Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 398 Ambition for the Next Season
A week has passed since the 2019 FIBA ​​World Championship, and the dust has long since settled.

Without Chen Fang, the Chinese men's basketball team faced Australia in the semifinals. After a hard-fought three and a half quarters, they were pulled away from Australia and ultimately lost, missing the chance to advance to the finals.

In the battle for third and fourth place, they fought to the last five minutes against France, who had been eliminated by Argentina, before finally losing.

The French team that eliminated the United States is even stronger than the Australian team.

The team's ability to hold its own against strong European teams in the first half was a pleasant surprise for the Chinese people, signifying the resurgence of the Chinese men's basketball team and its even greater strength than during its peak.

As a member of the Chinese men's basketball team, Chen Fang, with his left arm in a sling, watched the entire game from the bench. Although everyone knew he wouldn't play, every time the camera turned to him, the entire arena erupted in loud applause.

Chen Fang used this World Championship trip to elevate himself to the highest position in Chinese basketball.

Even if Chen Fang doesn't play, as long as he's still around, countless fans still want to see their hero in person.

Fourth place in the World Championships, a historic breakthrough. If it weren't for that accident, the final would not have been out of reach. If he had played at the same level as Spain, a revenge victory against Argentina would not have been a dream.

Chinese fans are full of expectations and believe that China will surely achieve even greater glory in the upcoming Olympics.

As long as Chen Wang is there, we are a world-class team!
Fans are all proud of this.

Chen Fang's injuries also touched the hearts of countless people. That same evening, Chen Fang was sent to Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital.

This is a top-tier orthopedic hospital in China, with extensive experience in treating complex fractures, nonunion, and other challenging cases. It has also implemented several innovative technologies, such as 3D printing-assisted orthopedic surgery, significantly improving surgical precision and patient outcomes.

The expert consultation yielded reassuring results: Chen Fang's dislocation was merely a ligament sprain and bone fracture, with no more serious injuries, and he only needed a month of rest to recover.

Even so, the Clippers urgently dispatched a team of medical experts to Shanghai overnight to conduct a second diagnosis of Chen Fang.

The team did not leave, but stayed with Chen Fang until the end of the World Championships before returning to the United States.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, they have booked the best orthopedic specialists in the country for follow-up consultations and treatment as soon as Chen Fang returns.

Given the concerns in Los Angeles, Chen Fang had no choice but to reluctantly change his plans and return to the United States ahead of schedule.

This summer's commercial activities have fallen through, but the cost has been well worth it. Chen Fang's fame in China has already made him the undisputed number one sports star.

If Chen Fang were to attend a business event now, his influence would be nothing short of disruptive, causing traffic jams in an instant.

Therefore, there is no foolproof plan. Chen Fang cannot appear in public recklessly now, as it could easily cause a stampede crisis.

On September 24, Chen Fang returned to Los Angeles.

At this moment, the NBA preseason training camp has been underway for a week, and teams across the league are undergoing intensive training camps to prepare for the preseason games.

The Clippers' training camp has entered its fifth day. Yi Jianlian rushed to the United States as soon as the World Championships ended on the 15th. For him, it is time to fight for his dreams and destiny.

Yi is the core target of the Clippers' training camp. He must put up reliable stats in the preseason in order to get a formal minimum salary contract.

In this World Championship, Yi Jianlian's average of 17 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block per game is undeniably impressive, but in the NBA, it would be of no use whatsoever.

Playing well in FIBA ​​doesn't guarantee similar stats in the NBA. After all, superstars like Chen Wang dominate both leagues and are absolute kings.

Chen Fang went to the Mayo Clinic for a detailed diagnosis. The Clippers got the data they wanted. The injury would not affect Chen Fang's career, and the ankle recovery was also negative.

This is a major piece of good news, meaning that the Clippers will still be a top team in the Western Conference during the 19-20 season.

The Clippers have preserved their championship-winning framework very well. The departures of Beverley, Harrell, and Lou Williams have not weakened their championship strength. Now, what the Clippers need to do is to integrate Yi Jianlian, Porter Jr., and of course, the major offseason acquisition Butler as soon as possible.

With three players coming out and three coming in, the Clippers' roster has actually improved rather than decreased. Yi Jianlian's mid-to-long-range shooting and lateral movement help defense are, in some aspects, no worse than Harrell's.

Porter Jr. is an essential part of the Clippers dynasty's framework. His shooting ability has amazed the management and coaching staff, who unanimously agree that he is second only to Chen Fang.

As for Butler, no proof is needed. As long as he integrates into the Clippers' offensive and defensive system, he can lead the Clippers onto a path of dominance with two legs.

Chen Fang's arrival caused a stir in the training camp, where more than a dozen undrafted players and veterans from the G League gathered, all vying for two two-way contracts.

Rivers rushed over with great surprise, and after inquiring about his recovery, he exclaimed, "I never expected you to be even more terrifying on the national team than in the league!"

"But as your coach, I'm still very worried about how much you crave victory, more than you fear life and death."

Knowing that Rivers was reminding him, Chen Fang still shook his head: "Coach, you know I won't miss any regrets, and I don't want to have any."

What could Rivers say? Without Chen Fang's hunger for victory, he would never have won a second championship ring.

It can be said that Chen Fang's persistence has added tens of millions of yuan to his coaching career and his future income.

Afterwards, Jojo and Brian came up to greet Chen Fang. Since it was a scrimmage, the players were still playing. Chen Fang sat next to Rivers, watched for a while, and asked, "Are there any suitable ones this time?"

“There aren’t any really good ones. We try to find functional pieces that can potentially become tactical pieces,” Mazura explained.

During this offseason, Mazura made outstanding contributions, earning unanimous praise from the coaching staff for his player development. His tactical philosophy was highly recognized, and Rivers regarded him as his right-hand man.

“Fiondu Kabengele, 206, possesses good physical qualities and certain shooting skills.”

"Although his skills still need improvement and he lacks defensive experience, his height, size, strength, and mobility can all help protect the rim. Combining defense from the weak side to deliver a block is his typical move."

“I’ve been following him closely. He’s playing well in the Development League. He was originally intended as a replacement for Harrell, but Yi’s emergence has made me hesitate,” Mazura said.

"In addition, Amir Kofi is an undrafted player this year. He is 201 cm tall and has trained in the NCAA for three years. He has a good physique and tactical awareness. He has a very good attitude on the court and is very aggressive. He is qualified to play in the NBA in terms of shooting, attacking the basket, and controlling the rhythm of the game."

Mazura smiled and said, "I'm looking for a backup for you, someone who can at least do something at certain times."

"Very good." Chen Fang watched for a while and agreed with Mazura's judgment. It seemed that the two of them would get two-way contracts from the Clippers and fight alongside them in the new season.

Just as the game ended, Chen Fang stood up and went to greet his teammates.

Butler, Porter Jr., Bruns, DiVincenzo, Bridges, Zubac, and Thornwell all gathered around.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, everyone burst into laughter upon seeing that Chen Fang was unharmed.

"Dude, that was really hard, tsk tsk!" Butler shook his head and continued, "I watched the game on replay. Even though I knew the whole process, I still felt nauseous when I saw that scene."

"You're a real tough guy! I'm proud of my choice."

It has to be said that these words, spoken by Butler, had a much better effect than those spoken by others. Chen Fang laughed heartily and said humorously, "Isn't it because I'm afraid you'll look down on me? I don't want to go back to America and be ridiculed by you."

That was a very eloquent remark, and Butler beamed with delight.

Others also offered their congratulations. Watching Chen Fang handle the situation calmly, Yi Jianlian, standing outside the crowd, was moved to speak.

Compared to the national team, Chen Fang now exudes a more sophisticated aura.

When he was with the national team, Chen Fang needed to maintain his authority and keep everyone focused. But here, his smile never faded, and you could see that everyone's expression and tone were filled with reverence. Especially Butler, who has been incredibly assertive these past few days, relentlessly criticizing the attitude and mistakes of others. Brunson has been criticized several times, and DiVincenzo and Bridges, two players with a softer style, have been subjected to particularly harsh criticism. Butler hasn't given them a kind look at all.

But now, Butler's smile is too bright.

This clearly shows that Chen Fang is more like an emperor in the Clippers, possessing supreme authority.

"When will you be able to recover?" Butler finally asked the question he most wanted to know.

"You're the star of the preseason, I'll just watch, but I won't miss the opening game!"

Butler was relieved; he had been waiting for this line—to beat the Lakers, a team that had suddenly become the favorite to win the championship. That would be truly satisfying.

Without King Chen, what's the point of fighting?

"It's time to rest. You guys can continue playing. I'll treat everyone to a simple lunch later." Chen Fang didn't interrupt the training session. As soon as he finished speaking, everyone obediently returned to the court.

Back in his seat, Rivers smiled and asked, "What do you want to do this season?"

"Play against the strongest teams, do the most beautiful things, win every game you want to win, and then win a championship to prove your strength and status," Chen Fang replied with a shrug.

In the past, some people would have disbelieved it, but now, everyone is nodding in agreement.

"I can't wait for this season," Mazura said excitedly.

His system has been adequately supplemented, and in terms of tactics and personnel configuration, it has undoubtedly taken another solid step towards the perfect system he dreams of.

“Me too!” Chen Fang and Rivers exchanged a glance and both said the same thing with a smile.

At noon, Chen Fang kept his promise and invited a total of 26 people, including the main players and trainees, to the steakhouse he had invested in, where they enjoyed a lavish meal.

After dinner, Chen Fang stayed behind with his core teammates and openly shared his expectations for the season.

"We have three opponents!"

"Lakers, Lakers, still the damn Lakers!"

Chen Fang's powerful opening remarks invigorated everyone, and he continued, "The Lakers are very strong with Leonard, but their rotation is weak."

"What we need to do is to keep undermining their remaining confidence and make them realize that even with Leonard, they will still end up like last year."

"Leonard is mine." Butler volunteered. He was indeed dissatisfied with Leonard. The two had a grudge against each other after the 76ers lost to the Raptors in last year's playoffs.

"That's exactly what I wanted to say," Chen Fang chuckled.

He then gave his account to the others one by one, including the Villanova trio.

"This is your second season, and the team needs you to do better than last season, even though you are already the best of the 18th class."

"But I still have high hopes for you all. All three of you are capable of becoming All-Star players at the starting level."

Chen Fang's words excited the three of them. They hadn't separated during the off-season and had been training together to hone their skills and make up for their weaknesses.

"Don't worry, King Chen, we'll surprise everyone in the new season," Brunson, as the leader, declared.

“Very good!” Chen Fang then turned to Xiao Jialun.

"Brother, if you don't live up to your potential this season, your big contract is in jeopardy."

With just one sentence, Xiao Jialun blushed and immediately pounded his chest: "Boss, don't worry, my weaknesses are gone."

"Today's training match looked pretty good," Chen Fang nodded.

Finally, he looked at Zubac.

“I know that centers develop slowly. I can be harsh on anyone on this team, but not on you, because I know you have never let up.”

"But I have to tell you now that starting this season, I will be very strict with you. I will hold you accountable for every mistake you make. You need to be prepared."

Zubac blushed and nodded emphatically: "I will try my best."

After giving his instructions, Chen Fang parted ways with everyone at the store entrance. He was going to the rehabilitation center for his daily rehabilitation.

He spent the entire afternoon at the rehabilitation center. He was harsh on others, but he was crazy about Chen Fang.

This season is full of challenges, and Chen Fang needs to be in even better physical condition to face them.

The NBA is not yet his domain; he still lacks certain accolades to be recognized by the league.

For example, scoring champion, regular season MVP, All-Defensive First Team, etc.

As evening approached, Chen Fang still couldn't go home; he had an appointment to keep.

An hour later, Chen Fang arrived at the familiar seaside villa, where Mr. West and Kobe had been waiting for him for a long time.

"I have to criticize you," the old man said sternly.

Chen Fang was prepared and immediately admitted his mistake.

"I'll pay attention."

But West, unaware of Chen Fang's temperament, could only hum in response.

Kobe came up and hugged him, whispering in his ear, "You played great, congratulations, you had a very successful summer."

"Thank you!" Chen Fang was also very happy. It was a pleasant surprise to receive Kobe's approval. He had thought that Kobe would continue to nitpick.

The three of them sat around a round table and enjoyed a candlelight dinner.

After dinner, with the sea breeze blowing, West said meaningfully to Chen Fang and Kobe, "I hope I can see the perfect transition in Los Angeles before I meet God."

Kobe and Chen Fang were both silent for a moment, then spoke almost simultaneously: "Yes, there's still time."

"The 19-20 season will be the most important one. Chen Fang will lead the Clippers to crush this Lakers team. The Lakers need to be cleaned up. The current Lakers team is very ugly."

Kobe remained silent, but there was an inexplicable bitterness in his eyes.

"I will!" Chen Fang agreed.
"Please wait and see!"

(End of this chapter)