One Thousand and Thirty-Eight: Chris Paul’s Last Chance (1/5)

Link had just returned to Memphis when he found himself once again the subject of heated discussion.

But what people are discussing is not his performance in the last game, but the historical ranking of a basketball writer.

The fact that Link was ranked sixth on Bill Simmons' "Hall of Fame Pyramid" caused a huge sensation.

Not only is he the highest-ranked among active players, he is also the highest-ranked among all players who debuted after the 1990s!

Kobe, Duncan, James, O'Neal and other thunderous names were all suppressed by Link.

Link himself was a little surprised. He didn't expect Bill Simmons to praise himself so highly.

After all, Bill Simmons' ugly bald look came from Link. They are actually more like enemies than friends.

But having said that, ever since he witnessed Link winning all Player of the Month awards for a season, Bill Simmons has never found fault with Link again.

He even often spoke for Link.

As Simmons himself said, he recognized Link's greatness. This time, he expressed that recognition through rankings.

Bill Simmons' "Hall of Fame Pyramid" is still quite influential in the basketball world.

Although it is not an official ranking, Link is still very high in ranking so high on this list.

It's just that he doesn't have time to discuss it now, because the Grizzlies players, who just returned from Milwaukee, have to face the old rival Los Angeles Clippers non-stop today.

The Clippers are still a force that cannot be ignored in the Western Conference this season, and this back-to-back game is also considered likely to be the Grizzlies' first defeat of the season.

The performance of the Los Angeles Clippers in recent years is actually quite disappointing. The combination of Paul + Griffin + DeAndre Jordan + championship coach Doc Rivers was originally aiming to win the championship.

As a result, the Clippers have never even played in the Western Conference Finals over the years. In the 2015 playoffs, they were even humiliatingly reversed by the Trail Blazers with a 3-1 lead.

But even so, no one will think that the Clippers are a weak team. After all, their configuration is there. A team with Chris Paul will never be a weak team.

At the beginning of this season, the Clippers have a very good record of 4 wins and 1 loss. In the five games, except for Russell Westbrook's buzzer-beater against the Thunder, the other four games were all big wins.

And among these four opponents, there are also powerful Western teams like the Trail Blazers and Spurs.

Encountering opponents like the Clippers in back-to-back games will undoubtedly be a huge test for the Grizzlies.

Therefore, Link has no worries about the controversy of the "Historical Player Pyramid".

When reporters ask relevant questions, Link always says, "I'd rather talk to you about tonight's game."

Link's attitude naturally embarrassed the reporters.

This was supposed to be an opportunity to make big news, but Link turned out to be so cold, which obviously did not meet their expectations.

But no matter what, they had to argue about this topic.

As a result, there are more and more voices saying that Link "doesn't dare to face a super high ranking".

"Of course he doesn't dare to face it. What is the concept of sixth place? Is he really better than Wilt Chamberlain?"

"Link only has three championship rings, but he ranks above Kobe who has five championship rings. Seriously?"

"Did Bill Simmons update the ranking when he was drunk? I admit that Link deserves a higher ranking, but sixth in history? This is too much.

"

The Grizzlies and Clippers battle is about to begin, but people don't care about this game at all.

All the forums and social media are talking about whether Link is qualified or not.

Some people recognize Link, while others think Link is not qualified. The fans' quarrel has no intention of stopping, and this matter even involves Bill Simmons, who is just the author.

Bill Simmons has always been a controversial figure.

But none of his columns have been as controversial as they are today.

The huge sensation and quarrel led to Bill Simmons having to respond to the fans' heated discussions on his social media in the afternoon.

"First of all, I think Link is fully worthy of such a ranking. Just for one thing, he has done things that many people have never done. Writing down all the records he has broken will dazzle you. His strength, His versatility is unmatched by many great players."

"Of course, some people will say that he only has three championship rings. God, three rings are enough. A great player like Hakeem Olajuwon only has two! And these three rings, He got it for three consecutive seasons. A player who has established a dynasty, doesn't he deserve to be rewarded? Count on your fingers, there are several people in the entire history of the NBA who can lead their team to three consecutive championships."

"Besides, Link's career is not over yet. I am very sure that the number of rings in his hands will not stay at 3. Do you know why I only ranked him sixth? Because he has not reached his level yet. The final form. If Link gets a few more rings in the future, let alone surpassing Kobe, I might rank him ahead of Michael!"

"Also, this is my fucking ranking list. I can rank it however I want. If you don't like it, don't watch it!"

Simmons' response was very tough, and he had no intention of "kneeling and licking" the fans.

In fact, Link and Simmons are quite similar in some aspects.

Link is a "big villain" in the league, and Simmons is also considered the most difficult writer to discipline in ESPN.

He always goes his own way and speaks without restraint. Whether it is towards the fans or the stars, he never shows mercy.

Because in his concept, there are few people in the world who understand the NBA better than him.

If what he says is not authoritative, then what others say is even more bullshit.

Simmons completely ignored the fans' suggestions and stubbornly believed that Link's ranking was not high at all.

Instead of quelling the controversy, this only made the matter more intense.

As a result, the clues were even pointed to Link's opponent, Chris Paul.

"I don't care where he ranks, I don't care at all. No matter where he ranks, we will go all out today and strive to win." Paul looked serious, and he did not want to join the argument.

Unconsciously, it has been five years since Paul joined the Clippers. When he joined the Clippers, people had very high expectations for him and Griffin.

But in the past five years, Paul's career achievements have almost stagnated.

Not to mention the championship, he and the Clippers have never even touched the edge of the Western Conference championship.

And how many five years can a player's career be delayed?

In the past, Paul could still say that he still had a long way to go. But now, Paul will be 32 years old in half a year!

For a professional player, his road is not long.

If he wants to lead his team to compete for the championship, he can only take advantage of these few years.

If he cannot do it in the next few years, then he is likely to become the next John Stockton or Steve Nash - without a championship for life!

Paul knew this was the season he had to give it a go. If the Clippers still stagnate this year... Paul may choose to find another way out!

Paul also knows very well that the Clippers management is actually starting to lose patience. They had a great roster every year and were a strong team every year, but they just couldn't get any further in the playoffs.

If the Clippers continue to fail in the playoffs this year, the management may tear down the entire team and rebuild it.

DeAndre Jordan, Griffin and Paul have all passed their prime years, and it makes little sense for the team to continue to waste them like this. So once the Clippers decide to push for reconstruction, the three of them will definitely part ways.

So, Paul was clear. This year is their last chance!

If we don't get any results this year, everything will change.

And if you want to achieve results in the playoffs, you need to pass the Warriors and Grizzlies!

In today's game, the Clippers and Paul will win no matter what!

"You mean, do you also think that Link's ranking is a bit too high?" The reporters would not let Paul go easily. Every question they asked was leading Paul to move up Link's ranking.

"I don't know, but after this game, everyone should know. If Link is really as powerful as he is ranked, then he should be able to win the game." After Paul finished speaking, he turned and walked towards the player tunnel.

Ranked sixth in history?

Well, if you can defeat Link, who is sixth, it will definitely prove that you still have the ability to win the championship!

Although the Grizzlies are playing back-to-back games and are at a physical disadvantage, who cares?

The winner is the winner, and no one wonders how the loser lost.

Paul clenched his fists, thinking that this might be an opportunity that would benefit him.