September 30, 2001.
Michael Jordan's mansion was very grand, even the lock on the main gate had the number 23 pattern.
Michael Jordan, dressed in sportswear and puffing on a cigar, couldn't help but size up Link after seeing him.
"Link... it seems you've put in a lot of effort training your body these past few months."
"It seems the news media wasn't entirely making things up after all."
Jordan looked at Link, who had become much more muscular, his eyes full of appreciation.
"Haha, yes, I've indeed been training recently," Link said with a smile.
As the two were talking, two black teenagers quickly ran towards Link and Jordan.
"Link, these are my two sons..." Jordan began to introduce his two beloved sons to Link.
"Jeffrey, Marcus, this is your Uncle Link... uh... or you can call him older brother," Jordan said.
Jordan's eldest son, Jeffrey Jordan, born in 1988, was four years younger than Link. His second son, Marcus Jordan, was born in 1991.
The two genuine 'Little Jordans' were very enthusiastic when they saw Link, and even a bit gossipy.
"Link... we saw in the newspapers that you hired special forces for special training last month, is that true?" Marcus Jordan asked curiously.
That's right.
To better unleash his athletic potential, Link spent a fortune hiring American special forces as his private coaches.
(TN: I feel like this is pretty smart, first time seeing them just as personal trainers in a novel)
During the training, Link threw up several times.
Under the double buff of a special forces private coach and physique training cards.
Compared to when he played in the Summer League, Link had made visible improvements.
His height reached 204.5cm, his weight increased by 4kg to 102.5kg, and his wingspan broke the 220cm mark, reaching a terrifying 221cm. His standing reach was already at the level of an NBA Power Forward, 276cm.
As for a Point Guard, he was definitely a heavy tank-level physique, which is why Michael Jordan was so surprised to size up Link's body.
Explosiveness basic attribute +2, increased to 72 (76); Explosive Acceleration basic attribute +9, increased to 64 (70); Explosiveness basic attribute +6, increased to 62 (64); Jumping Height basic attribute +10, increased to 60 (64); Lateral Movement basic attribute +4, increased to 58 (60); Strength basic attribute +2, increased to 75 (80); Injury Resistance basic attribute +11, increased to 55 (60); Stamina basic attribute +6, increased to 84 (84).
In terms of athletic ability, although it had nothing to do with being 'flying through the sky and burrowing into the earth,' among NBA-level Point Guards, it could barely be considered below average. The lowest was Injury Resistance, only 55 points. However, Link's sparring partner card had the additional effect of repairing injuries.
Many NBA players' injuries are due to overexertion, exceeding their body's capacity, but this hidden danger doesn't exist for Link, who frequently uses sparring partner cards. As long as Link isn't tripped in a game, it's difficult for him to suffer major injuries.
The special forces private coach directly developed all of Link's Stamina potential, maxing it out.
In addition, Link's high Strength attribute of 75, combined with his physique and weight, gave him a physical advantage against any Point Guard. However, whether he could utilize this advantage depended on Link's technique.
Other aspects...
Link's attributes also improved significantly.
Shooting and Finishing Category: Three-Point Shot basic attribute +2, increased to 82 (89); Mid-range Shooting basic attribute +1, increased to 91 (96); Close-Range Shot basic attribute +2, increased to 88 (93); Free Throw basic attribute +1, increased to 82 (87); Post Hook Shot basic attribute +5, increased to 65 (83); Post Fadeaway Jumpshot basic attribute +10, increased to 50 (88); Driving Layup basic attribute +4, increased to 84 (88).
Defense and Organization Category: Ball Handling basic attribute +4, increased to 88 (88); Passing basic attribute +4, increased to 87 (88); Passing Vision basic attribute +4, increased to 88 (90); Steal basic attribute +5, increased to 80 (87); Block basic attribute +10, increased to 60 (80); Perimeter Defense basic attribute +6, increased to 71 (73); Interior Defense basic attribute +20, increased to 72 (92); Offensive Rebound basic attribute +10, increased to 68 (70); Defensive Rebound +10, increased to 82 (88).
...
...
"Hmm, you're good, kid. You haven't lost yourself after entering the NBA like some idiots." After seeing the results of Link's off-season hard training, Michael Jordan couldn't help but look at him with new eyes, and he gained a new understanding of this rookie and new season teammate.
"Let's go!"
"Let's go to my indoor basketball court."
Jordan called out.
"Okay," Link nodded.
"Where do you two think you're going? Come with me," Jordan glared at his two good-for-nothing sons.
Upon arriving at the basketball court.
As a highly competitive fanatic, Michael Jordan planned to give his top rookie teammate a little shock.
"Link, don't rush into the footwork you asked me about."
"Let's play a few rounds of 1v1 first."
Jordan issued a challenge to Link for a one-on-one game.
Just then...
A cold, mechanical electronic voice from the system echoed in Link's mind.
"Ding, Host has triggered a random mission - Defeat the god of basketball."
"Mission Description: Defeat the god of basketball in one game of an 11-point one-on-one match."
"Mission Reward: Random Player Action Pack x1; 1000 Goat Value."
...
...
Link's eyes lit up.
Defeating the 38-year-old Jordan would yield quite generous rewards.
However, the current old Jordan wasn't so easy to bully. One should know that once his competitive spirit was aroused, he could play for 48 minutes in a game.
"Michael, you know I'm not very good at one-on-one, but since you suggested it, there's no reason for me to refuse," Link said with a smile.
After saying that, Link felt disgusted with himself.
To beat Michael Jordan, he even resorted to using "Sycophantic Defense."
(TN: The alt was "Simp Defense", would've been funny but sycophantic seems more professional)