Basketball Terminal

Chapter 4 Dog Friends
Pelle finally managed to score a point over Levi, after all 14 of his previous shots were contested, blocked, or stolen. Levi's defensive skills and agility made McCallian forget about the big Nets trade he was following. Only after the game temporarily ended did McCallian glance at his phone and see that Harden had been sent to the Nets.

"Oh shit! The Harden trade really went through! I'm heading back to Paris, James Harden's in Brooklyn!"

"Go back? Victor's test isn't over yet, you should be watching his offense! Come on, whether Harden comes or not doesn't really concern you, focus on the people you need to watch out for."

Paris Robin wasn't surprised by the Harden trade; rumors had been circulating for some time and were causing quite a stir in Houston. Harden leaving Houston was only a matter of time; the main question was whether he'd go to Brooklyn or Philadelphia. Earlier, there were five potential trade targets, which were eventually narrowed down to two. Brooklynites believed Harden would come to the Nets because they had Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, both with championship experience—exactly what Harden had been seeking. This guy isn't one to be arrogant.

But Luo Ping is wrong. McCallian's trade with Harden is related, very related. In the trade, the Nets sent center Jarrett Allen to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they desperately needed a defensive big man. That's why McCallian contacted and scouted Novan Pelle, and now he can really come in handy.

"You're wrong, Paris. I really want to go back. Also, don't make me scout those lousy players again. This is the last time."

“Victor isn’t a random player, he…”

Ignoring Luo Ping, McCallian walked onto the court and stopped the one-on-one game, telling Novan Pelle to pack up and go back to prepare for contract matters. Pelle was disappointed with his performance and worried it would affect his signing. McCallian patted him on the back and comforted him, saying that signings are based on past performances, tryouts, and physical tests, not just a one-on-one game. The Nets approached Pelle to strengthen their interior defense, not to have him do one-on-one offense.

Pelle turned to leave; he'd embarrassed himself enough today, but it didn't seem to affect his next job. McCallen was also about to leave when Levi stopped him, saying, "If you want to strengthen the defense, you should consider me." He'd overheard their conversation.

Faced with this hard-won opportunity, Li Wei didn't want to give up easily. The continuous one-on-one battles had made his eyes a little sore—the result of excessive concentration and overuse of his abilities; defending against professional players was truly different. But in the matches, Li Wei built confidence; he was worthy of playing professionally.

Fortunately, he saw McCallian pull a note from his pocket. McCallian wrote a string of numbers on the note, held it between two fingers, and handed it to Levi, saying, "You can call this number to go for a real tryout. The opportunity is yours; whether you seize it is up to you."

Li Wei took the note, glanced at it, and stuffed it into his pocket. Before parting, McCallian praised him again, saying, "Your defensive momentum is really good," then turned and got into his car, leaving Li Wei and Luo Ping behind, and drove away from the stadium.

The cheerleaders who had been watching the commotion started to cheer, and the girl in the lead ran over, took out her phone, and said she wanted to add Li Wei on Instagram or WhatsApp. This mixed-race girl with black eyes and brown hair had long, shapely legs and a proud chest, and her large eyes, covered in false eyelashes, shone with an alluring light.

Li Wei did not refuse, and the two exchanged contact information. The girl bit her lip and said, "Let's keep in touch when we have time," before running back to the group, causing the other girls to burst into laughter.

Li Wei and Luo Ping left the stadium together. Li Wei said he had to go back to the laundromat; he still had work to do. Luo Ping offered to take Li Wei home, saying they could talk on the way. Li Wei told Luo Ping that he had gotten a phone number and had a chance to participate in a trial. Luo Ping was very excited.

"At least you've made some progress. But the first contact information is obviously more important than the second. Don't get too caught up in women, this is a crucial period for you. You need to be like Rocky, temporarily distance yourself from girls, and seize this opportunity! Your performance was truly amazing. I was worried about you. Novan Pelle is a real NBA player! Most people simply don't know how big the difference is between a professional player and an amateur!"

As they walked, Luo Ping talked to himself, completely ignoring Li Wei, who was preoccupied with other things. Ah Zhong followed closely behind Li Wei, a rope dangling from his mouth, and offered it to Li Wei. Li Wei patted Ah Zhong's head and took the rope.

Seeing that Li Wei's mind was on the dog and he wasn't listening to him, Luo Ping said with dissatisfaction, "Victor, you got this opportunity all thanks to my introduction. You can't forget your promise: if you can sign a contract, you have to give me 10% of the money. I have high hopes for you, and this should be the last time McCallien helps me; I've already used up all my favors."

“It’s still far from certain, Paris. Don’t rush me. I’ll keep my promise and I’m absolutely worth your investment. This is my opportunity, and it’s yours too.” Li Wei remained calm. He continued, “Also, stop with the fluff, especially the praise. I need some substantial help to improve my abilities.” Luo Ping stopped, looked around, and whispered, “You mean… some high-tech stuff?” Seeing Li Wei nod, Luo Ping rubbed his fingers together, indicating he needed money. Li Wei shook his head. “I don’t have any money. I told you this is your investment. If it succeeds, I’ll return it to you with interest.”

"No money, no deal, kid. I've already invested so much, used up all my connections! God, I think I'm going crazy. I'm practically homeless, and I actually believed a Chinese guy could play in the NBA... Fuck!"

"If you regret it, you can withdraw now. I'll compensate you with money, and any future developments I make will have nothing to do with you. How about it?"

The two had reached a crossroads where they would part ways, and Luo Ping was lost in thought and hesitation. He had learned about the "No-Score Challenge" online. Originally, he had just accompanied a friend to watch the excitement, but he was impressed by Li Wei's defensive abilities. So, he tried to get in touch with him and take a gamble, hoping to get Li Wei a professional football player and make some money for himself.

He's been struggling to find talent lately, with all basketball tournaments suspended, leaving him in dire financial straits. Li Wei confidently declared he could go to the NBA, but Luo Ping dismissed it as a pipe dream, thinking Li Wei would be lucky to play in the Development League or even in China.

Luo Ping always wanted to be like Rodney Parker (Note: a well-known professional ticket scalper and street agent in New York in the 60s and 70s who discovered street talents like Albert King and Fry Williams and turned them into professional players), but in 2021, the basketball world is no longer the era of street agents, and they are out of date.

The NBA's multi-billion dollar commercial value, contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and global influence have led to a comprehensive and meticulous selection system for American basketball. This system eliminates the possibility of unconventional talent slipping through the cracks; true geniuses emerge from rigorous selection processes on the maple floors of 29 arenas.

If you're not there? It just means you're not a true genius. The asphalt and concrete courts on the streets welcome you, but don't say 'I just don't want to play in the NBA' or people will laugh their heads off.

Li Wei's ability to hold Novan Pelle to 13 missed shots in one-on-one offense and defense slightly shook Luo Ping's belief. After thinking for half a minute with his not-so-shrewd mind, he said, "I can cover half the cost at most, but you'll have to pay me back with interest later! If needed, bring $3000 to the Bronx Sports Center. I can get the most advanced equipment. But I remind you, not everyone is worth paying such a price. Professional basketball is purely a game of talent. Think carefully before you decide."

Li Wei didn't say much. He said goodbye to Luo Ping and took Ah Zhong back to Hongli Laundry Shop.

Compared to when they left, there was a GMC Savana van parked in front of the shop. A tall woman came out of the laundromat, went to the back of the van, and carried a wire basket full of dirty clothes into the shop. Li Wei slowed down and led Ah Zhong slowly to the van. The woman had already taken one basket in and was now taking another one out.

Upon seeing Li Wei, she glared at him and cursed, "Are you blind or crippled? You saw the car parked here and didn't even come to help! I'm the driver and the mover all by myself, and you little brat, are you just here to do nothing?"

Despite the scolding, Li Wei quietly picked his nose, looked the white, older GMC Savana up and down, and asked, "Mom, can this car sell for $3000?"

Chen Lihua went up to kick Li Wei, but Li Wei easily dodged it. Chen Lihua then cursed, "You little bastard, I could sell you and you wouldn't even be worth three thousand yuan! You want to sell your car? What kind of scoundrels have you been hanging out with lately?!"

Li Wei smiled but didn't say anything. He helped move the laundry basket, and Ah Zhong, who was standing to the side, barked. Ah Zhong was the dog friend.

(End of this chapter)