Chapter 890: 295: It’s impossible to catch up with Roger in this lifeti (Requesting monthly tickets!)_2
After entering the league, Webber, like Nike, was steadily declining.
In Orlando, he was considered trash by Shaq.
In Chicago, he was labeled a super trash by Michael Jordan.
In Detroit, he was deed a burden to Grant Hill.
If you think Webber only perford poorly on the court, you’re underestimating him. He also caused quite a stir off the court.
The most iconic mont ca when he was caught racing with the police on the highway in a real-life version of GTA, after which he casually said, “Officer, if I get a ticket, this city will lose a truly good man.”
This was Chris Webber before 2001, his only positive trait possibly being that he at least played despite getting paid.
Logically, Nike would never have any further dealings with soone like Webber.
But Nike’s “expansion plan” and Webber’s transformation this season brought them back together.
In the previous few seasons in Sacranto, Webber improved slightly.
But this season, Webber underwent a complete transformation.
He began shedding his decadent lifestyle.
His defense finally exceeded the league average.
His rebound numbers reached a career-high.
Even his free throws, as bad as Shaq’s, improved to around 75%.
Then he led the Kings to a 6-1 start this season.
All of this led Nike to believe Chris Webber has a chance to be the one to defeat Roger.
Whoever defeats Roger should ideally be from Nike’s camp.
This is the real purpose behind Nike’s “expansion plan.”
They hope soone from their camp can diminish Roger’s influence in a head-on clash.
And tonight in Atlanta, Nike has a chance to assess the value of this signing.
Webber also attaches great importance to this ga, not to please Nike.
But because he’s always lacked so decisive victories to propel his developnt.
Last season, Chris Webber was completely defeated by the Hawks in the regular season and swept by the Lakers in the playoffs.
All these losses deprived Webber of further opportunities to enhance his reputation.
So, Chris Webber arrives in Atlanta with imnse determination.
He needs a convincing victory to build his path to stardom.
Even if the foolish Mike Bibby made things difficult for the team before the ga started, Chris Webber’s determination remained unwavering.
They both want to reverse the downturn, probably the similarity between Webber and Nike.
Before the ga, Mike Bibby greeted his old friend Stephen Jackson at the center circle.
Stephen Jackson looked gleeful, “Had fun last night, Mike? Too bad Gold Club is now a church, otherwise you’d be happier. Anyway, you’re in for a tough ti tonight.”
Thinking of last night’s events made Mike Bibby embarrassed, but he tried to argue, “I still stand by my view, you will lose.”
“Co on, Mike, even your salary was negotiated by Roger. Without him, you’d be earning peanuts, praying to retire at 45 with the league’s pension. Tell , how do you plan to beat a legend who dictates the entire league?”
Starting next season, ABC, TNT, and ESPN will fully take over the NBA’s broadcast rights, paying a combined price of $5.2 billion over six years, aning the league’s salary cap will see a significant increase next sumr.
In contrast, NBC’s broadcasting contract over the past 12 years was only worth $3.1 billion.
It’s widely believed that the brilliant narrative woven by Michael Jordan and Roger in the ’90s greatly boosted the NBA’s comrcial value.
So to so extent, Stephen Jackson states a fact: Roger’s influence has elevated everyone’s salaries.
Mike Bibby couldn’t counter, so star players speak facts as they are, while others exaggerate.
When people state so facts about Roger, you genuinely sense, “This guy is untouchably great.”
Mike Bibby was left speechless and in the end rely taunted his good brother, “What does all this have to do with you, Stephen? You just shout like crazy from the bench for 48 minutes. You can only push Roger along, but you act like you’re the lead.”
Stephen Jackson clenched his fist; if they weren’t friends, he would’ve punched that fool!
Though Mike Bibby had his say, as he returned to his own half, his spirit was lost.
He’s a gutsy guy, precisely why he beca friends with Stephen Jackson back in school.
No matter who the opponent is, he’s never afraid.
But Roger’s threat made Bibby feel fear on the basketball court for the first ti.
Chris Webber was up for an interview, and the sideline reporter seemingly wanted to stir up so unpleasant mories for Webber and asked, “Do you think it’s the right decision for Nike to resign you? Back in Detroit, you couldn’t even assist Grant Hill effectively, now you’re leading alone…”
The reporter hadn’t finished when Chris Webber impatiently shouted, “Enough, I’m in Sacranto now, why ntion Detroit!?”
After speaking, Webber turned and left, ending the interview to continue warming up.
Reviews
All reviews (0)