Super Role Player

After losing to the Hawks, the 76ers' record became 16 wins and 11 losses, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Next, they went away to face the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets have a luxurious lineup this season, with point guard Deron Williams, shooting guard Joe Johnson, small forward Paul Pierce, power forward Kevin Garnett and center Brook Lopez, each with an annual salary of tens of millions. The stars, plus the substitutes Andrew Blatche, Andrei Kirilenko, Mason Plumlee, Alan Anderson, Reggie Evans and Jason Terry, are also strong substitutes.

Before the season even started, the Nets were on the list of favorite teams predicted by major media for the championship, and could even compete with the Heat and Spurs.

However, after the start of the season, the Nets gradually showed their true colors.

They began to lose continuously, and their record of 5 wins and 12 losses in November was extremely poor. Rookie head coach Jason Kidd was questioned, but fortunately after entering December, the Nets quickly adjusted.

I played 8 more games in December, with 4 wins and 4 losses, and I am gradually getting back on track.

Before playing the 76ers, the Nets were already ranked ninth in the weak Eastern Conference with a record of 9 wins and 16 losses, and were only one game away from eighth.

The Nets' goal has never been the playoffs. Their goal is set very high and can only be the championship. Even when the team loses consecutively, the genius general manager Billy King insists on setting the goal on the championship. superior.

Against the 76ers, the Nets, which had been gaining momentum recently, wanted to gain an advantage at the beginning. Deron Williams made a strong attack at the beginning, but was blocked by McAway, who performed well in this game. He made two consecutive steals to speed up the attack. , the 76ers directly opened the game and beat the Nets 4:0.

Then, Anxi took advantage of Joe Johnson's three-pointer and turned around to return another three-pointer.

In this way, the 76ers opened with a 7:0 wave, and then completely took the initiative on the court in the first quarter, constantly relying on Anxi's singles to attract defenses and create opportunities.

The exchange with Mike Budenholzer after the last game also gave Anxi some insights. Anxi felt that he should appropriately add some large-scale transfer passes, so in this game, Anxi's field of vision suddenly broadened, and he continued to Passing the ball on the ground creates many opportunities, and the team's offense becomes smoother.

In this way, the 76ers won a hearty victory in Brooklyn's away game. They suppressed the Nets from beginning to end. At the end of the game, the 76ers also defeated the Nets 117:99, ending the two-game series. Losing streak.

With a record of 17 wins and 11 losses, the 76ers continue to rank fourth in the Eastern Conference.

After playing this game, the time has come to December 20th. Christmas is just around the corner, and the 76ers do not have a Christmas game schedule this season. There are only 5 NBA games on Christmas Day, including the Bulls' away game against the Nets, The Knicks face the Thunder at home, the Lakers face the Heat at home, the Rockets face the Spurs away from home and the Warriors face the Clippers at home. The ten participating teams are all popular teams before the start of this season, except for the Lakers.

But it is obvious that after two months of games, the Knicks have become last in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls are below the 76ers, and the Nets are outside the playoffs. There is no problem with several teams in the Western Conference, but Kobe Bryant Ryant was reimbursed for the season again, which made the Lakers' home game against the Heat less interesting.

Perhaps David Stern has regretted it. He never expected that after just one offseason, the league would change drastically again, with only a few stable teams.

Since there was no game on Christmas Eve, Anxi thought about it and decided to hold a grand Christmas party at his home.

After all, he is now the boss of the team, and it has been two months since he came to Philadelphia. He still has very little interaction with his teammates outside of games. Anxi believes that for a successful team, teammates must not only cooperate with each other tacitly on the court, but also work together off the court. Likewise, it is also necessary to develop a tacit understanding.

Anxi went home and mentioned it to Abby, and Abby immediately agreed, and the two of them quickly got busy.

Anxi found someone to make the invitations, and Abby found the chef from Anjia Xiaoyuan to start preparing the meals for that day's dinner. She also hired a team that specializes in hosting parties, as well as a team of chefs from a well-known local Western restaurant in Philadelphia.

Then, in the last game before Christmas, Anxi distributed invitations to all teammates, coaching staff, and management staff. Even the team’s cheerleaders received invitations.

In the last game before Christmas, on December 22, the 76ers went to Milwaukee to challenge the Bucks away from home.

What a coincidence that the last time the two teams met was during the trough of the 76ers, and the 76ers unexpectedly lost to the team currently second to last in the Eastern Conference, and their state fell to rock bottom.

In this game, the 76ers, who are in hot form, set their goal on two consecutive victories.

And they also believe that the game will go very smoothly and the victory will come as scheduled.

But as soon as the game started, the Bucks made a big news. They started with random attacks and punches, like beating a master to death. They beat the 76ers 14:2, and then before the 76ers could recover, they The score difference continued to widen until the 76ers gradually recovered and started to exert force. The Bucks were already 19 points ahead. The two Turner Sports commentators opened their mouths and were quite surprised.

In fact, although the Bucks' record this season is poor, their lineup is not.

The starting point guard Brandon Knight and the shooting guard were replaced by O.J. Mayo at the beginning of the season and Khris Middleton. The two players exchanged for Brandon Jennings gradually grew up in the middle of the season. .

But O.J. Mayo became the Bucks' sixth man, shining on the bench.

The small forward is Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek monster that Anxi is very optimistic about. His performance this season is still a bit immature, but his talent can already be seen.

The original starter at this position was Caron Butler. He is now a substitute, but his playing time is at the starting level. The last time the 76ers lost to the Bucks, it was also because of Caron Butler's outbreak. That game was stuck. Ron Butler scored 38 points and directly defeated the 76ers' defense.

On the inside, there is a rotation of Larry Sanders, Ersan Ilyasova, John Henson, Epa Udu and Zaza Pachulia. In terms of strength, the Bucks are actually not bad. However, they have already failed this season. Aiming for a bad goal and thinking only about losing.

And after losing too many games, they naturally want to win one or two games, so they won one game against the 76ers before, and this time they met the 76ers again, they wanted to win again.

The 76ers were blindsided by the 14:2 offensive wave at the beginning. Fortunately, Anxi was still awake and kept reminding his teammates.

Sean Livingston and Evan Turner, who were replaced by Brett Brown, also played a certain role. The 76ers gradually began to chase points. At the beginning, they dug a big hole of 19 points, and then slowly spent their time. It took 3 sections to fill it out.

It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the 76ers equalized the score, and then Anxi made a strong effort in the final quarter. The 76ers finally achieved a two-game winning streak before Christmas.

With 18 wins and 11 losses, the 76ers continue to rank fourth in the Eastern Conference.

…

On Christmas Eve, the iron gate slowly opened. An Xi stood at the door of his house and asked the waiter from An's courtyard who came to help to turn on all the lights in the villa.

At the backyard swimming pool, a party team specially hired by Anxi has been setting up the scene. Large bowls of food are placed on the outdoor tables. American parties usually put some Western food, such as desserts, but Anxi’s original For Chinese food at the party, I specially asked the chef from Anjia Xiaoyuan to prepare some Sichuan-style hot pot and boiled fish, as well as snacks such as steamed buns and steamed dumplings to put on the table, which always looked a bit nondescript.

Soon, the guests arrived one after another.

The first person to arrive was Brett Brown. He drove here by himself, carrying his wife Anna, who is from Australia. After the two got off the car, they visited the villa in Anxi and exclaimed: "The great NBA player Football stars just have money..."

Anxi could only roll his eyes.

Then Evan Turner, McAway and others arrived one after another, and Samsinki also came. He also took Anxi to chat quietly for a few words. Regarding the future of the team, Samsinki felt that a deal was needed. He wanted to talk to Anxi, but Anxi didn't pay much attention to it. He felt that, at least at this stage, the deal the team made had nothing to do with him.

Unless team owner Josh Harris gives part of the team's transfer rights to Anxi.

Thinking of Josh Harris, Josh Harris really had to come. He got the news and then took a car directly to the door of Anxi's house.

When Anxi got the news, he immediately went over to greet him. The two of them exchanged greetings at the door, and then entered the villa together.

"An, I haven't seen you for a long time. I really miss you." Josh Harris held Anxi's hand and didn't let go for a long time. The words in his mouth were even more chilling, which made Anxi worried.

But soon, Josh Harris revealed the reason why he came here. Although he didn't say it explicitly, the meaning behind his words was obvious.

"During this period, several of your Chinese companies have approached me, hoping to sponsor the team. There is even a sneaker company called Li Ning who wants to name our Wachovia Arena. Unfortunately, Wachovia Arena The naming rights of the museum are not managed by us..."

Well, it turns out that Anxi's outstanding performance with the 76ers has attracted the attention of domestic business leaders. He suddenly became the big Yao of the year and became a money-grabbing weapon, attracting investment from many domestic companies.

The arrival of Josh Harris is related to these investments. The green and beautiful knife is shining in front of Josh Harris. Josh Harris can't wait to take the money into his arms.

And before he took the money into his arms, he naturally had to talk to Anxi in person.

"An, in addition to me coming today, there are also CEOs from several companies in your country, including the CEOs from Li Ning Company."

"Li Ning?" Anxi was shocked. Li Ning is a historical figure in the domestic sports world. If he comes, Anxi will definitely welcome him.

"Mr. Josh, I understand what you mean. I will cooperate with the team well." Anxi was not going to make any detours with Josh Harris, and directly expressed his willingness to cooperate with the team, but the implication was that what he promised to him in the first place, It also has to be honored.

Josh Harris laughed directly: "Haha, Ann, good job. The team will cooperate with you and build a team with championship potential!"

Anxi nodded with satisfaction. He got what he wanted. It could be said that he got it in advance.

Because at present, it seems that it is only a matter of time before Anxi is selected as an All-Star.

After reaching an agreement with Josh Harris, Anxi brought Josh Harris to the banquet, then turned and went to the gate, waiting for Li Ning and others who had arrived late.

Li Ning was already a middle-aged man in his 50s, with some gray hair on his temples, but he was in good spirits. He walked over quickly and shook Anxi's hand directly.

"Xiao An, it's better to be famous than to meet him. He is indeed a young genius!"

Anxi also smiled: "Welcome to my humble home, senior."

In addition to Li Ning, there were also a vice president from Life Insurance, a vice president from China Mobile, a CEO from Huawei Mobile, a CEO from Harbin Beer, and a vice president from Haier. It looked like a business exchange group from China.

Anxi was flattered and welcomed them into the living room, exchanged pleasantries, and then went to the outdoor dinner party to start the Christmas Eve carnival.

Anxi cut up a turkey himself. Being in a foreign country, Anxi was as happy as celebrating the Spring Festival.

The 76ers teammates on the scene made strange noises, and then it was time to talk to each other and communicate with each other.

Josh Harris was dragged by a translator by the boss of Harbin Beer to chat about something. Anxi probably was sponsoring, and there were more people from Li Ning. Several vice-president-level figures actually found a few young players and chatted with them. stand up.

Li Ning had just finished communicating with the team's general manager Sam Hinkie, then saw Anxi and walked over with red wine.

"Xiao An, come on, cheers."

Anxi smiled and clinked glasses with Li Ning, and then the two said some nonsensical words. Anxi probably guessed what Li Ning was thinking. Anxi's sneaker contract is about to expire. It should be said that it will expire after this season. Li Ning is obviously Aiming at this, he wanted to sign Anxi.

Anxi's current appeal is not the same, even Dayao can't compare with Anxi, because there is a saying that the center does not sell shoes, only the forwards and defenders do, especially Anxi's physical fitness. Swingman.

Now that Anxi's last sneaker contract is about to expire, Nike and his ilk are naturally like sharks smelling fishy smell, coming up one by one, and the first one to come up is Li Ning.

Anxi does not exclude domestic brands. Li Ning came in person and showed his sincerity. He decided to listen to Li Ning's quotation.

Soon, the two started talking about the sneaker contract, and Li Ning naturally mentioned that he wanted to sign Anxi: "Xiao An, are you interested in signing a contract with a domestic sneaker brand?"

Anxi smiled: "Of course I'm interested." The implication is that we can negotiate, but it depends on the price and sincerity.

Li Ning felt happy, he felt there was hope.

"Let's do this, Xiao An. I'll ask my vice president to negotiate with your agent. I'll make sure you're satisfied with the price and treatment."

Li Ning did not mention the quotation directly, and Anxi also understood that Li Ning did not want to act too hastily, because he also knew very well that Anxi was not a fool and would not agree to Li Ning's quotation on the spot. He would definitely need to compare multiple sources and compare products.

Therefore, Li Ning's sincerity is already sufficient. The next thing Anxi needs to see is Li Ning's quotation and treatment.

Sign a domestic brand? Anxi didn't mind.

…

After finishing the conversation with Li Ning, Anxi found Abby who was talking to Mrs. Anna. The dinner gradually came to an end. Anxi felt a little emotional. He called Abby aside, and the two of them enjoyed the noisy time together.

The two of them just stood on the open-air balcony on the second floor of the villa, leaning on the railing and looking at the moon in the distance.

There were also many guests on the balcony, but they were far away, and in the center of the balcony was a group of little kids playing, such as Evan Turner's just four-year-old son Lewis Turner.

There is also Byron Mullens' 3-year-old daughter Desiree Mullens, two little people dressed like dolls playing house.

Abby saw this scene, and she observed the two cute children with interest.

Suddenly, Desiree Mullens pouted her lips and kissed Lewis Turner on the face.

"Yeah!" Abby exclaimed softly, and then said as if she was a little fascinated: "So cute..."

Anxi also noticed this. He held the red wine glass, took a sip, and then smiled.

"Ann, do you like children?" Abby suddenly asked.

Anxi was a little strange, but he still answered: "Of course, I like children very much."

"Then let's have one!"

"What?!" Anxi was startled.

Abby poked Anxi with her arm, seemingly dissatisfied with Anxi's surprise: "I said let's have one."

Anxi suddenly pretended to be thoughtful, and Abby pouted, pretending to be magical.

Anxi laughed: "It seems that the pack of Durex I bought online will no longer be used."

Abby reached out and patted Anxi on the head.

Anxi smiled and hugged Abby, whispering: "You wait tonight..."

At the end of the Christmas dinner, Anxi's manager Ivo Clark had already hooked up with several business tycoons from China. He also told Anxi that he would take these good friends from China to a karaoke in downtown Philadelphia. I asked if I could go to Anxi.

Anxi thought of Abby and shook his head. Just kidding, Abby is still waiting for him!

…

After Christmas Eve, the 76ers restarted their training day.

The Christmas war has also ended, and the excitement is far less than in previous years. The battle between the Heat and the Lakers has turned into a battle between LeBron James and Nick Young. The result is also obvious, the Heat won easily.

The Bulls and Nets played very fiercely, but one comment on North American social networking sites can perfectly describe this game, that is, rookies pecking each other.

The Thunder led the Knicks by a large margin at the beginning, and there was no suspense in the entire game.

The Rockets and Spurs played fiercely, but San Antonio really couldn't attract more fans.

The Clippers and Warriors were equally exciting. Klay Thompson's block blocked Chris Paul's buzzer-beating jump shot. But for the same reason, the Clippers and Warriors, the two second-tier teams in the Western Conference, were not the protagonists of Christmas Eve.

There was nothing wrong with the 76ers on Christmas Eve, but the 76ers players gained a lot.

Early in the morning on the training day, James Anderson entered the locker room door with a smile on his face, and then saw An Xi who was undergoing physical therapy and trotted over.

"Ann, thank you..."

Anxi was stunned for a moment and thanked him early in the morning. What's going on?

He didn't waste any time and asked directly: "What's wrong? James?"

James Anderson couldn't hide his joy: "Li-Ning Sports Company gave me a sneaker contract."

Anxi suddenly understood, and then laughed.

With James Anderson's strength and reputation, there is definitely no sneaker contract available at this stage. Li Ning gave him a sneaker contract, and even a fool can see that it has something to do with Anxi.

Just like when Dayao was in the Rockets, Carl Landry and Shane Battier all got sneaker contracts from Peak. Because of Dayao's existence, their exposure in China increased and they became commercially valuable. .

The same goes for the current 76ers. Because of the existence of Anxi, the exposure of fringe players like James Anderson has also increased, so they can also get sneaker contracts from domestic sneaker brands that only stars can get.

However, Li Ning has taken a head start by signing James Anderson, because James Anderson is one of the few players with good performance in the 76ers team.

James Anderson is currently Anxi's number one substitute. He averages 7.2 points per game as a substitute and averages 1.2 three-pointers per game. He is also the main three-point firepower of the 76ers.

On the training day, the players arrived one after another, and Jae Crowder also ran over to express his gratitude. It turned out that he also got a sneaker contract from Li Ning yesterday. Although it has not been officially finalized, it is still a big deal for Jae Crowder. of harvest.

Anxi's influence on the 76ers gradually shifted from on-court to off-court, and on the training day, the 76ers restarted practicing their defensive tactics.

The two-game winning streak before Christmas has maintained a good state for the 76ers. The first game after Christmas was already on December 28. The 76ers went to Phoenix in the West and challenged the Suns away from home in Phoenix.

Abby also went with him. Jeff Hornacek's coaching in the Suns has been going smoothly. So far in the season, the Suns have achieved a record of 17 wins and 11 losses. Under the leadership of Desso, the Suns also emerged in the Western Conference where there are many strong teams.

Facing his father-in-law's team, Anxi showed no mercy. He made 10 of 22 shots in the game and scored 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. He also scored 27 points, 7 rebounds and 10 rebounds on 12 of 28 shots. With McAway assisting 4 steals, the 76ers defeated the Suns 115:101 and achieved three consecutive victories.

After the game, Anxi chatted with Jeff Hornacek after the game, and also talked about the future development direction of Anxi.

In fact, these old NBA players and coaches, as long as they pay attention to Anxi, they will find that Anxi has developed into a bottleneck period. Next, Anxi must consider its own development direction, whether to develop towards all-round development, organization and scoring, or towards Focusing on a single development and only focusing on scoring becomes a problem.

The advice given by Jeff Hornacek is completely different from that of Mike Budenholzer. In Mike Budenholzer's words, it can be summed up as - master all the ball rights, through personal offense and passing and even assist defense. Driving teammates is the so-called omnipotence.

Jeff Hornacek suggested that Anxi continue to strengthen its scoring ability, and in the next step to enhance its breakthrough and internal offensive methods, the organization of passes can be handed over to Mike Wei and Evan Turner. Jeff Hornacek Ke's reasons are also very good. The 76ers have two masters of organization. Why does Anxi have to organize the offense by himself?

So, differences arise.

Anxi himself was conflicted.

Originally, Anxi's idea was to break a certain record and directly upgrade the passing game, but now, Anxi should probably consider breaking through...

After playing the Suns, the 76ers had a back-to-back game against the Lakers, so that night, the 76ers boarded a plane directly to Los Angeles. Abby stayed in Phoenix and stayed with her parents for a while. Time, it just so happens that this period is the 76ers' Western away trip, and they will not return to Philadelphia until January 10th.

Abby and Anxi's plan to create humans can only be put on hold for the time being. (To be continued.)