Chapter 92

Philadelphia International Airport.

The time is April 3, 2006.

There are less than 15 days left until the end of the 2005-2006 NBA regular season.

The Philadelphia 76ers players walked out of the plane, each with a look of extreme fatigue, some even yawning, and entered the long connecting corridor.

Another away trip, after spending half a year in the NBA, Chen Mu had gradually adapted to this lifestyle.

During the season, constant travel to various parts of the country for games, sometimes even facing brutal back-to-backs, and in rare cases, three consecutive games due to scheduling.

This long season was extremely draining on the players' physical condition. In Chen Mu's memory, he had never experienced such a long series of consecutive games since he started playing basketball.

However, all of this would end in 15 days.

Although the 76ers' performance improved dramatically after the All-Star break, the "debt" they had accumulated earlier was too much.

According to the current situation, theoretically, the 76ers still have a chance to catch up and surpass the Bucks, but the Bucks can win no more than one game in the remaining matches.

And the 76ers must not lose a single game.

With the addition of Australian first-round pick Andrew Bogut, the Bucks' lineup has become more powerful and balanced, both inside and out. Their starting lineup, including Mike Dunleavy, TJ Ford, Bobby Simmons, and Magloire, is strong on both offense and defense.

On the bench, the Bucks have a host of capable players like Mo Williams, Charlie Bell, and Joe Smith, and their performance in the second half of the season has been equally impressive.

Most importantly, the last game of the season is the 76ers' home game against the Bucks.

If the Bucks win more than two games before that, or if the 76ers lose a few games, will they still need to go all out to win the final regular-season game?

All the players were pondering this question.

For Chen Mu, whether or not to make the playoffs, while important for prestige, was not a life-or-death matter. At the beginning of his career, a luxurious round of playoff games had little significance.

Because this summer, Chen Mu had two very important things to do.

The first was the U18 Asian Youth Championship, which would be held in China in September. As a member of the Chinese youth team, Chen Mu would certainly participate.

In the previous tournament, China missed the chance for a three-peat, failing to even reach the final, leading to widespread criticism and putting immense pressure on the new national youth team.

Based on previous training and exhibition matches, Chen Mu was originally likely to sit at the end of the bench, waving a towel. However, his sudden breakthrough during the training in the United States and his successful transition to the NBA quickly raised his profile in China.

All fans were eagerly anticipating whether this young power forward, who had already made a name for himself in the NBA, could demonstrate absolute dominance in the Asian basketball scene.

This anticipation was both a driving force and a source of pressure.

"If we don't win the championship, I'll probably be torn apart by Chinese fans..."

Thinking about this, Chen Mu felt both excitement and anxiety.

He was well aware that after half a season in the NBA, his skills had undergone a tremendous transformation. With his current technical and physical condition, he could dominate the Asian youth scene.

However, looking at the team roster, apart from Chen Mu and Chen Jianghua, the other players lacked ball-handling skills. Even Chen Mu's ball-handling was mediocre; he could set screens and pass, but his dribbling would reveal his weaknesses.

In recent years, the level of Asian basketball has improved significantly, with Korea, Iran, and Japan all having strong teams. Especially in terms of ball-handling and three-point shooting, their guards were a step ahead of China.

As an inside player, Chen Mu understood the importance of the team's outside game. If the team's perimeter players couldn't get the ball to him, even if he transformed into Yao Ming, he couldn't single-handedly dominate the game.

This U18 Asian Youth Championship would be Chen Mu's chance to prove himself in China. If he could lead the team to victory and put up impressive stats, his fame in China would reach new heights.

Besides the U18 Asian Youth Championship, there was another matter that was a top priority for Chen Mu this summer.

"What does Billy King want to talk about...?"

With this question in mind, he returned to the team center. After Cheeks announced a half-day off, Chen Mu said goodbye to his teammates and agreed to meet Iguodala in the weight room the next morning. Then he headed to Billy King's office, who was both the team manager and president.

"Come in."

Chen Mu knocked on the door, and Billy King's characteristic cold voice responded. Walking into the room, he saw a TV playing an ESPN analysis program.

"...There are quite a few big fish in this off-season, including the 2003 super platinum generation's contract renewals, Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace, All-Star center Magloire, and the Mavericks' Jet Terry..."

NBA expert Bill Simmons spoke confidently, and the screen showed a detailed list of free agents, restricted free agents, and even players with player options on unexpired contracts.

"The 2003 rookies, if everything goes as expected, will stay with their teams. After all, the teams are building around them, and staying can secure the highest contract. From any perspective, staying is the best choice."

"However, other free agents are not so certain. Some are very talented, and some have great potential, but they haven't reached the level of team leaders yet, making it difficult to secure a max contract. If they enter the free agent market, they might find teams with better prospects. With similar contract amounts, a change of scenery might even spark more energy."

As he spoke, Bill Simmons marked the names on the list in front of him and continued, "For example, the 76ers' undrafted rookie Chen. Hoho, this kid has incredible energy. Averaging a double-double, strong offensive firepower, and almost no defense, haha, who does he remind you of?"

"The answer is no one! In my database, no NBA player has started their career this way, no!"

Simmons' words were dramatic, as if he were narrating a historical epic. He excitedly slapped the table and said, "Tall, young, and with outstanding physical attributes, strong rebounding, how are coaches usually required to use such players?"

"Defense! You can't think about ball-handling offense, just focus on defense!"

Imitating the frustrated coaches on the sidelines, Simmons' performance made Chen Mu and Billy King chuckle.

"Remember Tyson Chandler's rookie season? Kenyon Martin? Dwight? Even Kevin Garnett? Their rookie seasons were spent running around the court like deer, providing defense everywhere, cleaning up for star players, and blocking shots, rarely taking the ball for one-on-one plays."

"But this Chinese kid? He's taking the ball and shooting mid-range! My goodness, I've never seen such a unique player. He might even pass and set screens, a real freak!"

"I can't predict what kind of player he will become, but I can say that as long as he avoids major injuries, this kid will definitely redefine the power forward position, no doubt about it! As for his defensive issues, at least he has a great physique, right?"

"Mr. Cheeks, if you're watching our show, or Mr. Billy King, if you're watching too."

Simmons turned to the camera, as if speaking directly to Billy King, and said seriously, "Keep this kid! If the owner disagrees, convince the board. If the board disagrees, call all the shareholders and convince them!"

"If you're a 76ers fan, write to the team, send emails, and make calls. Get them to do whatever it takes to keep this kid! If he goes to LeBron or Dwight, can you imagine his fury when he returns to Philadelphia? For the next five, no, ten years, you won't stand a chance in the East!"

"Remember the revenge game after leaving the Suns? This kid is a beast! So, Mr. King, keep him. As long as his starting salary doesn't exceed ten million, I think it's worth it!"

Simmons continued talking, but Billy King turned off the TV.

Indeed, over the past period, especially in the second half of the season, Chen Mu's sudden rise had caught the attention of the entire league.

Actually, in NBA history, there have been many players like Chen Mu, who went from being overlooked to suddenly shining and making a Cinderella story on a team.

However, most of those players had a common trait:

Their bodies and skills were already set, with a specific strength that matched well with their team, allowing them to shine.

But Chen Mu was different. His technical flaws were obvious to any fan, but his age, potential, and the lucrative Chinese market behind him were highly attractive.

For a team manager, doing everything possible to keep Chen Mu was not a difficult decision.

"I don't like you."

After a long silence, Billy King spoke, "We both know this."

Chen Mu didn't respond; it was clear from Billy King's consistent attitude that the manager had some prejudice against him.

"But business is business."

Saying this NBA cliché, Billy King stood up and handed Chen Mu a document, then walked to the window and said, "Our salary structure has a big problem. Mashburn's contract is still on our books, and we now have three ten-million-dollar contracts, with Chris's contract approaching twenty million."

"Samuel, McRae, and McGee, three players who aren't even playing for us, are taking two million dollars from me this year. The rest of the players are on minimum or rookie contracts."

"At the end of this season, Salmons' contract will also expire."

Turning around, Billy King looked at Chen Mu with a cold expression, "You've seen the document. The shareholders' intentions are clear. They want to make you the next Yao in Philadelphia, whether you have the ability or not. I have to follow their wishes and match any offer to keep you."

"Technically, the season isn't over, and I shouldn't be discussing a contract extension with you. If the league finds out, we'll both be in trouble. I called you here for three reasons: one, to show you the shareholders' confidence in you. Two, to hope that you can live up to their expectations and perform to your value. And third..."

A glint of intrigue flashed in Billy King's eyes as he hesitated and continued, "Our draft position won't be great this year, and there aren't any particularly promising prospects. But in 2007, if we can get Greg, or Kevin Durant, or even Horford..."

"The 76ers will rise again!"

Billy King's words were clear, but Chen Mu had no intention of arguing with him. He had already made up his mind to continue fighting according to his own plans.

Isn't basketball about joy and victory?

Putting down the document, Chen Mu stood up to say goodbye to Billy King. As he reached the door, he turned back, puzzled, and asked, "Mr. King, can you tell me why you don't like me?"

Billy King was silent for a moment, then looked up at Chen Mu, his eyes filled with a strong desire for control. He clenched his teeth and said, "For the same reason I don't like Allen."

"I understand."

Chen Mu nodded and smiled slightly, "I like Philadelphia, and I like my current teammates. Even if I don't like you, I'm willing to stay, but..."

Recalling the fist bumps with Allen Iverson and the indomitable spirit in that small body, a surge of passion welled up in Chen Mu, and he continued, "I want to win. Even if you give me four random players to play with, I will fight to win! Tanking? I can't accept it!"

With these resolute words, Chen Mu left Billy King's office without looking back, slamming the door shut.

Inside the room, Billy King snorted coldly and looked down at the second page of the confidential document.

"Find the right time to clean up Allen Iverson without causing resentment among the Philadelphia public."

Time flew by.

15 days later, on April 17, 2006, at the Wachovia Center.

The 76ers' last game of the season was about to begin.

... For mobile users, please visit http://m.piaotia.net

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends