NBA: The Dynasty Crasher

Chapter 25: Zhao Dong, You Bad Seed!

"Zhao Dong, you need to begin physical training immediately. If Patrick and Oakley get injured, I'll need you to play more than 40 minutes per game," Van Gundy said as he squatted beside him.

"No problem, Coach. Just give me the training plan," Zhao Dong replied, panting.

"I'll provide it, along with the Knicks' best trainer," Van Gundy added.

Zhao Dong had posted 20+10 performances in three consecutive games. His offensive game was seamless, his defense relentless, and he fought for every offensive rebound. His true combination of offense and defense had brought him great satisfaction. He had already made up his mind that, even with Larry Johnson's return, Zhao Dong would remain the starter.

At that moment, Zhang Lili and Sun Zhenping approached for an interview. Zhao Dong stood up to speak with them.

"Zhao Dong, are you tired? I'm exhausted just watching this game. Your style of play is at playoff intensity. You give your all every time you're on the court!" Zhang Lili exclaimed.

Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Zhao Dong smiled and responded, "I've just entered the league, and now is the time to work hard. Only by doing so can I improve my strength as quickly as possible."

"Could it be true? Will you score 50+ on Jordan within two seasons?" Sun Zhenping asked.

"Yes, it's true. Once I say something, I make sure to back it up. I said it on purpose to put pressure on myself. For me, pressure is a driving force," Zhao Dong laughed.

"Good," Zhang Lili said, giving Zhao Dong a thumbs-up.

Meanwhile, in Houston, the Rockets had just finished their home game and suffered a loss to the Lakers. Barkley was surrounded by reporters and interviewed.

"Charles, there was a report just now. The Knicks' Zhao Dong asked us to pass along a message to you," a reporter said.

"Oh? What did he say?" Barkley asked, sensing trouble.

The reporter grinned and imitated Zhao Dong's words: "He said, 'You're my template, but I'll surpass you. I have the heart to pursue victory, and I want to surpass Michael Jordan. You don't have that. You don't even have the confidence to score 50+ points on Jordan. That's why you can't beat him and never won a championship.'"

"What? That bastard!" Barkley's fury was instantly provoked by the mention of a championship. "He's really got under my skin!"

The reporter, still smiling, said, "I checked your schedule. You'll play the Knicks at home on January 14th, and the Bulls face them on the 21st. What do you think will happen when you face Michael Jordan?"

"I'll teach him a lesson and make him lie on the floor calling me 'Daddy,'" Barkley shouted, seething with anger.

"Zhao Dong has a hot temper. Tonight, he shut down Garnett of the Timberwolves to the point where Garnett wouldn't even dare step onto the court. Charles, aren't you worried that Zhao Dong might make you call him 'Daddy' too?" the reporter teased, barely containing a smile.

"Am I afraid of him? I made Lambir cry under my fists—what's a rookie to me? Does he think he can take me on?" Barkley roared, shaking his fists in defiance.

Lying on the bed, Zhao Dong turned on the screen and prepared to allocate three skill points to his shooting ability. The first two points were successfully added, bringing his shooting to level 90, which marked his first first-class skill. After a brief moment of self-reflection, he continued adding points, but then the system unexpectedly prompted him:

"Please note, host, when both physical fitness and technical skills reach first-class level, every two quality points and skill points will result in a one-level upgrade. Once physical fitness and skills reach first-class, every three quality points and skill points will lead to one level of improvement."

"Damn it, no way!" Zhao Dong exclaimed in surprise. "System, how did my bounce reach level 95?" he asked hastily.

"Kobe's jumping talent has been overridden, and you must also adhere to the upgrade rules," the system explained.

Zhao Dong realized that without such rules in place, his bounce would have likely reached level 100 by now.

"Then, after the shooting training is completed, it will be promoted to level 3. Should I directly upgrade to the third level, or should I receive the three skill points as a reward?" he inquired.

"Directly upgrade to level 3," the system confirmed.

"Cool," Zhao Dong said, a smile creeping onto his face. That was six skill points in total. As expected, upgrading his shooting skills first had paid off. He realized that by following this method in the future, he could maximize his benefits whenever such situations arose.

There was one skill point left. He thought for a moment and decided to raise his low-post game from level 82 to level 83. While facing Jordan was a goal he would love to pursue, he knew that even in the first regular-season game against the Bulls in January, it would be unrealistic to expect such a challenge just yet.

So now, the focus was on improving his strongest skill—low-post singles—enhancing his offensive power and low-post threat. Completing more system tasks was the right approach. On the 17th, the team did not practice. Zhao Dong had shooting training in the morning, visited Alice in the afternoon, and spent two hours on passing and handling practice in the evening. The next morning, on the 18th, the team traveled to the airport for a three-game road trip. First, they would face the Magic and the Hornets in back-to-back games, followed by a challenge against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Upon arriving at the hotel around noon, a media session was arranged.

"Zhao Dong, Barkley wants you to call him 'daddy' in your first regular-season game. Do you have anything to say?" a reporter asked.

"What?" Zhao Dong jumped up from his seat, his face filled with anger. "Tell that fat pig that even if he clings to Olajuwon's side, he won't win a championship!"

Many in the room chuckled at his response.

"Zhao Dong, Michael Jordan asked me to pass along a message. He said you could grow into a great comedian. He thinks that's a good suggestion and hopes you take it to heart," another reporter said.

"Then you can tell that old troublemaker that he could become a professional gambler—one of the best," Zhao Dong replied, digging up Jordan's dark history without hesitation.

Later in the afternoon, the team arranged for a practice session, and Zhao Dong continued with his shooting drills. As he focused on his training, both Barkley and Jordan were fuming.

"I didn't attach myself to anyone's side. You and I are both old, so don't call it clinging! I'm not done with you yet, Zhao Dong!" Barkley roared, clearly angered. In this era, it was a common notion among superstars that they defended their respective cities. The personal attack had bruised his professional reputation.

"Zhao Dong, you bad bastard! I won't let this slide, not for a second!" Jordan yelled, his emotions boiling over when he heard the reporter's message. Gambling, a dark part of his past, was a sore subject. Fearing he might lose control, Jordan stormed off without responding further.

On the night of the 19th, the Knicks faced off against the Magic. With a record of 8 wins and 1 loss from their previous 9 games, the Knicks sat second in the Eastern Conference, just behind the undefeated Bulls. Their next three away games were against weaker teams, and they were confident about maintaining their winning streak. Morale was high, and Knicks fans were daring to dream of a championship this season.

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