Basketball miracles

Chapter 9 [Shouting the Slogan]

Those who watched the game felt that the Lakers had become stronger. The two superstars played very comfortably today and scored many easy shots.

Magic Johnson doesn't need to rely on his individual skills to create driving opportunities anymore, as he has Xiao Tu's screens. He can lob the ball to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the low post, after a failed pick-and-roll drive.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's baskets were almost all from comfortable one-on-one situations in the low post, drawing double teams and then passing the ball. With Xiao Tu on the court, Abdul-Jabbar's defense became easier, reducing physical contact and allowing him to focus less on rebounding.

As the Lakers players walked toward the player tunnel, the home fans erupted in applause once again. All Lakers fans were ecstatic; they'd never seen such a resounding victory in their opening game, with so many spectacular dunks!

People used to think the Lakers were one of the championship contenders, but now they feel the Lakers are invincible!
In contrast, the Trail Blazers players left the court with their heads down. Sam Bowie was on the verge of tears and just wanted to disappear into the ground.

Coach Ramsey had lost faith in Bowie and didn't even bother to comfort him after the match.

The fact that the second overall pick was a bust was utterly exposed in just one game. Unless Bowie can demonstrate exceptional skill on offense, he'll likely have to transition into a role player next season.

In a parallel universe, the Trail Blazers' strategy is as follows: the coach quickly discovers that Bowie's talent is only suited for a blue-collar role.

Developing a star center is difficult, but developing a role player in the paint is quite simple. Players only need to practice rim protection, screens, rebounding, and finishing plays.

The Lakers held a press conference, which Xiao Tu and his star teammates attended.

Post-game press conferences have been held since the BAA League was founded in 1946. They provide a platform for journalists and media to share their feelings about the game, as well as future plans, with team coaches, players, and other stakeholders in attendance.

Back in the 1960s, when the NBA only had 8 or 9 teams, there weren't many reporters covering it. Now, the NBA attracts a lot of media attention, with teams like the Lakers, known for their flashy style of play and offensive prowess, receiving the most attention.

Xiao Tu had never experienced such an occasion before, but he had watched many videos of future star players being interviewed and knew what to say.

Furthermore, the barrier to entry for netizens appearing on camera will be extremely low in the future, so he won't be nervous. He's used to speaking in front of a camera; after all, who isn't a content creator at some point?

When asked about his feelings about his debut, Xiao Tu said, "It was very enjoyable, just as I imagined before the game. I dreamed of joining the Lakers and playing in the NBA when I was very young. I only wanted to play for the Lakers, and now my dream has come true."

He had no intention of changing teams around the world and didn't mind letting everyone know he had a childhood dream of playing for the Lakers. Before the internet age, Los Angeles had the highest exposure rate, surpassing even New York.

The reporter asked, "How would you rate your debut performance?"

"Out of 100, I'd give myself 120. Because when I team up with Erwin and Karim, we can perform at 120% of our potential. Our opponents have to keep a close eye on them, which gives me a lot of easy scoring opportunities." Xiao Tu praised the team's two core players, speaking the absolute truth.

Without Johnson's passes and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar drawing an inside defender, Xiao Tu knew he would never have played this well. He couldn't create easy opportunities on his own; driving to the basket required skill and a lot of energy.

Praising your teammates can win them their favor.

Xiao Tu also praised Worthy, Scott, and Michael Cooper. Although they weren't particularly noticeable on the court, they were players who couldn't be left unmarked and could create space.

In short, he said the credit belongs to everyone, and the Lakers' starting lineup is the strongest.

It's okay for Xiao Tu to keep a low profile, because his stats speak for themselves; they're not something ordinary players can achieve. Rambis, also playing alongside superstar teammates, started 77 games in the 1982-83 season, averaging only 7.5 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Xiao Tu has a goal of padding his stats; he wants to win the rebounding title in his rookie season. The situation is in his favor; the other Lakers players aren't obsessed with rebounding, and Coach Riley encourages him to go all out.

The reporter asked, "You were only the 23rd pick in the first round this year, not a high draft position. Do you think you were underrated?"

"It doesn't matter. I don't care about the draft order. I only care about how high I can reach in the future," Xiao Tu said with a smile.

So what if he's underestimated? He's definitely not the one who'll regret it.

When asked about training, Xiao Tu said, "I am especially grateful to Coach Riley for his help. When we met during the holidays, he created a training plan for me so that I could train in a targeted way. I know my position in the team and what the team needs me to do. After the training camp started, I quickly integrated into the team."

A reporter, eager to stir up trouble, asked, "You dominated the second overall pick, Sam Bowie, today. What are your thoughts on that?" Xiao Tu paused for a full ten seconds to think. If the interview were broadcast, viewers would think it was a still image.

Then he gently shook his head and smiled, "No, I have no thoughts."

Who is Bowie? Why am I talking about such a nobody?

I could dominate players of this basketball level, like Tu Kun. If I were to face off against Bowie every game, I could win the regular season MVP in my rookie season.

Xiao Tu has no need to be modest or praise his opponent when dealing with such a mediocre person; he won't be polite if he encounters one.

He did it on purpose; this attitude is the most attention-grabbing, and he's starting to cultivate a domineering persona for himself. Youth knows no failure; at 18, he can do many things, be wild and reckless, and live up to his youthful potential.

Once this person establishes himself, he can also benefit on the field.

For example, if any veteran tries to bully him or commits a malicious foul against him, he can immediately retaliate. He has a feeling that this will definitely happen; it's impossible for all opponents to be as soft as Bowie and Thompson.

The reporter asked, "Will you participate in the dunk contest? Your four dunks in this game were very impressive."

"I love dunking, so of course I want to participate in the dunk contest. I've been working hard to improve my jumping ability because I want to prove to people that it's not just black players who are good at dunking; white people can fly too!"

Xiao Tu seized the opportunity to shout out his slogan. As long as he had this slogan, he wouldn't lack exposure this season, because he was the most attention-grabbing contestant in the dunk contest.

If Xiao Tu participates, Wilkins might not even make it to the finals. Wouldn't it be better to leave the stage to the two hottest rookies this year?
Xiao Tu prefers to be compared to Jordan and has no interest in Wilkins. They didn't enter the NBA at the same time, nor would they face each other in the playoffs. In this parallel world, Wilkins is famous for his dunks, and his career record is terrible—he has never played in the NBA Finals.

Magic Johnson praised Xiao Tu in an interview. "I like this kid. I knew we would be good partners from the first time he came to practice. His physical abilities are incredible."

The reporter asked, "Is he stronger than you?"

"Yes, he's better than me. I can't dunk like him. His dunking practice is as spectacular as a dunk contest. Some of his tricks are things we've never seen before. If he participates in a dunk contest, he'll definitely surprise everyone." Johnson was outspoken and couldn't keep anything to himself.

Seeing his comments, fans will definitely be even more excited for the Slam Dunk Contest.

Xiao Tu is only 18 years old, yet his physical abilities are already beyond Magic Johnson's comprehension. People are curious about just how strong his talent is and what heights he can reach in the NBA in the future.

NBA players typically reach their peak between the ages of 27 and 32. During this age range, a player's mental fortitude and various skills reach their career-best levels. Xiao Tu still has significant potential to be developed, and theoretically, his physical attributes can still be improved.

The reporter asked, "What are your goals for this season?"

Johnson said, "The championship is the only goal for the Lakers. With Sebb joining us, we have no reason to lose, and I firmly believe that the Lakers will win the championship this season."

The reporter asked, "Aren't you afraid of putting too much pressure on newcomers by saying that?"

"On his first day in the company, Seb said he wanted to help the team win the championship, and he was as confident as I was. He was very mature and tough, not at all like an 18-year-old. I don't think that puts any pressure on him." Johnson has a lot of confidence in Xiao Tu.

Last season, the Lakers' weakness at the power forward position was too obvious. Even so, the Lakers only narrowly lost to the Celtics in Game 4 and missed out on the championship.

Johnson is actually putting pressure on himself. If the Lakers lose the championship again this season, people won't blame Xiao Tu and veteran Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but will only say that he is not good at leading the team.

Being the leader of a team is not an easy job; with great power comes great responsibility.

In the 80s NBA, it was impossible for a team to take credit for a win and have its teammates take the blame for a loss.

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(End of this chapter)