Reinventing the Millennium

On May 21, the Houston Rockets held a retirement ceremony for player Yao Ming in the arena, announcing the retirement of the team's superstar and the most representative player in the history of Chinese basketball.

In addition, it was also directly announced that Yao Ming's jersey will be retired. The No. 11 jersey will always hang high above the home arena and will not be used by other Rockets players.

From October 31, 2002 to May 18, 2014, Yao Ming played for the Rockets for 12 years. He formed a "Trident" with Nash and Carter, won three championships, and also received strong support from Paul in his later years. , but still can only struggle on the edge of the playoffs.

There were rises, there were championships, there were troughs, and finally ending his NBA career in the second round of the playoffs was pretty respectable.

Yao Ming's retirement ceremony was attended by many guests and spectators, including Olajuwon, the center superstar in team history. His humble character and fighting spirit also attracted many personal fans in Houston.

Of course, there is also the team owner Fang Zhuo who has frequently appeared in the stadium. He has rarely gone to the arena to watch football in recent years, but he has also contributed to wonderful watching scenes. This time he sat on the sidelines with his friends to attend the important event of his compatriots. time.

Yao Ming delivered an affectionate retirement speech to the team and fans in the middle of the arena.

Fang Zhuo watched and listened silently, and when he heard Dayao's emotional words "Houston is my second hometown," he couldn't help but sigh: "Dayao is like me."

The friend next to me is Ballmer, the former CEO who retired from Microsoft. He is very interested in basketball and bought a "76ers" team in Philadelphia. This time he made a special trip to meet his friend.

Well, Mr. Fang, I should consider him a friend.

Ballmer heard Mr. Fang's words and asked strangely: "How come he looks like you?"

"Like me, we always have real and abundant emotions. People like us sometimes suffer easily." Fang Zhuo said with emotion.

Ballmer opened his mouth and then closed it. He opened his mouth again and closed it again. It’s hard to judge.

After a while, he said: "I see that Paul in your team is not very satisfied with the team's operation. Why don't we trade? You can choose from my team."

"Oh, I didn't expect that you can't run a company, nor can you run a team. Ballmer, just sell the team." Fang Zhuo said.

The "76ers" team Ballmer bought is a bad team, and this season also set a losing streak in team history.

"You said I can't run a company, that's okay! You said I can't run a team, that's wrong!" Ballmer blushed, "It's only been two years since I bought the team, and that's not enough to build a winning culture. , we are also carefully selecting players! We will have a breakthrough soon!"

Fang Zhuo nodded repeatedly: "Yes, your ability to run a team is like Jordan's."

Ballmer just nodded and suddenly became furious. Jordan was first in playing and probably not last in running the team, but he couldn't stand up and disrupt Yao Ming's retirement speech, so he could only vent his dissatisfaction in a murmur.

With warm applause, Yao Ming's speech ended, with tears in his eyes.

At this time, Ballmer applauded and asked: "What do you think of Avago's acquisition of Qualcomm?"

"It's an interesting thing, but it's difficult to succeed. I heard that CFIUS has already intervened in the investigation." Fang Zhuo did not hide his concern about this matter.

"Some people said that you were related to this matter, and Yike took the opportunity to help Anwar." Ballmer was referring to the suspension of cooperation between Yike and Qualcomm.

"Qualcomm is already suing Yike for banning mobile phones. No matter what I do, it's not normal. It doesn't matter. It also matters." Fang Zhuo said generously, "No matter what happens to Qualcomm this time, we will continue to oppose it. Qualcomm is a monopoly."

Ballmer felt President Fang's magnanimity and said with a smile: "I find it quite enjoyable to watch your competition since I retired."

Fang Zhuo smiled and did not continue the topic.

The retirement ceremony was coming to an end. The team originally wanted the boss to come on stage and talk about his feelings, but Fang Zhuo declined.

The jersey slowly lifted into the sky, and No. 11 shone in the Rockets' home arena.

Ballmer looked at this scene and couldn't help but said with some envy: "You are really a good Rocket."

"Yeah, not everyone can win three consecutive championships." Fang Zhuo said with a smile.

"Yeah, and the team also helps you a lot." Ballmer said.

Fang Zhuo listened to his normal tone, but it seemed to contain deep meaning. His heart changed slightly and he smiled and said, "Do you want to be a good team player? I'll teach you."

"You teach me? How do you teach me?" Ballmer is really interested in this. He has liked basketball since junior high school and joined the school team in high school. Now that he is retired, it is considered a dream come true, but he still hopes that this dream will be more fulfilling.

"You got the No. 1 pick yesterday, who do you want to pick? This year's rookie player is really difficult to choose. If you are not careful, the No. 1 pick you finally got will be wasted." Fang Zhuo asked.

The 76ers got the No. 1 pick on the 20th, and Ballmer drew it himself. I wonder if the league gave this rich man face.

Ballmer said doubtfully: "Can you do it?"

"Bao Qiaodan, then make your own choice." Fang Zhuo said simply.

Ballmer thought about it, and even used his mobile phone to search for information in this area, and found that Mr. Fang had actually interfered in the Rockets' draft, and that the team's coach also seemed to have opinions on major transactions.

He put away his phone and asked seriously: "Who do you want to choose?"

Fang Zhuo asked, "Who do you want to choose?"

This year is known as the NBA draft year, and rising college stars such as Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and Joel Embiid are all highly favored.

"Choose Jabari Parker." Ballmer said the team's front office staff's suggestion.

Fang Zhuo did not sell out, and directly suggested: "Choose Joel Embiid."

Ballmer frowned: "That big man from Cameroon? He was injured before, and he only started playing basketball in 2011. Can he be the No. 1 pick? Can he be better than Jabari?"

"Then you choose Jabari, and choose one without saying a word." Fang Zhuo was so straightforward.

Ballmer has worked hard to understand basketball affairs and this year's rookies, otherwise he would not know the details of Embiid, but Mr. Fang has such an attitude...

He thought about it carefully and felt very hesitant.

After a while, Ballmer asked the Rockets about their options this year.

"We don't have anything to sign, so we just want to see if we can get any good stuff from the second round. We might choose Jokic who came from Europe." Fang Zhuo said calmly.

Ballmer seems to be a little impressed with this rookie, and he seems to be a big man.

He couldn't help but laugh: "It is said that the Rockets used Yao Ming to restore the glory of the center. Now that Yao Ming has retired, do you still want to inherit this glory?"

Fang Zhuo shrugged: "No way, there are no draft picks ahead."

However... this Jokic later became an MVP-level player, which is a big omission.

Yao Ming was surrounded by a group of reporters on the sidelines for interviews, but a few reporters went straight to Mr. Fang.

"Mr. Fang, what do you think of Avago's acquisition of Qualcomm?" The reporter directly asked the same question as Ballmer.

Fang Zhuo smiled, pointed at Yao Ming, and indicated the focus of today, but did not refuse to answer. He said directly: "Qualcomm is already a monopoly. If Avago acquires Qualcomm, they will integrate their technological leadership and monopoly advantages after innovation. It’s daunting and I’m opposed to the acquisition.”

Several reporters were quite surprised. That's not what you did. You let Yike take the opportunity to attack Qualcomm!

The reporter asked a little tactfully: "Mr. Fang, Yike had previously interrupted its chip cooperation with Qualcomm..."

"Yes, opposition is opposition. This will not delay our competition with Qualcomm. It will not take up time here in the arena today. I just want to emphasize that Yike opposes all unfair competition and all monopolistic behaviors." Fang Zhuoyi He repeated his point of view eloquently, and then stopped accepting questions from these people.

After a while, he walked up to Yao Ming, who had also finished the interview, chatted a few words about his feelings, and once again expressed his respect and gratitude for his career.

From a purely team operation perspective, the Rockets have made very good profits over the years. One of the important factors is naturally the huge Chinese market brought by Yao Ming.

"Take a rest. Being a player is old, but for the whole life, it is in the prime of life." Fang Zhuo said with a smile. Yao is 34 years old, and the second half of his life is still long.

There were still tears in Yao Ming's eyes. He nodded slowly and said, "I will return to Shanghai the day after tomorrow. I will rest for a while and think about it later."

Fang Zhuo hesitated to speak. He once talked with Dayao about his choice to retire, but this guy had his own ideas and persistence.

In the end, he didn't say anything. He just stood on tiptoes, patted Dayao's arm, turned around and continued to greet his friends in the front row.

When Ballmer saw Mr. Fang coming back from Yao Ming, he made up his mind: "Okay, let's choose Embiid!"

Then he said without confidence: "Mr. Fang, what if I choose the wrong one?"

"You made the wrong choice. I'll trade my Paul to you, but you have to wait and see in a few years. You have to finish your rookie contract anyway." Fang Zhuo expressed confidence.

Ballmer feels much more at ease.

Fang Zhuo asked with a smile: "What if you make the right choice?"

"You made the right choice..." Ballmer thought about the rich man in front of him, the head of Yike, "I will give you the best electronic product in the world."

Fang Zhuo wondered: "What to give?"

"I'll give you a Yike Mars Pro." Ballmer said seriously.

Fang Zhuo laughed.

After he finished laughing, he said a way of thanking him: "Well, Ballmer, do me a favor and I won't ask you to thank me again."

Ballmer suddenly noticed a hint of seriousness and asked, "Say."

"Microsoft and Intel have such a good relationship, and I just want to talk to them about cooperation. Come and help me, and see if you can give me a push." ​​Fang Zhuo made a small request with a smile.

The relationship between Microsoft and Intel is so good that it is called the "Wintel Alliance" by the media. The long-term strategic partnership between the two originated in the 1980s. The former's Windows system and the latter's x86 architecture processor have become the dominant force in the PC market.

This relationship is naturally reflected in the top management of the two companies. Ballmer has good friends with multiple CEOs of Intel, some retired and some in office.

Ballmer glared: "Mr. Fang, is it because I won't come to Houston this time and you have to go find me too?"

"If you don't come to Houston, you'll miss Embiid. I'm very optimistic about him." Fang Zhuo said naturally, "You're retired anyway, so just treat it as an old friend. You haven't seen Grove for a long time. Bar?"

The Grove he mentioned was the former CEO and chairman of Intel. After his retirement, he still maintained contact with the company as an advisor and had great influence.

Ballmer was really surprised: "What are you doing with Intel's retired superstar?"

Fang Zhuo smiled knowingly when he heard this description: "I have some doubts about the development of the industry today. I would like to hear their opinions. I also recommend the cooperation between Yike baseband chip and Intel. Our technology in this area is still There is merit.”

Ballmer's mood has become solemn, and he nodded to express his recognition of Yike Technology.

Yike’s baseband chips are not that good, they are too good. In terms of product performance alone, Yike is only behind Qualcomm in 4G chips. What we need to face now is Qualcomm’s technical patents. , and judging from Qualcomm’s stock price reaction, Yike’s baseband technology is worth 30 billion.

If this is the case, does Yike want to join forces with Intel, the third oldest, to fight against Qualcomm?

Technology cross-licensing involving baseband patents? Direct technical cooperation to strengthen products?

It's possible.

Ballmer couldn't help but praise: "Mr. Fang, you really took advantage of Qualcomm's turmoil to squeeze its market from the root. Okay, I'm retired anyway. I'll go have a meal and meet old friends. Yes, this That’s the long-term way to compete.”

Fang Zhuo stretched out his right hand and said with a smile: "Then follow me and eat and drink together."

After Ballmer finished shaking hands, a strange thought flashed in his mind: "Is this related to Qualcomm's acquisition?"

"It doesn't matter much." Fang Zhuo pondered for a moment and talked about his thoughts that had nothing to do with the current acquisition. "I just said it is true that I have doubts about the development of the industry. If possible, I hope to jointly acquire Broadcom with Intel. Our WLS has great development potential, and if it can win Broadcom, its competitiveness will be pretty good."

WLS is a wireless solutions subsidiary acquired from Infineon. Apple also has a stake. However, because of Yike's background, if you want to promote it to acquire Broadcom, which occupies a prominent position in the field of wired and wireless communication chips... it will be like today It would be just as difficult for Avago to acquire Qualcomm.

However, if Intel can be promoted to acquire Broadcom, a new Qualcomm opponent will appear.

Fang Zhuo likes full market competition, which always brings more competitive opportunities.

As the global industrial situation changes, Intel should have a longer-term vision and be more aggressive in its decision-making. If not, then give it a little bit of Yike's aggressiveness, so that everyone is balanced.

The new Qualcomm has gained a larger market value, and the new Intel has entered the mobile market that it has always wanted. Yike, Yike... have branched out technology, but unlike these two companies, they can acquire companies and suffer some losses. Lose money. (End of chapter)