Chapter 634: Chapter 196: Big Fatty’s Offensive – Part 1
"These teams have been sneaky, doing so many things behind the scenes!"
Zhang Hao initially took a rough look at the signing details of other teams and noticed that several players he considered exceptional have tied up with three very strong teams.
After renewing Moning for 7 years at $105 million, the Heat directly signed 31-year-old, three-time All-Star, two-time best defensive player Dan Majerle from the Phoenix Suns, snatched PJ Brown from the Brooklyn Nets, and acquired Jamal Mashburn from the Dallas Mavericks through another predatory trade.
Contrary to Zhang Hao’s past impression, the Mavericks’ 3J had two broken apart even before the new season began!
During the Barkley trade, Kidd had been sent by the Mavericks to the Phoenix Suns, and Mr. Zhang was envious for a while at the time.
However, the current Kidd isn’t yet the Kidd who went to two finals; his future development will slowly include a three-point shot. It’s easier to target him now.
As Zhang Hao sifted through other news, he discovered that the last J used by Donnie Briscoe was also traded. The Brooklyn Nets used Eddie Jones as a bargaining chip, along with Shawn Bradley, to make a trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Jim Jackson.
The New York Knicks also strengthened significantly. After failing to snatch Jordan, they quickly acquired Alan Houston from the Pistons, hardly costing anything to receive Larry Johnson from the Hornets, and forcibly stole point guard Chris Childs from the Brooklyn Nets.
The SuperSonics, meanwhile, used 2 years and 2.78 million US Dollars to lure Greg Graham away from the Brooklyn Nets.
"All our starters from those days at the Brooklyn Nets have left!"
Still, Zhang Hao noticed that the Brooklyn Nets were not always losing out. They managed to fully realize the premium assets from their past trade for Mr. Zhang!
In mid-August, the Brooklyn Nets made a deal with the Rockets, trading Divac for Sam Cassell and Robert Horry.
With serious analysis, Zhang Hao determined that if not for his own good performances, the Brooklyn Nets’ actions at the time weren’t too bad.
Cassell, Jim Jackson, Robert Horry, rookie Corey Kittles — this four-man lineup on the outside looks pretty promising. If only the sole goal was to tank for Duncan, and with Duncan acquired, the Brooklyn Nets would instantly become a top team in the East. Duncan coupled with such talented guards would ensure playoffs. They might even push for top four in the East.
If it’s thought that his and Kenny Anderson’s wins were too many, and hence the team traded both him and Kenny Anderson away, indeed, the Brooklyn Nets fulfilled their original dream — stockpiling outside talent for Duncan.
Tim Hardaway, Dan Majerle, Mashburn, PJ Brown, Moning! The Heat’s ultimate iron-clad lineup is formed! This is explosive!
The Knicks, without much expense, formed a lineup with Childs, Alan Houston, Larry Johnson, Oakley, Ewing, which Zhang Hao recalls very well for black eight taking it to the finals; plus the popular sixth man John Starks.
"What the Heat and Knicks accomplished this summer is more outrageous than what our Lakers did. Mid-range King, Auntie, these two were snatched away! Mashburn was pure robbery... Who makes us the Lakers... Ah, I need to find a chubby embrace to cry in for a while; it’s just too unfair."
The Rockets have strengthened their interior line by sacrificing their exterior, returning to the twin towers era. If it’s last season’s Olajuwon paired with Divac, a Divac + Olajuwon combo looks promising, but Zhang Hao feels regret...
Another signing caught Zhang Hao’s attention — "The Human Highlight Film" Dominique Wilkins rejoined the Spurs to team up with David Robinson.
"This is truly a sad story..."
After spending two days in the morning practicing shots, analyzing player distribution in the afternoons and evenings, Zhang Hao formed his own judgments on the power shifts brought by player changes this summer.
Entering September, this year’s free market signings and trades have mostly wound down, with all the big fish already scooped up.
Due to their Lakers’ affiliation, the value of free agent veterans and defensive centers has risen this year. After snatching up Jerome Kersey, who Zhang Hao felt was a must-get, the Lakers halted their recruitment, signing only a guard with a mere 16 games guaranteed; it’s likely the team is observing to see which position might have hidden dangers as the season starts.
Regarding injury concerns, Zhang Hao is only worried about O’Neal.
He remembers O’Neal missed over 20 games in his first two to three seasons with the Lakers.
That can be ignored!
Reducing training load and adjusting his thoughts, Zhang Hao truly took a few days at home to rest like normal life, casually looking over the coaching staff’s latest tactical manual brought by the team trainer. He accompanied Aprile Clark to school, leisurely teased little sweetie in the preschool phase preparing for a singing contest.
On September 9, Zhang Hao received news from a reporter from Beijing Sports who came to interview him — the NBA and CCTV signed a formal broadcast agreement, free for five years, with an option to renew for another five years, which CCTV holds the decision power over.
Offering the service for free initially to get viewers accustomed, then charging later — the usual approach.
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