"We've already secured two victories, and next we're heading to the road to face the Celtics."
In the locker room.
Mike Brown scanned everyone's eyes.
"We've completed 50% of the task. I know the upcoming road game will be tough. The Celtics are the strongest team in the East, with players like Garnett, Pierce, and Ray Allen. However, I also believe that under the leadership of James and Tang, we can overcome any impossibility."
"So, for the next two days, I require everyone, aside from their regular rest schedule, to spend all other available time in the training facility, preparing thoroughly to defeat our opponents in the next game. Does anyone have any objections?"
This aspect is particularly troublesome in foreign countries.
While the coach can decide whether to have players engage in extra training, if the players themselves don't agree, the players' union will truly take action.
"Let's go, beat the Celtics."
James was the first to stand up and express his support.
Tang Long followed.
Then came players like Pavlovic and Drew Gooden.
Everyone knew that road games in the NBA were always difficult, but if they led by 3-0, they would hold a match point, making the subsequent games much easier.
This could genuinely lead to a stable championship.
Thus, players who usually disliked overtime suddenly became motivated.
...
"Dwyane, have you truly decided to leave the Heat?"
Wade's agent looked at him with a complex expression.
After all, he had been with the Heat for so long, and the team had centered around him. Leaving like this could easily displease the management and fans, leading to the media unfairly attacking him, which would somewhat tarnish Wade's image.
The agent's concerns were understandable, as when James left the Cavaliers, he was not only lambasted by the management but also had his jersey burned by fans to express their dissatisfaction.
"I've made up my mind."
Wade nodded numbly.
It was time to leave the Heat.
Leaving now would still allow the Heat to trade for suitable players.
"Alright then, I'll release the news of your departure from the Heat."
Seeing that Wade had firmly decided to leave the Heat, the agent could start making arrangements. After all, this transfer would undoubtedly involve a huge contract, and his own share wouldn't be small.
"No need. You can contact the Cavaliers directly and tell Gilbert that I'm willing to join the Cavaliers."
"What?"
The agent jumped up abruptly.
"Dwyane, are you crazy? You know the Cavaliers are LeBron James' and that Chinese player Tang's team, right?"
The agent was completely bewildered.
To give up being the undisputed star of the Heat and go to become the third option on someone else's team – what kind of logic was that?
Furthermore, the Cavaliers had just barely managed to stay under the salary cap after re-signing Tang Long. If Wade joined, the Cavaliers would definitely exceed the salary cap next year.
Gilbert, that stingy guy, would definitely be unwilling to pay the luxury tax.
This meant that the Cavaliers would have to clear salary cap space, and Wade would have to take a pay cut to join.
"Dwyane, can I ask what you're thinking?"
The agent looked at Wade in confusion. Other players jumped ship for more money, but he was jumping for less, and to play as a subordinate to someone else. He couldn't quite understand it.
Moreover, this was his last big contract. After turning thirty, it would be almost impossible to get a salary exceeding $20 million. If he didn't make a fortune now, he might easily run out of money after retirement.
"Thomas, I understand your concerns, but for me, $15 million and $20 million make little difference. Moreover, the Cavaliers have shown great sincerity, offering to give up some of my image rights, which is even better than the salary."
Wade sat up and looked at Thomas meaningfully. "If we can build a Cavaliers dynasty, and what we gain is only this little, there's a saying in China: 'You must have a broad vision, not just focus on the little patch of land in front of you.' Otherwise, you're just a local rich man."
The agent looked at Wade in surprise.
The NBA had no shortage of intelligent players, but most of them were white. Once people of color got rich, they often became extravagant and greedy, wanting every last cent. After signing a big contract, they would slack off, and very few pursued honor.
Thomas suddenly realized that Wade's mindset seemed to be changing, which was definitely good news for him.
Because once a player has a sense of honor, their entire career will inevitably become more brilliant, and their careers will be longer. This means that as a star player's agent, he could also earn more.
"Dwyane, don't worry, leave it to me. I will definitely fight for more for you."
Wade nodded. Thomas was also a shrewd character. With him handling things, what needed to be fought for wouldn't be missed.
"Oh, right. Help me book a ticket for the Cavaliers vs. Celtics game. I want to watch the playoffs."
"No problem."
...
In 2008, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics hosted the Cavaliers.
The starting lineups for this game remained largely unchanged. The Cavaliers continued with their regular starting five, while for the Celtics, Rajon Rondo returned to the starting lineup, with Cassell continuing his role as the "bench bandit."
"In this game, we can see that Rajon Rondo has returned to the starting lineup. Coach Zhang, what are your thoughts on the Celtics' usage of Rajon Rondo and Cassell?"
"Rajon Rondo and Cassell have slightly different roles. Rajon Rondo, at only 1.85 meters tall, is obviously faster."
"His physical attributes are better. In terms of passing and protecting the rebound, although he's not as tall as Cassell, he performs better than Cassell."
"Also, their playing styles are a bit different. Rajon Rondo's behind-the-back passes are unpredictable and hard to defend, while Cassell's post-up game is impossible to guard."
"Therefore, Cassell often plays the role of a bench bandit, while Rajon Rondo is more involved in the team's plays."
Yang Yi nodded, "Coach Zhang's analysis is very insightful. So, who do you think has a better chance of winning this game?"
"I saw the pre-game media interviews. Most of the media favor the Celtics in this game. Everyone believes the Celtics will tie the series 2-2 with their two home games."
"I think the media might be underestimating the Cavaliers a bit. Although the Celtics have their 'Big Three,' you can see the progress of the Cavaliers' starting players!"
"Moreover, West and Joe Smith stepped up in the last game. If the bench can maintain that shooting touch, the Cavaliers might have a chance in this game."
"It seems Coach Zhang favors the Cavaliers."
Coach Zhang looked at Yang Yi and couldn't help but chuckle, "Don't you favor the Cavaliers?"
"Of course. Everyone says I'm a 'Tang fan.'"
Yang Yi also laughed along.
As Tang Long continued to play better in the NBA, Yang Yi became even more generous with his praise for Tang Long, which led to him being labeled a "Tang fan" by anti-fans.