, and is considered by the Clippers coaching staff to be the most suitable starting five.

The Thunder also unveiled their strongest five-man lineup.

Westbrook, George, Adams, Schroder, and Nerlens.

Two rim-protecting forwards were used to suppress the Clippers' offensive tactics.

Donovan never expected that Chen Fang would shatter his assumptions in the very first minute of the first quarter.

Chen Fang passed the ball from the center line to Jalen at the top of the key, but Chen Fang accelerated again.

Little Jalen turned to protect the ball, his eyes fixed on Chen Fang as he ran.

When he saw Chen Fang point towards the inside elbow area, he immediately passed the ball.

It was a bold pass, the ball sent flying past Norrens' earlobe.

The latter heard a sharp shriek and instinctively turned his head to look in fright.

Then he saw a scene he would never forget!

A huge number 21 soared into the air, like a dragon emerging from the sea. In front of it, Aquaman Adams was like a small boat encountering a raging wave, swallowed up in an instant.

But for the fans in the stands, it's a completely different visual experience.

Chen Fang sprinted forward at high speed, caught the fast ball passed by Jaren with one hand near the free-throw line, took a big step forward, and leaped wildly into the air before Adams could raise his arms and jump.

His body arched in mid-air into an inverted C shape, and his right hand hooked the ball into his wrist.

In the next instant, with the force of a thunderbolt, he swung his arm and slammed the fiery red basketball into the hoop.

"Oh! OMG, damn!" commentator David yelled, clutching his head.

After landing, Chen Fang took a few steps forward to dissipate the momentum, looked at the audience and reporters at the bottom line, and then stretched his neck!
Powerful and domineering!
These two adjectives flashed through everyone's mind!
They're too fierce, from the players to the coaches on the Thunder.

From that point on, Chen Fang's momentum surged. George tried his best, but Chen Fang pushed his speed to the limit and didn't engage in a static battle with George at all!
A so-called "quiet battle" means that both sides stand still, one attacking and the other defending, relying entirely on their skills.

Chen Fang, however, was constantly on the move, from receiving the ball to shooting, all of which involved high-speed attacks.

If George were to describe it, it would be Curry's athleticism combined with Irving's drives, and finally McGrady's unreasonable shots.

Like this play in the last minute of the first quarter.

Chen Fang circled around the baseline, received a pass on the wing, and immediately cut in. George kept chasing, but Chen Fang's cut in actually closed the distance between them. However, Chen Fang was too fast, and George only saw a blur before he disappeared.

Looking back, Chen Fang was already making moves in the air. The high-altitude interception formed by Adams and Norrens was useless. Chen Fang turned around and stayed in the air, so they all obediently landed!
When I saw Chen Fang flick his wrist, draw a big arc in the air, and still manage to put the ball in, I got goosebumps!
How to attack? How to defend?
Throughout the first quarter, Chen Fang unleashed his full power, delivering an explosive performance!

18 points!
The thunder roared and the smoke dissipated, leaving the ground and sky drained of color!
Donovan understood that even if it was Chen Fang alone, given his current condition, double-teaming him wouldn't be effective!
How can you be so fierce?
How can someone with such explosive physical abilities possess such superb skills?
That makes absolutely no sense!
In the second quarter, Donovan could only use double teams, but the Clippers fielded their second unit, thwarting his plans!

The second unit showed great resilience, with Westbrook pulling ahead to catch up, while George seemed sluggish, as if he had been stunned by Chen Fang's performance!
"The Clippers' rotation is still incredibly strong. The Thunder not only failed to catch up, but they're still falling behind!" Duan Ran was very confident. The Clippers' current performance is truly inspiring!
During halftime, the Thunder's locker room was deathly silent, with only heavy breathing!

Donovan said a few words, but he didn't have the strength to speak.

The tide has turned!
You won’t know if you don’t try, but you’ll be shocked if you try.

When did the Clippers become so fierce!

At the start of the third quarter, Chen Fang changed his playing style and faced George head-on!
He hit two consecutive pull-up three-pointers from the top of the arc, bringing his score to 24 points!
"Today's duel is over, George can go to sleep!" David shouted!
Donovan replaced George, who sat blankly on the bench, shaking his head and muttering something to himself.

This seemed to signal something, as the Clippers continued their momentum, and with one minute left in the third quarter, they trailed by twenty points, 101-81!
Rivers replaced Chen Fang, and the entire arena rose to their feet and applauded, cheering for the Clippers' king's performance!
Chen walked off the court, hugged Rivers, and then said, "Get ready for the next game!"

Rivers nodded: "Rockets!"

(End of this chapter)