Chapter 640: Chapter 198: Did I Lose My Memory or Is This Just Senility?
If O’Neal had heard Zhang Hao calling Kenny Anderson "Boss" from the start, he would have been sarcastic and displeased with Kenny Anderson.
But when he finally realized it after seeing Kenny Anderson diligently following the training arrangements, it was a different story.
Kenny Anderson stepping up to speak was also seen as Zhang Hao’s arrangement. In O’Neal’s eyes, Kenny Anderson was just a tool for Zhang Hao. At this point, O’Neal didn’t have any hostility toward Kenny Anderson; instead, he was filled with sympathy, feeling that the life of a nomadic player was really tough. Once a big shot, starting together in the ’94 All-Star game, now he can only bow to the gentleman, a capital ’tragic’!
Today, let’s spare that sophomore gentleman, train well, and wait for an opportunity to attack.
After watching his teammates, the Magician and poor little Kenny went to the lounge. The staff moved a box of videotapes to the lounge, labeled "O’Neal," presumably his Big Fatty’s video material.
Seeing such a big box, O’Neal recalled a time during his Magic days when he suddenly felt like going to the video room. It seemed none of the teams he played for over four years specially edited game footage for him.
"This sophomore just knows how to tire people out. Our Lakers’ editor is really miserable."
O’Neal looked at his old teammate, Brian Shaw. Joining the Lakers was one of the things that made him the happiest. Back when he was with the Magic, whenever he was about to clash with Anfernee Hardaway, it was Brian Shaw who, as a veteran, resolved the conflict.
And with the Magic, if he ever clashed with Anfernee Hardaway, unfortunately, the coaching staff always sided with Anfernee Hardaway...
Brian Shaw was discussing with Barkley on how to collaborate. Nearby was the rookie named Fisher getting ready, along with Doug Christie and George Lynch.
O’Neal remembered that Zhang Hao mentioned this was a combination for coordination and explained the details of small-area coordination. But how to actually coordinate needed to be discussed among players themselves. Tactics were there, but execution depended on the players.
Byron Scott and Lumir Robinson were leading three training camp contract players to warm up. They were performing the role of defensive sparring partners in the high-post passing and cutting tactics centered around Brian Shaw.
A training camp contract, after all, is purely a tool. Players who receive such contracts know there’s a 99% chance they won’t make the final cut, but they still have to strive for that slim opportunity. Otherwise, they have no other options.
Kenny Anderson and Brian Shaw, these two groups, were ones O’Neal could join for practice.
But reflecting on it, O’Neal realized that when he participated in these two tactics, others accommodated and collaborated with him. He didn’t need to practice with them. If he wanted to train and join discussions, it would have to be after his teammates had some ideas; otherwise, it would disrupt them.
Jason Williams and James Robinson were discussing how to practice pick-and-rolls...
The 15 teammates were perfectly arranged by Zhang Hao.
O’Neal looked at Zhang Hao, who was quietly warming up on the side. That fresh and handsome face looked particularly punchable.
But O’Neal had to admit, Zhang Hao’s leadership ability in this area was indeed unbelievably strong.
O’Neal also found a trainer to start warming up.
What to practice?
"Strength training, muscle building. I’m a power player. As for technique... let’s practice hook shots and spins."
He wasn’t familiar with any other training content. He knew how to dribble and break through, he could hit a turnaround fadeaway, and he could pull off a Dream Shake, but he wouldn’t practice these. He knew that in an actual game, these techniques weren’t more useful than directly overpowering or using his jump and quickness to grab rebounds.
"Strength training is tiring, let’s just practice hook shots and spins!"
...
Point Guards: Kenny Anderson, Fisher, James Robinson, Lumir Robinson.
Shooting Guards: Doug Christie, Brian Shaw, Byron Scott.
Small Forwards: George Lynch.
Power Forwards: Barkley, Magician, Jason Williams.
Center: O’Neal.
The three training camp contract players didn’t look impressive, holding positions in the 3-5 spots, definitely as sparring partners.
Mr. Zhang could play all three frontcourt positions...
After warming up, Zhang Hao looked at this group of teammates. It felt so surreal!
Previously, while chatting with Kenny Anderson, the Magician, and Jason Williams, Zhang Hao analyzed with them. They hadn’t continued stocking centers not to exhaust O’Neal but because in half-court offensive and defensive plays, only when O’Neal was on the court did they shift to a pure slow pace. Most of the time, they would still need to capitalize on their athleticism. Thus, Mr. Zhang and Jason Williams would both play center, with Jason Williams being on offense and Mr. Zhang handling defense.
Now, when it came to the 1 and 5 spots, Zhang Hao has resigned himself.
Yes, it’s oscillating between 1 and 5, not from 1 to 5, just distinctively unique and completely different from the Magician’s oscillating style.
"The starting lineup should be Boss Kenny, Doug, me, Utah, Shark, my goodness..."
"For the first substitutes, Robinson, Xiao, George, Magician, Jason, wahahaha..."
If it weren’t for the crowded room, Zhang Hao would want to shout "Who’s next?" once again!
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