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Chapter 204

Before the start of the new season, what does the outside world think of this Sonics team?

To sum it up, there are only three words, not optimistic.

Not only some negative news from the team's core players, but more importantly, the Supersonics themselves did not complete any good operations in the summer.

The trade of Jose and Jim now seems to be to save salary, but the team changed two starters at once.

Renewing Kemp's contract essentially did not bring much improvement to the team's strength, not to mention the departure of veterans like Cummings who were full of confidence and expectations last season.

In this way, the supersonic strength has indeed dropped a bit.

At this point, there are some interesting annals in the league worth telling.

For example, the Washington Bullets have changed their name. This team, which has been renamed many times in history, has decided to change its name after the end of last season.

The Atlanta Hawks had to split their home games between Georgia Tech's Alexander Stadium and the Georgia Dome because of cracks in Philips Arena.

The forecast of the season is still that the Bulls will win the sixth championship.

The league's attempt to impose rules to encourage offense also carried out preliminary trials this year, prohibiting the use of forearms to defend offensive players facing the basket (it can be seen as an early adjustment of the no-hand contact rule).

The intention behind this rule is very simple, to encourage offense.

After the three-point line was shortened before, there was no expected increase in scoring. On the contrary, some teams wandered on the edge of illegal defense more recklessly. From the late 90s to the early 21st century, the average scoring in the NBA was very low, and games with only [-] to [-] points at every turn made the bosses very unhappy.

It is undeniable that some people like to watch defense, but most fans still like to watch offense. Owners own the team to make money. Once Jordan retires again, the NBA will be in the current boom. There are really not many traffic stars.

Therefore, it is necessary to take advantage of this period of time to make adjustments and star-making campaigns. This is also what Stern has been promoting since he took office, following the advice of Lakers owner Buss, to make the NBA a star and go on TV.

The players and coaches in the NBA are very smart, they are the best players and coaches in the world, they have the countermeasures according to the rules, and they can always maximize the advantages brought by the rules.

Therefore, every time the NBA rules are revised, although there will be voices of opposition, there is no need to worry about players not being able to play.

Qin Fei participated in the training camp in Seattle.

The team entered a new season mode. In early October, the Sonics started some preseason games.

Qin Fei became the team's starting player for the first time, and played in these games, but the playing time did not increase, it was still about 20 minutes.

The preseason is mainly to assess the team's substitute players and rookies, and it is also the last chance for marginal players to enter the team lineup.

Of course, if there are major changes, the running-in of the team is also an aspect.

But the Supersonics are different. Although the team has changed, the overall framework has not changed, the tactical system has not changed, and the leading players are very stable, so there is no need to spend too much energy on running in, just do a good job of investigating marginal players.

October 10 is the Sonics regular season opener.

The opponent is the Portland Trail Blazers, and this night is also the eve of Halloween, a traditional western festival.

In order to fit the festive atmosphere, some ghost portraits were specially arranged in the key arena, pumpkin lanterns were hung up, and the staff made up facial makeup to pretend to be various ghosts.

The team invited some teenagers from the community to watch the game live.

One of them was 13-year-old Brandon Roy, who was surrounded by taller and stronger teenagers in Sonics uniforms.

Roy wears the No. 18 Sonics jersey. Friends around him know that NBA star Qin Fei once had a conversation with him and gave him great encouragement.

When he came to the scene this time, Roy cheered for his idol.

Watching the NBA live is very refreshing. You can see every movement of those players when you dive straight down on the floor of the arena. Some die-hard fans can say the names of those players familiarly when they are warming up.

The sound of cheering and shouting is everywhere, and you will increase the decibel of your speech unconsciously.

At this time, the loudspeakers on the scene began to make some ghostly sounds, and then the DJ used a strange tone to remind the fans who had not yet taken their seats to enter the field quickly, and the game began immediately.

The black light, the audience exclaimed, lit up the flames!

In the flashing lights, the starting players of both sides began to appear.

For the Supersonics, the first player to start is Sean Kemp, the team boss who just completed his contract renewal this year. He stepped onto the floor, waving his hands proudly, enjoying the worship of the fans.

After Kemp, this year's new aid, Matt Geiger, stepped onto the court.

The voice was obviously lower, but the fans still applauded generously.

Qin Fei was the third to appear on the stage, and he was in the middle of the starting five. As soon as he appeared on the stage, the audience immediately cheered.

Fans know him well. In his rookie season last year, he accumulated a lot of fan base. Many people called his name. Someone in the stands wrote in Chinese, "Qin Fei, come on!"

Qin Fei waved his hand and heard a hiss in his ears.

The booing was very small, and it seemed insignificant amidst the cheers of the audience.

Sure enough, some people are dissatisfied with him, maybe some people think he pushed Jose away, maybe because of one of his speeches, maybe purely because of skin color

Qin Fei had already prepared for this, and his expression was as usual.

Then there is the veteran of the team, the German star Schramff, and the last team boss Payton to play.

On the other side, a player from the Trail Blazers was shocked and showed envy.

Sophomore Jermaine O'Neal.

O'Neal has always been very envious of Qin Fei. Qin Fei has college training experience, and is physically strong and good at defense. Therefore, as soon as he enters the league, he has a very stable playing time. Even if the pick is one lower than him, there are many opportunities.

Generally speaking, the level of the pick determines the chance of playing in the rookie season, but it is not absolute. There are many young and high-ranking rookies who are selected based on their potential.

Now entering the second year of his career, Qin Fei is already a starting player!

Jermaine O'Neal is not only envious of Qin Fei's opportunity, but also envious of Qin Fei's team status. Compared with himself, he has not yet gained enough status in the team. The head coach only said that he is guaranteed to play in every game this season, but not the time to play.

too difficult

he sighed silently

Qin Fei, who appeared on the stage, walked to the sidelines, and Peyton came over, holding his arms high.

Qin Fei also raised his arms high, and the two raised their hands for a high five.

"Get moving guys, first game of the season, let's give Portlanders a Halloween treat!"

Peyton used his loud voice to inspire momentum, as if he had installed a megaphone, and half of the audience could hear it all.

Of course the Trail Blazers are upset!

Because the two teams are so close, it is a bit like a derby in the same city. There have been many grievances and grievances in these years. The arrangement of the league's first game is obviously further fueling the relationship between the two teams.

"Here we go!"

After shouting, everyone's blood rushed to their hearts, and they officially stepped into the stadium.

The Trail Blazers' starting lineup is point guard John Crotty, shooting guard Stacy Ogmon, forward Bryan Grant, forward Rasheed Wallace, and center Sabonis.

Ogmon, who Qin Fei is facing, is 1 meters tall and weighs 98 kilograms, which is exactly the same as Qin Fei's official data.

This player entered the league at about the same time as Payton and Kemp. He is now 29 years old and at his peak. He has a defense above the middle reaches of the league and is good at breaking through and hitting the basket.

His nickname is "Plastic Man", and he can often complete some layups that violate normal exercise physiology, and his posture is extremely weird.

Based on his foundation, another Argentine player later carried forward this technique, and not only made layups, but also reflected weirdness in all aspects, and was named "Demon Sword".

(End of this chapter)