After Su Feng explained himself for nearly an hour, Hu Weidong remained silent for a long time...
"Thank you, Xiao Su. I won't take up more of your time. Go and have your interview," Hu Weidong said, patting Su Feng's shoulder.
Su Feng: "..."
Old Hu, do you really think that after all this time, any reporter still wants to interview me?
Well, don't say it—turns out they actually do.
Aren't Xu Jicheng, Zhang Weiping, and Su Junyang standing right there as journalists?
"Xiao Su, I'm not the type to drag things out. In fact, I've already made up my mind. I'm definitely going to the NBA, but before that, I still want to help the Jiangsu team win a CBA championship."
Before saying goodbye, Hu Weidong spoke seriously to Su Feng.
A CBA championship...
Well, it wasn't that Su Feng wanted to argue with Hu Weidong, but winning a CBA title at that time was extremely difficult.
If Su Feng remembered correctly, the last time Yao Ming won the CBA championship, he averaged 41.3 points, 21 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks.
And that was only because Wang Zhizhi had left for the NBA, allowing the Shanghai team to take the title.
The August 1 dynasty was truly terrifying.
After listening to Hu Weidong, Su Feng didn't try to persuade him otherwise.
Because this was the path Old Hu had chosen, and even if it meant suffering, he was determined to see it through.
But before leaving, since the system indicated that Hu Weidong's favorability had reached the required level...
Su Feng, who had kept the nutrient solution at home for nearly three years, decided to let Old Hu help him get rid of this so‑called "non‑chief product."
Don't ask—asking only makes it sound cheap.
According to the system's rules, the Supreme Nutrient Solution couldn't be shared with others.
However, as long as the regular nutrient solution met the standard, it could be given.
This ordinary nutrient solution had some effect in restoring physical fitness. In Su Feng's view, it was far more reliable than the health products sold on the market.
At that time, the men's basketball team was still in a state where even minor injuries kept players from competing.
Therefore, Su Feng wanted to offer this nutrient solution, even if it only helped Old Hu relieve some of the "stress."
So, Su Feng said to Hu Weidong: "Old Hu, wait a bit. I'll send you some health products from the United States. Make sure to drink them."
Hu Weidong smiled. "Alright, then next time you come back, I'll take you to eat hairy crabs."
Hu Weidong didn't reject Su Feng's goodwill.
He had even thought ahead: in the future, when the men's basketball team called on Su Feng, if anyone tried to oppose him, Hu Weidong would give up his national team spot to Su Feng.
In Hu Weidong's eyes, Su Feng was only 18 years old, yet he was about to face life alone in a foreign country. How difficult would that be?
Never let someone like Su Feng—who carries a basketball dream in his heart—feel abandoned.
…
The Long Beach Summer League continued, but while Su Feng, Allen Iverson, and Ben Bufen kept playing "Philadelphia Triangle in Long Beach"...
The American men's basketball team, known worldwide as "Dream Team III," had already arrived in Atlanta.
Compared with "Dream Team I," which dominated Barcelona four years earlier, the depth of the American roster this time was even more overwhelming.
In Su Feng's previous life, many believed that Dream Team III was the strongest lineup in the history of American basketball.
Besides Ewing, the other three of the four great centers were all on the roster for these Olympics.
And in addition to that, Dream Team III also featured legends like Barkley and Malone.
Yet, just after this group of "millionaires" arrived in Atlanta...
Beyond the usual talk of women, luxury cars, and mansions, the hottest topic was a big man from Wake Forest.
Inviting college rookies to training camps had always been a tradition of the U.S. men's team, because before professionals were allowed to play in the Olympics, college athletes carried the banner of American basketball.
So, two weeks earlier, during training, Dream Team III's coach Lenny Wilkens had specially recruited Tim Duncan from Wake Forest.
At first, when Wilkens arranged for Duncan to face the team's superstars, Shaquille O'Neal joked as usual:
"Hey, coach, aren't you afraid I'll break this so‑called future star of American basketball?" Shaq teased.
Hearing that, Wilkens thought Shaq had a point.
After all, Duncan was just a junior.
No matter how highly scouts praised him, the monsters he was about to face were on another level...
Wilkens wanted to ask Duncan's opinion, keeping a player‑focused approach.
"The effect of force is mutual," Duncan calmly replied.
Wilkens was stunned.
And then, not only O'Neal, not only the Dream Team players...
Even the reporters and scouts present were shocked by what they saw.
In the first five‑on‑five scrimmage, 15 minutes long, Duncan faced O'Neal. Shaq scored 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Duncan? He posted 10 points and 6 rebounds.
In the second scrimmage, Duncan went up against Olajuwon. Hakeem had 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Duncan recorded 12 points and 8 rebounds.
What does it mean to peak before debuting?
On the sidelines, Admiral Robinson commented in surprise:
"If Marcus Camby enters the league, he'll need time to become an excellent center. But Tim... once he joins, the league's big men will need to be re‑ranked."
Watching Duncan battle Shaq and Hakeem back‑to‑back, the scouts were buzzing.
In Su Feng's previous life, there were always people who questioned Duncan.
But questioning Duncan meant questioning the intelligence of the entire 1990s—29 NBA teams, 29 general managers, 29 head coaches, every scout, and every fan.
Well... not exactly.
There really was one fanbase that thought their team shouldn't use the top pick on Duncan in the 1997 draft.
That group? The San Antonio Spurs fans.
Because at the time, the Spurs already had Robinson, one of the four great centers. In a pre‑draft poll, more than 65% of Spurs fans believed the team should pair Robinson with the flashy Keith Van Horn, hyped by Auerbach.
Fortunately, fans can be funny—but the Spurs' front office was not.
Otherwise, who knows how history would have turned out...
Tim Duncan, even before joining the league, had already made his name known across the NBA.
In Boston, when Auerbach got hold of the training camp footage, he told coach M.L. Carr excitedly:
"Miller, you have only one task next season."
Carr looked at Auerbach, who was still recovering, and didn't dare speak loudly, afraid of disturbing him.
But at 79, Auerbach didn't look frail. At that moment, he seemed reborn, like the mastermind of the Celtics dynasty who once ruled the league.
"Forget all the honors, forget the past! Next season, no matter how bad the record gets, you must lead the team there," Auerbach said, patting Carr's shoulder.
Carr was stunned. Even though the Celtics were rebuilding after Bird's retirement, they had still managed over 30 wins in the 1995–96 season.
Carr knew there was only one reason Auerbach was so excited.
Tim Duncan.
But what Auerbach didn't know was that when Stern realized the Celtics might land Duncan, he was nearly terrified.
What kind of international joke was this? You're all old—can't you retire?
If Boston built another dynasty, how would the rest of the league survive?
In Su Feng's previous life, Celtics fans often wondered "what if" they had won the top pick.
But to be blunt, even if Boston had a 99.99% chance of winning the lottery in 1997, Stern would never have allowed it.
Retire, Cardinal. The times had changed.
Of course, what truly panicked Stern wasn't just Auerbach. Because no matter how great the chef, he still needs ingredients.
The real fear was the combination of Auerbach + Duncan.
Later, many said Stern didn't understand basketball. But even if he didn't, Stern wasn't stupid—he could read the news.
Time proved everything.
A rookie season with All‑NBA First Team and All‑Defensive Second Team honors. A second season with a championship and Finals MVP, making the Defensive Player of the Year award look like a joke...
This was reality, more dramatic than any novel.
Perhaps only the Mavericks, who once claimed to be the "largest forward in the universe," could dare to "question" Duncan.
…
One year before the young Duncan entered the NBA, in Long Beach, the Philadelphia Iron Triangle gave the people of Philadelphia hope for the next season...
In the third Summer League game, Su Feng and Allen Iverson combined for 45 shots. Even though they missed 30 of them, they still won!
This time, they defeated the Bucks, who had Ray Allen.
Ray Allen, originally drafted by the Timberwolves, was traded to the Bucks in exchange for Marbury.
On this day, Ray Allen was devastated.
Despite shooting 9 of 15 from the field and adding free throws, he scored an impressive 28 points with great efficiency.
If the flow of this game were condensed into a short passage, it would probably read like this:
The 76ers battled the Bucks, who carried huge momentum. Ray Allen's arrows were sharp, and he entered an unstoppable rhythm against the 76ers.
Su Feng saw defeat looming for the 76ers, so he pounded his chest and declared: "I'm resting today!"
Looking around, Iverson had already exhausted himself.
At the critical moment, Alabama's Ben Wallace rushed in. Su Feng asked, "Can you bring reinforcements?"
Wallace shook his head: "None!"
Su Feng asked again: "Do you have a good strategy to break the enemy?"
Wallace shook his head once more: "None!"
Su Feng sighed: "Then I am doomed!"
At that moment, Ben Wallace stepped forward, saying: "The hero need not panic. I am here, and the enemy will not harm you!"
With that, Wallace wielded his "18,000‑kilogram" Fangtian halberd, striking down several opponents and greatly boosting the morale of the 76ers.
Su Feng rejoiced: "With Admiral Ben Wallace of Alabama at my side, I can cut down Ray Allen!"
And so, the 76ers defeated the Bucks 76–69.
Ben Wallace made his name in this very first game, recording 6 points, 25 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 steals, and 3 assists.
After the game, Rick and Jason immediately called head coach Davis and team agent Claus.
Frankly speaking, gold will always shine.
And with teammates like Su Feng and Iverson, Ben Wallace was bound to emerge.
…
After defeating the Bucks, the 76ers went on to win the Long Beach Summer League Championship in their final two games.
Although it was only a regional summer league, there was still a championship ceremony and award selections.
Su Feng, Iverson, and Ben were all named to the Long Beach Summer League First Team.
It is worth mentioning that when Su Feng saw the First Team list, he felt it was truly full of gold.
Besides the 76ers' Iron Triangle, the team also featured "just friends" Kobe and Ray Allen.
Iverson was selected as the MVP of the summer league, averaging 29 points, 9.4 assists, and 3.4 steals.
Su Feng also posted excellent numbers: 27 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Of course, Su Feng thought the strangest stat line belonged to Big Ben.
This guy averaged 4.6 points, 16.2 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 3.0 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.
As they prepared to return to Philadelphia, Iverson teased Su Feng:
"I'll call you the 'Lone Ranger' from now on. In five games, not a single assist, Su—tell me, how did you manage that?"
Su Feng blushed and replied:
"Well... I'm a shooting guard. I did pass the ball, but..."
He sighed. Was there any justice? A team‑oriented player like him being called a "lone wolf" by Iverson?
"Su, did you know? My agent just told me the 76ers are ready to sign me!" Ben added.
But the happiest of all after the summer league was Big Ben.
The 76ers' front office wasn't foolish. Looking at his numbers and their weak interior rotation...
Plus, Jason and Rick believed Wallace was close to Su Feng and Iverson. Even if Claus didn't fully understand basketball, he knew it was no loss to keep this excellent "reject" first.
"Well, there's more than a month before Philadelphia. You'll follow me for special training," Su Feng said.
Looking at Big Ben's massive frame, Su Feng suddenly felt a sense of security.
And so, "Philadelphia's Iron Triangle Runs Long Beach" came to an end.
The next step was to see which players were truly committed.
In Su Feng's previous life, some NBA players didn't work hard in the summer, and the clues showed up during the regular season.
Although scoring in the summer league felt great, Su Feng knew clearly that compared to the real NBA, the summer league was just child's play.
After the Iron Triangle returned to Philadelphia, Big Ben first went with his agent to sign with the 76ers.
As Su Feng expected, the 76ers and Wallace agreed to a two‑year contract worth $700,000.
Every year, summer league produces standouts, but to think that performance alone could close the gap with established stars?
Impossible.
When signing Wallace, Claus even doubted the report: 206 cm tall? He didn't look taller than Su Feng...
But Wallace was thrilled, because playing in the NBA was something he had never dared to dream of.
Su Feng knew that with the 76ers' current frontcourt, Wallace might earn a big contract sooner than expected. If the team wanted to keep him long‑term, it would become increasingly difficult.
However, as a rookie, Su Feng couldn't interfere with management decisions, especially in an era of tense labor relations.
One wrong move, and he could be labeled a "troublemaker."
Anyway, spending money was the owners' business. Su Feng, who had grown up under the sun, wouldn't worry about the capitalists.
In addition, after signing, Wallace even considered buying a house in Philadelphia.
Su Feng couldn't believe it.
"For $700,000, you think you're rich?"
He slapped Wallace and scolded:
"What house? Do you think I bought one? I still rent! Don't waste money—you know basketball players live off youth!"
Wallace protested:
"But then I can't invite you to my house for a party?"
Su Feng kicked him again:
"Party? You can't host one in a rented place? And don't even think about parties! You don't have a big contract yet. You're just on a base salary. I'm the 13th pick in the first round of 1996—do you think I slack off?"
Wallace nodded, convinced:
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
Su Feng patted his shoulder with satisfaction:
"Don't worry. In the future, I'll teach you how to make money."
Wallace's eyes lit up:
"Really?"
Su Feng smiled:
"Of course. Where do you think my training halls and trainers come from?"
Of course, they came from Uncle Hang...
Su Feng realized that since he had grown thicker skin, life felt much easier.
Wallace followed his advice, and as his No. 3 "tool man," Su Feng believed Wallace was a long‑term investment.
Because once he grew, he would become the face of the Defensive Player of the Year award. Could his value be low?
After signing with the 76ers, Wallace originally wanted the No. 6 jersey, but since it had been retired, he finally chose No. 4.
…
By the end of July, Kobe Bryant had resolved his housing situation in Los Angeles, decisively broken up with Brandi, and headed to Philadelphia.
"You broke up?" Su Feng asked cheerfully when they met.
"Yeah. I told her I don't have time to be with her anymore," Bryant replied.
"Don't be sad, don't be sad. I'm just curious—did you finally get to first base?" Su Feng asked with a grin.
Kobe's face suddenly turned red, his expression flustered, and Su Feng couldn't help but watch him with amusement.
Su Feng thought that if Kobe could really defend himself like Vanessa in the future, then maybe Vanessa ought to pay him some kind of fee.
Of course, Su Feng, familiar with the off‑court lives of NBA players, knew that Kobe wouldn't meet Vanessa for a few more years, so it was impossible to think of him as untouched.
That day, the four "iron men" gathered in Philadelphia.
Ben Wallace with iron elbows, Kobe with steel ambition, Iverson with steel will, and Su Feng with a steel body began their joyful sprint toward the NBA.