When pride still matters

Chapter 97: The Washington Wizards with a Bright Future (Thanks to Zhuzhongjiao’s League Leader Award)

In the 7 games before Christmas, due to Yu Fei's protective suspension, the Wizards only won three of them. Except for the Heat and Hawks, two weak teams that are not worth mentioning, the only thing the Wizards won was against the Knicks. In Sri Lanka's third game, it was thanks to Jordan's 44 minutes of playing time that far exceeded the limit of physical load and a beautiful quasi-killer.

But the three wins cannot make people forget the problems of the Wizards themselves.

Will Yu Fei be traded?When will the transaction be completed?
Jordan's tenosynovitis seems to be getting worse, why not limit his playing time?

As of this month, the Wizards are already the traffic king of the NBA, surpassing the OK Lakers in terms of media appeal.

Since the past few days, the base prices of each team have been reported to Jordan's desk.

The Hawks are willing to trade Sharif Abdur-Rahim for Yu Fei, and are willing to eat Laettner's garbage contract.

The Philadelphia 76ers are willing to trade Aaron McGee and two unprotected first-rounders for Yu Fei.

The Warriors did not make a direct offer, but they hinted that they had nothing not for sale and that the Wizards could take whoever they wanted.
Various quotes indicate that in the eyes of other teams, Yu Fei is now an All-Star level bargaining chip, but for a rookie who has not played in the NBA for two months, this rating is already astonishing enough.

April 12

The Wizards have a few off days, which allows them to adjust.

But since Yu Fei and Jordan completely fell out, the atmosphere within their team has been very strange.

Yu Fei will still come to train with them and play against each other, but except for Chris Whitney and Kwame Brown, no one will take the initiative to get close to him.

Because in the eyes of other teammates, Yu Fei is about to leave the team, and they still have to be teammates with Jordan. Now that you are too familiar with Jordan's opponent, do you want Jordan to add your name in the little black book?
These days are the busiest times for Wizards and team reporters.

At the beginning, the Wizards only had team reporters from the "Washington Post". After the Yu Fei incident, the Post's exclusive information about the Wizards suddenly became more attractive. Originally, it was only one reporter compared to other local major newspapers. It has a slight advantage, but now its sales volume is several orders of magnitude higher.

To this end, the "Washington Times" obtained the qualification to send reporters to the Wizards through Abby Paulin's relationship.

The reporter sent by the Times is named Thomas Flynn. He is a basketball expert in the sports section of the Times and has been covering Wizards games for a long time.

Flynn was a witness on Yu Fei's "He said trade me" night, one of the many reporters in the press room.

Today was Flynn's first visit, and his goal was to get head coach Doug Collins to talk more about Jordan's tenosynovitis.

Recently, Yu Fei's trade has made Collins anxious, and the increasing severity of tenosynovitis caused by Jordan's increased playing time has caused another problem. People, or the media, are questioning Collins' ability and integrity because he once said that Jordan fine.He seems to be no longer a normal coach. Gradually, he has become a coach in name only. The essence of the question is - who is leading the team?
Who has the final say on this team?Including each game's roster, starting lineup, playing time, game strategy and team morale, and whether Collins can be fully trusted to put the interests of the team before the interests of one player?The issue has persisted since the start of training camp in Wilmington, when Collins casually and sometimes smugly denied Jordan had any serious physical issues.Did he know nothing about Jordan's knee issues? Was he hiding the truth about the player's health? If so, why?Is the thing about him lacking authority and not doing what's best for his team because of Jordan? Has he been threatened by Jordan into silence or a cover-up since training camp?
Flynn knew that as a reporter with the team on the first day of reporting, he could easily anger Collins by asking such questions directly to Collins, but he didn't mind.In the world of sports, local media tend to treat their own people kindly unless they're terrible or problematic, which can lead to boundaries on both sides, as if there's a no-go zone.This rarely happens in political reporting.

In political coverage, as soon as something becomes an issue, media outlets enthusiastically take on candidates or officials at their own peril.In contrast, coaches, like athletes, can be rude.Vent your emotions unbridled.On live television, University of Michigan head football coach Lloyd Carr angrily responded to an ABC sideline reporter's polite question about Carr's coaching: "Why would you ask such a stupid question?"

Coaches in all sports will periodically lose their temper or lash out at reporters, and reporters often view such tantrums as the cost of their jobs, and they will work hard to learn when to do so in order to survive professionally. Give in.And they will find they have a lot of room to give.

But Flynn was a sportswriter with no sense of boundaries.

"I wish Michael hadn't played that long," Collins told Steve Wyche.

Flynn approached him and asked: "Both Michael and Tim Grover said they were aware of tenosynovitis during training camp. When did you learn about this?"

Collins stuttered a bit, and his face, which looked a bit like Biden, now looked more like Biden 20 years later, but this was not panic, but a defensive caution and caution, "Oh, this is the matter. , probably in New York (opening night), I was thinking maybe Michael was injured."

"Did you not see any problems with Michael before the preseason?"

This kind of domineering questioning made Collins feel like a prisoner, and his dissatisfaction with Flynn soared, but he had to deal with this problem: "Well, you know Michael, you know he won't tell you what's wrong with him. "

"I have something else to do."

Before Flynn finished questioning, Collins left.

So Flynn asked Collins' assistant coach John Bach: "Can I ask Doug a few more questions about MJ?"

Bach asked Collins for his opinion and was told, "He doesn't want to be interviewed."

"I'm going to keep asking him," Flynn insisted.

Bach spread his hands, indicating that he had no control over this matter.

Flynn stood aside and watched Collins pretending to observe the players training, waiting for the opportunity. Until Collins decided to walk back, he came to the opponent again: "Grover and Michael didn't tell you about tenosynovitis?"

"We never discussed anything like this."

Collins' face showed visible dissatisfaction.

"Did you really not notice any signs?"

"I'm not a doctor."

"We don't have to be doctors to tell if someone is comfortable or uncomfortable."

"I haven't thought about it."

“Perhaps you’re worried about the amount of publicity that will come out of it if you discuss this publicly?”

Collins scowled, as if thinking about how he was going to answer the question, and then he got the answer: "Michael was in a position where if he got tenosynovitis, everyone would say, look, you're too old, you shouldn't come back. No matter what he does, he will be criticized."

Flynn was satisfied that he would include it in tomorrow's news, but he still had questions.

"About Frye."

"That's enough!" Collins interrupted, "It's you guys! You want to screw us over! Treat us like prisoners! We have no obligation to tell you what happened to us! You bastard! You This stalker, stay away from me!"

Collins stormed off.

The movement here attracted the attention of Jordan and the others.

The man in the eye of the storm seemed calm by comparison.

Yu Fei twirled the basketball on his finger and probably only looked here for a few seconds before continuing to train.

No one in the huge Verizon Center seemed to care about what happened to Flynn.

As an outsider who joined midway, he had known that something like this would happen.

Being assigned as a reporter for the Wizards was not a business trip for Flynn, it was an exile.

He was abandoned.

Originally, he only needed to watch the game, interview Wizards players, and write reports based on their answers. Now, he had to face these most arrogant, self-centered, selfish and rude people at close range. bastard.

Flynn hated that he had such a job.

This is something that a lot of people don’t realize, but most sportswriters hate their jobs.There's nothing more annoying than this, and although it's a contradiction and no one will admit it, just give you a drink, in a bar that's short of customers, and you'll hear the truth.The people who provide you with first-hand knowledge of professional, college and high school sports sincerely wish that anything sports-related other than the NCAA Tournament would disappear from this world.

There's almost nothing to say about this job except that it turns you into a cynical, miserable bastard.Worse yet, no one will have a normal conversation with you for the rest of your life.You meet people who either want to talk about sports or think you want to talk about sports, and strangers complain to you about how Rasheed Wallace acts like a manic maniac and can't control his temper. Your friend’s dad can’t help but ask you all kinds of weird questions about the Washington Redskins, but you’d rather be commenting on the geopolitics of the Middle East. Unfortunately, you’re a sportswriter and no one wants to hear you talk about politics. .

This is Flynn's life.

Just when he was feeling sorry for himself and had the wild idea of ​​blowing up the Verizon Center, Yu Fei sat down next to him.

"Do you want to do an exclusive interview?" Yu Fei said, "I have time."

※※※

Today, Jordan will not participate in training. He has more important things to be busy with.

The so-called more important thing was naturally Yu Fei's transaction.

Jordan was determined to trade Yu Fei, but he never got an offer he wanted.

The Heat's free players + three first-rounders look good, but what's the use of Jordan having three first-rounders?

What he wants is immediate combat power, immediate combat power that can help him win from now on. Moreover, this immediate combat power must obey his leadership. It is unacceptable for Yu Fei to jump into the head.

It wasn't until Suns executive Brian Colangelo called that there was any real progress.

"Michael, we're old friends, and I know your concerns, and I know what DC needs. So, here's my offer, Penny, Rodney Rodgers and next year's first-round pick. What we want is Frye. and Christian Leitner.”

This was the most satisfying offer Jordan had ever heard.

He has always liked Pence, and he has been optimistic about this young man's growth since Pence entered the league.Before the injury, Jordan believed that Pence would take over the league after him, but injuries are indeed a key factor in the loss of talent.

Although Penny is no longer the successor he was designated to be, he is still outstanding. As a combo guard, he averages 12 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game. With him, the Wizards' defense line no longer has worries, and Rhodes Nick Rogers is also a veteran who has been in the league for many years, averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds per game this season.

He has immediate combat effectiveness, meets the Wizards' needs, and has draft picks.

This is a killer offer.

"I see your sincerity, Brian, let me discuss it with my people and you will get an answer soon."

Jordan hung up the phone and looked at Rod Higgins: "Phoenix is ​​willing to give us pennies, Rodney Rogers and draft picks."

"Great!" Higgins also felt that this was the best offer they could get.Before making the final decision, Jordan recalled Collins' proposal to trade Yu Fei at the beginning of the season.

Jordan remembers what he said.

If they trade Yu Fei, it means he failed.

It may not even be a month and a half now, but Yu Fei's deal is already imminent.

Did he lose?

No, he didn't lose, it was all Yu Fei's fault!
He forced me to do this!

Jordan was lost in remembrance of the past, and his brown eyes looked a little blurry.

"Should we notify that person of the transaction?" Higgins asked.

"Of course," Jordan said coldly, "he is still the owner of the team after all."

These days, Abi Paulin comes to the Verizon Center to work almost every day.

He was worried that Jordan would suddenly complete Yu Fei's deal while he was away.

Paulin was opposed to the Yu Fei trade, but he would not say it out loud.

Before Jordan came to DC, Paulin promised him the power to manage the team. This power of course included transactions, signings, and drafts. But in terms of transactions, Paulin had requirements, that is, every transaction must meet his requirements. "standard".

Jordan didn't ask what the standard was, because every trade Jordan has made since he took over the team has passed without a hitch.

When a standard never affects transactions, it doesn't matter whether it exists or not.

But Pauline really has standards for trading.

"Is there any news yet?"

When Wes Unseld scurried into Pauline's office, the Wizards owner looked a bit groggy.

"Yes! The deal has been set!" Unseld said. "The target of the deal is Phoenix. They are willing to send Penny, Rodney Rogers and a first-round pick."

Pauline asked: "Does this deal meet my 'criteria'?"

"Of course not, Mr. Pauling." Unseld knew what Pauling was thinking. "Rodney Rogers aside, he is just the addition to this transaction. The focus is on pennies. Pennies used to be great, but now Pence is just an ordinary starter. Last year, he caused a big scandal in Phoenix - he pointed a gun at the child's mother in front of the child and threatened to kill her. If this kind of player comes to DC, the city will What will the feminists in the community think? What about the good-for-nothing campaigners? I can’t imagine, Mr. Pauline.”

"Okay! Okay! Okay!" Paulin's excitement at this moment made it impossible to tell whether he was happy because the deal did not meet his own standards, or whether he was excited because he had the opportunity to stop Jordan. "Tell Michael, I don't Agree to this deal, it doesn't meet 'standards'!"

Unseld hesitated, "What if Michael insists on doing this deal?"

Just for a moment, Paulin was like those people possessed by evil spirits in horror movies, suddenly showing a terrifying face, and asked with a cruel sneer: "Wes, who do you think has the final say here?"

"Of course Mr. Pauline!"

"So, Michael and I will reach a consensus." Paulin said, anticipating Jordan's possible reaction, and whispered to himself, "It is still useful for me to speak here."

"Go and inform Michael, and ask Fry to come over. I have something to tell him."

When Unseld personally informed Jordan that the deal did not meet Pauline's "standards," the unique player-coach-general manager-owner in NBA history fumed: "Standards? What the fuck are you standards? You Explain to me what the fucking standards are!???”

"Mr. Pauline has only one 'standard', and that is that the Wizards do not welcome players with scandals. There is no place for them here." Unseld said, "Pence threatened the mother of his biological child with a gun last season. His Violence and disrespect for women will not be tolerated by Mr. Pauline. Michael, did you know that DC is one of the birthplaces of women's rights activists? Did you know that a large number of women's rights activities are held here every year? If we replace it with Frye Come on, those guys will take advantage of the situation and make us look bad! This is Mr. Pauline's 'standard'! No one can challenge it, which is why we use 'wiz' instead of 'bullet'⑴, this is Chris. Webb is obviously the best power forward in the league, but as long as he is involved in a crime, we will not hesitate to send him away. This is all based on Mr. Pauline's 'standards'⑵!"

Jordan said solemnly: "I want to talk to him!"

"Mr. Pauline is in the office." Unseld had fantasized about hitting Jordan in administration, but he didn't expect it would be so pleasant.

Jordan, who lost control of the matter, just wanted to ask Paulin face to face, so he walked straight out of his office.

Jordan came to Pauline's office door and knocked hard twice.

"come in."

Pauline's voice came from inside.

Jordan opened the door forcefully and was about to speak when he found someone inside that he didn't want to see at all - Yu Fei.

"Why is he here?" Jordan asked.

Paulin smiled and said: "This matter has been dragged on for many days. There should be a result. We will end it today."

Yu Fei asked: "Is my transaction completed?"

"Oh no, no, Fry." Pauline still looked like a kind old man, "You're not going anywhere."

Did Paulin choose Yu Fei between himself and Yu Fei?

"Abby, whose team is this?" Jordan asked straight to the point.

"This is our team," Pauline replied.

"Since it's our team, why can't I trade this bastard who will only cause trouble for me?" Jordan asked again.

Can the defendant still become the plaintiff?Who likes to cause trouble?
Yu Fei smiled and said: "Yes, yes, it seems that everyone likes to play with people who can trade away teammates at will."

"Michael, do you think Frye is more difficult to live with than Jerry Krause?" Pauline began his performance.

Jordan didn't answer. Right now, he was really not sure whether he hated Klaus or Yu Fei more.

"Jerry is undoubtedly the person you hate the most, but you still won six championships together. This fully proves that having someone you don't like on the team is not a necessary and sufficient condition to hinder the team's progress. Under certain circumstances, , he may also be an important helper for you." Paulin continued, "Besides, Frye has played so many games, I think you should know that he can indeed help, we have won many games this season , without Frye, it might have been a different outcome."

This is a fact that Jordan cannot deny.

But if they can trade Yu Fei, they can also exchange for immediate combat power that can help the team win. This is what Jordan wanted to say, but Paulin obviously took control of the situation: "You are the greatest player in history and the greatest player in history." The best leader ever, your experience can help him and his energy can help you, why can't you try to understand each other?"

"How can I understand each other with someone who doesn't respect me?"

"How do I understand each other with someone who threatens to trade me?"

Yu Fei and Jordan said almost at the same time.

"Look, this is the problem we need to solve." Paulin stood up, put one hand on Jordan's shoulder, and held Yu Fei's hand with the other. "Starting from today," he looked at Jordan, "you have to do a better job A good leader, teach him experience and improve his game." Then he turned to Yu Fei, "And you must respect the veteran and obey his leadership. I guarantee that no one will trade you. You have such strength at such a young age. It would be foolish to trade you, you are the future of DC professional basketball! And Michael will be your mentor!"

Yu Fei already knew that he would not be traded.The person who bears the shame for this is Jordan. For Fei, being traded is the best result. If he is not traded, it will be Jordan who makes a fool of himself.

Moreover, it is now obvious that Jordan's trade plan has been rejected, which is a victory for Pauline in the administrative struggle.

Seeing his triumphant face, which almost made his yellow teeth fall out when he smiled, Yu Fei was also happy: "I agree."

Pauline then looked at Jordan.

The Suns' trade was rejected for clear and legitimate reasons. Jordan had no better choice. On the surface, choosing to reconcile with Yu Fei was the best solution at the moment.

"I don't have a problem," Jordan piped up.

"Great! Great!" Paulin was so excited that he almost shot away. "As long as you two can work together, the future of the Washington Wizards will definitely be bright!"

The Wizards then held a press conference for the two.

Wizards press officer: "I know that many people have been paying attention to Frye's trade rumors recently, but I can now clearly inform you that there will be no trade. Frye will be a member of the Washington Wizards now and in the future!"

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"After 15 years out of school, Scottie Pippen finally got his degree and graduated successfully. He will provide a vivid education lesson to those who have bankrupted themselves as soon as they left the NBA." - "Chicago Globe"

"Mark Cuban, the owner of the Mavericks, spent his own money to hire a statistician to count the referees' missed calls and errors in every Mavericks game. This seems to provide a factual basis for his ongoing war with the referees⑶." - " Dallas Star

"Seriously, is anyone surprised that Frye Yu's 'he said trade me' thing ended with DC doing nothing?" - The New York Times

“Michael says he and Frye have come to understand each other after a long conversation. Will this take their relationship further?” —The Washington Post

"Everyone who believes that Frye and MJ will reconcile are fools. They will not reconcile. The superficial calm means that a bigger storm is coming. However, Frye will never bow to MJ, because he has the entire Seattle behind him. With his support, he will not only create unprecedented achievements in the NBA, but also completely make Michael Jordan fall from the altar!" - "Seattle Times"

⑴ In 1997, Pauline changed the Washington Bullets to the Washington Wizards.Because "bullet" no longer had a positive meaning at that time.The name was popular in the 60s, when television was awash with American-style police westerns, where the good police chief always had a good gun and fired righteous bullets at the bad guys.But times have changed, and so has the nature of American cities.It's a bad name for a city with too many bullets in too many areas and too much blood shed by bullets.In addition, another reason that forced Paulin to decide to change his name was that one of his friends also died in an assassination at that time.

(Of course, this knowledge is meaningless to everyone, I just took the opportunity to show off the miscellaneous information I collected, please don’t be offended)
⑵ Weber and Uncle Huo were suspected of having sex with a girl in Washington. In the end, Uncle Huo escaped and Weber reconciled with the client.

⑶There should be no current Doncic fans who don’t hate Cuban, because his team building ideas are obviously delaying Doncic.But in fact, Cuban at the beginning of the century was still a very passionate and down-to-earth boss. He attended every Mavericks home game, and stood in the front row for the fans to point out the referees who blew the whistle or missed the whistle. He invited the so-called After "statistician", it becomes even more outrageous. Before scolding the referee, he has to quote a paragraph from the classics: "What kind of 'dog whistle' or 'soft whistle' did you blow on such a certain day in a certain year and a certain month? I @￥@ !￥@”

Thanks to the leader of Zhuzhong Trail for the reward, and also to Yu Yan, Qian Huan Wu Xue, Book Friends 201908282226430888, Strange Crow, Ah Huxuan, Red Plum Splashing Snow, Seventeen Plus Nineteen, and Begonia Sleepless st for their rewards.

(End of this chapter)