After finishing his call with Yi Jianlian, Li Feng's system prompt sounded.
"Ding, the Yi Emperor Awakening skill is activated. The host helped Yi Jianlian regain his mindset and received skill fragments and +10 honor points!"
Li Feng had almost forgotten that the system had this new task.
Right after his call with Yi Jianlian, Da Yao's call came in.
It seemed both seniors cared about Li Feng and genuinely liked him.
Indeed, China hadn't produced such a good perimeter star in many years.
"Li Feng, how have you been lately? How's your communication with Coach D'Antoni?" Da Yao's perspective was clearly more practical than A Lian's.
For a rookie, gaining the coach's trust was very important. kanshu伍.ξà
Many talented players, after joining new teams, deteriorated or couldn't even get playing time because the coach didn't appreciate them or they didn't fit the team's existing system.
If there was an opportunity to switch teams, they could prove themselves again.
However, some players weren't so lucky and might fade out of the NBA.
This was why Yao Ming asked this question first.
Li Feng answered truthfully, "Brother Yao, don't worry. Coach D'Antoni values me highly. Current team practices are centered around me, and I'm the tactical initiator."
Hearing Li Feng say this, Da Yao was very pleased. "That's great! Coach D'Antoni is very good at the small-ball strategy, and you should be the most suitable player. I hope you can achieve good results in the regular season."
"Brother Yao, you keep up the good work. By the way, are there any changes in the Rockets during the offseason? I saw that the Knicks seem interested in McGrady?"
Mentioning McGrady, Yao Ming sighed.
"I don't see you as an outsider. Honestly, the Rockets have been rather unreasonable. They've always wanted me to gain weight, but after my experience in the Olympics, I've made up my mind not to gain weight. The future belongs to the era of small ball, and I need to increase my flexibility and mobility!"
As Da Yao finished speaking, a system prompt sounded in Li Feng's mind.
"Ding, the system detected an upgrade to the 'Repair the Great Wall' skill. The host's durability attribute has increased by 10!"
Li Feng suppressed the joy in his heart and continued, "Brother Yao, you're thinking correctly. You can't harm your career just to accommodate the team. There are plenty of teams out there that want you!"
Yao Ming was not someone who easily swayed, but for a longer career, he had to make a choice.
Hearing Li Feng say this, Yao Ming's resolve was further strengthened.
"You're right. If the team pressures me to gain weight again, I'll make my stance clear!"
Li Feng's thoughts shifted, and he said softly, "Actually, the Knicks' interior problem is quite significant. David Lee and Baron Davis both have obvious weaknesses. Their rim protection and defense are very poor, and their three-point shooting isn't great either. Alas, it's tough..."
Yao Ming was a smart person, and he understood the deeper meaning in Li Feng's tone.
"Oh... Li Feng, how about this? I've been with the Rockets for so many years, and I do have feelings for this team. Plus, there are still so many loyal Rockets fans in China."
"If the situation really changes, I will request a trade."
Li Feng was overjoyed. Conversations between intelligent people were so comfortable.
"That's great, Brother Yao! If that day ever comes, I'll definitely make sure the Knicks go after you!" kanδん
"Haha, ever since we parted ways at the Olympics, I've thought a lot. It's really not easy for our Chinese players to make a name for themselves in the NBA. If we can join forces, it's equivalent to helping the national team with training!"
Li Feng felt the same way and nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Brother Yao, we didn't have enough chemistry during the Olympics. If we can get a season or two to gel, we'll definitely be able to achieve something on the international stage!"
Olympic teammates reuniting in New York?
Chinese brothers dominating New York?
They chatted more and more happily, talking for over an hour before hanging up.
...
After more than a month of training, the preseason games began.
For the fans, the offseason was a long and arduous wait, especially for Knicks fans.
Li Feng's arrival made the Knicks the team with the highest traffic.
Li Feng's performance leading the team in the Summer League further ignited the Knicks fans' infinite hopes for the new season.
Under such expectations, the fans felt like time was passing by at a snail's pace.
Therefore, as soon as the preseason started, the fans' enthusiasm was sky-high, no less than the regular season's popularity.
Knicks tickets became even harder to obtain.
The first preseason game was the Knicks against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies had undergone significant roster changes this season, with Randolph joining the team and forming the "Grit and Grind" duo with Marc Gasol.
This Grizzlies team was interior-focused, representing the last glorious era of traditional interior play in the NBA.
Li Feng, having transmigrated, naturally knew how formidable this Grizzlies team was.
Therefore, Li Feng was prepared. In this preseason game, he intended to unleash the run-and-gun offense and give the Grizzlies a good lesson.
Randolph and Marc Gasol were also itching to teach the Knicks a lesson.
They wanted to show Li Feng how basketball should be played!
Although it was just a preseason game, the tension was palpable. Countless fans were eagerly awaiting this clash between traditional basketball and future basketball.
The media once again played the role of fanning the flames. They sent reporters to interview Randolph and Marc Gasol.
These two were indeed tough guys, and their strength in the paint was undeniable.
Thus, facing the reporters, they boldly declared that they would win this game!
Another group of reporters went to interview Li Feng and Coach D'Antoni.
Coach D'Antoni was more refined and made some official remarks.
However, Li Feng did not maintain his usual low profile. He knew this was a commercial league, different from the NCAA.
In this predominantly black basketball arena, players needed to have their own personalities.
So, Li Feng confidently expressed his views.
"I will lead the Knicks to play a different kind of run-and-gun offense. The Grizzlies will be the first sacrificial lamb in our tactical experiment!"
These words were quite arrogant, and the reporters were very surprised.
But the reporters were even more excited, as it indicated Li Feng understood the NBA's traffic-driving secrets.
"Mr. Li Feng, Randolph and Marc Gasol are very strong in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Your team's interior is relatively weak. How do you think you can compete in the paint?"
Li Feng shrugged and replied casually, "You can score in the paint, and you can score from beyond the three-point line. It's not that different, is it? Besides, a three-pointer is worth one more point than a two-pointer, isn't it?"
Li Feng's slightly taunting remarks made the reporters burst into laughter.
Countless fans saw the interview videos of both sides, which further increased their anticipation for the game.
On October 17th, the 2009-2010 NBA preseason kicked off.
The Knicks hosted the Memphis Grizzlies at home.
The Grizzlies' starting five were Randolph, Marc Gasol, Conley, Rudy Gay, and Mayo.
The Knicks' starters were Li Feng, David Lee, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Jamal Crawford.