No.1 in basketball scoring-Chapter 144 - 95. A strange sense of identity_3

The change did not cause his scoring to decline, but his shooting percentage actually increased significantly. In recent games, Felton’s shooting percentage has improved from 39% at the beginning of the season to 42.3%, and his three-point shooting percentage has risen from 33.3% to 35.8%. His shot selection improved, and so did his threat.

His passing fundamentals are very solid, but his vision is rather average. In fact, he has never been a ball hog, but occasionally he fails to see opportunities as they present themselves to his teammates, resulting in erratic ball holding durations in single possessions.

When the opposition’s defensive pressure on him increased, the opportunities he saw naturally increased as well, leading to more effective passes.

Felton is also persisting with targeted shooting enhancement training.

Following Zhang Yang’s advice, he consulted Ingles on how to create better shooting opportunities. After analyzing several of Felton’s games, Ingles devised a training plan for him featuring pick-and-roll into step-back long-range shots and up-close floater stops for rhythm adjustment.

Jordan was surprised by Felton’s transformation.

Jordan thought Felton’s career was already set, his playing style rigid, and his flaws too numerous to fix. He didn’t expect that this younger fellow was actually willing and trying to change!

On November 23rd, during team training, he praised Felton.

This got Felton very excited, and he trained even harder.

After joining the Bobcats, it was the first time Jordan had complimented him to his face; there had been ’praises’ before, but those were just for appearances in front of reporters, and Felton had always kept this in his heart.

Felton’s transformation wasn’t just due to any single person. Paul’s stronger immediate combat abilities, Deron being highly praised by Stockton for his talent, the pressure brought by Zhang Yang, as well as Jordan’s disdain... All were reasons for his change.

The people upstairs watched the players train for a while before sitting down for a meeting.

Recently, the Bobcats’ coaching staff has been exhausted.

The season started with multiple disasters, continuous adjustments to season goals, and plans falling apart right from the start. Now, with the team’s record at 6 wins and 9 losses for the month, they were not the worst, but the chances of competing for the top three draft picks were slipping away... The coaches didn’t know what other surprises Jordan had in store for them today.

Jordan: "Emeka is requesting to take some time off to shed excess muscle and reduce the risk of injury. I’ve consulted with a professional team who gave me a plan. It’s estimated to take three months to ensure that Emeka’s health is guaranteed after losing weight and to adjust his playing habits. Our season plan needs to be adjusted again."

Upon hearing this, Bickerstaff expressed his surprise, "Didn’t he reject the team doctor’s weight reduction suggestion yesterday morning? Michael, did you talk to him personally?"

Okafor’s injury was known to be weight-related.

Bickerstaff was worried Okafor would suffer a severe injury, which could potentially ruin the career of this top talent who was just starting.

It’s no joke for Centers with heavy weight to have leg and foot injuries.

But Okafor has turned down the team doctors’ advice numerous times.

Even when Bickerstaff, the head coach, went to persuade him, there was no use; Okafor was stubborn.

As for Jordan, the owner... Bickerstaff didn’t know how to describe it, it was awkward, maybe he hasn’t fully settled into the owner role, in any case, he didn’t go to persuade either.

Jordan: "I didn’t, Jack went to have afternoon tea at Emeka’s place yesterday afternoon, I don’t know what they talked about, but Jack managed to persuade him."

Bickerstaff was stunned; the head coach’s words were of no use, the team doctor’s advice was disregarded, but a 17-year-old rookie managed to make a difference?

He laughed and shook his head, "It seems Raymond is indeed going to be the team leader in the future."

Young Bickerstaff also laughed, "Yes, Jack holds a lot of respect for Raymond."

Jordan rolled his eyes, that kind of leader? If it were him, he wouldn’t want to be the leader even if he were to jump from the top of the gym.

However, both of them were his juniors; it didn’t matter to him who became the leader of his team.

After a bit of teasing, Bickerstaff got back on topic: "Emeka won’t be able to play for at least three months, we have to adjust our plans again. Wins and losses are not important to us, I think we already have Raymond, Jack, Gerald, and Emeka as our core lineup, high draft picks are also less significant for us."

Jordan: "Correct."

With the approval of the owner, Bickerstaff continued, "Our current concern is the impact of Gerald’s injury. We need a Center with better mobility, someone who can help Gerald with the defensive load. Primoz’s defense isn’t dragging us down, but that’s all. I’m planning to trade Brevin for a blue-collar Center."

Besides being the head coach, Bickerstaff also served as the general manager, and he had the authority to make this decision, but with an owner who frequently caused trouble and meddled in team operations, he had to report before trading away the team’s assist king.

Jordan: "That’s fine, who do you have in mind?"

Bickerstaff: "I don’t have a candidate yet."

Jordan: Are you kidding me?

Bickerstaff: "I just found out Emeka can’t play for a few months, and I just made this decision."

Jordan: "All right, let’s all look for a Center who’s of the right value and salary together then."

Randy Brown: "I have a candidate."

Jordan: "Who?"

Randy Brown: "There’s a backup Center on the Celtics, I’ve heard from my old teammates on the Celtics, since Riff LaVrentz regained health and became a regular starter over the last two seasons, that backup Center is unhappy with his current playing time."

Jordan thought about the Celtics’ roster: "That high schooler?"

Randy Brown: "Yes, I also found out that the Celtics are looking for a Point Guard who’s excellent at organizing the offense, to alleviate the offensive burden on Pierce. Delonte West and Ricky Davis are not in their plans."

Jordan: "Bernie, are you familiar with that high school Center?"

After recalling, Bickerstaff responded: "He’s sort of like a Kwame Brown with even smaller defensive coverage and less experience in low post defense. His offense is also worse than Kwame Brown’s. But he’s more proactive and confident than Kwame Brown."

Jordan: "..."

The most uptodate nove𝙡s are published on fr(e)𝒆webnov(e)l.com