230: 106: The Feeling of Being a Farmer (Thanks to the generous 8200 reward from the prominent Badou Caichangqing!)_4 230: 106: The Feeling of Being a Farmer (Thanks to the generous 8200 reward from the prominent Badou Caichangqing!)_4 Roger’s inspiration for trash-talking came from Jerry Stackhouse’s defense of himself years later.
Stackhouse once told an NBC reporter that the story of Kobe beating him one-on-one was simply not true.
Everyone thought he would say that he had never lost to Kobe, but this is how he defended himself:
“Did we play one-on-one?
But, he was only 17 years old then, there was no way he could consistently outplay a 20-year-old Jerry Stackhouse, it just wasn’t possible, he only won a few games!”
Well, as an NBA player, losing a few times to a high schooler was his defense.
It seemed to him, not being utterly dominated by a high schooler was already quite an achievement.
So, Roger used that piece of trash talk to mock Stackhouse.
Stackhouse pushed away Roger’s hand from his shoulder: “No one took that play seriously, Roger, I will show you in the regular season!”
Huffing, he pushed his way through the reporters blocking his path and stormed off.
Roger shrugged at the reporters: “It’s a good thing he doesn’t play in Gotham, otherwise that Joker would be chased down by Batman every day and wouldn’t be able to play.”
The reporters all laughed, and one of them asked Roger, “So how would you rate Kobe Bryant’s performance?”
“He just played normally, you know, not everyone can be my pupil.
Kobe Bryant, he really is exceptionally talented.”
“Except he has small hands”, Roger muttered under his breath.
Roger didn’t break a sweat, yet managed to put on a full performance for the camera.
Black man doing the hard work, taking credit for himself, Roger also experienced the joy of being a plantation owner.
The reporters, laden with content, quickly left Lower Merion High School, ready to edit the day’s groundbreaking news.
Tomorrow, Stackhouse would be a sensation across America.
After the reporters had left, Roger also prepared to head back to the hotel to rest.
But Kobe stopped him: “You promised me, I took care of that fool, now it’s our turn to battle.”
Roger turned with a grin: “Are you sure?
I can give you another chance.”
“No more talk, Roger!”
“Ha, you won’t even call me ‘teacher.’ Fine, I’m a man of my word, you’ve earned the right to challenge me.
But I must warn you, this might be a bit devastating for you.”
An hour later, Kobe returned home.
Joe Bryant was pointing and dancing in front of the TV: “Well done, boy!
You really beat the No.
3 pick, and now the whole country’s TV stations are broadcasting your match with him!”
But Kobe was not in high spirits; he flopped onto the sofa as soon as he got home, staring at the ceiling.
The old man immediately sensed something was wrong: “What’s up?”
“I just played a one-on-one game to 21 points with Roger.”
“How much did you lose by?”
Joe Bryant didn’t even ask “win or lose”, but went straight to the point.
Kobe did not speak, just clenched his teeth.
“21 to 5?” Joe started guessing the score.
Faced with this answer, Kobe was silent.
Still, Kobe said nothing.
“Wait, it wasn’t 21 to 3, was it?”
It wasn’t any of those, I don’t want to say the score!”
“Alright, son, there’s nothing to be discouraged about.
After all, you were facing an FMVP, and…
possibly the highest-paid player in history.”
“I will defeat him, I swear!
“I’m entering the NBA draft next year!
I’m going to the NBA, and I will beat him sooner or later!”
Kobe’s gaze was so determined.
Once, his most desired opponent was Jordan.
Now, he had a new target.
At this moment, the young mamba didn’t know just how complex and brutal his battle with Roger would be.
Kobe Bryant, the true son of Philadelphia!
Even if the world ends again, this fact will never change!
— “Philadelphia Daily News”.
High school 5-on-4, lost to Roger, now beaten by a high schooler again, Jerry Stackhouse always brings some Picasso-level abstract stunts to everyone.
— “Philadelphia Inquirer”.
— “Philadelphia Record”.
$18.7 million salary, Patrick Ewing holds down the Big Apple City, becoming the highest-paid player in NBA history.
— “The New York Times”.
Pat Riley has one year left on his contract with the Knicks, he can’t just drop a resignation letter and casually look for another job!
I don’t care if he’s talked with the Miami Heat or how many mansions Miami Heat has bought him.
Riley’s departure is against the rules, and that is a fact, we have already reported this to the league!
— Knicks General Manager Ernie Grunfeld angrily discussed Riley’s unauthorized resignation and contract signing with the Heat.
Does Roger have the credentials to earn a bigger contract than Patrick Ewing, to become the highest-paid player in history?
100% of voters chose one answer, he deserves it!
Rich, make your move!
All Orlando fans are waiting for this great moment, the great moment when Roger becomes the highest-paid player in history!
— “Orlando Sentinel”.