At the end of July and the beginning of August, in this era when "Net" is not yet available... ah, no!
In this era without self-movement, don't say it—Su Feng truly feels that life is slow yet fulfilling.
Whenever he remembers that in the future he might just spend the whole day scrolling on his phone, Su Feng can't help but sigh and wonder where the time has gone.
In Philadelphia, because of Kobe's arrival, Su Feng temporarily let go of Ben Wallace.
Well...
It wasn't because Ben Wallace could only provide him with an iron value of 1,500 points while Kobe Bryant had 2,500 points that Su Feng "missed" the big man.
Mainly, every day when he saw Big Ben running to the training hall before even waking up properly, Su Feng worried—what if he unlocked the great kaleidoscope Sharingan?
"Come on, Kobe, it's time to win!"
On this day, Su Feng, feeling in excellent condition, looked at Kobe with arrogance.
"Wait a moment, I'll take a note of it."
Kobe, who was getting smarter, had now developed the good habit of making notes before each one-on-one.
He just didn't know why, but when he saw the number of circles and crosses in his notebook almost equal, Kobe regretted it...
Why didn't I develop the habit of taking notes?
It is worth mentioning that, in addition to his one-on-ones with Kobe and Big Ben, Su Feng still carried out sprint training under Mills' guidance every day.
The once frail and leathery Su Feng wanted to gain both power and speed...
But the loyal Mancias sternly rejected the "unreasonable" request of "His Majesty the Emperor."
"Su, you're almost 92 kg now... You must understand that the best weight I recommended for your rookie season was 90 kg. I don't suggest you continue gaining weight until you've fully adjusted to your current level. And you haven't fully developed your strength yet—you know that body weight doesn't necessarily mean true strength. Look at this guy: his current weight is only 110 kg, but his strength already surpasses many NBA interior defenders."
As the saying goes, professionalism pays off. Mancias, who wanted a long-term career, once again proved his expertise.
Su Feng knew Mancias was right, because in the future Kobe would attempt crazy weight gain all at once.
After realizing the results weren't good, Kobe "quietly" lost some weight and returned to form.
Mancias believed that Su Feng's current training plan—focused mainly on speed, supplemented by strength and skills—was quite solid. "If you play this season, there's no problem... Next season I'll give you a program to increase your weight to 95 kg."
Su Feng nodded and silently praised his emperor once again.
Indeed, Su Feng noticed that the initiative of his group of trainers was really high.
During Su Feng's speed training, Frazer would coach Ben Wallace, while Mancias taught Kobe how to use his elbows properly.
In Mancias' opinion, some of Kobe's playing methods were mysterious—almost like dark technology.
And under Mancias' guidance, Kobe understood why Su Feng had progressed so quickly.
Kobe thought that when he returned to Los Angeles, he would have to hire a few professional trainers. Otherwise, after a while, if Su Feng really surpassed him...
That picture was too vivid—Kobe preferred not to imagine it.
In addition to having a small party every two days and a big one every five, Iverson now also joined Su Feng's trainers regularly...
Every time Iverson came, Su Feng's other trainer, Alan Stein, was as happy as if he had seen a "Savior."
To prove his worth, Alan Stein shared everything he knew and never held back during training.
Under Su Feng's "freedom initiative," Iverson also realized he didn't need to take so many long-range shots...
Although Alan Stein wasn't a head coach, under his guidance Iverson's current shooting practice focused on mid-range and three-pointers.
In the 1990s, it was impossible not to shoot mid-range. Even in the future, despite lower efficiency, the mid-range jumper remained a deadly weapon.
For Su Feng, practicing the mid-range shot was always essential.
In this way, the four "iron men" used their talents and potential, while this group of trainers reshaped their perspectives day by day...
…
"I said, since training is so boring, how about we play a game?" On this day, Iverson, who had been dragged from a party to the training hall by Su Feng, suddenly proposed.
"Sure!"
"I think that's OK."
"Su, Allen is right!"
Seeing his proposal accepted, Iverson smiled and said, "Have you ever run a hundred meters before? I really want to try it once."
The other three shook their heads in unison.
"Then let's find a track and race," Iverson suggested.
So, when four NBA players appeared at Raul Merion, it was fortunate that it was summer vacation—otherwise the security guard might have gone crazy...
Raul Merion's 100m track was prepared by trainer Mills.
Although Su Feng had already paid generously, when Mills learned that Su Feng was going to run a 100-meter race with three other friends, he couldn't hide his excitement.
"Trust me, once you run a few times, you'll fall in love with sprinting!" Mills said enthusiastically.
Su Feng really didn't want to discourage this coach who had genuine Olympic dreams, because, like Kobe, he respected people who pursued their dreams.
On the 100-meter track, Iverson and Su Feng burst out first at Mills' signal!
Unfortunately, in the second half, Su Feng was gradually left behind by Iverson and was also overtaken by Kobe.
Looking at the timer in his hand, even though manual timing wasn't very accurate, Mills was already ecstatic.
"Why don't they love sprinting?" Mills thought sadly.
After the run, Su Feng asked for the results while panting. After checking them, he smiled and said: "Not bad."
Mills nearly lost his mind—was this only "not bad"?
Iverson didn't say anything, but according to Mills, if Su Feng continued sprint training, breaking the 10-second mark would be a huge milestone!
Although he failed to beat Iverson, Kobe was thrilled after seeing that he had surpassed Su Feng.
Knowing the truth, Iverson whispered to Su Feng, still catching his breath: "Did you hold back?"
Su Feng nodded. "Running a hundred meters is exhausting. If I don't let Kobe win, he'll make me run with him all day. Believe it or not?"
Iverson nodded. He knew that whenever Kobe lost in a one-on-one, he would never let it go.
"What should we compare next?"
Even while still panting, the excited Kobe couldn't wait to start another competition.
Don't ask—beating Su Feng was pure joy.
"When I was in Hampton, I liked to use chairs as obstacles. You start dribbling from one end of the court to the other, using different moves to get past the chairs. Whoever finishes fastest wins," Iverson explained.
"Good! Let's do it!" Hearing it was a dribbling contest, Kobe immediately thought about how to embarrass Su Feng.
"OK." Coincidentally, Su Feng's dribbling ability had recently risen to 65, close to his potential of 66.
"Uh..."
Ben Wallace, who had finished last in the 100-meter race, looked a bit confused, but judging by the mood, Big Ben figured this was better than many other challenges.
In his view, when it came to strength, he could surely take first place.
As a result, after returning to the training hall, the four began their dribbling contest.
It's worth mentioning that on the way back, Su Feng handed each of the others a bottle of sports drink.
After all, sprinting 100 meters takes effort—even for NBA players, recovery takes time.
"Are they all monsters?" Mancias muttered, his mouth forming an O.
Once again failing to convince Su Feng to avoid sprinting, Mills glanced at Mancias. He didn't know about the others, but in his eyes, Su Feng was practically a Gundam.
In the final dribbling contest, Iverson took first place, Kobe second, Su Feng third, and Big Ben...
Still last.
"Su, your dribbling is worse than my luck even with my eyes closed," Bryant teased.
Su Feng: "..."
Really, Kobe never missed a chance to take revenge.
But then Big Ben suddenly said to Kobe, very seriously: "Kobe, I guarantee you wouldn't beat Su while blindfolded."
Kobe: "?????"
At that critical moment, Su Feng quickly silenced Ben Wallace with an iron elbow and whispered: "Shut up! If you don't speak, no one will notice you're dumb!"
What kind of joke was this? If Kobe got provoked, he might drag Su Feng into shooting baskets all night.
"Then our next contest should be shooting, right? For some reason, I feel like I'm in great shape today," Iverson said with a smile after finishing his sports drink.
"Okay, I'm good at shooting!" Bryant thought. Not only did he have a chance to beat Su Feng again, but maybe even to take first place!
"OK." Seeing that everyone wanted to compete, Su Feng couldn't refuse, so he nodded in agreement.
But...
Better than shooting?
Big Ben felt like he just wanted to go home.
Boom! Bang! Wow! Clang!
In five rounds—five three-pointers and five mid-range shots each—Iverson took first place...
Thanks to his recent shooting practice, Iverson's form was clearly better than the other three.
This time, Kobe defeated Su Feng by a single shot, while Su Feng ended with all his last attempts as complete "air balls."
Kobe smiled bitterly. "Su, why are you so nervous?"
Su Feng thought: If I don't lose, will you ever let me go?
Su Feng would rather not deliberately miss just to avoid adding to his "iron value." Do you know how hard this is for him?
After winning three straight contests, Iverson was in high spirits. He looked at Kobe and Su Feng and said, "So, have you thought about your nicknames?"
Su Feng and Kobe shook their heads repeatedly, while Big Ben grew anxious. After finishing last in three consecutive events, he was desperate for someone to suggest a bench press competition.
But clearly, the other three ignored Big Ben...
Nicknames are a big part of the fun for NBA fans.
Some players earn nicknames because of their style of play, while others get them from iconic performances...
In short, some are self-made, others are given.
Take Iverson's nickname "The Answer," for example. His friends gave it to him, he liked it, and after his breakout in March Madness this year, it became famous.
"Otherwise, let me give you nicknames? I'm really good at this," Iverson said, his eyes wide and smiling.
Kobe nodded. In Su Feng's previous life, the four great guards had a good relationship off the court.
In this life, after battling Iverson in Philadelphia, Bryant admired Iverson's basketball skills and also formed a deep friendship with him.
If Su Feng remembered correctly, Kobe's original nickname "Peter Pan" wouldn't appear until he won the Slam Dunk Contest and became known for his hang time.
Well...
In this life, Kobe's earlier nickname was "The Magician of Philadelphia," given to him by Su Feng.
But after realizing Su Feng had also given Iverson a nickname, Kobe didn't like his own very much.
"What's a typical nickname like?"
Su Feng listened curiously—he really wanted to hear Iverson's explanation.
"Simple, let me use you as an example. Su, your speed has improved rapidly lately, your first step is like lightning. If I were to give you a nickname, I'd call you 'Flashman'!" Iverson said, patting Su Feng's shoulder with a smile.
Su Feng: "..."
Flash...
Allen, are you already planning my retirement branding?
But honestly, Su Feng's current sprint speed was already at 90, and it would only get faster in the future. So in Iverson's view, "Flash" was a perfect fit!
Don't ask. Early talent, seniority.
"What about me?" Kobe asked, a little anxious after hearing Su Feng had been "named" by Iverson.
"I think... Kobe, you were born in Philadelphia, right?" Iverson asked.
"Yes!" Bryant nodded quickly.
"Philadelphia's most famous basketball superstar is Chamberlain, right?" Iverson continued.
"Yes, yes!" Bryant replied.
"So... what's your dream in basketball?" Iverson asked again.
"I..."
Kobe smiled "shyly" and scratched his head. "I want to be the greatest shooting guard in NBA history."
"The greatest guard?" Iverson asked, puzzled.
"Yes." Kobe nodded, deliberately watching the others' reactions, but none of them looked surprised.
Ben Wallace wasn't surprised because he had already bowed to Su Feng that day.
Iverson wasn't surprised because his college coach had filled his head with similar talk.
And Su Feng wasn't surprised because he knew Kobe had always wanted to surpass Jordan.
"Su, do you know how to connect Wilt Chamberlain with Kobe and being the No. 1 guard?" Iverson turned to Su Feng for help.
Su Feng was speechless. Did giving Kobe a nickname really require so many steps?
You gave me "Flashman" directly without hesitation!
Of course, speechless or not, Su Feng's mind sparked with inspiration almost instantly.
"In China, we call Chamberlain the 'Basketball Emperor.'
Since Kobe wants to be the greatest guard, how about calling him 'The King'?" Su Feng suggested.
"That's a good nickname! I agree!" Iverson praised Su Feng enthusiastically.
Big Ben also thought "The King" sounded extremely powerful.
However...
Kobe, on the side, didn't like the nickname...
It was an indescribable feeling. Anyway, Kobe preferred Su Feng's nickname "The Flash."
So, Kobe shook his head and said: "I think today's speed competition was faster than Su, so give me the nickname 'Flash'!"
"As for 'The King,' that nickname came from Su's own idea. And Su, don't lie to me—I know your dreams too, so keep 'The King' for yourself!" Kobe said.
Su Feng: "..."
After thinking about it, Iverson felt it sounded quite reasonable.
"Yes, Su, look—this training hall is yours, and the trainer is yours too, so just accept this nickname! Your Majesty, The King," Iverson laughed.
Look at the sky!
Not only did they take his trainer for the future, now they wanted to take his nickname too?
Su Feng wasn't such a shameless person.
Although Su Feng had always taken the path of others, leaving them nowhere to go...
When he thought about how he would surely become a senior in the future, Su Feng felt that, as someone with "Maple" in his name, he should still reward others with what was theirs.
Just as Su Feng was thinking about how to reject the nickname, Iverson and Kobe were already discussing how to tease him.
"I have an interview next week. Tell me, when I say to the media that I chose the 76ers just to assist Su, how will that sound?" For some reason, Iverson wanted to prank Su Feng.
Kobe laughed. "Great idea!"
Kobe and Iverson knew perfectly well the media wouldn't take this joke seriously—they just wanted to stick Su Feng with the nickname "The King."
Don't ask—being playful and causing trouble are good qualities for young people.
Iverson had always been the type to follow his own path and let others talk.
He liked Su Feng, so in his view, as Su Feng's big brother, it was only right to bring along a little brother.
And Kobe wanted the nickname "Flash" even more.
Poor Su Feng never imagined that before even entering the league, he would already be given a whole "job" by two mischievous friends.
…
A week later, the four big "iron men" in Philadelphia were temporarily down to three, because Iverson happily went to an interview with ESPN.
Iverson's agent had originally been a little worried that AI might oversleep, but what happened in the end was simply unbelievable...
Iverson actually arrived 10 minutes earlier than the agreed time.
What a joke—Iverson was planning to stir things up today, how could he possibly be late?
So, after returning to Philadelphia from the interview, Iverson felt his mood could only be described as euphoric.
"Strange, has Allen been training with us today?" Su Feng was confused.
Meanwhile, Kobe, who knew the truth, laughed happily. His sly smile even made Su Feng wonder if Iverson had secretly dragged him into this.
Just like that, two days later, Su Feng was "beautifully and beautifully"...
"Tell your teammates in summer league, 'Come set that fuck pick and roll'... This is way too crazy, right? But I love it!"
"The crazier part is still ahead—even Allen said the 76ers chose him to assist The King!"
"'The King'? He also said he wants to be the greatest guard in NBA history? Wow, that nickname is too domineering!"
Well, although Iverson said these things jokingly in the interview...
Someone was bound to take them seriously!
Su Feng was speechless...
He even had a hunch that once he left "Novice Village," he'd be dragged straight into the realm of legends!
This hatred value—don't even think about it—it was already maxed out!
Actually, the nickname "The King" wasn't bad, but the problem was that Iverson had said very seriously that Philadelphia chose him to help Su Feng?
"I must have blown up the earth in my last life, to end up with two friends like this," Su Feng thought, feeling surrounded by mischief...
They promised a carefree journey of growth—so where did this talk of seizing power and usurping after reaching full level come from?
No, not at all!
This reality, especially, refuses to follow the routine!
…
A casino that had just finished acting as a philanthropist was not in a good mood. Jordan suddenly received a call from Pippen, and after listening to what Pippen reported, Jordan chuckled...
"It seems that young people nowadays don't know their limits." Next, Jordan called his trainer.
It was time to begin special training and continue working on newcomers.
On Michael Jordan's "Must-Do List," there was now another young man named Su Feng.
In Philadelphia, after watching Iverson's interview, Berlin Berg and Claus broke down.
Claus knew business operations very well, but Berlin Berg understood basketball better. As the 76ers' management team, they could immediately tell Iverson was joking.
After all, what Jordan heard was passed on by Pippen—and how many people knew what Pippen had passed along?
As for turning around and learning the truth?
So what?
Jordan bullying newcomers—does he need a reason?
"It's clear that Allen and Su have a very good relationship. He didn't forget to mention him even during the interview," Berlin Berg said with emotion.
"Oh, the media want to interview me now. What should I say?" Claus asked with a smile.
"Keep joking—no one will take it seriously anyway. But this is a good gimmick. For the current 76ers, we need to use it to bring fans back," Berlin Berg said.
"That makes sense," Claus nodded.
And so...
Two days later.
According to multiple news outlets, the 76ers' management "admitted" that they chose Iverson to assist Su Feng.
For a moment, many outsiders were shocked.
Choosing the No. 1 pick to complement the No. 13 pick—what kind of operation was this?
In the 1990s, in an era without social networks, it wasn't surprising that word of mouth spread endlessly. Even if false, repeated often enough, it became true.
Philadelphia fans were delighted. Knowing the truth, they felt the two geniuses had a strong private bond, which would greatly benefit the team's future.
Plus, Su Feng already carried the halo of "Philadelphia Hero," and Iverson, who championed "freedom," fit perfectly with the 76ers' team identity...
So, for a time, the 76ers' season tickets were actually sold out. Dare you believe it?
Meanwhile, on New York's Fifth Avenue, inside the Olympic Tower...
Stern's mood could only be described as ecstatic.
Not long ago, the NBA had reached a cooperation agreement with China's national TV station to broadcast the regular season.
The emergence of Su Feng changed history.
Because of him, starting from the 1996/97 season, China's TV station would broadcast two NBA games per week, plus the All-Star Game, Playoffs, and Finals.
Of course, Stern did not announce the specific details of the deal.
After all, when it comes to rebroadcasting costs, Stern had to keep it secret.
Money? What is money?
Don't talk about money—money hurts feelings!
"David, Su is now hotter than some established stars," Mark said in disbelief.
Stern nodded. "Even if they deliberately hyped it, it's still genius to come up with this idea."
"But doesn't anyone think Su's arrogance is overdone?" Mark asked worriedly.
Stern waved his hand. Anyone discerning could see Iverson was joking. Would anyone really believe Su Feng was the 76ers' leader?
"This is a great opportunity. In China, I've heard that whenever Su appears on TV shows or newspapers, they're extremely popular. With this gimmick, when they watch the NBA, they'll look forward to it even more," Stern said.
"But if Su doesn't perform well..."
"The 76ers' management isn't stupid. Do you really think they helped Iverson 'play dumb' for no reason?"
Stern knew the 76ers weren't particularly interested in the Chinese market.
Frankly, they were interested in Su Feng's local appeal and his strength.
If Su Feng couldn't succeed under the 76ers' intensive training, what else could Stern say?
The opportunity was given—whether he could seize it depended on his own character.
Emmm...
Under Stern's guidance, Iverson's interview and the opinions of some American fans who believed it were retold in China...
Chinese fans were ecstatic!
Especially during Olympic coverage, China's TV commentators often mentioned Su Feng...
And not long ago, after the game against the U.S. men's team, Hu Weidong even said in an interview that Su Feng's strength was far above his own...
For a time, Chinese fans who still lacked deep knowledge of the NBA truly believed Su Feng was the leader of the 76ers!
"Brother Feng is amazing! Look, even champions are here to assist him!"
"Who dares question Brother Feng in the future—I'll be the first to get angry!"
"I don't care anymore. Next season's NBA is starting. I'll skip class if I have to—I'm watching the NBA!"
And perhaps influenced by Su Feng, even Takehiko Inoue, while drawing Slam Dunk, added a little Easter egg...
"I'm going to America too," Hanamichi Sakuragi said to Rukawa Kaede.
"You too?" Rukawa was startled.
At that moment, a small detail appeared.
On Rukawa's jersey was a tiny string of pinyin letters:
"SU.FENG."
Perhaps Takehiko Inoue wanted to tell basketball fans across Asia that there would soon be a top NBA perimeter player from the region.
In the summer of 1996, Su Feng had not yet played in the NBA, but he had already become a youth icon.
"Alright, I was wrong, Su, so I'll teach you one more lesson, okay?" And in Philadelphia, Su Feng—who had inexplicably been crowned "Philadelphia's Master"—was already thinking about his own "survival" strategy.
"Forget it, stack the thickest armor and prepare the deadliest counterattack!" As a loyal warrior, Su Feng never gave up!
…
Philadelphia's August was spent in cheerful spirits. It is worth mentioning that, on Kobe Bryant's birthday in August, Kobe also received gifts from Su Feng, Iverson, and Ben Wallace.
Although Kobe stubbornly refused to admit it, the Philadelphia Triangle agreed that he definitely cried when he received the gift!
"Me? Can't my eyes just sweat?" Bryant said, both happy and embarrassed.
It has to be said—it truly feels good to have friends.
Girlfriends? They can't compare to the joy of friendship!
And while the four big "Iron Men" in Philadelphia were enjoying themselves...
In the NBA, during the shark's westward journey after the Olympics, the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets formally reached a trade deal.
Charles Barkley landed in Space City, and from then on, the Western Conference landscape became completely chaotic.
Olajuwon, Barkley, and Drexler formed one of the most famous "Big Threes" of the 1990s.
At the same time, this team of veterans also became a "classic" example for some fans of my future emperor.
If we say that in NBA history, there are times when the strong are truly strong and the weak are truly weak...
It is probably now.
In September, Bryant returned to Los Angeles to prepare for the Lakers' preseason training camp.
Su Feng's temporary special speed coach, Mills, also returned to Jamaica.
Before leaving, Mills asked Su Feng to run a serious 100-meter sprint.
After seeing the result on the timer, Mills was stunned...
"I was wrong... He doesn't need four years, nor does he need an Olympic medal. If you give me four to six years, he will break the human limit!"
Although his pearls felt covered in dust, for Mills, Su Feng had opened a new door.
Mills decided to use Su Feng as a template when returning to Jamaica to select talents, because he believed the sprint kingdom still held hidden gems.
"The host's current speed attribute is: 87 [120], with details as follows:
Running speed without the ball: 89, ball-handling speed: 78, sprint speed limit: 93!"
Although by the end of summer Su Feng's current ability and potential in ball-handling and dribbling had plateaued at 66...
Looking at his speed panel, Su Feng's mood could only be described as ecstatic.
Well...
Without the nickname "The King," this summer would have been even more enjoyable.