On the 16th, the WBC announced a professional boxing match between Zhou Quan and Polish bad boy Andrei Golota.
This time it is still a back-up match. The main match is a cruiserweight world boxing championship challenge. Zhou Quan and Golota’s status in the professional boxing world is not high enough. If they want to have huge influence, give such a boxing Playing as a back-up match in the King Challenge is the best choice to take advantage of others’ popularity.
Zhou Quan's appearance fee reached 2 million US dollars, while Golota's was 350,000 US dollars. This is a reflection of the difference in commercial value between the two, not a difference in boxing strength.
In addition, the income from PPV, excluding 50% from the TV station and 15% from the WBC, leaves the remaining 35%, with Zhou Quan accounting for 30% and the Polish Bad Boy accounting for 5%. This is a reflection of the popularity and influence of the two in the United States.
The boxing match is October 2 at the Great Western Forum Arena.
On the 20th, Zhou Quan picked up Zeng Huaqian at the airport and quickly started pursuing her.
The next day, a photo of the two holding hands appeared in the Los Angeles media. Then a group of paparazzi from Hong Kong caught wind of it and came to Hong Kong. News of the two dating also spread back to Hong Kong.
The news finally spread back to the mainland. When Lin Yufen found out, it was already the end of August.
"Why did Xiaoquan find another female star who is older than him?" she asked, dumbfounded.
Zhou Jianguo said thoughtfully: "I heard that the media in Xiangcheng said that this is the Royal Sister Complex, but I just don't know what the Royal Sister Complex is. Anyway, I guess it won't last long."
"What's wrong with the imperial sister and the imperial younger brother? Do you think Xiao Quan is that Tang Sanzang?"
Lin Yufen scolded him angrily, and then said: "Old Zhou, please pay attention to it. When Xiaoquan comes back next year, will you introduce him to someone of the right age?"
"That's what Xiaoquan should like. Besides, it was introduced by a friend. Xiaoquan hasn't decided yet. I can't let him harm others." Zhou Jianguo said.
"That's true."
Lin Yufen said helplessly.
"Forget it, he's still young. We don't care about him. We'll talk about it in two years." Zhou Jianguo said.
…
Zeng Huaqian stayed in Los Angeles for half a month and returned to Xiangcheng. The relationship between Zhou Quan and her came to an end.
On September 15, Zhou Quan was invited to Seattle and attended a media conference accompanied by his agent Philip.
Out of respect for him, all SuperSonics management executives attended the press conference, and even new boss Ballmer took time to attend the press conference.
His jersey number is still No. 1, and no one in the SuperSonics uses this number.
"Crack, click, click..."
At the press conference, he and Ballmer raised their jerseys, and the media slapped them fiercely.
After the media took photos, Ballmer left first. Before leaving, he invited Zhou Quan to visit Microsoft's headquarters and complete the endorsement contract with Microsoft.
Entering the question and answer session, a reporter from the New York Times asked: "Iron Fist, the media said that if the Sonics cannot reach the finals in the new season, it means that your deal has failed. Do you agree?"
Zhou Quan laughed and said: "Didn't I play in the Finals last season with the SuperSonics, not the Suns?"
"You mean, if we don't make it to the Western Conference Finals in the new season, the deal will mean failure?" the reporter immediately asked.
He smiled and said: "Why are you so eager to hope that I will fail?"
"NO, that's not the case." The reporter quickly denied.
He smiled again and said: "So what do you think? Two for three, do you think the Sonics have suffered a loss in this deal?"
This reporter didn’t dare to say it, because no matter how good Ricky Pierce and the other three are, Zhou Quan is Zhou Quan, the latest FMVP winner, a top offensive and defensive superstar who averaged 37 points, 10 assists and 5 steals in the finals. Superstars, let alone Rodman, even if he exchanges for three, as far as the transaction itself is concerned, the Sonics cannot be said to suffer a loss.
Zhou Quan smiled again and said: "It's not this, it's not that, I don't understand. What's your psychology behind raising such a question?"
The reporter had no choice but to change the question and asked: "So Iron Fist, do you think the SuperSonics have hope of reaching the finals next season?"
Zhou Quan shook his head and said, "I don't know. I just arrived in Seattle and I don't even know the lineup. You asked this question in vain.
But the team already reached the Western Conference Finals last season, so our goal for the new season cannot be lower than the Western Conference Finals. Our goal is at least the Western Conference Finals, and the Finals must also be our goal. "
"Pa bang..."
Upon hearing this, local reporters applauded with joy.
The next question was from a reporter from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, asking: "Iron Fist, do you hope to bring in stars?"
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "Does Rodman count? He is a main member of three championships, a two-time All-Star, and has a very unique personality. If he is, we already have it. If he is not, then starting from today, He is.”
"Ha ha……"
The reporters below laughed.
After the press conference, accompanied by the management, Zhou Quan visited the SuperSonics headquarters.
Outside the headquarters, many fans await.
The Sonics traded Shawn Kemp and Ricky Pierce, which made some fans a little dissatisfied and regretful, but they still welcomed his arrival. No one would be stupid enough to boycott an FMVP. This was the guy who killed Jordan.
"Hello."
"Iron Fist, we came here specifically to see you."
"Iron Fist, don't worry, we will definitely support you."
Zhou Quan found that there were many Chinese fans among the fans and went up to say hello to them.
He has learned about Seattle. There are about 60,000 Chinese here, not just in the city, but in the entire Seattle metropolitan area.
The urban population of Seattle is more than half a million, which is not as good as Detroit, but the metropolitan area has a population of more than three million, and the surrounding areas
The area is further expanded, with a population of nearly six million, a good economy, a very good environment, and a very large water area. It is the most suitable place to live in the United States and the city with the highest quality of life.
A large number of well-known companies have their headquarters here. In addition to Microsoft, the headquarters of major companies such as Starbucks, Nintendo, and Boeing are also here. The aviation industry is particularly developed.
Arriving at general manager Bob Whitsitt's office, Zhou Quan discussed lineup issues with head coach George Karl.
George Karl is known as Crazy Karl, but that refers to his tactical style. He is a decent person off the court and knows how to respect players, so he has a good relationship with the players on the team.
It's just that Zhou Quan has some scruples about George Karl, because this head coach is a person who does not rely on superstars and plays team basketball. Even someone like Rain Man, who flies above the three super centers to play, averages fewer shots per game. not much.
Even Gary Payton, a rising star among point guards, cannot truly control the ball. The Sonics are very particular about passing and ball transfer.
And he played a ball-carrying style last season, which didn't fit with the SuperSonics or George Karl's style.
What would he do if George Karl asked him to change his style of play?
Of course, he is not without the ability to change. His off-ball play is also good. Jordan even had a headache, but his off-ball play cannot reflect his threat with the ball.
He is not Jordan. Jordan has the ball in his hands and is mainly an offensive threat. He is not. His offense and passing are both threatening. If Jordan can only kill opponents with personal offense, then his offense and passing can both Kill your opponent.
Whithit took a lineup list over to him and said: "Iron Fist, this is a twelve-man roster, all contract players. If you think there is any need to strengthen, just tell me and I will try my best to strengthen it."
"Let me take a look first," Zhou Quan said.
Whithit nodded and said: "In the five starters last season, except for Pierce and the other three, the main center Derek McKay was traded to the Pacers in exchange for Schrempf, leaving only the rotation of the main center and power forward. Michael Cage, Cage is also an important rotation inside this season.
In addition, Eddie Johnson, our sixth man last season and our third scoring point, was traded to the Hornets in exchange for Kendall Gill.
Our top five scorers from last season, Ricky Pierce, Shawn Kemp, Eddie Johnson, Gary Payton, and Derrick McKay, are all gone. "
Zhou Quan nodded. These words were telling him that only one of the five main players from last season was left, and he was not the absolute main player. All the top five scoring points were traded away. Now the SuperSonics are rebuilding. The next step will depend on his ability. .
From the general manager's words, he felt the pressure from the management.
Of course, because the transaction was ordered by new boss Ballmer, the pressure on the management comes more from the fans and the media.
Then he took a closer look at the lineup.
Center: Sam Perkins (4, 5), Earvin Johnson (5)
Forward: Rodman (3, 4, 5), Detlef Schrempf (3, 4), Michael Cage (3, 4, 5), Chris King (3, 4), Steve Fchevre (4, 5)
Defenders: Zhou Quan (1, 2), Kendall Gill (1, 2, 3), Vincent Askew (2, 3), Nate McMillan (1, 2, 3), Alphonso Ford(1)
George Karl introduced: "The main lineup for the new season, the back line is you and Kendall Gill. Gill is good offensively and defensively. Although not as good as the combination of you and Joe Dumars, it should still be good.
The center is Sam Perkins. He was seriously injured last season and only played 30 games. His current condition should be okay.
He and Michael Cage rotated at the five position, with Rodman at power forward and Schrempf at small forward. In fact, Iron Fist and Rodman should also be able to play small forward, right? "
He said the last sentence in a questioning tone, asking Zhou Quan for his advice.
Zhou Quan nodded and said: "Dennis did play as a small forward before, but he is more suitable to play as a power forward because he does not have much shooting range on the outside. On the offensive end, he can grab offensive rebounds inside and strengthen our secondary offense.
But on the defensive end, he can guard five positions. This is his strongest defensive point and is very important when switching defenses.
So for him and several other inside positions, Coach Karl can follow your original tactical style and not fix their positions. Anyway, these people..."
He pointed to the names of Rodman, Michael Cage, Perkins, Schrempf and others, and said: "They can all play at least two positions."
George Karl nodded and smiled: "Okay, we will discuss the tactical issues later."
The three of them actually breathed a sigh of relief when they said this.
Zhou Quan had some concerns when he first arrived at the team, but George Karl and Whithit actually had greater concerns.
In their opinion, Zhou Quan defeated Jordan's Bulls, Ewing's Knicks, and finally Barkley's Suns to win the championship. The championship is full of gold and has cross-border influence. The popularity is very high now, so this championship and FMVP winner must be arrogant.
At the same time, Zhou Quan is still a very bad-tempered guy, and he is full of violence. Laimbeer, Oakley, Karl Malone, super center Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, these villains and superstars have all suffered heavy losses at his hands.
This was their concern for Zhou Quan.
But now after this contact, they felt that Zhou Quan was not a hard person to talk to, and he was indeed quite a gentleman, which made them relieved.
Zhou Quan looked at the lineup list again and felt good.
The original lineup could reach the Western Conference Finals. After trading away four main players, the main lineup changed drastically. He and Rodman, main center Schrempf, main shooting guard Kendall Gill, and center Parkinson, it can be said that there are five. The main players are all newcomers, and none of the main lineup from last season is gone, but the strength of the lineup is not bad.
Whitsitt said at this time: "Twelve people, the important rotation is nine people, rookie Earvin Johnson remains to be seen, Steve Scheffler, Chris King, Alphonso Ford, these three are marginal people. It’s all about collecting people. Iron Fist, you are the absolute core and leader of the team, what do you think of this lineup?”
While talking, he handed a piece of data to Zhou Quan and explained: "These are the data of nine important rotation players last season, and yours is also on it."
Zhou Quan laughed because the general manager's words made him very happy. This shows that the management should have communicated with George Karl and will form new tactics around his playing style in the new season instead of copying last season. tactics.
He looked at the statistics table, nodded and said: "The offense of this lineup is okay. Except for Rodman's offense, everyone else has their own offense.
Schrempf, Kendall Gill, and Perkins all average 10+ per game. Perkins can also shoot three-pointers. Our main lineup has a strong ability to stretch and has enough space to break through. "
Whithit said with a smile: "This is because you need to break through the space. Schrempf can actually shoot three-pointers, but he usually doesn't shoot much, mainly mid-range shots. Gill's three-pointers are not very good, but we have already Notify him and hope he can practice more three-pointers."
Zhou Quan smiled, this important rotation lineup is okay on the offensive end.
Sam Perkins and Michael Cage were the No. 4 and No. 14 picks in the first round of 1984 respectively, and they were drafted in the same year as the big dream Jordan Barkley.
Perkins was ranked one spot higher than Barkley, but he has no reputation. From a strength perspective, he is only a qualified starter, not a star player, and is not worthy of his pick.
In addition, Perkins and Jordan have a good relationship. They were roommates at the University of North Carolina and the North Carolina Twins. They have a very close relationship.
But as insiders, both of them are short, and Rodman is also short. The Sonics will suffer from the height of the inside and the defensive end, and they will not have the ability to attack in the low post.
The offense of these two people is only average. Perkins' offense is slightly stronger. He averaged 25 minutes per game with the SuperSonics last season, 12 points, 4.8 rebounds, and a shooting percentage of 47%.
But he is only good at open shots, and his shots under confrontation are not very good. His movements are too slow, and his turns are also very slow. As a center, he is very stable in open three-pointers. He takes very few shots in the paint, and most of his shots are mid-range and long-range shots.
Michael Cage is worse, but his rebounding is better. He averaged 27 minutes per game last season, 6 points and 8 rebounds, and a higher offensive efficiency of 52.6%, but his scoring ability is very limited.
After playing in the Pistons for two years, he also paid great attention to defense. The defense of these two men is destined to have great weaknesses and lack of height.
But because of their short size, both of them have good defensive abilities on the move, so the Sonics can carry out fierce flanking attacks on the ball holder during fast rotation defense.
This is similar to Rodman. Rodman's single defense ability is average. His strength is assist defense, his ability to defend five positions, and his speed in returning to defense.
For others, Schrempf averaged 38 minutes per game with the Pacers last season. This year's All-Star substitute, 19 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal, shooting 47.6%, three-pointers, good offensive and defensive capabilities and organization.
Kendall Gill had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.5 turnovers in the Hornets last season. His offense and defense were okay, but he made many mistakes and his passing was unstable. He definitely couldn't control the ball.
But overall, the abilities of these people are still good. Plus he has three All-Stars, and the rest are also qualified starters.
Taking a deep breath, he said: "The media actually said it well. The team reached the Western Conference Finals last season. If it cannot reach the Western Conference Finals in the new season, it will be a failure for the team."
When Whitsitt and George Karl heard this, they couldn't help but look at each other, feeling a huge pressure.
It's said to be the Western Conference Finals, but Zhou Quan is a superstar who just won the Finals MVP. How could he only see the Western Conference Finals? In other words, the real focus of Zhou Quan's attention is in the finals.
And the media is not just talking about the Western Conference Finals, but also saying that failing to reach the finals means that the transaction has failed and it is the finals.
They understand that Zhou Quan only talked about the Western Conference Finals because he didn't want to put too much pressure on the team.
"finals?"
When they thought of this, the pressure couldn't help but increase to a higher level.
The two of them have studied this lineup repeatedly. If there is no height inside, there will be no fulcrum. If there is no aggressiveness in the low post, it will not be able to attract defense and compress the opponent's defense, and there will be no space on the outside.
Such a lineup will suffer if it encounters a team with a strong offensive center. In the West, there are two super centers. If they want to win the championship with this lineup, they have no hope at all.
Last season, the Pistons had Ronny Seikali, who had height, low-post offense, mid-range shooting, and rebounding, but now the SuperSonics don't have such a center.
Moreover, there is no one inside with strong rim protection ability. Rodman does not belong to such a defensive player, which is also a weakness of the Sonics.
(End of chapter)
