On the other hand.
Media reporters also exaggerated Connet Alexander's words and relayed them to Link.
The reporters were eager to see Link's reaction; however, they were clearly disappointed.
"Connet Alexander is a teammate who possesses both strength and confidence, and there's a lot I can learn from him," Link's answer remained impeccable.
But media reporters who knew Link well understood his nature: one moment he'd say the opponent was strong, the next he'd crush them.
The current Washington Wizards, in the words of his previous life, were a "traffic-generating team."
Firstly, the 38-year-old god of basketball, Michael Jordan, would be making a comeback in the new season; secondly, the number one draft pick from high school, "King" Link, would also be entering his rookie season.
(TN: I'm pretty sure it was actually "God King" but I changed it)
Either point would bring immense exposure to the Washington Wizards.
"Link... The Washington Wizards only had 19 wins and 63 losses last season (NBA 2000-2001), ranking second to last in the league."
"With your addition and Michael's return this new season, how many wins do you think you can achieve?"
Last year, the Washington Wizards' winning percentage was only 23.2%.
In his previous life, due to Michael Jordan's comeback, the team's record improved to 37 wins and 45 losses, an increase of 18 wins, with a winning percentage of 45.1%, ranking ninth in the Eastern Conference.
"I believe that not just me, but everyone on our team has only one goal, and that is to make the playoffs," Link said decisively.
His tone exuded a subtle dominance and confidence, prompting the reporters present to applaud.
At the same time, the system's cold, mechanical electronic voice echoed in Link's mind.
"Ding, congratulations Host for triggering the main quest: Advance to the Playoffs!"
"Quest Description: Lead the team into the Eastern Conference Playoffs."
"Quest Reward: 5000 Goat points; [Random Superstar Training Card] x1."
...
...
After the interview, Link continued his training.
The NBA 2001-2002 Preseason schedule: October 11, 2001 – October 26, 2001.
It was only July now.
With about three months until the preseason began, Link could continue to hone his skills and physique.
Although Link performed brilliantly in the Summer League, he still exposed many problems in the final game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Passing needs further development.
His arsenal also needs "new equipment"; merely using a pull-up jumper after a screen or a jump shot after a hop step will make his offense much harder once opponents get familiar with it.
He can start learning the "fadeaway."
After all, his teammate is Michael Jordan, a free mentor.
On the defensive end, besides needing to Explosiveness up his lateral movement, he also needs to improve his defensive awareness.
He suffered quite a bit when matched up against Tony Parker.
As for his physique?
Link looked at his player attribute panel, planning to train the attributes with high potential.
Explosive Acceleration 55 (70).
Explosiveness 56 (64).
Jumping Height 5 (64).
Strength 73 (8).
These few items can be prioritized for development.
...
...
A week later, Link had a Hundred-Point Battle with peak Green and lost.
Two weeks later, Link had another Hundred-Point Battle with peak Green and narrowly lost.
Three weeks later, Link finally won the Hundred-Point Battle against peak Green, despite exploiting the bug of the All-Star sparring partner card's Stamina consumption.
After winning the five-star challenge.
Link did not get a Player Takeover Moment but instead received three badges.
They were: Box-Out Master (already owned), Clamp Handles (bronze), and Rim Protector (bronze).
[Clamp Handles (bronze)] Function Introduction:
1. The ability to protect the ball from being stolen after gaining possession.
2. To upgrade to the next level (silver), you need to successfully complete 30 ball protections.
[Rim Protector (bronze)] Function Introduction:
1. Defense in the paint, Block +3, Interior Defense +3, enhances rim protection ability.
2. To upgrade to the next level (silver), you need to successfully complete 30 rim protections.
...
...
Players often get the ball "chopped away" by defenders after grabbing a rebound; Clamp Handles will reduce such occurrences.
Rim Protector, on the other hand, enhances a player's Interior Defense ability.
These two badges are "standard equipment" for interior players.
Uh...
It's just that Link is a legitimate guard, and his registered player positions in the NBA are "Point Guard/Shooting Guard."
Damn it!
This damned system is always causing trouble.
...
...
Early September!
Link used the [All-Star (Kyle Lowry 13-14 Season) sparring partner card] to have a Hundred-Point Battle with him.
Link ultimately defeated Kyle Lowry 100 to 92.
It is worth mentioning...
This time, Link did not exploit the Stamina bug and defeated Kyle Lowry in the first Hundred-Point Battle.
After all, in a one-on-one, physique is very important.
Link obtained Player Takeover [Moment of Dominance: Sharpshooter] Lv1.
After merging with the existing one, it upgraded to [Moment of Dominance: Sharpshooter] Lv2:
1. Upon entering Dominance Moment, Three-Point Shot base attribute +15%.
2. Existing shooting badges temporarily increase by one level. (e.g., bronze to Silver, Silver to Gold)
3. Player Takeover can be activated freely, lasting 3 minutes each time, with a cooldown of 23 hours and 57 minutes.
4. To upgrade Player Takeover, you need to merge with a Player Takeover of the same level and type.
...
...
Mid-September arrived.
Link used the [Superstar (Kevin Durant 13-14 Season) sparring partner card].
Even though Link used every trick in the book, even resorting to the "Green Formula."
Durant, however, was bewildered upon hearing the "Green Formula."
Uh...
Alright!
At this stage, Durant had nothing to do with the Green Formula.
Naturally, he didn't win the Hundred-Point Battle against Kevin Durant.
However, Link passed the three-star challenge.
The final score was 10 to 60.
The reward was—Durant's In-and-Out Dribble move package.
Durant's In-and-Out Dribble has a huge range of motion, which can effectively create space.
Additionally...
In the one-on-one with Durant, Link's understanding of the hang dribble hesitation step also deepened.
...
...
The date arrived at September 29, 2001.
On this day, Michael Jordan, who had been busy all summer, finally had time and proactively called Link.
"rookie, come to my house tomorrow."
Link had contacted Jordan early on, wanting to ask him about the "Fadeaway Jumpshot."
But Michael Jordan was truly too busy.
Besides still holding the position of Wizards General Manager, his private life off the court was also very rich.