On the day the 15-man roster was released, Zhao Chen also invited all his teammates to dinner.
As the boss of the team, Zhao Chen is not stingy. He is very generous to his teammates and staff. Zhao Chen often gives tips to staff who have provided help to Zhao Chen.
Kobe did not come to this party. Kobe was recuperating at home. He was not suitable for walking back and forth like this.
Everyone came to a large Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles.
The atmosphere was made great by veteran Sacre and rookie Jokic.
Jokic is a live treasure and a team favorite. Both rookies and veterans on the team like his character.
He is not aggressive, speaks nicely, and is lovable. The most important thing is that he doesn't get angry no matter how much he jokes.
The Lakers have many rookies, and the superstars are at their peak and look full of future.
Before the start of the regular season, all players were eager to become part of the team, and the overall atmosphere was very harmonious.
...
After dinner, Zhao Chen sent Jokic home.
Jokic, who was originally very happy at the dinner table, seemed a little depressed.
"Boss, can I ask you some questions?" Jokic asked.
"Of course." Zhao Chen said.
"I'm not sure what route I should take in the future now. Many people have told me that they want me to gain weight, increase confrontation, and play tougher at the basket, but I feel like there's something wrong with this." Jokic said.
In the preseason, other rookies averaged more playing time than Jokic. Jokic averaged 4 points, 4 assists and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.
The media disliked him for being too slow and often wandering around the perimeter. Even his teammates sometimes didn't understand why Jokic liked to hold the ball so much or send out some show-off passes.
"How do you like to fight?" Zhao Chen asked.
In Zhao Chen's impression, Jokic at his peak was an insider who pioneered a new style of inside play. During the time when Zhao Chen traveled through time, Jokic was competing with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid for the league's No. 1 spot. A center position.
Jokic's playing style is very different from Embiid's. Jokic relies more on golf intelligence, while Embiid relies more on talent.
Jokic can be regarded as an alternative "organizing center".
This is an epoch-making change. Throughout NBA history, there is no big man whose playing style is similar to Jokic's. Jokic can also be regarded as a son of the times. In the small ball era, Jokic's organizational ability More and more important to the team.
Zhao Chen understands Jokic's confusion because there is no suitable template for the previous one, which leads to uncertainty about the future and not knowing who to learn from.
"I like to organize and support, and the little guy plays pick-and-roll with me. Of course, I don't refuse singles in the interior. As long as there is a good opportunity, I will attack." Jokic said.
"You just said "organizing center", just do what you like, I will support you in the future." Zhao Chen said.
Zhao Chen doesn't like to give long talks to guide others like the media teaches players.
One or two sermons cannot change the fundamental problem. Everyone knows himself best.
"Do you think my idea will work?" Jokic asked.
"No one can say for sure, but as long as you work hard enough, you will gain something. I will suggest to the coach to increase your organizational tactics." Zhao Chen said.
Jokic is a player that Zhao Chen values and Jokic's golf IQ is very high.
Although the preseason data is not impressive, his potential can already be seen.
A center averages 4 assists per game in 20 minutes. Such talent is incredible.
Among so many rookies, Zhao Chen was the most surprised by Jokic's performance.
When Jokic dribbles the ball across half court, he often makes some unexpected passes. Although the passes are very sudden, these passes are often passed well into the hands of the receiver, and the receiver Both positions will be great, and they can attack directly to the basket.
This passing technique and sense of smell are top-notch and can be acquired without training.
"Boss, to be more specific, if I start as the starter, what other abilities do you think I need to have?" Jokic asked a little embarrassed.
During this time, Jokic was able to keenly observe Zhao Chen's voice in the team.
Both the coaching staff and the management seem to respond to Zhao Chen's requests.
If he wants to start the starting lineup, he needs to satisfy Zhao Chen first.
Hearing such questions, Zhao Chen did not blame Jokic for his rashness.
It's normal for a rookie to want to be a starter. He and Brooks also asked for a starter at the time.
In Zhao Chen's view, Jokic also fully possesses such potential.
Zhao Chen thought for a while and then replied: "Your offensive deterrence needs to be improved. The three-point shot must be stable and the low post must be able to capture opponents. Otherwise, you will not be able to create passing space. When you can attract a flanker one day, then Then you can start."
At his peak, Jokic could shoot from mid- to long-range and play in the low post. He had all the basic skills a center needs to master and could easily attract help from defenders.
This is something Jokic doesn't have now.
The current Jokic cannot keep up with his golf IQ in terms of ability.
Jokic nodded and said: "I understand, thank you, boss."
Jokic's eyes gradually brightened, and he felt that Zhao Chen's goal was more specific.
Zhao Chen and Jokic also talked a lot in the car, talking a lot about his mentality adjustments last year.
As perhaps the most awesome rookie in NBA history, Jokic has full respect for Zhao Chen.
He also wanted to follow in Zhao Chen's footsteps.
Zhao Chen always has an attitude of encouragement and guidance towards rookies.
Zhao Chen knows that the Lakers' rookies have potential, but it just takes time for them to gradually grow up.
After chatting with Zhao Chen, Jokic's mentality and spirit became more calm. Before the start of the regular season, Zhao Chen could meet the hard-working Jokic during the media training.
Compared to other rookies, Jokic works harder.
Of course, Jokic was not the only one who asked Zhao Chen for advice.
Clarkson, Joe Harris, and Dinwiddie often come to chat with Zhao Chen.
Overall, Zhao Chen understands why these people were able to gain a place in the NBA in their previous lives.
Knowing that their talents may not be as good as other players, they are willing to find more ways to improve themselves and help themselves gain a foothold in the NBA.
Joe Harris' three-pointers, Clarkson's chaos, and Dinwiddie's control.
This was Zhao Chen's special instruction based on their previous playing styles.
The rookies are becoming more and more accustomed to playing under Zhao Chen's instructions.
Single core!
Zhao Chen understood the meaning.
In addition to carrying the team on the court, he also needs to help his teammates grow off the court.
Otherwise, the individual may succeed, but the team ultimately fails.
Zhao Chen also often seeks advice from others, such as Kobe Bryant.
Kobe is a living treasure trove, and he knows what players need to go through at every stage.
For example, regarding off-court temptation, Kobe warned Zhao Chen like this: "You need to manage your crotch, otherwise you will cause countless troubles."
"Women only affect the aim of your shot."
"A woman will only affect the speed of your attack."
Zhao Chen could feel that there was a shadow in Nao Nao.
.....
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Amid various preparations, on October 28, the Lakers ushered in the first game of the regular season at their home stadium, Staples Arena!
The Lakers' first opponent is the Houston Rockets, who were eliminated by Zhao Chen in the playoffs last season.
