The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!
Chapter 190 - 133: A Night Talk with ’Big Bird’ and the Man Who Doesn’t Want to Be the Next Kobe

Chapter 190: Chapter 133: A Night Talk with ’Big Bird’ and the Man Who Doesn’t Want to Be the Next Kobe

Su Wan was somewhat surprised that Larry Bird had taken the initiative to talk to him about the Pacers’ roster changes. Although they wouldn’t get into great detail, at most it was just to keep him informed about the upcoming moves the Pacers would make.

Given "Big Bird’s" pride, it was quite impressive that he could do even that.

He could never become a general manager like Danny Ferri.

Even though this year, relying on Su Wan, he had won the "General Manager of the Year."

But still, betting big on Su Wan was a gamble.

Other general managers didn’t dare to gamble like he did, so they lost, while Larry Bird won.

It wasn’t a completely risk-free trade. It was just that the returns were much higher than Larry Bird had anticipated.

"Big Bird" hadn’t expected that Su Wan’s arrival would directly bring the city its first ever championship!

With Reggie Miller retired, Su Wan had made a promise in front of the fans to get the Pacers at least three championships. With his popularity and ability, as long as there were no injury issues, the Pacers would build their team around him for the next few years.

Now the Pacers had a complete lineup. With Miller gone, there were still Jermaine O’Neal, Artest, Stephen Jackson, Tinsley, Foster—strong players all around.

Especially Artest!

Even though he hadn’t played for a season, and his skills had definitely declined from his peak, he could absolutely fill Reggie Miller’s shoes.

He and Su Wan had gotten along well last season.

But at that time, everyone had the same mindset, wanting to make up for the mistakes they made in the "Auburn Palace incident."

Now that they had won the championship, their most hopeful year had become a reality, who knows what they were thinking.

Larry Bird, who had been in the League for many years, knew very well:

Sharing hardships is easy, sharing success is hard!

Winning the championship this season was everyone’s goal, but winning "three consecutive championships" was Su Wan’s bold declaration.

Even though he was now the "soul" of the Pacers, saying this wasn’t a problem at all.

But whether his control over this team was entirely his own doing, or somewhat due to the intimidation of having Reggie Miller by his side, that was something that needed time to test.

The immediate conflict:

Artest was back from suspension, and Stephen Jackson, the original starter at small forward, what would happen to him?

Larry Bird knew very well, he wouldn’t be content to play as a substitute.

Additionally, Artest had no issues with Su Wan, but his conflict with Jermaine O’Neal was deep. The two just couldn’t see eye to eye, and if it hadn’t been for Su Wan’s arrival, then, in Larry Bird’s view, Reggie Miller’s retirement would have definitely ignited their conflicts, sending the Pacers into a rebuild.

If Bird shared his suspicions with Su Wan, Su Wan would surely give him a thumbs-up:

Awesome!

Because that was the original trajectory of the Pacers.

Displeased that the media focus was all on Jermaine O’Neal, Artest chose to request a trade a month after the new season started.

Afterward, Jermaine O’Neal kept getting injured, and the team’s performance never met expectations. freёweɓnovel_com

The impatient management ultimately sent Stephen Jackson to the Warriors.

This Pacers team, which had brought countless fantasies to its fans, thus became a regret often discussed by many.

Of course that was the original story. Now the Pacers had made their most hopeful season a reality, and even if they disbanded on the spot, there wouldn’t be such regrets.

But there would be new regrets:

Jermaine, Su Wan, Artest, Stephen Jackson, Tinsley, Foster...

Not to mention a "Dynasty," the factors affecting "three consecutive championships" were just too many, even the mighty "Cosmic Warriors" only managed "4 championships in 3 years."

But at least they were a team that could win "two consecutive championships."

In any case, "Championship Night" was wonderful, but after "Championship Night," undercurrents were already stirring, and as the general manager, Larry Bird needed to be prepared early. He had to first know if there were any role players who were Su Wan’s buddies... no, good friends.

He definitely didn’t want to, unknowingly, trade away one of Su Wan’s good friends in a potential deal for some minor additions, causing his displeasure with the management.

That would be a real, undeserved disaster!

Su Wan shook his head.

This is Larry Bird overthinking things.

He had hands and feet, why would he need any "bag carrier"?

Remember, when he was with the Cavaliers, he had openly resisted McGinnis’s "military training" for rookies; he certainly wouldn’t forget how he had resisted the oppression from the veterans once he had a "status in the team."

What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others!

This means, things you don’t enjoy, don’t force them on others.

But "dogs" were exceptions...

To deal with these people, you must act on "In the morning hear the way, by evening die." — That means, find out where their house is in the morning, make sure they’re gone by night. Revenge, do not delay overnight!

"Do you have anyone in the league you’d want to partner with?" Larry Bird asked again.

"Can it be anyone?" Su Wan actually thought of someone.

"..." Larry Bird paused and then said, "If you’re thinking about teaming up with Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, then I’d have to trade you out..."

Forget Jermaine O’Neal, and forget Artest.

The former isn’t as good as those two, the latter’s personality makes his market value far below his actual combat ability.