Jordan's fadeaway jumper, of course, isn't just about the similar motion...
It also involves footwork, anticipating the defense, the release point, and so on.
Link understood this deeply.
After all, at the ABCD Training Camp, Matt Babcock had successfully defended LeBron James, who was several sizes larger than him, in the low post.
How to fully utilize strength through footwork is also a skill.
Link stayed at Jordan's house until evening.
Uh...
It wasn't just to learn
He was also dragged into one-on-one matches by Michael Jordan.
Alas... this Michael Jordan really hates to lose.
However, he's already 38 years old, so let him win... ahem...
Alright, this was Link's forced attempt to save face.
After Michael Jordan became familiar with Link's offensive routines, his defensive power soared; this is an essential skill for an outside DPOY, as he adjusts his defense based on his opponent's offensive habits.
In terms of one-on-one, Link was indeed no match for Michael Jordan.
The two played 4 more games, and Link successfully lost Michael Jordan's
However, in the fifth game, facing Michael Jordan, who was gradually running out of Stamina, Link made a buzzer-beater.
...
...
Michael Jordan personally saw Link off.
"Link, in '91, I wouldn't let you score a single point." Although Michael Jordan won more games in today's one-on-one, he still lost 2 games, which bothered him.
"Probably, after all, in 1991, I was only 7 years old," Link said, not to be outdone.
"Hmph, you damn rookie..." Jordan cursed with a smile.
"Michael, it's getting late, I'm going home now." Link waved at Jordan.
"Mm." Jordan nodded, then added,
Through learning and one-on-one matches with Michael Jordan, their relationship also became closer.
Michael Jordan was not very satisfied with the Wizards using the number one draft pick to select Link; he always believed Kwame Brown was the better player. Furthermore, he even thought the gentle and refined Link was somewhat soft at heart and would find it difficult to become a true winner.
But today's one-on-one gave Michael Jordan a new understanding of Link.
This guy seemed different from himself and that kid from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Outwardly refined and humble, but in reality, his heart was extremely arrogant, unwilling to be subservient.
Also, this kid likes to shoot?
Not quite!
Like him, he also preferred a highly aggressive style of play, but was limited by his athletic talent.
To be precise, he just trusted his own shooting ability.
...
...
Before the one-on-one with Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan was a bit
Michael Jordan's intentions were known to all.
He just wanted to beat Link soundly.
However...
Link's progress made Michael Jordan realize that this kid was becoming increasingly difficult to handle, often completing comebacks.
The date came to October 8, 2001.
Today was the Washington Wizards' internal training day.
The training facility at the Wizards' home MCI Center.
Even though it was a closed training day, dozens of media reporters gathered outside the training facility.
In the Summer League a few months ago, Link had performed exceptionally well and was highly praised by the media.
However, there was considerable debate online regarding the starting position for the Washington Wizards in the new season.
Wizards' second-year rookie, Connet Alexander, publicly stated that he would not voluntarily give up the starting point guard position.
Although Connet Alexander was later called in for a talk by the Wizards' management and received internal punishment.
Connet Alexander still didn't respect Link, not believing that a high school graduate could become a starting point guard for an NBA team, even if he was the number one draft pick.
For today's closed internal training, the Wizards' head coach planned to have the two directly face off.
Basketball players naturally
This was a necessary path for Link to gain influence within the Wizards. Relying solely on management's forced orders would certainly not convince other players on the team.
Connet Alexander was not the only one dissatisfied with Link starting at point guard; he was just the one who openly declared it.
Outside the training facility, security personnel were on strict guard, prohibiting reporters from sneaking in to film.
Inside the training facility, an internal scrimmage was underway.
Michael Jordan was still undergoing physical recovery training for the new season and therefore did not participate in today's internal scrimmage.
...
...
The internal scrimmage was a classic black and white team format.
Link and Connet Alexander each led a team.
Connet Alexander led the starting players from last season, while Link led the bench lineup.
After the internal scrimmage began, Link and Alexander were at loggerheads.
"rookie, even though you're the team's big baby, just obediently play off the bench." Alexander said with a triumphant sneer after drawing a defensive foul from Link with a pick-and-roll drive.
"Hey, buddy, my defensive move just now wouldn't be called a foul in an official Men's Basketball League..." Link said with a smile, deliberately emphasizing
But it must be said... this Connet Alexander really had some tricks for drawing fouls.
However, after becoming familiar with his offensive routes, Link's defensive efficiency soared.
"F**k!"
"WTF!"
Alexander cursed profusely as Link defended him.
But on the defensive end, Alexander, who was 193cm tall, weighed 91kg, had average athletic ability, and slow lateral movement, truly couldn't guard Link.
First, there were two consecutive jump shots after pick-and-rolls, followed by three straight strong drives against Alexander in a 1-on-1 on the weak side, even using a frame-by-frame version of the turnaround fadeaway jumper.
Alexander, who was thoroughly beaten, didn't curse as before, but suddenly became quiet.
...
...
The internal scrimmage ended.
After the training facility doors opened.
Reporters swarmed in, not only surrounding Link but also interviewing Connet Alexander.