The Whip of the God of Basketball

"It's a chance boy for you." Leon got a call from Auerbach before heading to Philadelphia for the All-Star weekend.

Since Leon has consolidated his position as assistant coach of the Celtics, Auerbach has disappeared in Washington, calling once a month, chatting with Leon, and communicating about the current Celtics. The situation and perspectives on development. However, in most cases, it was Leon who took the initiative to call Auerbach. Usually Auerbach was playing bridge or taking a nap at home when he answered the phone. When he received a call, he had to scold Leon before starting to chat.

This time it was Auerbach who took the initiative to contact Leon, usually only when there were very important and urgent matters. The phone call before the All-Star Game was a reminder from the bishop to Leon.

"There's something wrong there in New Jersey, I've heard some news, and Stern's bastard is balancing in New York. But this is a good opportunity for you, you will be the assistant coach of the All-Star Game. This is your extension. At a great time for the influence of the league, getting to know those young people and stars, these relationships will always come in handy in the future.” Auerbach’s tone was full of resentment towards Stern, after all, he was the one who helped Stern into the NBA The throne of the president, but in the end it was Stern who ended the glory of the Celtics step by step. In 1985, Auerbach had coveted Ewing for a long time, but Stern used a lottery to give the No. 1 pick to New York, and Ewing went to the Big Apple.

Leon ignored the old grievances between Auerbach and Stern, but replied mercilessly: "Yes, I know, but why the Celtics never seem to attract any superstars?" Woolen cloth?"

"You little bastard, if you don't learn how to respect me again, I'll throw you into the cupboard in the away locker room of the Garden Arena to eat stinky socks." Hearing Leon's sarcasm, Auerbach gritted his teeth and said .

If Leon stood in front of Auerbach, Auerbach would definitely hit Leon's head with his cane, although what Leon said was right, in the history of the Celtics their superstar From the draft, they don't have the tradition of robbing superstars like the Lakers. The Celtics have never been a mercenary army, but a big family.

Of course, Auerbach was just talking, only Fox Leon could speak freely in front of Auerbach, and he was used to it.

"The times are always different, and you need new ideas. Your draft vision is very good, about half of my level, but I can't understand any of the complicated transaction terms. You and Angie and Hua Rais are nice guys, you know those shit clauses. Now that the world has new rules and everyone has adapted to them, take advantage of them. Also, I guess I can't wait for the Celtics to rely on The day when the draft picks up, I want to see another flag." Auerbach said to Leon in a compromising tone, and at the end his words suddenly revealed a trace of sadness.

Leon was silent on the phone for a long time, he looked at his watch, it was one o'clock in the afternoon, and said: "It's one o'clock, it's time for you to take a nap, take care of yourself old man."

After speaking, Leon hung up the phone. Before he could sigh, the phone rang again, and it was Khomeinis. Ever since she knew that Leon could go to the All-Star as an assistant coach, Khomeinis strongly urged Leon to take her to Philadelphia as a family member, because this All-Star Weekend, the trip to Rhode Island originally planned by the two of them will be It's over.

But Leon hesitated. He has always been a person who distinguishes between public and private. To him, going to the All-Star Game is more like work than entertainment. He doesn't like Khomeinis being mixed into his work, even if One day her dad will be Celtic's boss. He persuaded Khomeinis to go to Philadelphia by herself, and she could watch the All-Stars in the arena and watch him direct. After the game, the two met and spent a day in Philadelphia. Khomeinis insisted on being an accompanying family member, eating and living with Leon, and sitting in the family table to watch the All-Star Game.

After the phone rang seven or eight times, Leon still pressed the answer button, and Khomeinis' voice came through the receiver, and she said, "Fox, I can give you an account that I must follow you to participate in the All-Star Weekend." reason."

"Tell me, I'll think about it." Both of them have straightforward personalities, which made their communication very happy.

"Those superstars will bring their wives or children with them, so how can you be alone? Or just drag a low-level girl to follow you?" Khomeinis gave Leon a reason that he couldn't refuse.

"Okay, pack up, I'll pick you up right away, the plane at four o'clock in the afternoon."

…………………

Taking a regional plane, after half an hour's flight, Leon and Khomeinis arrived in Philadelphia, where the All-Stars are held, before five o'clock in the evening. In the two games in Philadelphia this season, the Celtics have suffered losses. Facing the strong and fierce defense of the 76ers, their offense is completely unable to open, and Iverson has no one for the Celtics. he. So Leon didn't have a good impression of Philadelphia, but he felt relaxed after getting off the plane this time. After all, it was the All-Star Weekend, and his mentality was completely different.

There were no reporters, no flashing lights, no fan club, and Leon's arrival went unnoticed. During the All-Star Weekend, a large number of reporters and fans ambushed at the airport and near the hotel at any time, taking every opportunity to interview stars, ask for autographs or take photos. All famous coaches will also attract the attention of reporters, but Leon, an all-star temporary assistant coach, is destined to have no topic.

"Temporary assistant coach, how many times have I worked as a temporary worker?" Arriving at the hotel officially arranged by the NBA, Leon sat on the sofa in the room and read the newspaper, which contained reports on the players and coaches of the All-Star Game. . When referring to Fox Leon, use the interim All-Star assistant coach to refer to him. Since he was released from prison, Leon has worked as a temporary cleaner all the way to today, but he still hasn't taken off his hat as a temporary worker.

"One day you will become the interim head coach." Khomeinis said with a smile as she dressed herself in front of a mirror.

At about 7:00 p.m., other Celtics players who participated in this All-Star game also came, head coach Carroll, Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker who participated in the main game, and Michael Riley who participated in the rookie game. Germany, Arenas and Joe - Johnson, the lineup can be described as huge. Paul Pierce also signed up for the three-point contest, so in addition to the slam dunk contest, there are Celtics in every arena and position.

Before the official start of the All-Star Weekend tomorrow, NBA officials will have a large buffet dinner for all team members participating in the All-Star Game at the hotel where they stay. This is a good place for players, coaches and managers to socialize. At this time, Leon realized how correct it was to bring Khomeinis. She had already put on a lake-green silk dress, pearl jewelry, and tied her loose red hair behind her head. With a beautiful small fan shape, delicate makeup is painted on the face, and the figure is no worse than some models and stars.

And it can be seen that she is not timid at such a large social occasion. She also specially selected a well-fitting dark suit for Leon, and matched it with a suitable tie and badge, making Leon look extraordinary. Khomeinis also taught Leon a lot of social etiquette. After all, Khomeinis's father was a big businessman, and attending such a dinner party was a piece of cake for her.

"I thought you could only climb mountains." Leon jokingly said to Khomeinis. She was arranging Leon's tie, and when she heard Leon's words, she couldn't help but tighten Leon's bow tie, almost letting Leon out of breath.

"Is there any goal, at the banquet?" Khomeinis asked, pulling Leon's tie, sounding jealous. Leon knew what Khomeinis meant, and he loosened the tight tie and replied: "I have always been a dedicated and goal-oriented person. I only want to get Kevin Garnett, so he is mine. Target."

The NBA is a business, but what makes it different from many businesses is that if you want to get something in the NBA, whether it is a player or a coach, you must speak out loudly to let everyone know, instead of secretly working behind the scenes. In the NBA business, winning people's hearts and operating operations are equally important, so Leon never concealed his desire for a superstar like Kevin Garnett. From the first time he watched Garnett play, He decided this was the player he wanted.

The two did not know each other because of a misunderstanding, but since the meeting in Minnesota at the draft, the two rarely had the opportunity to contact. In this All-Star Game, Garnett was also selected as the starter in the Western Conference with a high number of votes. Leon will undoubtedly have many opportunities to contact the Wolf King.

"How long are you going to take him?" Khomeinis asked again, she believed it would be a big project.

"Two years. Specifically, one year, six months and eleven days. If all goes well." Leon gave his answer.