The first time Stern came up with the idea that Min Chongda was suitable to be the league president was during the negotiations during the 2011 lockout.
Min Congda showed amazing "mediation" ability, excellent psychological quality, and most importantly, his calm attitude and fearless temperament when facing shareholders and bosses.
As a leader of a group, this is actually the most important thing.
Many people tend to think that the leader of a team should be the smartest one.
But most of the time it's not. The leader of a team will have many qualities, but generally speaking, he is often the bravest one.
Dare to make decisions, dare to take responsibility, dare to face pressure, these are the qualities that leaders need most.
Because within a team, intelligence can be shared, and smart people, whether they are leaders or not, can put forward their own opinions and suggestions.
Courage cannot be shared, but in the end, when one person needs to make the final decision and take full responsibility for a decision, only the person with the bravest and best psychological quality can stand up.
Min Congda's intelligence level has never been high, which is recognized by the system. Except for basketball, he is extremely talented, and some abstract thinking abilities are beyond ordinary people. He is really not very good in other dimensions of intelligence, otherwise the Clippers would not develop. so good.
Stern also realized this through observation. Min Congda has the potential to be a leader.
Although in terms of work experience, qualifications, cultural background and many other aspects, he is much worse than Adam Silva.
But Min Congda has a huge advantage, and that is his age. This kid is only 34 years old this year.
Stern was 42 years old when he became president, and Adam Silva is 52 years old this year.
In 10 or 20 years, when Schill is 60 or 70 years old, he will also face the problem of finding a successor and altering power.
As it stands, none of the next generation of mid- to high-level managers in the NBA are worthy of big responsibilities, at least none of them is favored by Stern.
The new generation of managers are influenced by the current social trends in the United States. In Stern's view, they are becoming more and more diverse and free, but they are also becoming weaker and less able to use special means to deal with special affairs. .
To put it simply, in Stern's opinion, they are a bit naive, a product of modern rules, shrewd but not brave.
If ten or twenty years later, Min Congda takes charge of the Clippers for a long time and his influence becomes more and more important, he has no doubt that he has the ability to launch a new basketball league.
In fact, it is not that no one has done this before. The first person who wanted to compete with the NBA and get a piece of the basketball market was George McCann, the first-generation NBA superstar. He single-handedly founded the ABA to compete with the NBA.
It was the NBA's biggest rival in its early stages. In the NBA's darkest 1970s, it almost overturned the NBA until the two leagues merged.
The influence of the ABA can be said to be quite great. Many of its traces remain in the NBA to this day and have a profound impact - three-pointers, fancy balls, dunk contests, fancy performance styles, and commercial operations for fans. , promoting outside superstars and so on.
To a certain extent, it can even be said that the blood of the ABA flows more in the current NBA. The NBA can flourish only by following the ABA route.
Later, Isiah Thomas also overestimated his capabilities and wanted to start some kind of Continental Basketball League, but his energy was far behind McCann. The so-called league was a joke. He couldn't even manage a team. , how to create a league?
But Min Congda is different. He has only been in the industry for four years and is already running for three consecutive championships. All signs indicate that he is a basketball trader who is not attached to NBA culture. This is very scary in Stern's view.
This year, this kid even went out to play in person and participated in AAU competitions, bringing an AAU amateur team to a more advanced competition, demonstrating superb management skills and operational capabilities.
The American basketball market is very huge. Although the NBA occupies the supreme position, it does not have a complete monopoly. This is a fully competitive market, and managers must always remain vigilant.
This is unlike some countries. The reason why the highest-level league is the highest is not based on high level and high profits. It is purely because others are not allowed to play and it can only play by itself.
Stern is over 70 years old this year. He is in poor health and feels that he no longer has the energy to fight with people like Min Congda. If he continues to fight, he may lose two years of his life.
Since I'm afraid that he will start a new basketball league in the future, why don't I hand over the management of the NBA to you and let you go directly to it?
Stern's idea can be said to be quite brilliant, and it is also the reason why the NBA has grown and developed over the years. It is because of its inclusiveness. I have recruited the best basketball talents in the world, so naturally no one can compete with me.
Unfortunately, the brilliant Stern made the wrong calculation this time. Min Congda neither wanted to be the president of the NBA nor had the idea of creating a new league - at least he doesn't have it now.
He just wants to enjoy basketball, enjoy winning, and get the fun that basketball brings to him. He has just tasted this fun and is still excited about it.
So in response to Stern's kind suggestion, Min Congda was just stunned for a while, replied casually, didn't take it to heart, and continued to watch the game.
The game entered the second quarter, and James sat off the court to rest. After only scoring two points in the first quarter, he was confused and struggling. He felt that his body no longer belonged to him.
"Didn't sleep well, damn, I must be because I didn't sleep well last night." James complained, why didn't he get a good sleep last night?
If he had had enough sleep, he would definitely not have performed abnormally like this in tonight's game.
At this time, the Nets were expanding their lead. Inside, Brac made consecutive shots and free throws, scoring 5 points.
The Nets extended their lead to 6 points. Playing at home, their morale was very strong, and the fans at the scene shouted like crazy.
Winning this game will allow the Nets to advance to the finals. This is definitely a huge encouragement to the fans and the veterans of the team.
Old guys like Garnett, Pierce, and Kirilenko are all trying their best to squeeze out the few remaining talents in their lives just to win this game.
Kirilenko successfully stole the ball during a defense, and then the ball flew far away. He tried his best to chase it, but it completely flew out of the sideline. It was a pity that the ball still belonged to the Cavaliers.
But morale has completely come to the Nets' side, and the players are united and united. From this point of view, Kobe's influence on the Nets is indeed MVP-level.
He has also made a change and is determined to prove himself in a new team and a new path. He has made it all the way to the present, and he definitely does not want to give up easily.
"New team, new path..."
James sat on the bench, he was a little confused.
That thought began to wander in his mind again: If I had gone to Miami, would it be completely different now?
Yes, the Cavaliers and Heat reached the Finals in 2012 and 2013 respectively, but both ended up losing to the Clippers.
If I had gone to Miami and formed the Big Three with Wade and Bosh early on, what would have happened to the Clippers?
They must have won the championship in 2011!
It won't split into two teams and cause internal friction in the East.
Now, the Big Four, temporarily formed by Kobe Bryant, have interrupted their path to the championship.
What is the difference between this and losing to the Celtics' Big Three in 2008 and 2010?
There is also the Big Four who lost to the Heat last year, which makes people feel desperate.
Everyone is building a giant team, one with two or three superstars, and a bunch of star substitutes.
Look around you again, there is a disobedient Kyrie Irving, some second-round picks, and aging veterans...
That feeling of isolation and helplessness invaded James's heart again and again, so much so that even when Steve Kerr shouted to him, James didn't pay attention.
"LeBron!"
"LeBron!"
After shouting three times, James finally reacted.
"What are you thinking about, LeBron? It's your turn to play." Cole yelled, "You are so distracted this year, don't you want to win the game and return to Cleveland?"
Cole was still motivating James, hoping that he could cheer up. At this time, the Cavaliers were 4 points behind the Nets at 41:45 in the second quarter, and the game was completely playable.
At this stage of the game, there are not many tactical secrets left. Most of the time it is about strategy, player status, and superstars.
The most trustworthy superstar in Cole's hands is of course James. At this moment, he replaced Irving with James, hoping that James could turn the tide.
James stood up from the bench, took off his jacket, and reappeared, but he was asking himself, "Do I still want to go back to Cleveland?"
NBA games are high-intensity confrontations that require a high degree of concentration. An omission of 0.1 seconds may cause a mistake.
However, James could never concentrate. There were endless thoughts and questions in his mind, plaguing him like a nightmare.
For example, who was he talking to in the gym this morning? Is it Kobe? If not, could it be his auditory hallucination?
The lack of concentration caused James to have no sense of offense. He kept passing the ball on the court, organizing attacks, and trying to create opportunities for his teammates.
But he played very hesitantly, losing speed in breakthroughs and losing accuracy in shooting. He hesitated, like a confused lion lost in the vast prairie.
"Farke, what is this guy LeBron doing? What the hell is he playing?" Min Congda sat high up and watched James' performance, feeling confused.
"Isn't this your masterpiece? Smart made LeBron lose his confidence in the game." Stern said.
"This is not my masterpiece. In the NBA, it is the players themselves who really decide everything. Others can only exert some influence, but it is definitely not decisive. Even if I want a certain team to win the championship, I create it for him. If he meets the conditions, but he doesn't live up to his expectations, there's nothing he can do about it. Or maybe I want to suppress someone, but this player is really tough, so he can still succeed. Do you think it's David?"
Min Congda's words touched Stern's heart. Stern thought to himself, this is the talent I want. He is well versed in NBA operations.
The league can influence the NBA and even conduct behind-the-scenes operations at certain joint points, but overall, players still have to decide everything.
Only by stimulating the potential of players and the energy of struggle, combined with directional scripts, can the greatest and most legendary NBA story be achieved.
Talent, this is indeed a top-notch talent. No wonder the Clippers can be run like this.
Stern once again had the idea of persuading Min Congda to work in the alliance.
As long as he works in the league and a position is arranged for him, the possibility of becoming president in the future is quite high.
Even if he is an Asian, what does it matter? Xiao Hei will also be the president.
At this time, Min Congda suddenly asked Stern: "Boss of the Lakers, do you still want to change?"
Stern did not expect that he would suddenly change the subject, paused, and said: "I don't know what you are talking about, don't talk nonsense."
Stern is still very cautious. Even if the Barclays Center is the territory of the league (drafts, lottery and other large-scale events are held here, not just in Madison), even if he often comes to this VIP box, some things still cannot be said. Whatever you say.
After mentioning this matter to Min Congda last time in the car, Stern has not talked about it again, but the siege of the Lakers has been going on quietly.
Min Congda smiled and said: "Don't worry, I didn't bring a bug! I won't leave any evidence. We just have a casual chat."
Even though Min Congda said this, Stern still smiled and said: "Let's just concentrate on watching the game, Smart, and don't talk about unimportant things."
Min Congda said: "Old man, you are really cautious. But I still have to tell you that I have changed my mind and don't want the Buss family to give up on the Lakers."
Stern turned to look at Min Congda, his eyes full of confusion, confusion, and a trace of anger.
Min Congda continued: "Don't even think about threatening me with Donaghy's matter. If this matter comes out, it will be of no benefit to anyone. When I promised you at the beginning, I considered it from the perspective of the Clippers. I don't want to do this now, and it is also from the perspective of the Clippers. Consider it from the perspective of the Clippers. Bass staying with the Lakers will do no harm to the Clippers. If Ballmer takes charge of the Lakers, although there will be turbulence in the short term, it will be troublesome in the long run. Of course, Ballmer will still try to invest in the Lakers. The Buss family will give up some shares, and Anschutz may also sell some shares to Ballmer. This is some news I got in Los Angeles. As for the future, whether the Buss family wants to withdraw, and whether Ballmer can I don’t know if all of them are actually acquired. Anyway, now, to be honest, I still admire the Buss family, especially Jenny Buss. She has a deep affection for the Lakers and understands the Lakers very well, although she doesn’t quite understand them. basketball."
Stern glared at Min Congda, sighed, and said, "Don't talk about things that have nothing to do with the game. I think these things are worthy of your careful consideration only if you become NBA president."
Min Congda curled his lips and said: "What's so good about being a president? You're so busy. It's the highest position in name. To put it bluntly, you're the steward of 30 shareholders. I might as well be my prince in Los Angeles. Besides, if I I accidentally bankrupted the alliance... Hey, David, if I want the alliance to go bankrupt, what should I do?"
Stern frowned and glanced at Min Congda, wondering what this man was thinking about all day long. Maybe he shouldn't be thinking about letting him be the president. This is the material to be the president!
"If you want to make the league bankrupt, it's very simple. You let one team monopolize the championship and keep winning it. It makes the competition in the league lose suspense. If it loses its appeal, it will go bankrupt!"
(End of chapter)
