Zack finally returned to Oakland on September 4th, after finishing up the World Championships.
To make the most of his time and improve himself, Zack had to decline a whole bunch of commercial engagements that popped up after the World Championships. His sponsors were totally cool with it, though. The NBA had already decided to host two preseason games between the Supersonics and the Warriors in , so these sponsors knew there would be plenty of chances for fans to interact with Zack anyway.
Plus, after Zack led the national team to an unprecedented bronze medal at the World Championships, it was clear to every fan in just how exhausted he was.
So why was Zack so tired? Well, because national team had some incredibly talented forwards and guards, which meant Zack had to be the primary ball-handler on offense. And then, he also had to bust his butt playing help defense and rotating to cover for them.
As everyone knows, Zack is a heavy-duty power forward, standing 211 cm tall and soon to bulk up to 124 kg. Usually in the NBA, even if he occasionally played defense with his eyes, it was Ron Artest and Kwame Brown who took the blame for him. When had he ever had to put up with that kind of pressure in a game?
Don't get me wrong, guys like Zhu Fangyu, Wang Shipeng, Sun Yue, and Liu Wei might be legends that future generations look up to, but back then, on the international stage, European teams would just walk all over them.
Wang Zhizhi, who had officially reconciled with the Basketball Association and rejoined the national team, and Yi Jianlian, who was confirmed to enter the NBA draft next year, were both current or future NBA players. But once Yao Ming got into foul trouble, interior defense was entirely on Zack's shoulders.
Why, you ask?
It's not that Zack looked down on Wang Zhizhi or Yi Jianlian, but at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Gasol brothers showed the world just how dominant Yao Ming's defensive presence was under FIBA rules when he was off the court.
During the World Championships, almost every single night, Zack had to handle the ball, break down defenses, dismantle zone defenses, patch up holes all over the perimeter, and cover for his teammates in the paint. It's truly hard to imagine how he managed to pull through.
Even after they narrowly beat Argentina 88-84 in the bronze medal game, Yao Ming couldn't help but sigh, "Nobody knows how much Old Zack sacrificed for our breakthrough at this year's World Championships."
"Burning out" is the only way to describe Zack's performance at this year's World Championships. In five group stage games, three knockout games, and one third-place playoff, he averaged 34 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals for the national team. In a FIBA game, which is only 40 minutes long, his powerful jump shot became a huge headache for every opponent. He was giving it his all on both ends of the court; he couldn't have done more.
Even though a FIBA game is only 40 minutes, on a stage like the World Championships, every team is fighting tooth and nail, pushing the intensity to their limits. A completely burnt-out Zack couldn't transform into Michael Jordan on offense and Hakeem Olajuwon on defense simultaneously.
However, Zack wasn't without his gains from this World Championship. Besides successfully satisfying most Chinese fans on the court, off the court, Zack also got to experience some unique local flavor in a foreign land, just as he wished.
The only slight downside was that after the World Championships, feeling practically like ashes, he actually faced criticism from "Zack-haters" on a popular new Chinese sports forum! Zack couldn't understand it, but then he saw a post titled, "If LeBron and Zack swapped, the Chinese national team would definitely have a chance to win the championship," and he immediately felt relieved.
Zack quickly typed a reply under the post: "Just wondering, where did the USA men's national team, led by LeBron, rank in this World Championships?"
Ranked where? Due to schedule changes, the Greek national team had sent the USA team home early with a 105-99 victory in the quarterfinals. Although historically, the USA team also lost to Greece in the semifinals, this "Dream Team 2006," which ultimately only managed a fifth-place finish through the classification rounds, still devastated countless American fans.
American fans couldn't understand why Spanoulis, from the Greek team, would completely dominate the American backcourt, which was widely considered the strongest in the world before the tournament. They also couldn't comprehend why the "golden generation," led by LeBron James, was so helpless against the zone defenses used by various teams.
Unfortunately, influenced by Zack making breaking zone defenses look as easy as drinking water in the Finals, American fans clearly underestimated the power of zone defenses under FIBA rules. Moreover, this Greek national team that sent them packing was by no means an unknown squad. In fact, as the champions of the 2005 EuroBasket, their passing and cutting game under FIBA rules could only be described as fluid and unstoppable.
Furthermore, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who still hadn't grasped the true essence of FIBA basketball, also overestimated the impact of this American team's perimeter players under FIBA rules. Yes, this seemingly star-studded "Dream Team 2006" was actually a pseudo-powerhouse under FIBA rules.
Before they figured out who the real linchpin of this American team was, before that offensive juggernaut, just like Zack, who could run wild under FIBA rules, came into being, American basketball had already proven through losses in the 2002, 2004, and 2006 tournaments that they had long lost their dominance in world basketball.
So, as Zack was replying one by one, using facts to shut down those "Zack-haters" on that forum, at the same moment...
On the internet, American fans were also asking questions.
"How much would the USA men's national team have to give up to trade for Zack if FIBA allowed trades?"
"If that trade went through, would the Dream Team just need to pair him with four NBA role players to dominate the world of basketball?"
This summer's humiliating defeat for the USA men's national team even infuriated NBA Commissioner David Stern. Stern publicly stated that all the superstar players in the NBA had a responsibility to play for their country. The USA men's national team needed to send more superstars to prove that they were still the strongest team on the planet.
Without a doubt, three consecutive tournament losses had officially brought American basketball to its darkest hour. This is also why, historically, after the USA men's national team won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, many NBA stars, including Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd, called it "a redemption."
However, as Zack fully realized just how devastating his playing style was under FIBA rules in this year's World Championships, and still with immense potential to tap into, he believed he had a chance to spoil American basketball's party at the 2008 Olympics.
His "Yua forever relevant" masterful ball-handling had successfully resolved fatal flaw of struggling to bring the ball past half-court when facing full-court pressure in this World Championships. His violent jump shot made him an unstoppable offensive force on the FIBA stage.
If he could only evolve to a whole new level in the next two years... Then the lethal twin towers of him and Yao Ming would have a complete chance to completely shatter American basketball's redemption dream right on their home turf two years from now.
"What's wrong, didn't you have enough fun in Japan?"
In Oakland, Zack, who was about to officially start his "Chosen One Training Camp" in two days, looked at Anthony, who had practically glued himself to him, and said with a wry smile.
Hearing that, Anthony, who had been having an absolute blast in Japan despite the US national team's less-than-ideal performance, replied, "Aren't you inviting some young players to train with you? Before the Nuggets' preseason training camp starts, I think I'd be a great mentor."
In terms of offensive skills alone, Anthony was indeed a role model worth learning from for all young players. However, remembering Anthony's rather lackluster performance at the World Championships, Zack felt that his true motive for wanting to join the "Chosen One Training Camp" wasn't as simple as he claimed.
However, Zack actually guessed wrong this time.
Two days later, the "Chosen One Training Camp" officially opened. At this training camp, entirely funded by Zack, familiar names to future fans included, but were not limited to, Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Mike Conley, and Stephen Curry, who was selected as a three-star high schooler and was about to join the Davidson Wildcats.
As a player specially selected by Zack for this training camp... When Curry, who at this time had no idea if he would even make it to the NBA, received the invitation to the "Chosen One Training Camp," he was so excited that he couldn't sleep for a week straight.
On the opening day, accompanied by Dell Curry, he walked through the training camp gates, and seeing all those nationally renowned prodigies, he felt a mix of awe and trepidation, his body trembling.
Do I, a nobody, really belong training with these geniuses? Why did they choose me? — This was Stephen Curry's genuine thought as he stepped into the training camp.
My God, that's the Messiah, the new flag of the NBA in the post-Jordan era — Watching Zack effortlessly toy with Durant on the training court, there was a moment when Curry felt like he might faint at any second.
And then...
A few minutes later, the nervous Curry saw Zack walk towards him, bypass him, and start chatting animatedly with Dell Curry. In their casual conversation, Zack immediately and warmly addressed Dell Curry as "Brother Dell." He also mentioned how much he enjoyed watching Dell Curry play in high school.
"I don't agree that the NBA only belongs to superstars. In the NBA, players like you, who can step up at any time, are also excellent role models for young players to learn from."
At this point, "Brother Dell" pretty much understood why Zack had chosen his seemingly untalented eldest son for the "Chosen One Training Camp," which was only for geniuses.
That's right, giving "Brother Dell" some face was the excuse Zack had come up with beforehand for Stephen Curry's special selection into the "Chosen One Training Camp."
Look, if the future Bronny can make it to the NBA because of LeBron's connections, then why can't Zack give "Brother Dell" some face and let "Nephew Curry" attend this "Chosen One Training Camp"?
Stephen Curry, whose intelligence wasn't low enough to just pick up anything off the ground, felt incredibly sad about the truth of his selection into the "Chosen One Training Camp." However, heartbreak aside, "Nephew Curry" also wanted to seize this precious opportunity given to him by "Uncle Zack."
"Your son will definitely become an excellent NBA player in the future," Zack predicted boldly, looking at Stephen Curry, who was fully immersed in training on the court.
Hearing this, "Brother Dell," thinking Zack was just being polite, chuckled wryly, "I don't expect him to play in the NBA in the future, as long as he's healthy, that's enough."
Seeing his reaction, Zack smiled, "How about we make a bet? I bet your son will definitely make a name for himself in the NBA."
Dell Curry asked curiously, "You really think that highly of him? But what do we bet?"
Zack finally showed his hand, "If he really gets a chance to play in the NBA in the future, then when he enters the draft, he can only try out for the Warriors."
This isn't a bet at all! This is clearly opening a back door for my seemingly untalented eldest son! — Dell Curry thought to himself at that moment, surprised that his influence could be so significant.
So, after a pause, Dell Curry asked, "What if he doesn't make it to the NBA in the future?"
Zack smiled mysteriously, "Don't worry, if that day ever comes, I'll make sure Chris Mullin drafts him to the Warriors."
It's a back door indeed! But why is my brother Zack being so generous to me? Is this what they call planting trees for future generations to enjoy the shade? — Dell Curry thought at that moment, almost wanting Stephen Curry to go and kowtow to Zack (to acknowledge him as an adopted father).
Of course, while betting, Zack didn't forget about serious business. On the court, not only did he personally experience the joy of mentoring "Nephew Curry," but in that one-on-one lesson, which Durant called a one-sided massacre, he also repeatedly used his post-up game, which left Stephen Curry feeling utterly hopeless, nearly shattering "Nephew Curry's" basketball dreams.
Meanwhile, Anthony, who Zack had initially misunderstood, received unanimous praise from all the young players during several coaching sessions on opening day.
"Bro, you know when we, the 'skill players,' are happiest?" Anthony asked, putting an arm around Zack's shoulder.
Then, without waiting for Zack to answer, Anthony quickly chimed in, "How could rough guys like LeBron, who can't even dribble properly, understand the feeling of teaching these advanced skills to the younger generation?"
Lately, Anthony had been teasing LeBron more and more often. Before the "Chosen One Training Camp" opened, when Anthony learned that Zack planned to invite LeBron, he immediately complained, "You're inviting LeBron to the training camp? I don't get it, what can he teach those young players?"
At that, Zack almost wanted to exile Anthony to Denver for LeBron's sake, but... considering Anthony was currently the star player for the Denver Nuggets, Zack could only say with tears in his eyes, "You've got a point, Melo."
LeBron's unconventional playing style is something others simply can't learn. In a way, LeBron is truly one of a kind in the NBA. Because besides Zion, who has been constantly injured in the future, Zack hasn't really heard of anyone else in the NBA playing like LeBron.
This "Chosen One Training Camp," funded by Zack, continued until September 27th. Before the camp closed, many young players forged deep friendships with the much-respected mentor, Anthony.
As for the "Demon King" Zack, who spent every day either mercilessly beating up one young player or bullying another gifted one?
"He's a complete devil! Every time I play him one-on-one, I end up bruised and battered!"
"Physical injuries are nothing! Do you know what nicknames he gave Kevin and Stephen?"
"What are they?"
"'Cupcake' and 'Showbiz Star'."
"I get 'Cupcake,' meaning Kevin's too soft, but 'Showbiz Star'?"
"He said Stephen Curry shouldn't even be playing basketball; he should go be an idol instead. Because he's as effeminate as those Korean idols and only deserves to be called 'Oppa' by his female fans."
In this "Chosen One Training Camp," Grover, who had intended to pave the way for Zack's future, never expected Zack to beat so many future stars until they cried for their mothers. By the closing day, these future stars even wanted to team up and give him a good beating themselves.
"What you're doing... how is it any different from what Michael did back then?"
"You think there's something wrong with how I show young players tough love?"
"It's not just that... aren't you afraid they'll hate you?"
"No, because I'll keep bullying them until the end of the world."
At that moment, looking at Zack's eyes, which burned like fierce flames, Grover finally understood why he always felt Zack was similar to Jordan. It's because, like Jordan, whenever he discovered a new prodigy, he couldn't wait to beat them up and derive a satisfaction and joy from it that no one else could comprehend.
He was a true tyrant. His previous displays of humility and practicality were merely because he hadn't yet possessed the power to crush everything. In fact, during Zack's sophomore year, Grover had already subtly sensed the tyranny buried deep within Zack's heart.
Now, having made significant progress this summer, he was bound to use that tyranny to crush every talented player and every superstar he encountered. This would be the end... the end of the entire basketball world in this era.
"And I will be the capable assistant who helps this tyrant dominate the throne!" At this moment, Grover, feeling like he might have the opportunity to cultivate two basketball GOATs, thought excitedly to himself.
On September 29th, the Warriors' new season preseason training camp officially opened. On opening day, looking at Zack's physique, which was even more powerful and imposing than last year, with strong arms and muscles sculpted like they were carved by a knife, all the Warriors players' eyes almost simultaneously turned towards him.
Head coach Mike Malone singled him out for praise: "This is the quality a great player should possess."
However, Malone's loaded comment immediately made Zack realize that the Warriors' team situation for the new season didn't seem too optimistic.
Over the summer, Baron Davis, who had promised Malone he would thoroughly study the team's new tactics, already showed signs of gaining weight. As for the team's new tactics?
"Don't worry, I'll only need a week to understand all those plays," Davis vowed to Malone with righteous conviction on opening day.
Richardson, usually a jokester, was surprisingly the least of Zack's worries. In the first training session, Richardson proved his hard work over the summer with his consistently accurate three-pointers. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Troy Murphy also maintained good form.
But then...
The morning practice had just finished, and Barnes, who joined the team this summer, got into an argument with Artest.
"You new trash, what right do you have to criticize me?"
"Because you're not following the coach's instructions!"
During the morning's training, Barnes had already been annoyed by Artest's repeated disregard for the coach's demands and his tendency to force individual drives. Initially, as a new player, he had simply reminded Artest a couple of times. But who would have thought Artest would blow up over it?
In Artest's mind, he was a veteran who had helped the Warriors win a championship, while Barnes was just a minimum-salary role player who had no right to criticize him.
"Both of you, shut up!"
On the court, after giving subtle glances to Brown and Biedrins, Zack's expression instantly darkened. Sure enough, every NBA season is a new beginning. Especially after the Warriors became the defending champions...
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