This put An Ji in a difficult position; he had discussed it with Gan Guoyang, who specifically wanted this center, saying he was crucial for the team building.

An Ji was at a loss, persuading with good words on one hand, while looking for another way on the other.

At this time, An Ji's coach selection was also making progress. After repeated selection, he believed that the former Rockets head coach Rudy Tomjanovich was a good choice for the new team's head coach.

Rudy Tomjanovich was a well-regarded good person in the League. Although he didn't achieve great success with the Rockets, his coaching ability and his ability to get along with players were praised by many.

In 1998, he coached the US National Team, and despite no NBA players wanting to participate, won the bronze medal at the World Championship. Brad Miller was in the squad, back when Miller was still a college player.

Recognizing this relationship, An Ji quickly interviewed Rudy Tomjanovich, who had just parted ways with the Rockets and was idle at home.

Rudy Tomjanovich had been coaching the Rockets for many years, constantly suppressed by Ah Gan of the Trail Blazers. Eventually, Wei Bo left, the team collapsed, and the addition of two small guards led to little results, so he resigned.

No NBA players wanted to play in the World Championship, and the good guy was pushed up to take the blame, managing only a bronze medal.

At the 2000 Olympics, Rudy Tomjanovich was adamant he wouldn't coach again, saying he's not a championship coach and someone with championship experience should take over.

Rick Carlisle misjudged and returned with a silver medal, and even today finds it hard to hold his head high.

Now chosen by Gan Guoyang's new team, Rudy Tomjanovich also hesitated, concerned about being made a scapegoat again.

Gan Guoyang clearly told Rudy Tomjanovich, "The only coaches who coach me are championship coaches, not scapegoats."

Except for PJ Carlesimo, who almost got choked to death.

Gan Guoyang also agreed with An Ji's coach selection and gave him enough authority to sign Coach Tom.

Rudy Tomjanovich didn't think for long and soon agreed to the contract. While securing Coach Tom, Brad Miller was also convinced, expressing his willingness to play for Coach Rudy Tomjanovich.

Coach and main inside player settled, the assistant coach selection was left to Rudy Tomjanovich himself to build his own team.

An Ji also picked his assistants and gradually filled the managerial office slots.

The last two players who couldn't be secured were Gerald Wallace and Gilbert Arenas.

The reason was simple: both were new recruits of the Kings and the Warriors, one was a first-round pick and the other was first in the second round.

Even though the draft position wasn't high, the Kings and Warriors weren't willing to let them go and initially declined clearly, refusing to release these two players.

The Warriors were slightly more flexible since Arenas was a second-round pick, hinting that if Glory was willing to put forth chips, they were willing to trade.

In the end, An Ji offered 2002 and 2004's second-round picks, along with a small amount of cash, to recruit Arenas.

Actually, An Ji didn't quite understand why such a high cost was needed to trade two second-round picks for one second-round pick.

Gan Guoyang explained, "I believe he has potential; he's worth this chip."

As for the negotiation for Gerald Wallace, it was even more difficult. He was a first-round pick and the Kings Team firmly refused to let him go.

However, this so-called firmness often meant the chips weren't enough, but Glory Team was always unwilling to offer their first-round draft rights.

Instead, they privately negotiated with the Kings Owner, the Malouf Brothers, whose family was deeply rooted in Nevada and Las Vegas, with casinos and substantial commercial real estate, being a prominent Vegas family.

After some exchange of interests, the Kings finally agreed to release the player, at the cost of 2003 and 2005's second-round picks.

Thus, Glory Team effectively used four future second-round picks to secure two 2001 new recruits, compensating for the loss of not participating in the 2001 draft and injecting fresh power into the team.

Hence, a basic 12-player roster was finally set up before the 2001-2002 preseason training camp began.

Gan Guoyang was already eager to try, having privately trained for a long time and ready to make a comeback.

And on September 30, Gan Guoyang received a phone call; the secretary forwarded it, saying it was from Michael Jordan.

Gan Guoyang hurried to let them connect, and as the call went through, he said, "Hey Michael, how's it going? My new team is about to be set up!"

On the other end, Jordan didn't respond to the remark directly but said straight away, "Sonny, I decided to come back."

Gan Guoyang paused for a moment and said, "Have you finally decided to join forces with me?"

"No, I've decided to try and beat you one more time."