I’m Really Playing Basketball

On July 10, 2002, Chen Xiao and Dan Fagan came to the training hall of the New Jersey Nets.

Amidst the clicks of the reporters in the audience and the boos of the fans in the audience.

Chen Xiao signed a 4-year contract worth 9.35 million US dollars with the Nets.

In this contract, Chen Xiao's annual salary is 1.95 million in the first year, 2.1 million in the second year, 2.26 million in the third year, and 3.04 million in the fourth year.

NBA salaries are paid every two weeks, 52 weeks a year, and 26 salaries will be paid.

Excluding the federal tax and state tax plus some expenses of the alliance and 4% of the agent, Chen Xiao's salary is almost 40%.

With a higher tax ratio, Chen Xiao has risen from a poor person to a high-income group.

Although the salary tax was very harsh, Chen Xiao was still very excited.

The base is too high, even if 60% is drawn, the rest is still an astronomical figure for Chen Xiao.

According to Chen Xiao's four-year annual salary figure, Chen Xiao can receive a salary of 30,000 US dollars each time in the first year.

In the second year, Chen Xiao's salary will become 32,300 US dollars each time.

In the third year, Chen Xiao received a salary of 34,800 US dollars each time.

In the fourth year, as long as the Nets continue to implement Chen Xiao's contract option, then Chen Xiao's salary will skyrocket once, reaching $46,800 each time.

Chen Xiao's contract is a 3+1 contract, and the Nets have the team option for Chen Xiao's fourth year contract.

Therefore, the guaranteed amount of Chen Xiao's contract is only 6.31 million US dollars in the previous three years.

However, NBA teams generally will not give up the last year or two-year contract of the first round pick.

Even if this draft pick is bad, it is no problem to get the salary for four years.

After Chen Xiao signed with the Nets, Chen Xiao's first salary was transferred to Chen Xiao's personal account.

$30,000!

Just wait four more days, and on July 14, Chen Xiao can receive another 30,000 US dollars.

For Chen Ling, he has never had so much money on him.

Therefore, even at this time, the Nets fans welcomed him with boos from the audience.

Chen Xiao didn't care at all.

The Nets fans were protesting that the team traded away the team's third leader, Keith Van Horn, in exchange for Chen Xiao, a rookie player who had obvious flaws and might be a black hole for the team to win the championship.

For many fans of the Nets, even the No. 1 pick is meaningless to the team's championship.

Rookies need to grow, or they are black holes.

Rookies look to the future, and the Nets need the present, a natural contradiction.

The booing from the Nets fans had limited impact on Chen Xiao, but it put a lot of pressure on the Nets general manager Rod Thorn and Byron Scott.

The team reached the finals last season, and the fans' expectations were too high.

However, regardless of the future success or failure, it is now a done deal, and there is only one way to go to the dark.

"Chen, congratulations, you are now a member of the NBA Finals team."

After completing the contract with Chen Xiao, Lord Thorne and Byron Scott congratulated Chen Xiao and sent the fans and reporters out of the training hall.

After the reporters and fans sent out the originally lively training hall, only the coaching staff, management and Chen Xiao's team of the Nets remained.

"Chen, get ready, the Nets are ready to test you."

Feigen finished whispering in Chen Xiao's ear, and Ron Thord and Byron Scott, who had finished their work, came in front of Chen Xiao and Feigen's team.

"Danny, now, do we have the qualifications to bring up Chen's 'red embarrassment picture'?"

"sure."

Dan Fagan stopped blocking.

And Chen Xiao was also eager to try.

Two hours later, Chen Xiao finished all the tests and left the Nets' training hall with Dan Fagan's team.

In the Nets training hall behind them, Nets general managers Ron Thord and Byron Scott stared at the test data in their hands in shock.

Name: Xiao Chen

Age: 19

Height: 2 meters 00 (naked height)

Armspan: 2.13 meters

Weight: 88 kg

Bounce in place: 60 cm

Approach jump: 78 cm

Bench press (84 kg): 0 times

Run back and forth in the restricted area: 13.30 seconds

3/4 sprint runs: 3.40

...

...

This is a very incredible physical measurement data.

Apart from the good sprint results in 3/4 games, which proved that Chen Xiao has a very good explosive power, Chen Xiao's other dynamic physical test data can be described as horrible.

Not to mention the strength and confrontation in the static data, almost all of them are 0.

As for those technical training with the ball, it is no different from an amateur beginner.

Not even a two-handed dribble.

O'Neal's two-handed dribble can't even slip, okay?

Judging from these test data, it is a blood loss to select such a player with the No. 7 overall pick.

Such a player simply cannot play top professional games, let alone come to the NBA.

However, at this time, neither Rodthorne nor Byron Scott showed any expressions of blood loss.

On the contrary, after regaining consciousness, the expressions on the faces of both of them were excited and excited.

"He is 2 meters tall naked and has a wingspan of 2.13 meters. He is still growing taller!"

"When we tried out alone here before, we didn't know the wingspan, and the height was definitely not so high!"

"How long is this? He can even continue to grow taller!"

"In addition, facing the trainer's defense, he made 70 of 100 three-pointers on the catch and 70 of 100 mid-range shots on the catch. They are all quite good. Even, his three-pointers are better than the mid-range shots. Even better!"

The hit rate of three-pointers and mid-range shots is the same, but three-pointers are farther than mid-range shots.

"We thought he was a top mid-range player, but we didn't expect him to be a top three-point player!"

"His physical fitness makes it impossible for him to be a Bird on the outside, but even if he can't be a Bird on the outside, he can still be a top role player!"

"Star-level role player!"

"And he is also a future top role player with a strong immediate combat and a perfect match with the style of the Nets!"

Chen Xiao has an incredible golf quotient and learning ability.

As long as he has NBA-average talent, he could be Bird on the perimeter.

This is the consensus of the Nets.

Therefore, the top management of the Nets had very unrealistic expectations of Chen Xiao.

The results of today's test proved that there was indeed only one Bird.

Chen Xiao couldn't possibly be Bird.

Even if Chen Xiao has Bird's learning ability and golf quotient, she doesn't have Bird's physical talent.

Although Chen Xiao has no way to become Bird, but for the Nets, Chen Xiao's future is enough.

Being able to select Chen Xiao with the seventh overall pick is still a very good choice for the Nets.

"Byron, now our biggest job in the offseason is to ensure that our magical boy can use his three-pointers and mid-range as much as possible on the NBA court next season!"

"In the off-season, I will organize a special team to improve his running ability, confrontation ability, and weight for our magical boy!"

"Rod, I will fully cooperate!"

Chen Xiao, who left the Nets training camp with Fagan, naturally didn't know what the two bosses of the Nets were planning for him at this time.

After signing the contract with the Nets, Chen Xiao will have a CCTV interview.

Because he is the first first-round pick in China to sign a contract with an NBA team.

The contract between Yao Ming and the Heat is July 17.

After leaving the Nets training hall, under the guidance of the Nets staff, Chen Xiao met the CCTV team and acquaintances from the embassy who had been waiting here in the reception room of the Nets.

When she came to the Nets to sign the contract, Chen Xiao was wearing a suit that Fagan borrowed money to buy. Now, Chen Xiao has put on the Nets' white and black home jersey this season.

The jersey number is 7.

Compared to No. 7, Chen Xiao still loves No. 11 after all.

November 11 is his birthday, and the number 11 is very special to him.

However, the Nets' No. 11 jersey is now worn by team center Todd Mark Lodge.

It was the Canadian who bored O'Neal in the Finals last season.

"This finals is really boring, because the Nets' center, what's his name, Todd Markloch, he actually played against me. Pull it down, do you know what the craziest thing is? At that time I got really pissed off playing games in New Jersey, they thought Todd could guard me in front of my grandparents, oh, get over it!"

After the finals, the center of the Nets was beaten by O'Neal to doubt his life, and at the same time, he was ridiculed by O'Neal and completely lost confidence.

I heard that the center is now at his home team, the University of Washington, following his mentor Lorenzo Romar to regain confidence.

In the finals of last season, O'Neal played very well, averaging 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. How could O'Neill, who has always been a bully and afraid of hard work, let go of such an opportunity to attack people.

Hearing what happened to Todd Markloch from Nets general manager Ron Thord, how could Chen Xiao stab him in the back again.

Life is already so difficult, so don't make things difficult for each other.

Although according to Ron Thord, as long as he wants, No. 11 is in his pocket.

Chen Xiao likes 11, but he has no obsession with 11. Moreover, the number 7 is quite good.

"Chen Xiao, did you see Kidd at the Nets' training facility today?"

"No, according to Mr. Soder, Kidd and the main players of the Nets are on vacation."

Just as Chen Xiao sat down wearing the Nets' No. 7 jersey, the CCTV team couldn't wait to ask questions after a click.

In this year's NBA draft, two Chinese players became lottery picks, which had a great impact.

In particular, Yao Ming entered the NBA as the No. 1 pick, and after CCTV made a big report, it aroused the sense of honor of the people across the country.

After all, to beat the whole world to become number one.

Although Chen Xiao is much worse than Yao Ming, she still attracts a lot of attention.

Because Yao Ming had to deal with such complicated domestic relations, he pushed the signing to July 17. During this period, Chen Xiao's signing was equivalent to a thirst-quenching appetizer.

If Yao Ming didn't have such a complicated relationship in China to deal with, CCTV's battle with Chen Xiao would definitely not be so big.

"Chen Xiao, as the first guard player to enter the NBA, domestic fans have always been curious about you. Did you really only get into basketball officially when you were a freshman in college?"

"Yes, before college, I didn't know what basketball is. My favorite sports are running and badminton."

"It's an unbelievable growth rate. It took you only one year to accomplish what many domestic players could not do in 20 or 30 years. You are a real genius. As a player who is called a genius by the American basketball circle My wonder boy, do you have any experience in basketball to share with domestic players?"

"Genius or something, I have never thought this way. I just have better luck. The domestic players are also very good. I am just a beginner who has not yet completed the enlightenment. I am not qualified to share my experience. Moreover, there are also domestic players. Many excellent coaches have cultivated excellent players like Wang Zhizhi and Yao Ming."

CCTV's interview was still the same old routine. It changed the way to praise Chen Xiao's excellence and the achievements he had made on behalf of China in the United States, so that those who watched this interview could strengthen their national self-confidence.

Chen Xiao's answer was very modest, he knew that CCTV seemed to be flattering him, but he didn't want him to think arrogantly, I love Dior, my Dior has nothing to do with the common people in the country, don't you I find satisfaction in myself.

Therefore, Chen Xiao's answer is always a representative of the 'Chinese', a member of the 'common people'.

It means that my achievements are your achievements, you can rest assured to substitute for me and support me.

So, this is a very happy interview for both parties.

Chen Xiao was very happy, and CCTV was even happier.

"Is this really the emotional intelligence of a 19-year-old?"

"It's no wonder he was so successful in the United States. I heard that when he was in college, there were many brothers and younger brothers."

"Compared to Chen Xiao, Wang Zhizhi's EQ is too low."

"I don't know how Yao Ming's emotional intelligence is. I have a hunch that although Chen Xiao is not as favored as Yao Ming, his emotional intelligence makes it easier for him to succeed in the NBA."

By the end of the interview, many members of the CCTV team were whispering.

At the same time that Chen Xiao was busy signing a contract in New Jersey and doing an exclusive interview.

Chen Xiao's rejection of the Nets' No. 11 jersey has reached the ears of the Nets players who are on vacation.

For the rookie that the team traded for Keith Van Horn, except for the team's backup small forward Richard Jefferson, other players are full of disgust.

Chen Xiao broke up the team of a finals team.

"This kid is not that unbearable, at least he is not arrogant."

Kidd said lightly after getting the news from his agent.

At this time, most of the Nets players basically think Kidd.

My feeling towards Chen Xiao has changed but not much.

Except for two people.

"He should be an easy new teammate!"

This is Richard Jefferson, Keith Van Horn is gone, I'm going to show up!

Thank God, thank Wonder Boy!

And Todd Mark Lodge at the University of Washington...

"Branton, do you feel that senior Todd is in a much better mood now?"

After the clever Nate Robinson finished speaking, Brandon Roy, who was in the same first grade as Nate Robinson, nodded honestly.

After completing the signing with the Nets and the CCTV interview, this day's business is over.

But in the evening, Chen Xiao was going to attend a dinner party hosted by American celebrities and Chinese at the New York Consulate General.

It can be said that Chen Xiao is really busy with affairs now.

"Chen, you have to get used to this kind of life in the future. When you leave the NCAA, your life will be more than just basketball."

After Fagen finished speaking with a smile, Chen Xiao nodded seriously.

"I know, I'm no longer a student, I've grown up, I'm a social person!"

Chen Xiao's expression that I have grown up made Feigen want to laugh.

"That's right."

Feigen actually admired Chen Xiao's super adaptability to adapt to the situation.

"By the way, Chen, after you entered the NBA as a lottery, I have been contacted by many business partners, including those from China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Your image is very good, because of the NCAA and the NBA draft. You are also well-known in the United States, and many commercial promotions in Asia will find you when they need Asian faces, and you will have a lot of commercial promotions in the future."

So it turns out that I am so popular in the field of 'Qiafan' now?

Chen Xiao was secretly surprised in her heart.

"Chen, do you have any taboos?"

Taboo?

He really doesn't understand these things.

"Is there any taboo for Yao Ming?"

"I heard that he does not accept business cooperation from Japan."

"me too."

Although I don't understand, this is the client's request, and Fagan will definitely implement it faithfully.

Especially Chen Xiao's request, he could see that Chen Xiao was probably a golden hen!

Thanks Henry!

"Chen, do you have any other requests?"

"By the way, Danny, it's better for business cooperation to be high-quality and high-end. I don't accept ads for underwear and TT."

Although there is an improvement of 1cm, but...

Chen Xiao was a little embarrassed.

He doesn't take a shower in the locker room after every game...

He really wasn't inferior, he just didn't want his old black teammates to laugh and choke on the water, which would affect their bodies.

"Understood, I happen to have a very good high-quality business cooperation here, Asiana Airlines' American promotion advertisement, what do you think?"

"Airline? Sure."

While Chen Xiao and Fei Gen were hiding in the corner to talk about business cooperation, the well-meaning middle-aged man who interviewed him this morning came over.

"Teacher Zhang."

"Xiao Chen, are you interested in playing in this year's World Championships?"

"..."

As soon as Teacher Zhang opened his mouth, Chen Xiaoshan had nowhere to dodge, and was directly attacked by a sneak attack.

ps: I went back to my wife's house today to announce the good news. The update is late, sorry, but it is still a big chapter, almost 5,000 words. In addition, there will be a second chapter later.

ps: Please recommend, please collect! ! !