The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!
Chapter 455 - 211 Cleveland Faces Conflict Again, What is the Spirit of the Older Generation!

Chapter 455: Chapter 211 Cleveland Faces Conflict Again, What is the Spirit of the Older Generation!

So far this season, the Cavaliers’ starting lineup consists of: LeBron James as the point guard, Quentin Richardson as the two, Vince Carter as the small forward, Channing Frye as the power forward, and Vallejo as the center...

The completion of "One Star and Four Shooters" was only one change away from being achieved, with the center position to be filled by Okur.

Even in this era, this was already considered a "One Star and Four Shooters" lineup.

After all, in a League full of dominant interior forces, you cannot simply disregard having a "tank-like center."

It was the Pacers, creators of the "three consecutive championships," and their starting center Foster, that proved this point.

Therefore, from Danny Ferri’s perspective, he had done everything that needed to be done.

This was definitely the most comfortable lineup LeBron James had ever played in...

Though having numerous shooters was one thing...

Vallejo was his most loyal "lickspittle."

Not only did he actively set screens for him on offense, but under the basket, he focused solely on blocking and not grabbing rebounds for himself.

This allowed LeBron James to put up an average of 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game this season!

However, LeBron didn’t feel thrilled. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

He felt more like he had made sacrifices!

For the sake of having a more reliable point guard and allowing Carter to play in a position more comfortable for him, he sacrificed his own role by giving up the small forward position.

He believed this act alone should be enough to move Vince Carter.

At first, it indeed seemed to be the case...

Vince Carter revolved around him, actively finding positions that made him play comfortably.

But for some reason, starting from the end of November, Vince Carter suddenly became a "Lone Wolf," not only taking over 15 shots per game but also demanding LeBron to be mindful of his position during offense.

This implied sense of instructing in his words really annoyed LeBron.

He, of course, didn’t follow what Vince Carter suggested.

What LeBron didn’t expect was that Vince Carter then became even more of a "Lone Wolf," or rather, his shots became more focused on self.

In these two games, Vince Carter averaged 24 points per game, which was an increase compared to previous games.

And LeBron, during these two games, scored 24 points in one and 26 points in the other, just helplessly watching as Dwyane Wade’s scoring averaged the same as his.

Losing the games was one thing, but nearly losing the "Scoring King" title too, can you blame LeBron for urgently wanting to have a serious talk with Vince Carter?

As soon as Carter heard LeBron wanted to talk, he glanced at him.

He didn’t speak, but he nodded slightly, agreeing to it.

It was apparent, his attitude towards LeBron James wasn’t as friendly as at the beginning.

He just couldn’t be friendly!

Honestly, as a North Carolina alum, Carter well understood the concept of "team." He was definitely not a "Lone Wolf" type of player, something his teammates could attest to, whether during his time as the leader of the Raptors or as "old 1.5" with the Brooklyn Nets.

And this was what he believed he could bring to the Cavaliers.

Therefore, when he just arrived, to blend smoothly into the team, he relinquished some ball-handling rights and incredibly cooperated with LeBron tactically.

This resulted in awful stats for him.

But as the team kept winning, he didn’t focus on his stats.

That is the "Soul of North Carolina!"

Vince Carter was somewhat moved by his own actions.

But...

"Degraded! The demigod has completely turned into half a man!"

"With an annual salary of 14.53 million, Vince, your stats don’t match up with such a salary!"

"A wrongful trade, we acquired a fully descended Vince Carter, and this is a terrible thing!"

The Cleveland media one after another stood out, mocking his poor performance, not only deeming him past his prime but also labeling him a "fraudster" conning money in Cleveland.

Vince Carter initially thought LeBron James would defend him, let those ignorant Cleveland media understand what he had sacrificed for the team.

LeBron did stand up indeed, but...

"He’s still adjusting, I believe he can get it right; he’s been through many big moments and knows how to adjust himself!"

Aren’t these words just confirming his poor form and high salary but low output?

Ironically, after finishing the interview LeBron assured him as if claiming credit, "Vince, don’t worry, the Cleveland media won’t dare to touch you!"

Honestly, Vince Carter almost blurted out:

Seriously, are you sick?

Not a word about my sacrifice for the team?

Confirming my high salary but low output and still saying the Cleveland media won’t dare to touch me?

Vince Carter is a proud man.

He definitely couldn’t allow anyone to describe him with that word.

At the same time, he finally saw what type of person LeBron was, as well as Mike Brown. Not helping him refute the claims was one thing, but relentlessly praising how well LeBron played this year was really too much.

Was it him playing well?

Wasn’t it my cooperation that was good?

Mike Brown became the last straw for Vince Carter.

He knew clearly, if things continued like this, once the Cavaliers’ performance became unstable, he, with his "high salary and low output," would become the Cavaliers’ "scapegoat." His agent also reminded him, if his stats didn’t improve, he might soon shift from a premier star to a secondary star.

If so, then Vince Carter would indeed start his decline.

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