noveldrama
Chapter 982 982 575 A Better Future_2
Chapter 982 982 575 A Better Future_2
?Chapter 982: Chapter 575: A Better Future_2 Chapter 982: Chapter 575: A Better Future_2 The Greek Freak’s major flaw was his physique, which was also the NBA scouts’ greatest concern.
If he could develop devil-like muscles without losing his agility and speed, and stay healthy, he’d be an instant all-star even without any technical improvement.
Gaining weight, gaining weight, how many talented players were ruined here.
A truly talented player needs not only talent but also to ensure that his gift does not diminish as he puts on weight.
The Greek had already proven in a previous life that he could gain weight and still maintain his speed and explosiveness, so the Clippers didn’t need to rush with him.
Yu Fei already had a training plan for the Greek Freak in mind.
As the game progressed, the Greek Freak displayed other traits that made him even more likable.
Although he was unbeatable on fast breaks, he was very willing to share the ball. When Matt Barnes joined him on a fast break, he willingly gave up the chance to showcase himself.
These positive character traits stemmed from his original family.
As a Nigerian-Greek Black man, Antetokounmpo didn’t start off without a father like some American-born Black players—a bit of bad luck might even result in being kicked out of the house by their mothers—for refuge, Antetokounmpo and his family went to Greece. For a long time, they had no identity, living in harsh conditions, thus he had to work from a young age to support his family.
In a poor large family, there was no concept of “personal property.”
The clothes no longer worn by his brother would be worn by Antetokounmpo, and those he didn’t wear anymore were passed on to his younger brother Alex. Even a piece of meat had to be shared bite by bite among the brothers.
This upbringing molded his personality: putting the team first, willing to share, and having a sense of the bigger picture. These are his underlying traits as a player.
At the end of the scrimmage, Antetokounmpo tossed the ball high into the air, shouting: “”!#??””
Yu Fei saw the coaching staff whispering about Antetokounmpo, obviously, they also noticed his talent.
A scrimmage primarily meant to decide the pecking order was easily won by the GOAT, while Antetokounmpo garnered more attention in the latter half than Griffin did.
Yu Fei’s earlier prediction that “he would surpass Griffin in five years” seemed likely to come true.
“What do you think that kid will become?” Rivers asked Yu Fei after the match.
“Kid?” Yu Fei laughed, “Doug, he started working outside at the age of 11, don’t underestimate him.”
“Well…” Rivers joked, “What great achievements might that responsible Greek achieve in the future?”
“Top three in the League, MVP…” Yu Fei replied, “he might even keep the Clippers glorious after I retire.”
Hearing 30-year-old Yu Fei talk about “after I retire” was indeed a bit surreal, but Rivers still caught the expectations GOAT had for Antetokounmpo.
Top three in the League, MVP, face of the team?
“Coach, I love training, can I keep going?!” Antetokounmpo suddenly ran over and said, “I mean, I love training!”
Rivers couldn’t help but laugh.
Yu Fei teased, “I really wish you could be teammates with AI.”
Rivers dismissively sent Antetokounmpo on his way with a “I don’t care.”
Watching Antetokounmpo’s retreating figure, Rivers felt more and more that the future of the Clippers was promising.
“You know what? Watching him is like seeing Tracy McGrady when he first arrived in Orlando! He has all the qualities to achieve greatness; we mustn’t mess this up.”
“So, I suggest he start as our point guard next season.”
“Him as the starting point guard? What about Chauncey? We did promise him…”
“Let him start too.”
“Both him and Chauncey start?” Pierce began to sense some troubling signs, “What about Paul Pierce then?”
A gleam passed through Yu Fei’s eyes, “Unless you want me on the bench, we need to start working on him now.”
“What if he firmly disagrees?”
Rivers knew Pierce; the man had a high opinion of himself and was very unlikely to accept a bench role.
GOAT said nonchalantly, “Then let his agent come over, we can arrange a trade, or if necessary, buying out the contract is also an option. Either way, we’ll have a bright future.”
If someday, GOAT felt he was no longer essential, he might arrange a “bright future” for himself like Paul Pierce’s.
Such was the deterrent power of the player godfather.
It’s tough being in league with the king.
Pierce could only be grateful that he had communicated with the GOAT early, otherwise, receiving this directive at the end of training camp would indeed be making money the hard way.
After training that day, Yu Fei invited some old teammates to his house for dinner. Pachulia and Barnes were among those invited.
As he was about to leave, Brown saw Antetokounmpo dressed in clothes from who knows where, carrying a small backpack, ready to walk home.
“Rookie, where’s your car?” Brown asked.
Antetokounmpo shook his head, it was hard to tell from his actions whether he didn’t have a car, a driver’s license, or perhaps both.
“Call a cab then.” Brown suggested.
Antetokounmpo smiled and said, “I have no money.”
“Your salary?”
“Sent it back… ”
Barnes laughed, “I like him.”
Just then, Yu Fei’s voice came from another car, “Hop in!”
Antetokounmpo thought GOAT was going to take him home, but instead, he was brought to a luxurious mansion he had never dared to imagine.