Everyone knows that in the NBA, you can question everything about Michael Jordan, but even his critics wouldn’t challenge his fondness for the "Bird’s successor."
In 2006, even before Adam Morrison entered the draft, the Bobcats were aware that due to congenital diabetes, Morrison needs regular insulin injections to stay healthy.
Moreover, Morrison’s college teammates had already disclosed to the public that this guy never showers and wears only three identical T-shirts for the whole year, truly a "strong flavor, no extra salt needed" kind of player.
Jordan still relentlessly recommended the Bobcats use their draft pick to choose Morrison, whose template was Larry Bird.
That’s Michael Jordan’s obsession with the "Bird’s successor".
No matter how many flaws you have.
As long as you carry the "Bird’s successor" label...
And after Jordan personally and subjectively verified you as the "Bird’s successor"...
Your flaws will all turn into strengths in his eyes.
Inside the training facility, Grover felt a bit pressured by the atmosphere and wanted to pause the game to pull Qin Yue aside for a few words; however, Jordan, noticing this, suddenly roared at Grover, "What are you doing? The game has just begun!"
He then turned to the innocent-looking Qin Yue and said: "Excellent, show that confidence you had earlier.
Young man, if you lack energy, what’s the point of being a young man?"
Upon seeing this, Grover realized he had misunderstood Jordan and sighed in relief.
Even though his former boss was notoriously quick-tempered, Grover knew very well... if Jordan really liked a young player, no matter what the player did to him, he’d just brush it off.
On the training ground...
During the next hour, Jordan’s fondness for Qin Yue skyrocketed.
When Qin Yue skillfully dodged his defense and completed an alley-oop with a trainer, Jordan could clearly feel his lonely heart being struck by this giant bird from the East.
And then, noticing Qin Yue taking advantage of his good touch and kept shooting from the outside, watching his heroic and upright shooting posture, Jordan instantly felt like he had traveled back decades, reverting to the self who hadn’t yet been in love.
Breathing grew more intense.
On the court, even when Qin Yue turned and posted up against him, Jordan saw the elbow push full of the spirit of his era.
Thus, when Qin Yue’s post-up move was called for a foul, Jordan immediately turned and ranted at the trainer acting as the referee, "Does this count as a foul? I, Michael Jordan, don’t have to win this game.
Open your eyes. This is just a perfectly normal showdown!"
Although shortly after berating the trainer, Jordan felt a sharp pain from his right rib...
He gritted his teeth, yet still consented wholeheartedly to let Qin Yue intensify in the subsequent match.
On the side, Grover stood dumbfounded by Jordan’s display tonight.
Because whether it was Kwame Brown back then or the newly famous LeBron James...
These young players whom Jordan once took seriously...
None had ever made Jordan show such a joyful expression at this moment like Qin Yue.
Jordan thoroughly enjoyed this hour of the game and contest.
To the extent that after the game, as Qin Yue prepared to change clothes and shower, Jordan individually held him back for about ten minutes of mentorship, and even personally invited him to dinner.
At that moment, Grover even felt Qin Yue had secretly drugged Jordan without anyone noticing today.
In the training facility, after Qin Yue left, seeing Jordan sitting alone under the basketball hoop stroking his chest, Grover quickly went forward and asked thoughtfully, "Boss... Do you need to see a doctor?"
Hearing this, Jordan furiously replied, "A doctor? I just played basketball for an hour, and I need to see a doctor?"
Seeing this, Grover shifted the topic, "Boss, do you really kid?"
To this, Jordan replied without hesitation, "Though he’s still a semi-finished product... you saw his nimble skills too... Just incredible. His offensive techniques indeed need polish, but I like his ease when handling the ball... and his keen observation during the game... He’s smart, so young yet he knows how to play to his strengths and weaknesses... and through this game, I saw in his earnest eyes a desire similar to mine back in those days... He doesn’t see basketball just as a means to make money, but rather desires to uplift himself through one match after another confrontation... and surpass himself... Tim, you know my eye for talent... In my view... this kid very possibly could become the next ’greatest player’ after me."
Actually, Grover didn’t take Jordan’s final comment seriously.
Because normally, when Jordan meets a young player he likes, he gives similar compliments.
This phrase uttered by Jordan holds a meaning somewhat akin to Duncan’s "The future is yours."
In Grover’s eyes, what truly amazed him was seeing Qin Yue firmly establish an unshakable position in Jordan’s mind through this evaluation.
"Boss, if he enters the NBA draft next year, would you suggest the Bobcats select him?" Grover, who always knew how to flatter Jordan, followed along with his intent.
Jordan nodded indefinably and said, "The Bobcats have only one choice, one possibility, for their first-round draft pick next year."
"But... Boss... you should know what I mean, I mean just in case.
In case the Bobcats can’t select him with their first-round draft pick, what should we do then?" Grover reminded.
At this moment, the question left Jordan speechless.
Because according to the rules for new NBA teams joining the league, even if the Bobcats tank the next season, they wouldn’t possibly acquire the 2005 NBA first overall pick.
Under the basketball hoop, seeing Jordan fall into silence, Grover continued, "Boss, I’m not suggesting Qin will necessarily be next year’s first pick, as currently his draft prediction lies near the lottery.
But give him one more year, when everyone realizes his talent..."
At the moment, with deep contemplative eyes turned to Grover, Jordan clearly understood everything Grover mentioned might very well happen.
That is, with Qin Yue’s growth...
How could the Bobcats ensure they definitely select Qin Yue next year, given they couldn’t possibly obtain the first pick?
"Looks like I have to pay Bernie (Bernie Bickerstaff) a visit.
We must prepare our chips beforehand to get on the gambling table and participate in this big bet." After pondering for a bit, Jordan said.
Upon seeing this, Grover nodded and said, "Exactly my point, boss, preparing for the worst in advance never hurts."
After giving Grover an eye-roll, Jordan said, "You know your task afterwards."
Grover patted his chest and said, "When next season’s NCAA games start, the entire American College Basketball will be shocked by the progress he makes."
On this day, after meeting the God of Basketball Jordan, playing a game, and having dinner together...
At this moment, Qin Yue didn’t know how much this would impact his future, but what greatly impacted him currently was the prompt from the Mountain Peak system upon returning to Winston-Salem...
PS: The new book begs for favorites, monthly tickets, and recommended votes!