"Unfortunately, the Grizzlies don't want Zach Randolph. They are now determined to rebuild and train new players. They only want draft picks and potential rookies."
Steve Patterson couldn't help but said with a long sigh.
"That guy Jerry West even asked me if I wanted to trade Zhang Jun, and they were even willing to use Rudy Gayin and two first-round picks."
"How did the old guy have the nerve to say that?"
"Even if the Grizzlies add all available draft picks, I will never trade!"
"Zhang Jun is too sweet."
After determining that Gasol could not be obtained, and the latter had already entered the trading market, Steve Patterson immediately made a deal about Zach Randolph.
.........
the second day.
Steve Patterson and Knicks general manager Isaiah Thomas held separate press conferences to announce the trade.
The Trail Blazers took out Randolph, Dan Dickau and Sergio Rodriguez, and traded for Channing Fry and Steve Francis of the New York Knicks.
"It's a deal that doesn't involve draft picks."
Barkley interpreted it on his own show.
Kenny Smith was slightly puzzled: "The Trail Blazers paid a quasi-All-Star Zach Randolph, and this deal also allowed them to accept Steve Francis' bad contract."
"Every way I look at it, the Trail Blazers lost a lot on this trade."
Barkley shook his head and said: "If you only look at the content of the transaction, it is true that the Knicks took advantage of it, but if you think about it carefully and interpret it, you will find that the two teams are completely what they need."
Kenny Smith asked curiously: "How do you say this? What did the two teams get?"
Barkley continued: "Randolph's maximum salary contract has four years left, and Steve Francis' maximum salary contract will expire next year."
"By the end of next year, Braden Royne and Aldridge of the Trail Blazers have the possibility of early contract extensions."
"So the Trail Blazers' intention to reach this deal is obvious. They are trying to renew the contract early after the end of next season to make room for salary."
"After all, the Trail Blazers have three talented young men, Zhang Jun, Luo Yin and Aldridge. As long as these three can be stabilized, the Trail Blazers will become a team that cannot be underestimated in the West in the next five years. .”
Hearing this, Kenny Smith suddenly realized.
In this deal, the Trail Blazers are still a three-for-two deal, with a total salary of 22 million, while the Knicks' total salary is 19 million. They also gained a special case of 3 million through this deal.
Although only a reduction of 3 million in salary did not reduce the salary level of the Trail Blazers below the luxury tax penalty, it is better than nothing. After all, the luxury tax penalty of almost 5 million was reduced.
The book chasing app recommended to me by an old book friend who has known me for ten years! It’s really easy to use. I rely on reading and listening to books to pass the time while driving and before going to bed. You can download it here..】
Barkley continued: "Francis has two years left on his contract and is worth $34 million. Although his performance with the New York Knicks is not satisfactory, he is a former All-Star after all."
"Francis' experience will definitely help young players like Zhang Jun, Luo Yin, and Aldridge, which will allow them to grow faster."
"The most important thing is that the Knicks also paid another player, the No. 8 pick in 2005, Channing Fry."
"Channing Fry is a space-type big man who averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game in his rookie period. He made 34% of his three-pointers in his rookie period, and he was optimistic about the future by many scouts. Potential to be an anti-aircraft battery."
"Last season, the Knicks experienced turmoil from the team to the management. Channing Fry's poor performance led to a significant reduction in the value of the deal, but I can guarantee that he is definitely the key factor for the Trail Blazers to determine the deal."
.........
Trail Blazers training ground.
The team's recent record of 1 win and 3 losses has caused a great blow to the players, because Randolph's transaction has also been causing panic.
Steve Patterson came to the training ground and told every player.
"Our deal is over."
"Yes, this will be the last trade of the Trail Blazers this season, so everyone is safe from now on."
"The team's continuous injuries and internal personnel vacancies have caused our record to fluctuate, but now we have got a new big man, so all the problems have been solved."
"I hope the team can show the state and fighting spirit at the beginning of the game, and continue to meet the next game."
Steve Patterson's words gave everyone a reassurance, and then he looked at Nate McMillan and Monty Williams of the coaching staff and said.
"I didn't even ask for the Bobcats' first-round pick in order to get Channing Frye. I hope you can use him well."
Nate McMillan assured: "Channing Fry will seamlessly connect with the Trail Blazers, and his cooperation with Zhang Jun will definitely bring a lot of trouble to our opponents."
Monty Williams nodded again and again and said: "The Trail Blazers will become the new army in the West, making any opponent who meets us feel terrified."
Steve Patterson hummed in satisfaction, and then looked at Zhang Jun who was making a mid-range shot on the court.
"Hey, Zhang Jun, how are you doing in the Trail Blazers? If you need it, you can come to my office at any time. If you have any help or needs, you can directly ask me."
Looking at the kind-hearted Steve Patterson, Zhang Jun was not used to it.
He is still used to the attitude and way of speaking of the opponent when he first entered the Trail Blazers, after all, that is more real.
After Steve Patterson left, Nate McMillan looked at everyone seriously and said, "Channing Frye has arrived in Portland and is undergoing a medical examination."
"If nothing else happens, he will join the team the day after tomorrow and become our new member."
"So the next paragraph will be brought to him by you, the day after tomorrow we will play against the Sonics, we must win!"
.........
December 9th.
The Trail Blazers host the Seattle SuperSonics.
locker room.
Channing Fry walked into this strange arena with a backpack, a strange player tunnel, and the strange management of the Trail Blazers by his side.
This is his first experience with trading.
Channing Fry didn't know how other players felt when they first experienced the trade, but at least he felt very uncomfortable, and even worried about whether his new teammates would get along well.
"call"
Channing Fry took a deep breath, and then opened the door to the locker room.
"Hey guys, it's a pleasure to join you."
With a smile on his face, Channing Fry opened his arms and embraced the loneliness, because there was no one in the whole locker room.
Qian Ningfu couldn't help frowning, and could only helplessly spread his hands.
There's nothing worse than not having a teammate greet you.
"Hey buddy, I brought you your training suit."
"I also asked for your jersey from the equipment manager."
"I know you don't recognize the door and don't know where the equipment department is, so we also brought some knee pads, elbow pads and bandages."
Zhang Jun, Luo Yin, and Aldridge appeared at the door.
This is what the three agreed to do. The three do not want another Zach Randolph to appear in the future Trail Blazers, so they have a special way of treating new players and teammates.
Zhang Jun suggested that the three of them should establish a new team culture for the Trail Blazers, a team culture of fraternity, tolerance and mutual understanding.
Channing Fry couldn't help showing a smile. He knew that the three were the rebuilding core of the Trail Blazers. The three cores came to greet him in person. There should be no better honor than this.
"that........"
Qian Ningfulai was still a little embarrassed, Zhang Jun tilted his head and said, "Let's talk on the court if you have anything, there will be a game tonight."
"Nate McMillan asked me to remind you that if you lose the game tonight you have to treat the whole team to dinner, but if you win, he will host a welcome dinner for you."
Luo Yin looked at Zhang Jun in bewilderment, "Did he say that?"
Zhang Jun pointed to Aldridge and said, "If you don't believe me, you can ask Ade, he heard it too."
Aldridge was stunned, when did I hear that!
Routine warm up before the game.
Durant walked directly towards the Trail Blazers shooting area with an unhappy face.
Zhang Jun saw the other party and was about to speak with a smile. He didn't expect Durant not to give him a chance to speak at all.
"Shut up now!"
"Put away that fake smile of yours for me."
Zhang Jun frowned puzzled and said: "It's almost Christmas, why are you so angry, at least let me know why you scolded me."
Durant looked at the Blazers teammates around him curiously, so he could only get closer to Zhang Jun and whispered.
"Fuck! The commercials you shot with Scarlett Johansson have been broadcast on various channels recently, even if labor and management are blind, they should see it."
"The key is that every channel has it, and I can't even hide from it."
"Every time I see you holding Scarlett Johansson on the beach, moving your hands up and down and talking, I get angry from the crotch!"
"You're greedy for her body, you! Damn! Bitch!"
Zhang Jun thought it was something, but it turned out to be this matter. When Durant mentioned Zhang Jun, he couldn't help recalling the scene of shooting commercials with Scarlett Johansson.
"Hey, don't tell me, Scarlett Johansson has a really good figure, her skin is firm and smooth, and the key is that she is really big."
Durant heard that both nostrils were about to smoke. Zhang Jun was talking and gesticulating. Durant quickly put his hands in his crotch, then tilted his head and whistled to divert his attention.
"I heard from my agent that the ad that Scarlett Johansson and I shot had a very good response in the market, and Camel intends to let us shoot an ad for their new product that will be launched next year."
"They also planned to find a second NBA player to shoot an advertisement with Scarlett Johansson and me, and asked if I had any good recommendations."
"Let me think about it, Wade? That guy is handsome and in great shape, Kobe? Well, he should be a better fit."
Durant quickly pointed to his nostril and said.
"Hey, Brother Jun, I, I, I, I can, I have plenty of time, and I can definitely do this."
Zhang Jun held back his smile and said, "Okay, then I'll put your name up and see how they decide?"
Durant gently bumped Zhang Jun with his elbow, and the complaints and unhappiness just now completely disappeared without a trace, he said with an evil smile on his face.
"Brother Jun, I'll treat you to dinner tonight."
The big screen at the scene showed the starting lineups of the two teams.
Trail Blazers: Point guard Jarrett Jack, shooting guard Brandon Royon, small forward Jun Zhang, power forward LaMarcus Aldridge and center Joel Przybilla.
Sonics: Point guard Earl Watson, shooting guard Damian Wilkins, small forward Kevin Durant, power forward Jeff Green and center Chris Wilcox.
Game start.
Joel Przybilla jumped off the first-leg offensive ball.
The Blazers attack.
Luo Yin holds the ball at a 45° angle on the right, and Damien Wilkins is defending him.
"Damien Wilkins was a draft pick in 2004 and has been playing for the Sonics so far. I think there must be a lot of fans who don't know him very well, but when it comes to his father, everyone should be sure. very familiar."
Kenny Smith said quite proudly there.
Barkley deliberately cooperated with his old partner, and said with a smile: "Oh, I'm very curious, let's hear it."
Kenny Smith continued: "His father is Gerald Wilkins, a player who has played in the NBA for thirteen years, and has played for the Knicks, Cavaliers, Grizzlies, and Magic successively. Played 900 games, nearly 700 of which were starts."
"Damien Wilkins, like his father, is a defensive player who made his way in the league."
Barkley waited for a long time, seeing that Kenny Smith had no intention of continuing, and then spoke out.
"Compared to his father, Gerald Wilkins, Damien Wilkins' uncle is a well-known NBA player."
"The best of human cinema - Dominique Wilkins!"
In the audience, Dominique Wilkins also came to watch his nephew's game tonight.
Because Oden, who was selected by the Eagles, was reimbursed for the season, Dominique Wilkins, a star of the Eagles, could only appreciate the performance of other rookies.
And tonight's game happened to be the match between the No. 1 pick Zhang Jun and the No. 2 pick Durant, and Dominique Wilkins naturally visited.
on the pitch.
Luo Yin's breakthrough was blocked. Damien Wilkins is a player who is very good at confrontation and defense. It just so happens that Luo Yin's offensive style of play likes confrontation very much.
Damian Wilkins has done a good job of limiting him defensively.
"Give me the ball!"
Luo Yin's attack was blocked, so Zhang Jun naturally stood up and raised the top of the arc to ask for the ball.
Durant glanced back and rushed over.
Zhang Jun held the ball and lowered his center of gravity. Durant immediately took two steps back, then raised his hand and called to his teammates, "Help me defend the penalty area."
Snapped!
Zhang Jun suddenly accelerated his breakthrough.
Durant's height and wingspan are extremely good. If you play against him, you will easily encounter a close-up block. Therefore, after making a breakthrough and making physical contact with Durant, Zhang Jun immediately took a step outside.
It just so happened that the inside players of the Supersonics saw Zhang Jun speeding up and passing Durant, and rushed into the inside to help defend.
At this time, the Supersonic team's inside line has become a mahjong, and it will not be worth the loss to kill it again.
Zhang Jun retreated and leaned back.
Swish!
The basketball hits steadily.
"Not to mention, Zhang Jun's mid-range shooting ratio is quite high, and there are many difficult shots such as step-backs, lean-backs, and turns, but the shooting percentage is not too high."
"According to the latest statistics given by ESPN, Zhang Jun's mid-range ball-holding singles shooting rate just reached 40%. It is a possible but not terrible offensive point and offensive style."
"If he can keep shooting more than 45% from the position like Kobe or Dirk Nowitzki, it's really scary."
"So, even though Zhang Jun has been shooting mid-range shots for almost a month and has shown his mid-range shooting ability, most teams will still choose to defend his breakthroughs."
"After all, according to the data given by ESPN, Zhang Jun's breakthrough shooting rate is as high as 58%, and the foul rate is as high as 20%, which is really scary."
"Among these two statistics, there are no more than five players in the league who can surpass Zhang Jun."
on the pitch.
Zhang Jun and Luo Yin clapped their hands.
The two have formed a perfect understanding on the court, and this high-five is also a code word they agreed upon during training.
After the high-five is completed, it means the handover of the offensive ball, so Zhang Jun will become the main attack point next.
Switch offense.
Durant took the initiative to ask for the ball to single Zhang Jun.
The Sonics didn’t have the goal and mission of making the playoffs this season, and the management didn’t care about the team’s win or loss this season. They only had one request, and that was to let Durant fully firepower, and the whole team gave him Opportunity and time to level up.
Because the Sonics are moving to Oklahoma next season, it will be a new city and a new beginning.
In the audience, Sonics general manager Sam Presti was there.
Tonight's game was broadcast live across the United States, and everyone was paying close attention to the duel between Zhang Jun and Durant.
So far this season, the two have averaged 30 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game, ranking third in the league's scoring list. Since the opening game, Zhang Jun has also occupied the first place in the best rookie list.
In fact, countless media have already believed that Zhang Jun is the best rookie of the year. No one can change this. He is really outstanding.
As for Durant, he averaged 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block per game this season.
Countless media reporters are lamenting that if it weren't for Zhang Jun, Durant would have every chance to become the No. 1 pick, and would undoubtedly become the best rookie of the season, and even the hottest young player among the 2007 rookies.
But because of Zhang Jun's existence, he can only be in second place no matter what.
Dribbles low and takes a step and releases a mid-range shot.
Swish!
The basketball hits steadily.
Zhang Jun, who stretched out his hand and tried his best to defend, couldn't help but look back at Durant, who snorted arrogantly.
"Are you allowed to show off alone?"
"In order to catch up with you, I have been working hard to improve myself."
Zhang Jun nodded, he agreed with this point.
Because Durant's current shooting height, shooting timing and shooting point are much improved compared to when the two met in the preseason.
Durant, who has been playing star tactics in the Sonics, has also been growing in all directions.
Durant, who retreated, looked at Zhang Jun with complete jealousy.
He is indeed growing, and he has made great progress.
Whether it is the Sonics coaching staff, management or outside media reporters, they are commenting that he will inevitably become an All-Star player within three years.
Durant thinks that he is already so good and hardworking, but why is Zhang Jun the player who receives the most praise and appreciation in the United States.
The opponent's breakthrough is top-notch in the league, and Durant recognized it. After all, Zhang Jun has been a well-known breakthrough master in the United States since high school, and has won the reputation of California's first step.
But now that Zhang Junlian's mid-range is so good, Durant really can't bear it.
After all, mid-range shooting has always been Durant's most proud offensive method, but just now Zhang Jun used such a difficult mid-range shot to hit the basket against his defense, Durant was really a little sore.
"And, he's posing on the beach with my Scarlett Johansson!"
"Hold!"
Switch offense.
Zhang Jun and Aldridge performed a high pick-and-roll, and Luo Yin ran without the ball and cut into the penalty area to complete a dunk.
"This tactic is not what we usually practice."
Monty Williams reminded.
Nate McMillan nodded in agreement and said, "But it's a very good tactical play."
"Zhang Jun and Aldridge's high pick-and-roll~www.mtlnovel.com~Because of Zhang Junqi's fast breakthrough speed and the deterrent power of hitting the basket, the opponent either squeezed ahead of time or switched to double-team."
"But no matter which one you choose, there are opportunities in the penalty area because of Aldridge's pull. Zhang Jun can kill, and Luo Yin, who runs without the ball, is even more killable."
"Moreover, Luo Yin playing without the ball is no worse than him playing with the ball. Luo Yin is a player who can play with or without the ball."
Nate McMillan suddenly had an idea in his mind.
As an old partner, Monty Williams certainly understood the other party's emotions. He seriously suggested: "Zhang Jun doesn't pass the ball. Don't look at his average of 5 assists per game. It's all after the opportunity." pass."
"Actually, he doesn't have the ability to control the field and organize."
"So it's too reluctant to let him play the core of the ball, and Zhang Jun can't drive the offense of the entire team."
Nate McMillan woke up suddenly, and Monty Williams' reminder was too timely. He almost destroyed the team's already stable tactical play and offensive run-in because of the impulse inside.
Nate McMillan wanted to say that because of Zhang Jun's outstanding performance on the court, he almost forgot that the opponent was just a rookie.
As a rookie player, experience learning on the court is the most important, followed by personal ability.
Zhang Jun's growth does not need Nate McMillan to worry at all, so he has not participated in the opponent's training.
"But I think it is necessary to mention Zhang Jun's passing and organizational training."
After 7 minutes in the first quarter, Zhang Jun left the game early.
The end time of this game tonight will be one minute earlier than in the past.
After all, almost the entire first quarter was dominated by Zhang Jun himself. In order to lead the subsequent rotation lineup, Zhang Jun must ensure sufficient physical strength.