"Kobe, I hope you can strengthen your defensive training in the next time. The team currently needs your ability in this area. Are you willing?"
Next, Danny Ainge found Kobe and talked with him.
"Defense? OK, I can do it."
Although Kobe wanted to strengthen his offense most, he did not refuse the team's request because what he wanted to be was an offensive and defensive star, so he simply agreed and confidently stated that he would definitely become a ball player.
The team's defensive gate on the outside.
After dealing with Kobe, Danny Ainge communicated with Wang Tiejun again.
At noon that day, the league announced the rankings of various data kings in November, as well as the MVP rankings.
Wang Tiejun averaged 40 minutes per game in November, took 23 shots per game, shot 62% from the field, and averaged 35.2 points, 16.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 4.1 blocks, 1.9 turnovers and 3.2 fouls per game.
He occupies the first place in the three data kings of scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots. At the same time, he is ahead of Jordan in the mvp ranking, occupying the first position.
Taking advantage of the free time these days, Lao Wang began to contact the general managers of some teams. Over the past few years, he had the contact information of all team managements.
He is still more optimistic about Hu Weidong. At the age of 26, his body and skills have matured. He has begun to enter his peak period and has begun to gain more game experience. But whether he can adapt to the NBA depends on Hu Weidong's confrontation ability. If he can
If it maintains considerable stability, then there will be no problem.
In fact, the Suns are also short of shooting guards, but he has no intention of introducing Hu Weidong to the team, because the Suns intend to rush to the championship. There is already a rookie Kobe Bryant at the second position, and there is no room for a rookie Hu Weidong.
.
After some contact, the general managers of several teams that needed reinforcements at the shooting guard position agreed to give Hu Weidong a trial training opportunity.
Looking back, he asked Hu Weidong to prepare and come to the United States immediately.
The new domestic CBA season only starts in mid-December, so there is still some time. If there is no chance here, there is no problem in going back and continuing to play CBA.
In addition, he also needs to help Hu Weidong find an NBA agent. Without the help of an agent, it will be difficult for Hu Weidong to complete the trial training in the United States.
Of course, the higher the level of this agent, the better, so that he can have the connections to find a team for Hu Weidong.
After much thought, he felt that Jordan's agent, David Frank, was good. This guy had a wide network of contacts and was a man of great powers. He had all the big names under his command, such as Ewing, Barkley, and No. 1 pick Allen Iverson, etc. Hu Weidong joined him.
Under the banner, joining a team should be no problem.
He didn't consider whether David Frank wanted to sign Hu Weidong, so he called him. The number he called was Jordan's number. He didn't have David Frank's contact information in his hand.
"Flyer, give me Mr. David Frank's contact information. I have a teammate of the Chinese national team who wants to come to the NBA and give him a recommendation."
"ok."
Jordan immediately agreed.
After hanging up the phone from Lao Wang, he immediately called David Frank.
"Hey, Michael?"
"David, Old K asked me to give you your contact information. He has a Chinese player to recommend to you. Aren't you looking for information about the big man that Old K got into Georgetown University? This is an opportunity.
"Jordan said.
"Really? That's great!" David Frank said happily.
Ewing told him about Big Yao. He said that Old K had approached him and Mutombo to get a big man named Yao Min into Georgetown University. Now the big man is over 220 centimeters tall and only 16 years old.
The big man is highly valued at Georgetown University and may be the next Ewing. He has long wanted to inquire about Yao Min and see if he can get to know him so that he can sign him in the future, and this is just an opportunity.
He didn't wait for Lao K's call and called him first.
Over there, Lao Wang was about to call David Frank. His cell phone rang. When he looked at the caller ID, it happened to be the number he was dialing. He quickly connected: "Hello, this is Lao K and you are Mr. David Frank."
?”
"Yes, Old K, Michael just told me that I am very happy that you chose me for your national team teammates. Yes, I am very interested in who you want to recommend to me?"
"Hu Weidong, the main shooting guard of our national team, the one who played in the Olympics last time, is nicknamed Jordan of China in Asia."
"Oh, that's good. Then I will have two Jordans under my banner, haha!" David Frank readily agreed and asked Hu Weidong to contact him after he arrived in the United States.
"David, I contacted a few trial teams for him first," Lao Wang said.
"Okay, tell me those teams. Even if they don't want him, I will find another team. I promise to take care of it. Don't worry, I will definitely help him sign a good contract.
.”
David Frank even directly made a guarantee, but in fact this is not a big problem for him. As long as Hu Weidong's strength is not too bad, with his ability and connections, it is not a big deal to find a team to sign a small contract.
What.
The matter was resolved perfectly, and Lao Wang was not surprised. The last time Yao easily entered Georgetown University, he knew that he had a certain influence in the NBA and American basketball circles and could influence many people.
manner.
Later, he notified Hu Weidong and asked him to settle his domestic contract and then come to the United States. With David Frank's connections, there should be no problem for him to join the NBA and there would be no need to worry.
When he heard that Jordan's agent became his agent, Hu Weidong was so excited that he was moved and said: "Old K, thank you so much. If you can sign the contract, I will treat you. Dong Laishun will take care of the pot."
"We'll wait until we sign the contract, haha!" Lao Wang laughed.
Hu Weidong then notified the Jiangsu Men's Basketball Team of the news. After the Men's Basketball Team learned of the news, they understood that Hu Weidong had really flown away.
The contract buyout procedures were quickly completed and subsequently announced to the public.
The reaction of each CBA team was the same as that of the Jiangsu Men's Basketball Team. They did not want their players to go and play in the NBA. However, the response from the media and fans was very enthusiastic, and Hu Weidong also received a lot of congratulations.
This put a lot of pressure on the 81 team, because some time ago the media had reported that they hoped to go to the NBA. Now that Hu Weidong has left, or even if he has not made it, the pressure has suddenly fallen on them.
This also affected Da Zhi's mood. During a subsequent training session, he was accidentally injured due to lack of concentration. Fortunately, it was a minor injury and he only needed to rest for half a month.
…
On the 4th, the Suns defeated the Warriors at home and the Kings on the road on the 6th, winning 17 consecutive games, which also created the longest winning streak in team history. The team's next game is against the Pacers at home on the 8th.
At 10 a.m. on the 7th, Hu Weidong arrived in Los Angeles.
David Frank was already waiting at the airport exit, holding a one-foot-square card with Hu Weidong's Chinese name crookedly written on it.
After waiting for a long time, I finally saw a tall and handsome Chinese young man wearing black-rimmed glasses and looking elegant, dragging his suitcase and walking out. I guessed it was Hu Weidong. He quickly shook the cards in his hand and shouted: "Hu,
Hu Weidong, is that you? I am David Frank."
Hu Weidong saw it, walked over quickly, stretched out his hand, put a smile on his face, and said in very poor English: "Hello, Mr. Frank, this is Hu Weidong."
The two tried to communicate. Frank found that Hu Weidong's language was a problem and suggested that he hire a translator and improve his English learning.
Later, Frank did not immediately sign an agent contract with Hu Weidong, but brought Hu Weidong to Phoenix, where he wanted to sign the contract in front of Old K.
The purpose of this is to consolidate the relationship with Lao K and lay the foundation for signing Dayao and more Chinese players in the future.
At noon on the 7th, the Suns returned to Phoenix.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, Lao Wang went to the airport to pick up David Frank and Hu Weidong, accompanied by Zhang Lili and Su Qun, and then drove a car to the K martial arts gym.
Before dinner, witnessed by Lao Wang and CCTV cameras, Hu Weidong and David Frank signed an agency contract.
"cheers!"
Lao Wang opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
"Xiao Hu, congratulations!" Zhang Lili said cheerfully.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Hu Weidong said excitedly.
"Old K, if any outstanding players from your country want to come to the NBA in the future, they can come to me." After the celebration, David Frank began to build relationships, and naturally he talked about Yao.
Lao Wang did not refuse and promised to introduce Dayao to him if he had the opportunity.
Frank is the top agent in the NBA. He can indeed help him get some of the best kids from the summer camp to play in the United States. If they can't play in the NBA, they can play in the second-tier league, or play in the NCAA first like Dayao.
At this time, Hu Weidong mentioned a piece of news. Regarding Zheng Haihai, she had received an invitation from the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks and was planning to come to the United States to play ball in the near future.
"This is great news!"
Lao Wang was very happy, but asked: "How is her injury?"
Hu Weidong shook his head and said: "I had a knee surgery last time in China, and more than a dozen bone fragments were removed. My athletic ability has dropped a lot. But after using your medicated oil this year, I think it has been somewhat relieved."
"When she arrives, notify me and I will introduce Dr. Carter to check her out. Dr. Carter is the world's top medical expert in the field of knee joints," he said.
At this point, he asked again: "Where are you?"
Hu Weidong said happily: "My health is not bad. I have been using your medicated baths and medicated oils for the past year, and I have also found a massage therapist for help. I don't have any injuries now."
"Well, I will make arrangements for you to go to Dr. Carter's for a checkup tomorrow, and then go to trial training." Wang Tiejun said.
David Frank nodded first and then shook his head, then smiled and said: "A physical examination is necessary, and I just need a copy of Hu's physical examination report.
But trial training is not necessary. Hu Weidong performed well in the Olympics, and with my contacts and introduction, this step can be saved. I can definitely get him a fully guaranteed contract without trial training. In fact, I have already contacted the relevant parties
The team has reached an agreement."
"That would be great."
Lao Wang was very satisfied with David Frank's attitude and felt that it would be a good choice to hand over Dayao to him in the future.
On the 8th, after Wang Tiejun arranged it, Hu Weidong went for a checkup accompanied by David Frank. The result was good and there was no problem.
The first team David Frank contacted was the Pacers. He wanted Hu Weidong to serve as a substitute for Reggie Miller. He had already contacted Hu Weidong before he arrived in the United States. The talks were almost complete. He only needed to pass the physical examination.
No problem.
This was something he had carefully considered. Reggie Miller didn't have any capable substitutes. Based on Hu Weidong's performance in the Olympics, he should have a lot of opportunities to play.
The Pacers arrived in Phoenix yesterday afternoon, and team general manager Walsh also followed the team to the away game. He has already made an appointment.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, the Pacers were training at the American West Arena. David Frank came here with Hu Weidong, and Lao Wang and Zhang Lili also came to act as Lao Hu's translator.
"Hey, old K, David."
Outside the visiting team's locker room, Pacers general manager Donnie Walsh greeted warmly.
"Hello, Donnie." Lao Wang greeted.
"Let me introduce, this is Lao K's teammate in the national team, the main shooting guard Hu Weidong, he is known as the Jordan of China.
In this Olympics, he once dunked on Pippen, which was very good. Downey, this time the Pacers are cheap. Originally, I wanted to get Hu to the Bulls. With Hu Weidong, the substitute lineup is deeper, maybe he can
Kill the bull."
Frank gave a brief introduction, but did not introduce the specific situation of Hu Weidong. The relevant situation had already been mentioned when we contacted him before.
He handed the physical examination report that Hu Weidong had just obtained to Donnie Walsh and said: "This is the report of Dr. Carter, the miracle doctor of the sun, the most famous orthopedic surgeon in the United States, Thomas Carter. You should believe his level, right?
"
Donnie Walsh read the report, a smile appeared on his face, and he nodded: "Of course I believe him. I also know that the Magic's Anfernee Hardaway just had surgery on him."
Because of the Ewing trade, Donnie Walsh still owed David Frank a favor. Since Hu Weidong was in good health and had already negotiated the deal, the signing was a matter of course. He had prepared the contract.
"Hu, three-year contract, 21, US$500,000 in the first year, 750,000 in the second year, 1.25 million in the third year, a total of 2.5 million, player option in the last year, the Pacers can't afford more space, in order
After signing you, they also used a buyout to clear out a contract. Are you satisfied with this contract?"
David Frank asked cautiously before signing the contract.
Lao Wang translated and said: "Three years and two hundred and fifty, excluding taxes and the pension temporarily withheld by the league, you can get half of it, about 1.2 million US dollars. Lao Hu, sign it, the first contract is not bad.
.As long as you play well in these three years without major injuries, you can sign a bigger contract in the next one."
Hu Weidong nodded excitedly. One million US dollars is seven million yuan. He can earn so much in three years. He only earned one hundred thousand yuan after playing in the CBA for one year last year. Why not sign this?
After signing, he still couldn't believe it. He joined the NBA so easily?
"Kacha kacha..."
The CCTV camera team captured the entire signing process.
"Lao Hu, when you get to Indiana, first find a translator. Don't save these little money, but strengthen your English learning. Communication in the team is very important. No matter how well you speak English, you must communicate frequently with your teammates and coaches." He warned.
Then he brought Lao Hu to the court, greeted a group of Pacers players who were training, and shouted: "King Kong, Big Mouth, let me introduce you to a teammate."
Ewing and Reggie Miller threw away the ball in their hands and came over. The former had never played in the Olympics and did not know Hu Weidong. The latter was a member of the Dream Team Three and had played against Hu Weidong for at least twenty minutes. When he saw Hu Weidong,
I recognized it immediately.
"Hu Weidong, shooting guard, your teammate who just signed a contract." Lao Wang introduced.
The two of them were startled and did not react.
"Lao Hu, this is Patrick Ewing, nicknamed King Kong. He is Reggie Miller, nicknamed Big Mouth, or the Terminator, the inner and outer core of the Pacers." Lao Wang said again.
Under his introduction, the three people quickly greeted each other.
"King Kong, Big Mouth, he is my brother, take care of me. If you can't defeat Jordan in the future, come to the Suns when you are old. I will lead you to win the championship. I can't let you retire without a championship. How dishonorable is that?
"Old Wang said with a strong voice.
"Damn it, we can get it ourselves, we don't need to hug your lap." Ewing and Reggie Miller said angrily.
Then Ewing asked seriously: "Old K, how strong is he?"
"Ask Big Mouth, they played against each other in the Olympic group stage." Lao Wang pointed at Reggie Miller with his chin.
"It's not bad, he can shoot and pass, and his basket is pretty good. He scored 18 points in that game." Reggie Miller nodded.
"Okay, old K, don't worry, he will be fine here." Ewing immediately became happy,
Dameng won the championship, and he was more concerned about the championship. He wanted to win the championship, and he couldn't be happier to have a helper on the bench.
"Big Mouth, King Kong, I'll treat you when I have time. I'm here now. I have to go back. I'll see you at the game tonight. Lao Hu, just stay with the Pacers." Lao Wang said hello and left first.
Hu Weidong will stay with the team. He still has to go through an adaptation process. Now his English level is about the same as that of Dayao. It's really hard to say whether he can finally adapt.
However, with Ewing and Reggie Miller around, he won't be ostracized by the team, which gives him a foundation in the Pacers.
The only problem may be head coach Larry Brown.
He knew that after the management suddenly signed a Chinese defender, he didn't look good, but he didn't have an attack.
Now the relationship between him and the management is a bit tense. This is his fourth year with the Pacers and the last year of his contract. He has not performed well. If this season continues, the management will most likely change coaches. No.
I feel a little bad about renewing his contract.
At this time, Donnie Walsh introduced: "Coach Brown, he is Hu Weidong, a Chinese player and a teammate of Old K in the national team. He once played against Miller in the Olympics. In that game, he won the
18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, and it was Miller who stole the ball."
Larry Brown was stunned. It was okay. He was not a rookie. He hated rookies the most. However, he did not trust international players very much. Moreover, he was going to compete for the championship this season, so he would not easily trust an international player.
So he just nodded, said nothing, turned around and shouted at the players training on the field: "Everyone, get moving, tonight we have to prove our strength against the Suns, we are the best team in this league."
Team."
Old Hu was a little confused. Donnie Walsh shrugged and said to him: "Coach Brown's personality is quite old-fashioned. Hu, you just need to get used to it."
What else could Lao Hu say, he could only nodded.
Here Zhang Lijia is contacting CCTV and asking for permission to discuss with the NBA to reduce some Suns and Bulls games and increase some Pacers games.
Currently, CCTV mainly broadcasts Suns games, followed by Bulls games, and few other games.
After consideration, CCTV did not agree to reduce the Suns and Bulls games. The ratings were very strong and the advertising revenue was good. However, CCTV agreed to broadcast a few more weekend Pacers games, which means increasing the scale of real-time broadcasting. It used to be a week.
One broadcast, and occasionally double broadcasts a week in the future.