Bill Walton said: "For example, the Knicks, coach Riley has just taken over for a season, the lineup is not complete and needs to be traded, and the second and third positions do not have strong strength.
For example, the Pistons' main point guard Tekken is a rookie and has no experience. No one can guarantee his performance in the playoffs.
And although he performed well in the regular season, his offensive efficiency was not enough, barely passing, and not up to the average shooting percentage of the top ten point guards in the league.
Under normal circumstances, his offensive efficiency may be worse in the playoffs, so the possibility of the Pistons winning the championship is very small, and I am not optimistic about them. "
Guokas nodded, with a strange look on his face, and smiled: "Bill, Karim, you are both from UCLA, and Iron Fist is also from UCLA. You are alumni, so you must be familiar with him, right?
Now Iron Fist means the future to the Pistons. He even pushed the Assassin to the bench. He is the team's third scoring point, assists leader, and rebounds.
Speaking of rebounds, I'm really surprised. As a point guard, he can actually grab so many rebounds? Second only to Selley and Rodman.
By the way, he is also the team's steal leader.
Based on this data analysis, his performance will determine the Pistons' final performance.
So now, do you think that Iron Fist's performance in the playoffs will really be as bad as in the regular season as Bill just said, will he not be able to help the team advance? "
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton exchanged glances, and the latter smiled and said: "Sorry, Matt, I, I just said that the Pistons have a very small chance of winning the championship. The Iron Fist's performance in the playoffs may not be as good as the regular season, but It’s a speculation, but it doesn’t mean they have no chance of advancing.”
"Haha, that was my mistake." Guocat laughed.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar smiled and said: "I got to know this young man in 1990, when he had just become the main point guard of the basketball team, but before that, he had become the number one executioner of the ice hockey team.
What I know about him is that his willpower is extremely strong, his mental quality is extremely tough, and he will never give up at any time. He has the shadow of Isiah Thomas and Jordan.
I think his performance in the playoffs will not decline significantly compared to the regular season.
Another argument to support my statement is the Pistons' style.
The Pistons are a defense-first team with tenacity, toughness, iron-bloodedness and fearlessness. In such a team, Iron Fist's style fits perfectly with the Pistons.
He is used to high-intensity defense in the team, and the impact on him in the playoffs will not be as big as we imagined. "
Bill Walton continued: “I think these two defensive-first teams, what they ultimately compete with is who is tougher.
Iron Fist is facing off against Mark Jackson. This is a guy who is as good at back-fighting as Iron Fist. He has strong confrontation ability, but in front of Iron Fist, his confrontation ability is still slightly inferior. I don’t think Iron Fist will lose to him. "
Guokas smiled and said: "Okay, I understand, you are actually more optimistic about the Pistons. So let's discuss Iron Fist. After all, he has got a signature sneaker contract, and the current sales are not bad, and he is also very topical. .”
At this point, he changed his tone and asked: "What I want to know now is, what do you think of his violent behavior?
According to current statistics, since entering the league, he has participated in the Pistons locker room violence, the Battle of Auburn Hills, a fight with Oakley in Madison Square Garden, a conflict with Big Dream at the home of the Houston Mosaic, and a beating in the Best Rookie Competition. Opponent Larry Johnson, among others, was violent on at least five or six occasions. "
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton looked at each other, are there so many?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said, "He was the victim that time in the locker room. Matt, it's unfair for you to count this as his violent behavior."
"Okay, I apologize." Guokas immediately smiled.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added: "The Battle of Auburn Hills was not a fight or a violent incident. That battle was caused by bulls. It was a moral crisis. This has been concluded, and it cannot be regarded as an act of violence by Iron Fist."
His counterattack in the game helps us improve our moral standards. Not only does he not deserve to be questioned and criticized at that time, he also deserves praise. "
The smile on Guokas's face disappeared. He didn't expect that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would defend a junior disciple like this, so he could only say awkwardly: "Okay, I apologize again."
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added: "In the fight with Oakley, it was Oakley who knocked Iron Fist out of the air for a layup. That was a flagrant foul. Then it was Oakley who attacked Iron Fist first. This is not Iron Fist's fault."
"Well, I……"
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did not wait for Guokas to apologize, and continued: "That time with Dameng, Dameng attacked him from behind, and he was knocked to the ground. Dameng still didn't let him go, and he had to fight with other people. Go up and continue beating him, is this his fault?"
"Well, this is my fault." Guokas said with a bitter smile.
"No, that's Dameng's fault. They caused the conflict."
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said seriously: "As for the time with Larry Johnson, John Selly committed a defensive foul, and then Larry Johnson sneaked up on Selly, causing Selly to hit the back of his head and even break his head. Then Iron Fist stood up for his teammates, and the two of them happened. conflict.
I mean, you shouldn't say Iron Fist beat up Rookie of the Year contender Larry Johnson. That would make people think Iron Fist was fighting Larry Johnson for Rookie of the Year. In fact, he wasn't. He was just fighting for his teammates. Get ahead.
In fact, even after Larry Johnson knocked out Sely, he took the initiative to attack Iron Fist, and then he couldn't beat Iron Fist and was knocked over. Therefore, this matter was definitely not someone Iron Fist beat. "
"Okay, I, I apologize." Guokas said helplessly.
Bill Walton also said seriously at this time: "Matt, you, there is something wrong with your position. You are looking at these things completely from the opposite side of Iron Fist. This is wrong."
"No, no, no, I'm just a little biased, a little biased. I have no conflict with Iron Fist. I don't even know him." Guokas said quickly.
Magic Johnson smiled at this time: "Okay, Matt just did a stunt for the effect of the show. Bill, Kareem, don't be angry."
Bill Walton shrugged his shoulders and said: "It's best not, because the selection of the best rookie is going on, which is very important to Iron Fist. If he doesn't win the best rookie, his sneaker contract will not be enforced for the next three years. We Things related to him should be viewed fairly."
"Bah!"
After the show ended, Zhou Quan stepped forward and turned off the TV.
"I should call Karim and Bill and thank them for protecting me." He murmured.
Just now, the two of them spoke out to defend him and gave him vaccinations, saying that his performance may have declined compared with the regular season. This was to relieve him of pressure.
On the 23rd, at five minutes to nine in the morning, David Stern sat in his executive chair.
"Sir, this is your cat poop coffee. Here are the results of the Rookie of the Year selection."
A minute later, special assistant Hawk Houston came in with a cup of coffee and placed two envelopes on the desk.
"Thank you, it tastes good."
Stern picked up the coffee, took a few sips, praised it, then put down the cup and picked up the envelope from the United States.
"Sir, call me if you need anything."
Houston was very sensible and left the office immediately.
Stern glanced at Houston's back, smiled and nodded, then picked up a paper knife and cut open the sealed envelope, pulled out a folded letter, opened it and read it carefully.
The reason there are two envelopes is because the votes of the 117 reporters are counted separately and by different people, which makes it faster.
Half an hour later, he called Hawke Houston in and said: "Hoke, the results are out. Zhou Quan and Larry Johnson scored 397 points at the same time. I recognize this selection result. They will both win the Rookie of the Year award this season." honor."
"Double balls?" Houston was stunned.
Stern nodded, pushed forward a piece of white paper in front of him, and said, "This is their selection data. Now go ahead and announce the results immediately."
"Okay, sir."
Without any hesitation, Hawk Houston immediately took the piece of paper and left.
At ten o'clock, the NBA announced a series of regular season individual honors, which were broadcast live on ESPN TV.
Zhou Quan also sat on the sofa in front of the TV, next to his agent Roger Philippe.
The first is DPOY, which was obtained by David Robinson of the Spurs.
David Robinson has entered his third season in the league and has already ranked among the three super centers with Ewing and Olajuwon. He has been on the All-Third Team and the All-NBA First Team, and on the All-Defensive First Team and the Second Team. This was last season. He was the shot-blocking champion and was selected as an All-Star for three consecutive years, including two starts. Even Dameng's limelight was suppressed by him. Winning the DPOY honor this time is another recognition of his defensive strength.
The Sixth Man of the Year went to Schrempf, the Most Improved Player went to Ellison of the Bullets, and the Coach of the Year went to Don Nelson.
Then there are several data leaders, including scoring leader Michael Jordan with 30.2 points, rebounding leader Rodman with 18.7, steals leader John Stockton with 3, assists leader John Stockton with 13.7, and block leader David Robinson with 4.5.
Then the best rookie team was announced.
Zhou Quan ranked in the first team, and the other four players were Mutombo, Larry Johnson, Billy Owens, and Steve Smith.
Zhou Quan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The system's requirement was met, and now only the best rookie is left.
He was sitting on the sofa. There was no tension on his face and his eyes were calm. He looked very calm, as if he didn't care.
"Don't be nervous, it must be you, Zhou. You helped the league stabilize the situation and eliminate the negative impact of the violence in the locker room. The league should give it to you." Philip comforted.
"I hope so," he smiled.
"In the 1991/92 NBA season, the best rookie was Larry Johnson, the main power forward from the Charlotte Hornets and the No. 1 pick in 1991..."
Following the host's words, Zhou Quan's eyes flashed with disappointment, and Phillip directly cursed: "Xie Te! How could this happen?"
In Charlotte, Larry Johnson cheered: "Awesome! I am the best rookie, I am the best one, I won! Iron Fist is not as good as me, not as good as me, I am the best The one."
The host on the TV continued: "...and the main point guard of the Detroit Pistons, the No. 17 pick in the first round of 1991, Zhou Quan from UCLA."
"How can it be?"
After hearing the second half of the host's words, the excited Larry Johnson froze in place as if a plate of ice water had been poured on him.
"ah!"
Following the host's words, Zhou Quan jumped up from the sofa excitedly.
"Double balls?"
Roger Philippe was shocked, but he quickly came to his senses and laughed loudly: “It’s not bad to have double balls, not bad!
Zhou, Double Bag is also the new best rookie. Skechers has now fulfilled one of the three conditions. You have done a great job this season!
I'm here to open a Champagne, and I must drink a toast. "
"certainly."
Zhou Quan smiled and nodded.
At this time, the virtual screen suddenly opened automatically in front of you, and a new prompt appeared: "Congratulations to the host, you have completed the best rookie task, and the rewards have been distributed."
Memory +5, raised to level 95, and nerve reaction speed +5, raised to level 96. The former could not be reflected for the time being, but he felt the change in the latter immediately.
"Buzz buzz..."
"Snapped!"
Just as a mosquito flew past his right ear, he swatted it to death instantly. His reaction speed was definitely faster than before.
He opened his profile and took a closer look, and found that his defense had improved from level 92 to level 93, with single defense reaching level 95 and assist defense reaching level 91.
This time, his defense has truly improved to a first-class level, and it has improved in all aspects, which can be used in the playoffs.
In addition, the steal has been directly upgraded from the original level 85 to level 95, which is a huge improvement.
His 96-level neural reaction speed, coupled with his excellent wingspan, big hands, and strong outside confrontation ability, are why his stealing skills and abilities have improved so much.
At the same time, because neural reaction speed is an important quality foundation for the ability to predict, the most important ability to predict has been upgraded from 75 to 80, reaching a second-rate level.
The improvement of prediction has also led to the improvement of passing ability, which has been improved from 90 to 91.
Even the breakthrough ability has been improved from level 85 to level 86 due to faster reaction speed.
"This is an all-round improvement! The reward for the best rookie is really great!"
He looked at his statistics with joy, especially the quality one. Among the ten qualities, except for strength and injury resistance, the other eight have all been improved to level 90 or above, all of which are top-notch.
At this moment, a new prompt appeared on the screen, and he quickly opened it.
"The NBA playoffs mode has started and tasks have been issued."
"The playoffs are the stage for superstars, please host to perform like a superstar in the playoffs. Reminder, since the host is in his rookie season, the difficulty of the task is halved."
When he read the previous sentence, Zhou Quan felt excited. After reading it, he felt that the system underestimated him. The data of a superstar was halved. 20+10 was halved, which is 10+5. That is the data of role players. Is his performance that bad?
"Please host to average 15 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 2.5 steals per game in the playoffs, with an assist-to-turnover ratio of no less than 3, a field goal percentage of 45%, and a true shooting percentage of 53%."
His mind was confused, 15+5+10?
There was no double-double in the regular season, but a double-double is required in the playoffs. Does this mean the difficulty is halved? What is the performance level of a superstar, 30+10+20?
Moreover, the offensive efficiency requirements are higher than those in the regular season. He must play a more efficient offense under a stronger defense. For him, there is only one way to strengthen breakthrough scoring.
Of course, the 45% field goal percentage and 53% true shooting percentage are actually not very high. He is not even among the top ten point guards in the league. The system requirements still take into account his current strength level.
"Mission reward, bounce +1."
When he saw the reward, his heart itched.
The bounce +1 without losing weight is very tempting. Will he continue to lose weight next? This is a question that should be carefully considered before deciding.
The system is not finished yet, new tasks continue to be issued.
Zhou Quan is also very excited. There are actually very few tasks in the regular season and almost none in the second half of the season. It is better to do the playoffs, where tasks are given out one after another.
"Requirements for the first round of the series: five skill points will be awarded for sweeping the opponent, three skill points will be awarded for defeating the opponent three to one, and one skill point will be awarded for defeating the opponent three to two."
"Tip: Skill points can only improve the skills that your physical fitness allows."
"Tip: If you are swept by your opponent, it will be considered a disastrous defeat, and the host's mental willpower will be reduced by one level."
"Tip: The strength of the Pistons is equal to that of the Knicks. When the two strong players meet, the brave will win. If they fail to advance in the first round, the regular season mission mode will be closed next season."
Zhou Quan read the task content several times and made sure he understood it before turning off the system.
The problem is a bit serious. First of all, they must advance in the first round and kill the Knicks. Otherwise, the regular season system will not issue tasks next season.
Although the tasks in the regular season are few, no matter how little meat there is, it is still meat, and it is better than nothing.
At this time, the phone started ringing continuously, and some sponsors, including Skechers, as well as teammates and team management, called to congratulate.
"cheers!"
Philip brought two glasses of Champagne, the two clinked their glasses, and then drank directly.
Philip added: "Zhou, just now Skechers said that today's sneaker sales are no worse than yesterday. When buying shoes, many fans said they like the nickname Detroit Killer King."
"I X!"
Unable to hold back, Zhou Quan swore directly.
Philip smiled and said: "Now I have won the Best Rookie. Although it is a double bag, it is not bad. It will definitely stimulate sales."
"I hope."
Zhou Quan smiled.
…
"I'm happy to win Rookie of the Year, but sharing an honor with someone else caught me off guard. I always thought this honor was reserved for the best."
At this time, Larry Johnson was interviewed by phone at home. His mood was a little weird and he seemed a little dissatisfied.
"Larry, the Hornets are not qualified to participate in the playoffs. They are ranked 12th in the Eastern Conference and have only won 31 games. Do you think this is the reason why you don't have the Rookie of the Year award?" the reporter asked.
"Maybe, otherwise what is it? But the funny thing is, this is the selection of the best rookie, not the MVP." Larry Johnson mocked.
"Do you think Zhou Quan is not worthy of the Rookie of the Year Award? His performance is not as good as yours?" the reporter asked again.
Larry Johnson fell silent. Although the two had fought and suffered a loss, he still had to admit that he was the best, but Iron Fist's performance was no worse than him.
"He's fine too."
He eventually responded vaguely to the question and hung up.
…
(End of chapter)
