109 Is the Lakers with Kobe Bryant

The Trail Blazers' training camp continues, and the team's joint training is coming to an end.

During this period, head coach Nate McMillan refused to open the training camp to the outside world because they were about to conduct tactical exercises.

"Starting lineup: point guard Jarrett Jack, shooting guard Brandon Luo Yin, small forward Zhang Jun, power forward Aldridge and center Zach Randolph."

“Reserves: Point guard Dan Dickau, shooting guard Steve Blake, small forward Martell Webster, power forward Travis Outlaw and center Joel Przybilla ”

"Role players: James Jones, Elgio Rodriguez, Fred Jones, Vaughn Weaver."

This is Nate McMillan’s lineup for the new season based on the performance of the players during this period.

Zhang Jun's performance in the training camp was very impressive, and his direct competitor Martell Webster was also completely convinced. Although the two were not good friends, they often faced each other in the training camp. , but it has become extremely familiar.

The most capable person on the basketball court is the eternal truth.

Monty Williams said: "Now that we have decided on the lineup, it's time to bring up the team tactics."

"Last season, our main positional offense was very effective. Aldridge's mid-range, Randolph's inside attack, Jarrett Jack's three-pointers, and Brandon Luo Yin's all-around. These are all very good in positional battles. Effective weapon."

"But this season we have Zhang Jun joining us, and his use and distribution of ball rights are issues that have to be reconsidered."

Nate McMillan let out a long sigh, his head felt heavy.

This can be regarded as a happy trouble. After seeing Zhang Jun's breakthrough ability, Nate McMillan even wished that every round of offense would be handed over to Zhang Jun.

Of course, this is unrealistic.

The NBA is different from the NCAA. The offensive pace is much faster, so the physical exertion of the players and the test on the defensive end are greater.

If every ball is handed over to Zhang Jun, there is no need to think about playing for a whole season. It is estimated that Zhang Jun will be scrapped for half the season. Moreover, this style of play is very energy-consuming and is more likely to cause damage to the player's body.

"Zhang Jun's power is at the most critical moment in the last quarter. We always fell short at this time last season. With Zhang Jun as a killer this season, I hope he can give the enemy a fatal blow at the critical moment."

"So, in the first three quarters of the game, I will reduce the use of Zhang Jun's personal offense and let him participate more in the team's tactical cooperation. At the most critical time, he needs to stand up for the team with Brandon Luo Yin. And out."

"Moreover, Zhang Jun will become the core of the offense at this time!"

Monty Williams nodded. He thought the same way. Zhang Jun's breakthrough was too powerful, and the more critical it was, the more terrifying it was to cause damage to the enemy.

"But there is another issue that we have to consider. Our starting lineup is considered qualified even in an environment full of powerful players in the Western Conference."

"But our rotation ability is a bit too poor. Last season, our second team lost an average of 10 points per game to our opponents!"

"This is also the reason why we were determined in advance that we would miss the playoffs and started to falter."

Nate McMillan agrees with Monty Williams' proposal. The Trail Blazers' rotation is indeed not very good, and there is nothing he can do about it.

Because this is a flaw in the lineup, unless there is one player who has the ability to lead the rotation alone to beat the opponent, otherwise we have to find ways to strengthen it.

Reinforcement is not something Nate McMillan can consider. Nate McMillan has not yet found a player who can beat his opponents, and he doesn't think the Trail Blazers have such a player.

"Such players are not common even in the lineups of every team in the league. Even if they are, they are among the top ten."

"It's too much to hope for."

After determining the tactics, the Trail Blazers began to conduct drills.

Because the offensive tactics in positional battles have not changed much, veterans who stayed with the Trail Blazers last season can quickly adapt.

Nate McMillan's only worry is the newly added Zhang Jun.

But what surprised Nate McMillan was that Zhang Jun's ability to run tactics was very strong. A relatively complex high-low dislocation and inside pick-and-roll tactics, Zhang Jun was able to understand it at one point and even the details and changes during the execution. Fully grasp.

"Zhang Jun's basketball IQ may not be discovered by the scouts."

Of course, Nate McMillan also designed a new tactic. The players didn't know the significance of designing this tactic, but what they knew was that this tactic was completely designed for Zhang Jun alone.

Even Brandon Roy and Zach Randolph have to obediently create space for him to move.

Zach Randolph was unhappy and asked to cover for Zhang Jun. He pretended not to look at Zhang Jun, but all the words he said were directed at Zhang Jun.

"Hey, does sock-flavored popcorn taste good?"

Zach Randolph spoke loudly and took the lead in laughing. Travis Outlaw on the side also followed and laughed the loudest.

Zhang Jun carried out the tactics with the ball and said with a chuckle: "Thank you for the popcorn. I shipped it to Marion, Indiana. People there said it tastes good and they have been eating it since they were young."

Randolph was startled, and suddenly realized that Marion was his hometown. This handsome boy brought sock-flavored popcorn to Marion and gave it to the people there. Isn’t it... ...

"What the hell, Mei Ai and Roger both live there!"

On the court, Randolph suddenly stopped the tactical drill. He was grumpy and grabbed Zhang Jun's collar.

Zhang Jun also refused to give in, and said with a cold face: "Don't you understand the principle of not doing to others what you don't want others to do to you? If this is a prank played by your veteran on the newcomer, then I can accept it."

"But if it's your bad taste or you want to teach me a lesson."

"Zach, I'm harder than you!"

What the hell does a rookie dare to say? !

All the players on the field were stunned. Although Zhang Jun and Randolph were already a bit tense in the first team training match, everyone also guessed that there might be some confrontation between the two later.

But what they never expected was that the scene at the scene turned out to be Zhang Jun toughing Randolph.

Aldridge whispered: "Brandon, this kid seems to be tougher than you."

Brandon Luo Yin and Aldridge were both rookies in 2006, but in the locker room last year, Aldridge was the only one who was bullied enough. The reason is that Brandon Luo Yin has been a gangster since he was a child. No one is convinced.

After Randolph bullied Luo Yin several times, he was warned by several young men in black clothes when leaving the arena. From then on, he never dared to trouble Brandon Luo Yin again.

Of course, although Brandon Loyin is ruthless in his bones, he does not cause trouble but is not afraid of it.

Brandon Luo Yin looked at Zhang Jun with some surprise. He really didn't dare to fight Randolph like him, after all, the opponent's body was several times bigger than his.

Randolph was a little confused. He didn't expect that Zhang Jun would really dare to confront him like this. He wanted to beat Zhang Jun on the spot like before, but because of Zhang Jun's status as the top pick, it seemed that the opponent was still Nate Mack. A favorite in Milan's eyes.

Zhang Jun's status in the team is different from Ruben Patterson.

Randolph endured it again and again, and finally just patted Zhang Jun and said a harsh word.

"You still have a long time in the Trail Blazers. Remember, I have the final say in the locker room now."

........

September 28th.

The Trail Blazers training camp is closed, Nate McMillan confidently announced at the media press conference.

"The Trail Blazers are ready!"

The next day is the players' makeup photos and fans' day.

Zhang Jun chose No. 4 as his jersey number. Some media asked him about the significance and reasons for choosing this number.

"I'm going to give it my all for the whole four quarters," he said.

Nate McMillan smiled but had another explanation: "He's going to come out firing in the fourth quarter."

When taking the makeup photos, Zhang Jun, Aldridge, and Luo Yin chose a group photo. Aldridge sat in the middle holding the ball, and Zhang Jun and Luo Yin were on both sides.

.......

The preseason starts on October 7th.

Before the start of the preseason, general manager Steve Patterson came to the training facility to inspect and proactively asked Zhang Jun about his performance in the team.

"Is he qualified to be the team's starter?"

Nate McMillan and Monty Williams looked at each other and then said.

"You'd better wait until the opening game and see for yourself."

Steve Patterson looked at the two of them strangely and cursed: "If the Trail Blazers don't play well in the new season, I will cause trouble for you two."

........

October 7th.

Preseason begins!

The Blazers' first preseason game was against the Seattle SuperSonics.

Zhang Jun and Durant meet again.

Coincidentally, the head coaches of both teams did not send rookies Zhang Jun and Durant to start. Instead, they sat on the bench and watched their teammates play the entire first half of the game.

At the end of the half, the Trail Blazers trailed the Sonics 48:55.

Second half.

Zhang Jun and Durant came on the bench at the same time.

"I heard in the media that you signed a 6-year, 60 million contract with Nike?"

"Can you tell me this isn't true."

Zhang Jun glanced at Durant inexplicably and said: "Is the 60 million you signed for 7 years a fake?"

Durant was crying and almost strangled Zhang Jun's neck, "Tell me, did they sign you for 50 million in six years?"

Zhang Jun sighed and said: "Actually, it's 60 million in 6 years."

Hold!

Game start.

Nate McMillan asked Zhang Jun to come on and execute the personal tactics assigned to him by the team to end the game in the fourth quarter. However, the other players who came on to execute this tactic were not the Blazers' normal starters.

But James Jones, Steve Blake, Dan Dickau and Joel Przybyla.

This is to let Zhang Jun play with a substitute.

Monty Williams glanced at Nate McMillan in surprise, who nodded slightly and said, "I want to try Zhang Jun's effect."

Monty Williams nodded, but spoke his mind.

"This is still a bit too bold. Zhang Jun is just a rookie after all."

The SuperSonics did not send Durant and Zhang Jun to face off, but sent starting small forward Wally Szczerbiak.

Their head coach P-J Carlesimo wants to use the team's top defensive players to rub off Zhang Jun's prestige, because Zhang Jun stole the show in the summer league and even beat Durant in terms of statistics.

P-J Carlesimo was a little unhappy.

In the second half of the game, Zhang Jun made 6 of 10 personal breakthroughs, and also passed James Jones to complete three three-pointers.

Durant also had an efficient performance of 6-for-12 shooting, but the perception on the court was that Durant made a pull-up from the outside, and Zhang Jun drove into the paint and upset the Sonics.

Wally Szczerbiak was stunned, and when he sat back on the bench, he was stared at by P.J. Carlesimo.

Wally Szczerbiak spread his hands helplessly, "If you have a temper, go ahead and try to defend yourself."

The Trail Blazers relied on their outstanding performance in the second half to overtake the Sonics and win the game 110:106.

Although it was only a preseason game, the entire dugout of the Trail Blazers was very happy after winning.

Zhang Jun accepted the high fives and head pats from his teammates. His performance in the first preseason game was considered acceptable.

Nate McMillan and P.J. Carlesimo shook hands in front of the technical table.

Nate McMillan said with a slightly envious tone: "This rookie Durant really has unlimited potential, and his shooting touch is really soft."

P-J Carlesimo smiled awkwardly, looking at Zhang Jun opposite who was receiving praise from his teammates, feeling very uncomfortable.

"Zhang Juncai is a killer."

Preseason continues.

Until the last game against the Cavaliers, Zhang Jun averaged 18 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists per game, averaging only 26 minutes per game.

Nate McMillan didn't give rookies a lot of playing time in the preseason like other teams. It's not that Zhang Jun doesn't deserve so much playing time, but Nate McMillan thinks it's completely unnecessary.

"Zhang Jun has completely adapted to the NBA."

After playing the Cavaliers, the Trail Blazers achieved a preseason record of 4 wins and 2 losses. More importantly, the team's tactics have been almost completely practiced, and there are no big problems.

.........

October 31st.

NBA opener.

There are three duels in total.

Jazz and Warriors, Trail Blazers and Lakers, Rockets and Spurs.

Staples Center.

The fans are in full swing. While they are celebrating the start of the new season, they also plan to feast their eyes on the performance of this year's No. 1 pick.

"I have to say those people in the league office really know how to attract attention."

"Zhang Jun, a son of Los Angeles, will play the Trail Blazers and the Lakers in the first game. This is simply not good."

Kenny Smith said with a cheerful face.

There are four major sports leagues in the United States. Each league competes with and relies on each other, so the executives of each league are racking their brains to make the games more enjoyable.

Stopping the topic and catering to the topic are what that group of people do.

Flying Pig Barkley has been paying attention to Zhang Jun's performance since the NCAA, and he is very much looking forward to his opponent's NBA debut.

"I think fans all over the world are like me and really want to see how this son of California, taking his first step in the NCAA, will perform in the NBA."

"Tonight, their opponent is the Lakers with Kobe Bryant."