The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!
Chapter 281 - 170 LeBron, Bullying the Weak is Stable!_2

Chapter 281: Chapter 170 LeBron, Bullying the Weak is Stable!_2

"Pulling off a miracle to save the team from dire straits is badass, but the problems that got us into those straits in the first place also need attention!" Su Wan reflected upon himself, "If I had played better earlier, or had peaked a bit sooner, showing the fourth quarter performance in the third quarter, maybe we would have won!"

"Take Dirk for instance; before he missed that last mid-range shot, he made all of his turnaround jump shots, and that’s why they were leading by 13 points going into the fourth quarter!"

"It’s also why I think he deserves the regular season MVP."

Erin’s eyes widened with surprise, and she took a deep breath, wanting to say, "Isn’t that a bit too high a level of awareness for a leader?"

But she quickly realized that Su Wan’s leadership awareness was even higher than she thought.

"Then there’s another thing, the Pacers’ performance by the others was indeed poor, but they can afford to perform poorly! In ’98, from Scottie Pippen to the other players, they all dropped the ball on offense, but the Bulls still won the crown because Michael did well enough on offense! So Erin, as long as I perform well enough, I can lead teammates who don’t play well to win games."

"An outstanding leader has always done so!"

This time Erin was truly bewildered.

"But the entire team should be responsible for the team’s wins and losses, right?" She raised another question.

Su Wan agreed again, "Indeed! But the extent of responsibility for wins and losses varies among individuals, and if we lose a game like this, then the responsibility should completely lie with me."

Seeing that Erin was about to say something more, Su Wan started questioning her:

"Who has the highest media exposure on this team?"

"You!"

"Among us, who has the most endorsements in Indiana?"

"You!"

"When people think of the Pacers now, who comes to mind first?"

"You!"

"In the Pacers’ system, who is the one most favored by the tactics?"

"Still you!"

"The Pacers..."

"Stop!"

Su Wan wanted to continue, but Erin halted him; she had completely understood now.

The saying is actually quite simple:

He who seeks the crown, must bear its weight!

But most people only enjoy the luster the crown brings, while wanting others to bear the weight.

Erin’s last question was: "So according to you, dazzling performances and impressive stats on the court mean nothing if you don’t win the game?"

Su Wan said, "Winning the game is of utmost importance, and moreover, outstanding statistics mean even more praise. Just like yesterday’s game, if we had ultimately won, the whole public opinion would have exploded because of my performance! This is something ordinary statistics can’t achieve in a victory!"

"Then why do so many media outlets keep saying ’glorious in defeat’?"

Su Wan laughed, a mocking laugh, "Because there is only one trophy, and when you can’t give the trophy, all you can offer is some intangible glory. ’Glorious in defeat’ is the world’s most pitiable condolence!"

Erin didn’t fully agree with Su Wan’s last remark.

Because to her, Su Wan’s performance the previous day was indeed ’glorious in defeat’.

But she admired it not out of pity for Su Wan, but because she felt Su Wan had truly shone bright the day before.

However, Erin was extremely impressed by Su Wan’s insights about leadership: "Su, you’re only 20 years old, why do you seem to have such a mature understanding of leadership?"

In Su’s mind flashed the image of someone who constantly placed the crown upon his own head: "Because I don’t want, ten years from now, for a junior in the league to yell at me to go get a real championship ring!"

Erin’s exclusive interview caused a sensation all over the United States the next day, and Su Wan’s understanding of leadership shocked all media.

A part of it was because of his interpretation of the "McGrady moment."

Word has it McGrady was furious!

But more than that, they marveled at Su Wan’s interpretation of leadership.

Barkley exclaimed, "He really explained what a true leader is all about!"

"The Indiana Star" directly published an article, stating, "Indiana will forever have incredible leaders, and that’s the greatest fortune of this city!"

The article piled praises on Su Wan and also paid tribute to Reggie Miller, the former captain of the Pacers.

Because after the All-Star Weekend, the Pacers would host the New York Knicks and retire Reggie Miller’s jersey during halftime of the game.

This tribute was essentially setting the stage early.

In addition, Erin’s report also diluted the Indiana media and fans’ panic over the team’s recent losses to strong League teams.

In an 82-game regular season, lasting a long five and a half months, it’s normal to have some ups and downs.

Under the leadership of Su Wan, they believed, the Pacers would definitely be able to adjust.

Sure enough, after losing to the Mavericks, the Pacers quickly pulled off a four-game winning streak.

At the end of March, the Pacers welcomed the challenge of the Knicks.

Reggie Miller, who had not shown up at Conseco Arena for a long time, wore a suit to what was one of the most important moments in his life.

"The moment I was selected by the Pacers, I dreamed countless times that my career could end in Indiana and afterward, have my number hanging high in the arena. Luckily, both dreams came true. I am grateful for the 17 years of companionship from the Indiana fans. In the future, please continue to support the Pacers. This city has a better leader than me now, and I am honored to be a part of this glory."

"Indiana!"

He ended his speech with a customary chant of Indiana’s slogan, smiling.

The atmosphere at the venue was also very warm.

With the Pacers currently at the top of the Eastern Conference, there was no need to dwell on the past. The fans watched with excited hearts as the Pacers’ retired jersey number slowly rose to the rafters of Conseco Arena, and then embraced the bright future of the Pacers with a positive attitude.

That is the benefit of a team completing a healthy transition of old and new.

If the team’s records were barely alive, showing no vision for the future, then certainly there would be fans unable to hold back their tears at the event.

Those who love to reminisce about the good old days are usually not so satisfied with their present.

"Next, I’ll leave it to you!"

After his speech, Reggie Miller handed over the microphone to Su Wan.

But what he passed on seemed to be more than just a microphone.

On April 1st, after the important ceremony of retiring Reggie Miller’s jersey, the Pacers headed to Cleveland to challenge the Cavaliers.

Returning to Cleveland after a year, Su Wan found that all the dissatisfaction he had experienced there came rushing back the moment he arrived.

Perhaps it was because of the huge billboard directly opposite the airport.

Calderon, returning to old haunts, also wore a look of reflection on his face.

He, who had sat dead-cold on the bench for the Cavaliers last season, once thought his first NBA journey was over; instead, in just one summer, he moved from the Cavaliers to the Pacers, and everything took a dramatic turn. He didn’t just stay in the NBA but became an important member of the Pacers this season.

He even gained some fame in the League.

The unpredictability of life made him quite emotional.

Seeing that he was lost in thought, Su patted him on the shoulder, "Get ready to make a big play this game. I heard from Rick that we’re continuing to temper the Small Lineup tomorrow."

In Rick’s words, the results from playing those strong teams had been too ugly, and if they didn’t pick on some weaker teams to improve their record, they would almost lose their confidence.

Actually, the Cavaliers weren’t really a weak team.

Especially looking at their record in March, they resembled a strong team, with a total record of 10 wins and 4 losses for the month and with averages of 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block, LeBron was awarded the "Eastern Conference Player of the Month" for March.

Under his leadership, the Cavaliers had fought their way back to the eighth position in the Eastern Conference.

Even Su had to admit one thing:

LeBron, when it comes to beating the less skilled teams, is solid!

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