Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters-Chapter 1050 - 598 Trip to New York

Chapter 1050: Chapter 598: Trip to New York Chapter 1050: Chapter 598: Trip to New York Before the All-Star Weekend, the Clippers’ last game was against the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls might have exhausted their luck when they picked Ross in 2008, if not earlier during the Jordan era when they squandered their good fortune. Although Ross rightfully deserved the title of Chicago’s very own, his brief peak was marred by devastating injuries, leaving the Bulls oscillating between “tanking for Ross’s recovery” and “making a playoff push after his return”.

This erratic state finally wore out the team’s patience over the past few years.

Last season, the Bulls chose to tank completely and ultimately used their second overall pick to select another hometown hero—Jabari Parker.

Parker seemed the safest choice among the 2014 draft’s “three kings”, with mature skills and an immediate impact on the game, following the scoring forward route like Carmelo Anthony. Just months into his rookie season, Parker already showed potential for an average of 20 points per game, seemingly making the Rookie of the Year award effortlessly within reach.

However, Parker suffered an unfortunate ACL tear, and like Ross, before he could fully blossom, he fell.

Now Parker has returned, but that severe injury made it difficult for him to regain his former self.

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Tonight, Parker’s performance was disappointing.

The Clippers, like students in the last period on a Friday afternoon, were filled with endless enthusiasm for the upcoming holiday.

Yu Fei was matched up against Parker at the power forward position.

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Part of the reason Parker gained weight was to add a “protective layer” to his physique. The Bulls saw his weight gain, and given the impact of his ACL injury on his speed and agility, they decided to have him play as a power forward.

Parker had no objections. In today’s league, nearly every wing player must be ready to transition to power forward at any moment—a burden the era of small ball has placed on wing players.

However, Fei pondered during his match-up with Parker, “Isn’t playing power forward even more draining?”

While today’s power forwards overall may not match the early 2000s’ “era of great forwards”, playing in the post always demands more physically than playing on the perimeter.

Parker cautiously matched up against Fei.

He’s a humble young man and a devout follower of Mormonism. If he weren’t playing professional basketball, perhaps he would have made missionary work his life’s pursuit. This faith not only shaped his character but also influenced his composure and restraint on the court.

It was this demeanor and steady approach that made him the third choice among the three kings.

By contrast, Wiggins’ potential made some think of a future reminiscent of “above Jordan and below Kobe”, while Embiid’s undeniable talent was irresistible—gaining complex footwork and skills just by watching a few of Olajuwon’s videos on YouTube. His talent was too appealing, whereas Parker, as a traditional “offensive kaleidoscope” type of forward, didn’t shine as brightly.

If not for Embiid’s medical issues detected before the draft, and the Bulls’ reservations due to Ross’s injury history, Parker might not have become the second overall pick. At that time, the Bulls were also reminded of 1984, when the Trail Blazers opted for an inside player despite Sam Bowie’s injury risks, allowing the Bulls the chance to pick Jordan. It was these complex histories and realities that made Parker the choice for the Bulls.

Parker was thoroughly outplayed in his match-up against Fei.

His body had grown stronger than during his rookie season, but there was a significant gap in strength between him and Fei.

His offensive kaleidoscope also needed more real-game opportunities to accumulate experience.

Three quarters in, the Clippers had already secured a lead of over 30 points.

In the fourth quarter, Fei was about to leave the court.

His stats were 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Parker, on the other hand, made only 3 out of 11 shots, scoring just 10 points and 3 rebounds.

As a senior player, Fei gave Parker some advice, “Your take-off is not scientifically grounded, putting too much strain on your lower limbs.”

“If you want a long career, it’s best to learn to use your body evenly.”

Parker is from Chicago, and due to Fei’s relationship with Jordan, the Chicago media mostly portrayed Fei negatively.

Those portrayals influenced Parker, making him believe Fei was reckless and hot-tempered.

But the two sentences Fei spoke tonight were the only ones he said to him.

He believed it was sincere advice because the GOAT had no reason to mislead him.

He was just about to ask more questions when the Clippers took the GOAT off the court.

After the game, despite the Bulls’ devastating loss, Parker thought it was the most interesting game he had played in the NBA.

“This was the most fun! I mean, I was playing against the Greatest of All Time, he didn’t hold back at all, I was completely overwhelmed, and it showed me the gap. Also, Frye is not as harsh as the legends say; he gave me a lot of advice!” Parker exclaimed, then began to denounce the media that negatively portrayed the GOAT, “Why did I have such an impression of Frye? It’s all the media’s fault. Most people will never get to meet Frye in their lives; they can only come to know him through the media. If the media paints him as a villain, then we’ll think he’s a villain, but Frye isn’t! He’s a good person!”

“The Chicago Tribune” responded playfully to Parker’s accusations against the media: “Frye is a good person. I hope that phrase gets written on Shaquille O’Neal’s tombstone.”