Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 351 Let's Go Clippers!
Everyone is waiting for May 17th to arrive.

But Chen Fang took the time to meet with a group of people, or more precisely, a family.

The Kyle Anderson family.

Kyle's mother, Susanna, has always been determined to find her roots. Back in 2012, when Kyle went to Shanghai with UCLA to participate in a friendly match, his mother, Susanna, accompanied him to China. It was that trip to China that strengthened Susanna's determination to find her family.

Coincidentally, that year was the trial run of the PAC-12 China Tournament. After it was confirmed that it was operational, the PAC-12 China Tournament officially started in 14.

In 18, Li Ke'er successfully found his relatives with his mother, and that same year, Chen Fang entered the NBA.

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) had been planning this since 18, but with Chen Fang's rise to prominence, internal opposition overwhelmed the plan, and it was abandoned.

A few days ago, Zhang Shaohong called to inquire about Chen Fang's plans to participate in the World Championships, and this matter came up in the conversation, which reminded Chen Fang of a lot of information from his past life.

Lee Kyle's ability is beyond question; in fact, he is a suitable candidate for the Clippers' current roster.

The Clippers lack a 3-4 swingman in their tactics, and they also lack an inside passer.

Furthermore, they lack a suitable defender in semi-conversion offense and defense.

Chen Fang was focused on improving the existing lineup and hadn't thought of it, but now he has the thought.

That is planning for Li Kaier.

The Chinese team lacks such a player, and with Zhou Peng likely to be absent, this situation is even more fatal.

So Chen Fang contacted Zhang Shaohong, hoping he could pass on a message and inquire whether the Basketball Association had any plans or intentions. In the end, Chen Fang replied with one sentence.

"To get cards, we need to find outside help."

Not daring to slack off, Zhang Shaohong immediately maximized his work efficiency, and the next day, he conveyed the Basketball Association's intention—to agree.

Kyle's trip to Los Angeles wasn't to watch a game, but rather to visit his alma mater and attend a few business events.

Also present was Casey Wasserman, the head and founder of Wasserman Sports.

In 1998, Casey founded Wasserman Sports, which gradually became a comprehensive sports and music company in North America, with unimaginable power.

Given Kyle's status, Wasserman would never be here, so Chen Fang laughed.

After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Fang invited the Kyle family to return to China this summer for a proper vacation.

Kyle readily agreed, for as a dutiful son, his mother's wishes were God's will.

During the meal, Wasserman did not reveal any intentions, as if he were just Leekel's agent accompanying him.

It wasn't until after the meal, when Kyle's mother went back to her room to rest, that Chen Fang revealed his purpose.

“Me?” Li Kai’er was clearly surprised. He thought Chen Fang was just here to recruit him, but he didn’t expect it to be this big.

“Yes, aren’t you interested in playing in the World Championships with me? On our home turf in China,” Chen Fang said with a smile.

During their conversation, Wasserman remained silent, sitting calmly to the side, demonstrating his refinement and composure.

Kyle pondered for a moment, then said, "This matter is too important; I need to have a serious talk with my family."

"Of course, I'm representing the Chinese Basketball Association. As long as you agree, I believe the process won't be slow."

This was clearly beyond Li Kai'er's expectations. He got up and went back to his room, apparently to see his mother for advice.

So, only Chen Fang and Wasserman remained at the table.

"Mr. Casey, I don't think a boss as big as you would have so much free time." Since you're pretending, I'll get straight to the point.

"We're currently working on some new content, about podcasts."

"Podcast?" Chen Fang was somewhat surprised; this was different from what he had imagined.

"Yes, podcasts will become the best communication tool in the future. Audiences care more about seeing the words and actions of the people they follow directly. We have already signed podcast licenses for several star athletes."

"Want to sign me?"

Wasserman shook his head: "If Chen Wang were just a player, we would certainly be willing, but we know that you also have several other roles, so today we are just here to make friends."

It seems his background has been investigated, but Chen Fang doesn't seem to care. Anyone with a bit of ability can find out his identity.

As for Wasserman's entry into the Chinese market through Kyle, Chen Fang paid no attention to it.

The Chinese sports industry already has some foreign capital involved to varying degrees; LeBron James and Kobe Bryant were both involved, and this is something that cannot be stopped.

The two exchanged contact information, and Chen Fang left immediately, having squeezed out the time for it himself.

On the way, Chen Fang called Duffy and told him about his encounter with Wasserman that day. Duffy immediately understood.

“The Wasserman family has a strong influence in Los Angeles, especially in Hollywood. Casey has been planning for sports media for a long time and also wants the Chinese market.”

"Invest in Azure?" Chen Fang figured it out.

"Yes, I suspect that's the intention."

"This is a good thing. With cooperation between two strong countries, your blue ocean can also go beyond China."

"Hehe." Chen Fang chuckled and didn't continue the topic.

Driving back to the training center, Chen Fang began his preparations. Regardless of the media hype, Chen Fang was well aware that the Clippers weren't that strong, and neither were the Warriors.

This is a series that purely depends on who performs better on the day.

Patience and willpower are even more important.

While both sides were actively preparing for the match, a large number of media outlets gathered in Los Angeles to participate in this grand event.

Chinese media outlets were the most numerous overseas in this regard, with a total of 12 heading to California, and most of them choosing the same hotel.

These past two days, everyone has been inviting friends and family to dinners, and the topic before and after meals has been this series of matches.

Duan Ran became the main character. As the first person to report on Chen Wang, he not only had a very close relationship with him, but also had a very forward-thinking interpretation.

"Brother Duan, how about you say a few words?" After the meal and drinks, some young people egged him on.

After declining, Duan Ran, emboldened by the alcohol, finally spoke up.

"In the past two years, the Clippers and Warriors have played so many games, with both teams winning and losing, but the Clippers have won more often."

"The key is Chen Wang, of course. He can keep the score going and prevent the Warriors from taking the lead in one go."

"The reason why the Warriors are called the Cosmic Warriors is because they are strong in their ability to deliver a decisive blow."

"Curry hits a three-pointer, Klay follows up with one, Green steals the ball, KD makes a fast break, and then Curry summarizes. Maybe it all happened in a minute, and the score was widened to a 10-point gap in an instant."

"That's what makes the Warriors so terrifying. Look at how they played the Rockets this time. They just kept beating the Rockets, and Harden, Gordon, and Tucker had to keep pushing to catch up."

"But the Clippers are different. First of all, in terms of roster, they have enough height, speed, and strength."

"Other teams need to switch on defense endlessly when facing the Warriors, but they don't have that many reliable switching options. They will be exposed by the Warriors after a few possessions."

"The Clippers are different. Dillon, Jrue Holiday, DiVincenzo, Samwell, Bridges, Harrell, Richon, Jaren, look at that, plus Chen Wang, a total of 9 forwards and guards, all around 2 meters tall."

"So it's difficult for the Warriors to score high points against the Clippers?" a young reporter couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, the Warriors will be dragged into a regular half-court game by the Clippers," Duan Ran replied.

"In positional warfare, the Clippers are stronger than the Warriors, and their inside-outside combination is better."

"The Warriors' half-court offense relies too much on Green's pivotal role. The Clippers' previous victories were all achieved by finding ways to shut down Green first."

"The Clippers have a very high chance of winning!"

Duan Ran nodded, now somewhat blindly worshipping Chen Fang: "As long as Chen Wang performs normally, beating the Warriors is no problem." "We also have home-court advantage. If we win two games first, then steal one from Golden State, the outcome will be decided."

Duan Ran spoke eloquently and meaningfully, and everyone listened and nodded in agreement.

After the meal, everyone went back to their rooms. Ke Fan and Duan Ran shared a room. As soon as Ke Fan entered, he complained, "Brother Duan, you're not like yourself today."

"Really?" Duan Ran lay down on the bed and muttered, "Western Conference Finals, the first Western Conference Finals for a Chinese player, it's so beautiful, this dream."

"I've been waiting for so many years, haha, the Clippers will definitely win."

He then fell fast asleep, and Ke Fan shook his head, feeling a pang of emotion.

How could I not be happy? As a basketball fan, I long to see Chinese people on the world's top league and the highest stage. That would be the perfect ending for a commentator.

But Ke Fan was uneasy. He always felt that Chinese people were not destined for this. On the big stage of the NBA, there are many unexpected factors that affect things, and nothing can be completely guaranteed.

Seeing that even the usually composed Brother Duan was blindly confident, he, who was usually so enthusiastic, suddenly felt inexplicably afraid.

"Gods, please bless me!" Ke Fan clasped his hands together and prayed sincerely.

Chen Fang had just returned home. Even though he had already showered at the center, he still made it a habit to shower again at home before changing into his home clothes.

Only by doing this can he completely relax, both physically and mentally.

Lying on the sofa, munching on an apple, watching a pre-recorded domestic variety show, and chatting casually with Wu Zi, this is Chen Fang's favorite family dynamic.

"What time are you going back tomorrow?" Wu Zi asked casually.

"The playoffs start at 12 PM now, so it'll probably be past midnight," Chen Fang replied, his eyes glued to the television.

"Then I'll make some soup, starting at six o'clock, so you can drink it when you get back."

"it is good."

There was no conversation about the competition, not because Wu Zi didn't want to, but because it was a rule set by Chen Fang.

There are always winners and losers in any game. Don't bring your emotions from the game home, because it's unfair to your partner.

At 10 a.m., Chen Fang woke up from his sleep. He had long since said goodbye to his previous routine of getting up at 5:30 a.m. After a season, no one can maintain a stable routine. On the contrary, keeping one's sleep time at around eight hours is the most scientific.

This avoids the situation where you feel sleepy at night.

Breakfast was ready, and Wu Zi was busy in the kitchen. Now that schools were gradually letting out for holidays, Wu Zi had quietly switched to being a housewife.

Chen Fang now eats much slower than before, following the nutritionist's advice that chewing slowly is beneficial for the body's absorption and reduces the probability of rumination during exercise.

A horn sounded outside; Ilya had arrived in his car.

Wiping his mouth, Chen Fang picked up his luggage bag, which Wu Zi had already packed, and called out to the kitchen, "I'm leaving."

Wu Zi ran out, and the two hugged at the door.

"A resounding victory."

Chen Fang smiled: "You should have faith in your husband."

Cullinan headed straight to the Staples Center, where Chen Fang would join the team.

After a warm-up session and some simple shooting drills, at 3 p.m., the whole team began their pre-game setup in the locker room, leaving the court to the Warriors who had just arrived.

It seems like we've played so many times that there's no need to go into details, but each time, the coaching staff gives detailed instructions, breaking down what each person needs to do.

The team leader doesn't have any specific tasks. Strictly speaking, you need to do what you believe is right to lead the team.

Role players are different; the coaching staff will clearly define your role, and you cannot overstep your boundaries unless you receive new instructions.

One transgression resulted in being relegated to the sidelines.

Although the team has always emphasized that it is a big family and a team, there are clear hierarchy rules. Everyone needs to understand their own role in order to stay on the team.

Even players as strong as Rose and Lou Williams, who have past accolades, must abide by the boundaries set by the coaching staff.

The only one who doesn't need to consider these things is the team leader.

This is the leadership bonus. Chen Fang has many implicit privileges that make it easier for him to control the team and thus better perform on the field and win games.

Of course, it also depends on who the head coach is; if it's Popovich, things won't be so easy.

Leonard's departure is partly due to psychological imbalance; he doesn't receive the same treatment as other superstars in Spurs.

The meeting lasted for nearly an hour before Mazura finally finished giving instructions. He looked at Rivers, only to see the head coach pointing at Chen Fang.

"Prince Chen, come here."

"Me?" Chen Fang slowly stood up. He did not refuse and walked to the center of the room.

Scanning everyone's faces, Chen Fang thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

His smile dispelled the solemn atmosphere, and everyone laughed.

"Sorry, let's try again." Chen Fang rubbed his face and shook his head awkwardly.

After a few adjustments, Chen Fang started afresh.

"I was laughing just now because I saw everyone was very serious and looking forward to what I was going to say, but my mind went completely blank," Chen Fang explained.

He then said, "This is my first time in the Western Conference Finals, and it's also the first time for the Clippers."

"Apart from DeRock, it seems like everyone here is here for the first time."

Seeing everyone nod, Chen Fang raised his hand to Ross: "Sorry, bro, I know you were upset last time, but I can promise you won't be this time."

Ross waved his hand, indicating that he didn't mind at all.

Eight years ago, Rose led the Bulls against the Heat's Big Three. After winning the first game, they lost four straight and left the Eastern Conference Finals in disappointment, never to return.

There's no need to speculate on whether the Bulls would have won without the so-called "super team."

But don't forget one thing: if you do something unfair or excessive, don't expect others to understand.

Whether it's the Heat or the Warriors now, no matter how much they try to clean up, their mess is still dirty.

Chen Fang continued, "These past three days have been remarkably calm for me, not as uneasy as I had imagined. I slept very well yesterday, sleeping for a full nine hours until the sunlight hit my face before I woke up."

The locker room was quiet. Everyone knew that Chen Wang wouldn't say anything boring or tedious; these were just preludes.

"I was surprised myself. On the way here, I kept asking myself, what's going on?"

"And then!" Chen Fang pointed to his chest: "Tell me, what does this mean?"

"There's still the finals, and maybe even a Game 7."

"This is just the appetizer. I'm not nervous at all; on the contrary, I'm looking forward to it."

"Looking forward to seeing what kind of performance the brothers can put on, looking forward to how the Warriors will deal with us, and looking forward to how the fans will cheer for us today."

"Today is indeed a big day, but for us, it's just one step on the road to the championship."

Chen Fang clapped his hands and shouted, "Brothers, come on, let's win this game and then have a good celebration!"

Let's Go Clippers!

His response was to surround him, forming an arm tower with their arms, and shouting together, "Let's Go Clippers!"

(End of this chapter)