Seeing the coach's anger, the Cavaliers players straightened up and listened carefully to Mike Brown's explanation of the tactics against the Grizzlies.
"Tang, the Grizzlies' scoring is basically reliant on Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay, so your task is to limit Gasol."
"No problem."
Tang Long gave an okay gesture.
"As for Rudy Gay..."
Mike Brown swept his eyes over the players, finally landing on Larry Hughes.
"Larry, you'll defend Rudy Gay, and Pavlovic will help with the defense."
"Drew, you also need to keep an eye on the rebounds."
After Mike Brown set up the defense, he started to outline the offensive tactics.
After the tactical meeting, James slung an arm around Tang Long's shoulders and said, "Kid, tell me quickly, why did you get so many All-Star votes?"
"LeBron, you don't think I faked the votes, do you?"
"Of course not. You lazy bum, you're too lazy to move even when eating, how could you possibly do something as physically demanding as faking votes? I'm just curious, do that many people really like you?"
It was understandable that women liked him, but how could fans like him so much?
"I don't know either, but I guess it's inseparable from the votes from my fans back home."
His high vote count must have had the support of Chinese fans.
This was only natural, and Tang Long was also proud.
However, given the league's characteristics, China's votes would definitely be diluted. Moreover, the remaining 50% came from the media and other sports industries, so it was impossible for him to lead by such a wide margin.
"Forget it, the league is already counting. There will be a result after the recount."
James looked at Tang Long curiously, "Aren't you worried at all?"
"What's there to worry about? I didn't do it, so I'm not worried."
"Alright, I'm impressed. It seems you truly have a big heart." James winked at Tang Long, "Memphis is famous for its music and bars. We've booked a bar, want to join us?"
"Sure, no problem."
Tang Long readily agreed.
He had already refused James's dinner invitation once. If he refused again this time, it would be easy to be labeled as someone who detached himself from the team.
Seeing Tang Long agree, James leaned in mysteriously, "Let me tell you, you've come at the right time. It's something new, I guarantee you've never seen anything like it. Just wait to have your mind blown."
"What is it that's so mysterious?"
"You'll know when you get there."
James's mysteriousness really piqued Tang Long's curiosity. However, when he asked James again, he received the same answer. Tang Long had no choice but to let it go.
As he walked out of the training facility, Tang Long saw a staff member walking towards a Chinese man.
"Tang, someone is looking for you."
Tang Long raised an eyebrow slightly. He didn't recognize the person and looked at the staff member suspiciously.
"Hello, Tang Long. My surname is Wu. My company also deals in sports brands." Wu Rongzhao hurried over and said, "Hongxing Erke. You might not have heard of it, but we are now a top 500 enterprise in Asia. I'm here to..."
As Wu Rongzhao was speaking, Bill Duffy's excited voice was heard, "Tang, Adidas just called me. They want you to endorse their latest model of sneakers. They'll even have biomechanical engineers and designers come to personally design shoes for you."
Bill Duffy walked over excitedly and paused when he saw a Chinese person standing in front of Tang Long. "Tang, is that your relative?"
"Mr. Wu Rongzhao from China. Their company also produces sports goods."
Tang Long took the initiative to introduce them to Bill Duffy.
At this time, people were familiar with the name Hongxing Erke, but it wasn't yet a household name. Moreover, their market position wasn't on par with Adidas and Nike, and people even felt they weren't as good as brands like Li Ning and Anta. The main reason was that they weren't trendy enough, a far cry from the explosive popularity Hongxing Erke would later achieve.
"Hello, I'm Tang's agent."
Bill Duffy warmly shook hands with Wu Rongzhao.
This was undoubtedly because Tang Long was Chinese. Otherwise, he wouldn't even bother to extend his hand to a small boss of a brand he had never heard of.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wu Rongzhao looked at his watch and said, "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Why don't we chat while we eat?"
Bill Duffy volunteered, "Sure, I know a place with decent Chinese food."
He was primarily worried that Tang Long, due to his Chinese identity, would immediately agree to endorse Hongxing Erke.
After all, these major brands had exclusivity clauses that prohibited endorsing similar products. If Tang Long accepted Hongxing Erke's endorsement, he wouldn't be able to endorse Adidas. The financial aspect was one thing, and the other was the circle.
After endorsing Adidas, Adidas's circle would gradually open up to Tang Long. In the future, whether it was attending events or networking, it would be of great help to his agency and Tang Long's future development. Bill Duffy did not want Tang Long to cripple himself at this point.
"They traveled all the way to the United States, and we're going to treat them to Chinese food? Haven't they eaten enough Chinese food back home?" Tang Long couldn't help but tease, "We're in Cleveland, of course, we should try American food. Besides, I highly doubt your definition of authentic Chinese food."
Bill Duffy chuckled, "How would I know? Dumplings, of course."
"Scram!"
Tang Long gave Bill Duffy a glare. As the three were about to get into the car, a police car suddenly stopped beside them. Three police officers got out.
One in uniform and two in plain clothes.
"Tang, hello. We are from the Texas Police Department. We have a case that requires your assistance in the investigation."
The uniformed officer behind the supervisor had already taken out handcuffs.
"Wait, we want to find a lawyer."
Bill Duffy quickly stepped in front of Tang Long and took out his phone to call a lawyer.
"You can. That's your right. However, Tang must come with us to the police station to cooperate with the investigation now. You can have your lawyer come directly to the Texas Police Department."
"No, we won't go with you until our lawyer is present. Otherwise, we won't talk."
The supervisor's face darkened, and he said sternly, "Please do not interfere with our official duties, or we will charge you with obstruction of justice."
This was still because they were at the entrance of the training facility. Otherwise, the supervisor would have already pushed Bill Duffy aside.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
While they were talking, James, Larry Hughes, and Drew Gooden drove out from outside. Seeing the police surrounding Tang Long at the entrance, they stopped their car and walked over.
"We are the Texas Police. We have a case that requires Tang's assistance in the investigation."
The supervisor's attitude became much more amiable in front of James, as James was one of the prominent figures in the NBA. Of course, Tang Long was also one. Otherwise, the supervisor would have arrested him right away, and his attitude wouldn't have been so gentle. After all, these people had quite a bit of power in the United States.