NBA: The Dynasty Crasher

Chapter 21: Sarcastic Barkley

"I heard that Zhao Dong has been practicing extra shooting lately, with [800] shots a day," Thibodeau suddenly remarked.

"Such a large amount?" Grant asked in surprise.

Thibodeau replied, "Zhao Dong's physical training needs to keep up. He currently has a maximum of 35 minutes of physical stamina. No matter how long he plays, if his stamina is lacking, the quality of the game will suffer. That's why it's necessary to strengthen his shooting. This can reduce his reliance on strong shots in the paint and increase his jump shots, which will help conserve energy."

Van Gundy thoughtfully added, "I originally planned to increase Zhao Dong's weight to 120 kilograms to enhance his low-post competitiveness. But it seems he doesn't intend to stay in the low post permanently. He's looking to develop into a small forward."

"Where does the team position him?" Grant asked.

"Ewing mainly focuses on jumpers, and his ability to finish around the basket is relatively weak. Zhao Dong's low-post game could help fill that gap. I've been positioning him as a low-post player, but it makes sense to practice shooting. When facing a strong defensive inside presence, outside shooting can pull the defense away, making our tactics more versatile," Van Gundy explained.

"It seems his movement speed could use some improvement," Thibodeau said, pointing to Zhao Dong, who was running back and forth from baseline to baseline during drills.

"Really?" Van Gundy observed for a moment before nodding. "It could be a bit faster. However, visual observations alone aren't always accurate. We should arrange a test for him."

"His jumping data is also quite inaccurate—there's a significant gap. A physical test is necessary," Grant added.

"After the complete test, we'll devise a strength training plan to systematically improve his physical attributes. But before that, it's important to talk to him about his thoughts on his position," Van Gundy said.

"It still depends on the team's positioning," Thibodeau reminded.

"Of course. But communication is key," Van Gundy replied.

After the afternoon training session, Zhao Dong was stopped by Van Gundy.

"My position?" Zhao Dong laughed when he heard the question. "Magic Johnson is my idol, and Charles Barkley is my role model."

"An all-around player, both inside and outside? Big Barkley?" Van Gundy immediately understood. Zhao Dong's stance on his position was clear—he wasn't limited to one area, which was the ideal situation.

"Coach, right now I'm in the paint, occupying Charles' space on defense. But honestly, I think my offensive skills are stronger than my defensive ones. Oakley's style is the opposite of mine, so it's a bit uncomfortable for me to play alongside him. If I move to small forward, both of us can maximize our energy," Zhao Dong explained.

Van Gundy nodded. "The team certainly needs a strong small forward, but you're currently overweight and not fast enough."

"I'll work on my speed. I believe I have the potential," Zhao Dong replied with a grin.

That night, the Bulls faced off against the Charlotte Hornets on the road. In the visiting team's locker room, Jordan was interviewed by the media.

"Ha ha..."

Hearing the media claim that Zhao Dong would score 53 points on him within two seasons, Jordan burst into uncontrollable laughter. After laughing for nearly 20 seconds, he barely managed to stop, still smiling as he said, "This, this is just too funny! How is he going to score 53 points on me? He's an inside player, and I play on the perimeter. This is hilarious! Haha! This rookie is already talking nonsense... he could make a great comedian instead! Someone should bring this suggestion to him!"

That night, Jordan responded in kind, scoring 51 points and leading the Bulls to blow out the Hornets, marking his second consecutive 50+ point game.

On the evening of November 11, the Knicks faced off against the Timberwolves at home. The starting lineups were:

Minnesota: Stojako Frankovic, Kevin Garnett, Tom Gugliotta, Doug West, Stephon Marbury

New York: Ewing, Zhao Dong, Oakley, Alan Houston, Charlie Ward

In the home team's locker room, Zhao Dong was looking at his system's task content.

Superstar Sniper Mission:

In matchups against future superstar Kevin Garnett, limit his performance and gain the upper hand on both ends of the floor.

Specific criteria:

1. Limit Garnett's scoring to under 12 points.

2. Limit Garnett's rebounds to under 5.

3. Achieve 3 blocks or steals.

4. Score 20+ points with a shooting percentage above 50%.

5. Take at least ten mid-range shots.

6. Take at least three three-pointers.

Task reward: Three skill points.

Tip: All mission criteria must be completed in order to receive the rewards.

All-Star Sniper Mission:

In tonight's game, you will face the challenge of stopping future All-Star player Stephon Marbury.

Specific criteria:

1. Achieve three blocks or steals on Marbury.

2. Limit Marbury's field goal percentage to below 50% (Marbury's current field goal percentage is 56%).

Task reward: One quality point.

Tip: All mission criteria must be completed in order to receive the rewards.

"Two sniper missions?" Zhao Dong thought, his head spinning. This was the first time he had two sniper missions in a single game. He decided to analyze Garnett's mission first. It was a superstar sniper mission, but there was no reward of a blank gold medal skill template. He felt the reward had been reduced. There were only three skill points, the same as Camby's mission, but the difficulty was much higher.

"At best, when Garnett and I go head-to-head, I might get 11+4 stats, plus I have to block three shots. The defensive pressure is going to be huge!" Zhao Dong reflected. "On offense, the system is pushing me to take more mid-range and long-range shots. Could it be because the Timberwolves' interior defense is too strong, or is it because of the sniping from the Jordan Dynasty?" Zhao Dong estimated that Garnett was currently averaging 17+8 per game this season. With his current defensive strength, tonight's task would be tough to complete.

"On offense, three three-pointers with my current shooting percentage means I'll probably hit one. That means I need to hit 60% of my ten mid-range shots, or my overall shooting percentage will be too low to reach 50%." Zhao Dong thought. "It's still better to focus on low-post plays. If I can break through, I'll attack the basket. If not, I can settle for mid-range shots. There's still a chance to complete the offensive task."

After some thought, he decided on his strategy for the game. As for Marbury, helping with defense would be his secondary focus. The main goal tonight was to complete the sniper missions. If he couldn't achieve them, it was no big deal.

At that moment, several reporters were allowed into the locker room for interviews.

"Zhao Dong, have you seen Barkley's interview?" one reporter asked.

"No, did he mention me?" Zhao Dong replied.

"He said you should respect Jordan. What you need to do now is prove that you're worthy of the No. 1 contract the Knicks gave you," the reporter said with a laugh.

Zhao Dong sneered and replied seriously, "Then tell him this: my template is him, but I will surpass him. I have a heart that strives for victory, and a heart that wants to surpass Michael Jordan. But he doesn't. He doesn't even have the confidence to score 50+ against Jordan, and that's why he can't beat Jordan and has no championship ring."

The reporters froze, excited by Zhao Dong's bold statement. He was a rookie who always gave them big news.

"Patrick has the talent to surpass the Zhao. If he had the competitive spirit and confidence like Zhao, maybe we would have won a championship by now," Oakley muttered, glancing at Zhao Dong and then at Ewing, letting out a deep sigh.

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