Chapter 788: Chapter 19 Just Want to Play Basketball_4
After the Christmas showdown, the sky had yet to darken, Jordan invited his "little brother," Scott Williams from North Carolina, to his home for dinner to celebrate Christmas together.
Jordan always took special care of Scott Williams, not just because he was a North Carolina student, but also because Williams was a poor guy who had lost both his parents.
Williams graduated from Glenn Wilson High School in California, and was the top McDonald’s All-American player.
At 6 foot 10, he was strong and had an impressive wingspan. While in California, he was constantly compared to Ah Gan from years past.
UCLA wanted to sign him, as they didn’t want to miss out on any promising big men after they missed Ah Gan.
Jabbar and John Wooden both called him, hoping he would join UCLA.
But ultimately, it was Jordan, James Worthy, and Sam Perkins from North Carolina who convinced him to join North Carolina.
After spending a fairly good season at North Carolina and just starting his sophomore year in October 1987, his parents had a dispute due to emotional estrangement.
In the end, his father Al Williams shot his wife Rita in the car and then killed himself. Scott Williams lost his parents in an instant.
This tragedy caused him irreversible damage. He went from a basketball genius with exceptional talent to becoming mediocre, no longer able to shine.
Krause chose him for the Bulls, which was a decision Jordan was very satisfied with, treating him like his own little brother.
During the final moments of tonight’s Christmas battle, as the Bulls led by a large margin, Phil Jackson considered putting Scott Williams in the game.
But in the last two minutes, the referees did not call any fouls. The ball didn’t go out of bounds, and there were no stoppages in play.
Scott Williams sat on the floor for two minutes, waiting for his chance to enter the game which never came.
In the locker room, a vulnerable Williams shed tears.
If it had been Horace Grant or Scottie Pippen crying in the locker room, Jordan would have mercilessly teased them and probably taken a mocking photo for keepsake.
But Jordan wouldn’t do that to Williams; instead, he invited him to his home to celebrate Christmas together, relax with some card games, a cigar, and a beer after dinner.
They would chat about interesting stories from North Carolina, and talk about Coach Dean Smith. Jordan was someone who cherished memories, and cherished them very much.
Jordan promised Scott Williams, "As long as I’m with the Bulls, you’ll always be here. Don’t worry about work; just focus on playing well."
Williams nodded. He believed Jordan meant what he said. Jordan was a man of deep feelings, always treating his friends well.
However, Williams knew that the decisions of who stays and who leaves often weren’t up to Jordan, but Jerry Krause.
If it were up to Jordan, Oakley wouldn’t have left and Horace Grant would have stayed.
Still, he was grateful to Jordan. Without Jordan’s comfort and encouragement, it would have been difficult for him to endure in the competitive NBA.
Aside from rookies like Scott Williams, with whom he had old ties, Jordan didn’t care much for other newcomers.
The only criteria he had for deciding on an attitude was whether you could play well on the court. Play well, and I’ll work well with you.
If not, I’m not inclined to bother with you, fend for yourself, or maybe you’ll be traded away one day.
BJ Armstrong experienced just that.
As a sophomore in the league, he began to feel the discomfort this season.
As a rookie, he could play backup with peace of mind, because he was new.
By his second year, he felt he had improved a lot and was outperforming John Paxson in training.
He should have been able to replace Paxson as the starter, rather than always being Paxson’s backup.
When communication didn’t work, he placed a trade request to Jerry Krause before the end of December 1991.
He said, "If you don’t want me to start, if you don’t like the way I play, you can trade me away instead of always keeping me on the bench."
Jerry Krause brought Phil Jackson, who scolded BJ Armstrong mercilessly.
He told Armstrong that the reason he wasn’t starting wasn’t that he wasn’t good enough, but that he didn’t play the game right.
"Your individual skills are stronger, but on the court, you’re playing for yourself, not the team. You’re only looking for opportunities to score for yourself, not to contribute to the team! Your job is to lead the second unit, but you always want more ball rights. Do you think you can replace Michael?"
"John is different. He knows how to be a part of the team and do what he’s supposed to do, which is why Michael and Pippen enjoy playing with him, not you!"
When Jordan learned that Armstrong wanted to leave, he didn’t care, maybe they could get someone better in return.
Jordan wasn’t like this in the past; he worked hard to ensure that everyone on the team gave their all, hoping to win all 82 games and put in one hundred percent every night.
Now, Jordan knows that’s not possible, and he can only demand this of himself and a couple of like-minded individuals.
In fact, he occasionally felt a bit weary of basketball.
Entering December, the All-Star voting had started, with Jordan and Gan Guoyang leading the way.
When reporters tried to ask Jordan if he was participating in this year’s All-Star Slam Dunk Contest, they couldn’t get in touch with him at all.
He didn’t even want to tell the reporters, "I don’t want to participate anymore," he just outright rejected the question.
He was a little tired, a bit weary, and occasionally confused. He had attained money, honors, fame, but behind him trailed a full cart of doubts and resentment.
Jordan thought, would it be better if he won the NBA championship this season? Would it?
On the New Year’s Eve of December 31, 1990, the Bulls had a rest day with no game.
Jordan, during a break in a wild party, stepped into a secluded corner, pulled out his cell phone, and dialed a number.
The noise outside was still boisterous, and the droning ringtone seemed somewhat feeble.
After ringing for a while, it finally connected.
"Sonny, it’s Michael."
"I know it’s you, spit it out fast!"
"Are you busy?"
"Yes, I’m doing three-point training."
"Are you entering this year’s three-point contest?"
"Oh no, I’m not interested, one three-point crown is enough. Nothing else, I just want to play ball. What do you want?"
"Nothing, I just kind of want to play too, about to go train. Looking forward to seeing you in Chicago, we’ll meet in the finals in June."
"Finals, see you then! I’ve been waiting for you for a long time, you always back out. Gotta go, hands are getting cold, happy new year Michael! Congratulations, this year you’re going to be number two in the world!"
"Fuck you, Sonny, happy new year."
