NBA: A collection of super busts

"It's quite unexpected, considering I didn't even come to Memphis for a tryout," Ye Feng said. "I thought I would go somewhere else. Like Cleveland. I've always felt that I was born to be a Cleveland, that I was born to fight for Cleveland."

"And now?" West couldn't help but laugh. He thought Ye Feng was brilliant.

"Now I realize that I don't actually belong in Cleveland. I'm from Chicago, and when I went to Cleveland for tryouts, the locals always laughed at me."

"They said I came from a small town, that I was a country bumpkin, that they looked down on me, and even bullied me. So, I actually started to hate Cleveland after the tryout."

If the first sentence had some logic, then Ye Feng's second sentence was complete nonsense.

You, a Chicagoan, are disliked and bullied by Clevelanders, who call you a country bumpkin.

As for the bullying part, needless to say, who would believe that? You're lucky if you don't bully others, okay?

West found Ye Feng's words amusing, but James's lips twitched.

He said this before the draft lottery, and he said it many times. After all, the Cavaliers were the top favorite for the number one pick at the time. He had said those things when he went to work out with the Cavaliers before the lottery. He has expressed his desire for his hometown team many times.

He even talked about the latter part.

At the time, the Cavaliers missed out on the number one draft pick. He worked out for the Grizzlies and got thoroughly brainwashed by West, and then had a good talk with his team.

In the end, he decisively declined a second workout with the Cavaliers.

When a reporter asked him if he would feel regret if he couldn't play for his hometown team, he said the same thing as Ye Feng.

Now, hearing the same words coming from Ye Feng's mouth was extremely displeasing to him.

You actually slandered me!

Ye Feng: I just repeated what you did? Is that what you call being ruthless?

Ignoring the undercurrent between the two, West led them into his office: "From today onwards, you two are teammates, and also the hope and cornerstone of the team's revival!"

"I can tell you directly, my plan is to make the team a championship contender within 3 years, and a true champion within 5 years! And you two are the most important cornerstones of the team and the starting point for rebuilding!"

"I'm very happy today because I've completed the rebuild overnight. It feels like when I took down Kobe and Shaq in '96. I firmly believe that your achievements, and the Grizzlies' achievements, will definitely not be less than those of the Lakers and Shaq!"

"At the very least, the two of us will absolutely not fight amongst ourselves!" James patted his chest and said, "I will lead everyone forward, I will be the team's leader, and lead the team all the way!"

"Ye will definitely assist me well, and grow rapidly under my wing. Then we will become the cornerstone of the dynasty! Right, Ye?"

James quickly responded to Ye Feng, and after speaking, he turned to look at Ye Feng, wanting to see how Ye Feng would handle the problem.

West also looked at Ye Feng with great anticipation, wanting to hear how Ye Feng would address this issue.

Will they willingly accept James's "wings," or will they directly confront him?

Ye Feng's attitude will largely determine West's expectations for the two of them teaming up.

After all, the combination of these two only looks promising now: even though James is just a high school student, his all-around ability and playmaking skills have already been shown, and West intends to mold James into an upgraded version of Pippen.

As for Ye Feng, his finishing ability is definitely the best among this year's newcomers.

The chemistry between a 'Playmaker' with unlimited potential and a top-notch 'Finisher' is something West is really looking forward to.

"I think Pau Gasol is the leader of this team. He is the most important person on this team. I am willing to play center for him next season."

Ye Feng's words made West want to applaud.

What a clever tactic of turning the tables!

He then looked at James again, but James's performance disappointed him somewhat.

This guy stopped talking so eloquently and started pursing his lips, deep in thought.

He couldn't think of any effective way to retaliate.

Of course, West didn't want these two guys to have a conflict on their very first day with the team, so when the conflict escalated further, he immediately intervened, saying, "I like both of you. In my heart, you two are no different."

"Equally excellent, equally important, and equally indispensable."

"I firmly believe that the two of you can lead the team to many victories together. So, go and rest for a few days. Remember, don't go too crazy. You have to report to Memphis next Monday to join the team and train, in preparation for the Summer League starting the following Monday."

"This is your first test. I believe that you two will not let me down, nor will you let down the sneaker manufacturers behind you."

"Alright, go ahead and enjoy your last vacation of the summer. And if you have any questions or need my help, just let me know."

James firmly stated, "No problem, I will definitely play a perfect game! I won't let anyone down."

"Actually, I have a small favor to ask of you, Mr. Jerry."

.........

A few days later, in the Grizzlies' Summer League locker room, the famous LeBron James sat in the center, sharing his life philosophy with a group of younger and older teammates.

"Basketball players must have a bottom line; nepotism is the most despicable relationship."

"Even if I become the best player 20 years from now, even if my son needs an opportunity to come to the NBA to fulfill his dream 20 years from now, I will never give him special treatment! I might find him the best trainer and spend the most money to take care of his body."

"But I will never use my connections or achievements to force him into the team! Only the most shameless person would do something so despicable!"

"This approach is fundamentally destroying the dreams of truly capable people!"

As James spoke, the group around him nodded in agreement. These were all players temporarily signed by the Grizzlies to play in the Summer League. They were either undrafted players from the past few years or fringe players who had been eliminated from the NBA.

Everyone longs for a chance to join the first team.

So they surrounded James, praising him for being right and commending his values.

After all, most people present knew their own skill level; everyone was about the same.

For them, the most important thing in getting into the NBA isn't really skill, hard work, or talent.

It was luck.

Perhaps it's a sudden injury to the team, or a sudden outburst in a particular game, or even just needing to cultivate a good relationship with someone so that they can say a few nice words at a crucial moment and stay on the team.

Therefore, it is very important to maintain a good relationship with the league's new number one draft pick, the team's most important future.

James spoke eloquently, basking in the joy of being the center of attention. Even though he had been the core of the team since he was 10 years old and had always been fawned over, no one would dislike this feeling.

The room fell silent for a moment when the locker room door was pushed open again and an Asian man and a burly black man walked in together.