Chapter 858: Various Forms of Reinforcements

Chapter 858: Chapter 858: Various Forms of Reinforcements

Chapter 858: Various Forms of Reinforcements

"China will win!"

"Beat Lithuania!"

"I do not even care who Lithuania has. China has Chen Yan, Yao Ming, and Yi Jianlian!"

"If China keeps playing like this, they really might win the gold medal!"

"The biggest threat standing in Team USA’s path!"

"4 years ago, China lost to Team USA during the group stage. But this Chinese team is much stronger now."

"4 years ago, Chen Yan was only a rookie. Now he is an MVP."

Fans around the world were paying close attention to China.

That included American fans.

Many of them actually wanted another powerful team to emerge in international basketball. If Team USA had genuine competition, the games would naturally become more exciting.

Before the quarterfinal, Jonas repeatedly reminded his players not to underestimate Lithuania.

There was good reason for his caution.

During the group stage, Lithuania had been the team that caused Team USA the most trouble.

They had pushed the Dream Team dangerously close.

With only 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining, the margin had still been just 9 points, leaving Lithuania with at least some hope of pulling off the upset.

It was not until LeBron James attacked the basket for a crucial layup that Team USA finally put the game away.

Even without Jonas’s warning, China had no intention of taking Lithuania lightly.

Lithuania had long been recognized as one of Europe’s strongest basketball nations.

They were also the classic example of a team whose actual strength exceeded the fame of its individual players.

Most of their roster had spent years competing in European leagues.

They were experienced.

Disciplined.

Technically sound.

And, perhaps most importantly, deeply familiar with international basketball.

That was one of the natural advantages of spending a career in Europe.

NBA players might possess greater individual talent, but international tournaments required them to adapt to different rules, spacing, and styles of play.

European players lived in that environment.

...

While the Olympics continued, NBA front offices had hardly been sitting idle.

General managers across the league were making moves to strengthen their rosters for the coming season.

Charlotte and Washington completed a trade.

The Hornets sent Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza to the Wizards.

Washington sent Rashard Lewis, the former holder of a massive contract, along with the 46th pick in the upcoming draft.

Houston was even busier.

In a deal with Sacramento, the Kings sent Thomas Robinson, Francisco Garcia, Tyler Honeycutt, and a future 2nd round pick to the Rockets.

Houston sent Patrick Patterson, Cole Aldrich, Toney Douglas, and cash in return.

The Rockets made another move by sending Marcus Morris to Phoenix for a future 2nd round pick.

That transaction gave Marcus the opportunity to play alongside his twin brother, Markieff Morris.

Another major Houston deal involved Kyle Lowry.

According to Houston Chronicle reporter Jonathan Feigen, the Rockets and Toronto Raptors reached an agreement that sent Lowry to Toronto.

Houston received forward Gary Forbes and at least 1 future draft pick in return.

Then came a move that immediately attracted attention in New York.

Ray Allen had chosen the defending champions.

Multiple reports confirmed that the veteran sharpshooter would join the Knicks.

New York ownership soon confirmed the news as well.

For the Knicks, it was an important addition.

Ray was aging, but his shooting remained elite, and his contract would not consume an enormous amount of salary space.

He agreed to a 3 year deal worth $11 million, beginning at approximately $3.6 million.

Several teams had contacted him.

Ray’s priority, however, was simple.

Championships.

That made New York an obvious destination.

Elsewhere, New Orleans and Orlando agreed on a deal involving Ryan Anderson.

Anderson moved to the Hornets through a sign and trade, joining number 1 overall pick Anthony Davis.

Orlando received young center Gustavo Ayón.

Anderson agreed to a 4 year contract worth $36 million.

Chicago also strengthened its roster by bringing back Kirk Hinrich.

The Bulls officially announced the signing of the veteran guard, while reports placed the deal at 2 years and $6 million.

Miami continued adding depth as well.

The Heat signed former Rockets big man Josh Harrellson.

Later, Pat Riley announced another veteran addition.

Rasheed Wallace came out of retirement to join Miami.

Contract details were not officially disclosed, though reports indicated that Wallace had agreed to a 1 year veteran minimum deal.

The reason behind his return was obvious.

He believed Miami could contend for a championship.

And he believed he still had something left to contribute.

Boston joined the activity by reaching an agreement with Leandro Barbosa.

The veteran guard known as the Brazilian Blur signed a 1 year contract with the Celtics.

Contending teams everywhere were strengthening.

The Knicks were no exception.

New York officially announced the signing of free agent Matt Barnes.

Contract details were not publicly disclosed, although reports indicated that Barnes had agreed to a 1 year deal.

Barnes sounded thrilled about the reunion.

"I am really happy to play with Chen again."

He laughed during the interview.

"It feels like I already picked up another championship ring."

Barnes and Chen had been teammates in Phoenix.

Their relationship had always been good.

Fans used to jokingly call Barnes Chen’s personal bodyguard.

Whenever trouble started around Chen, Barnes was usually one of the first people moving toward it.

A few days later, Brooklyn made another notable signing.

The Nets gave Jeremy Lin a 3 year contract worth $8 million.

Jeremy called Chen that same day to share the news.

Chen was genuinely happy for him.

The young guard finally had an opportunity to establish himself in the NBA.

After national team tactical training later that day, Chen walked over to Yao.

"Brother Yao, one of my little brothers from the Knicks just went to the Nets."

Yao looked curious.

"Which one?"

"Jeremy Lin. I do not know if you remember him."

Yao nodded.

"I know him. The Asian point guard. He played pretty well for a stretch last season."

Chen smiled.

"He is aggressive, and I think he fits really well as a 6th man."

"If the Knicks did not already have so many point guards, I definitely would have told management to keep him."

Yao laughed.

"So you are saying we found a treasure?"

"Haha. He can definitely help right away."

Yao nodded.

Then his expression became more thoughtful.

"I think I will give it 1 more year."

Chen looked at him.

"If it still does not work after that, I will retire."

Chen’s smile disappeared.

"Are you joking, or are you serious?"

Yao sighed.

"I wish I were joking."

He shook his head.

"Lately, I can feel it more and more. My body is not what it used to be."

"There are too many injuries."

Losing weight had extended Yao’s career.

It could not erase years of accumulated damage.

Chen understood.

"Brother Yao, just enjoy the time you have left."

He smiled.

"You have already achieved more than most athletes ever will."

Yao looked at him.

"I am still missing a championship."

Then he laughed.

"And with you standing in the way, I am starting to think Brother Yao might never get one."

Chen immediately replied,

"Then come join us when your contract expires."

Yao laughed.

"You had better save a roster spot for me."

"Done."

The 2 had known each other long enough to joke freely.

But beneath the laughter, both understood the reality.

Yao’s career was entering its final stage.

There would be time to think about the NBA later.

Right now, their attention belonged entirely to the Olympics.

Their goal was the same.

Keep winning.

On August 9, China finally arrived at the knockout stage.

Their quarterfinal opponent was one of Europe’s traditional basketball powers.

Lithuania.

....

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