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1. The Rebirth of the Human Victory Cigar

As a sports columnist, Li Xiao works late every day. Today, the editor-in-chief asked him to write a column about Darko Milicic, the second overall pick in 2003, to comment on those soy sauce men who should have become superstars.

Milicic was really the envy of everyone before he participated in the game. He has the most handsome face in the NBA, exquisite inside skills, and unlimited potential at the age of 17. The scouts' notebooks describe him.

Almost perfect: Height 2.16 meters, weight 111 kilograms, can shoot with both hands, extremely explosive inside, good at controlling the ball, and has a certain aim for three-pointers from outside... His draft template is "Garnett", or "Novi"

"Ciki". But he met Larry Brown, who was harsh on newcomers. Milicic only got 96 appearances in more than two years with the Pistons, with only a pitiful 5 minutes each time, and these minutes were large.

Most of them were in garbage time when the Pistons had already secured the victory, so some people compared him to "Cardinal Auerbach's cigar that was lit at the right time in the victory, and gave him the nickname "Human Victory Cigar".

In fact, Milicic's ability is not that outrageous, but the 2003 golden generation is really full of talents, including the No. 1 pick LeBron James, the No. 3 overall pick Carmelo Anthony, and the No. 4 pick Chris...

Bosh, Devin Wade with the No. 5 pick, and even behind them are all-stars such as Kaman, Hinrich, Ridnour, West, Barbosa, Josh Howard, and Mo Williams.

Or a first-tier superstar in the league. It seems that using the second overall pick on Milicic is really something that everyone and God are outraged by.

Li Xiao was thinking about the topic he was going to write about Milicic tomorrow, and while turning off the computer, he murmured: "If I were Milicic, I wouldn't waste my talent on picking up girls, but I would do it all."

Star." After saying this, Li Xiao fell asleep with the longing for Milicic's rebirth in his mind.

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"Ring—ring—ring—"

Li Xiao was awakened by a series of disturbing phone ringtones. He answered the phone without opening his eyes, and said to the other end of the phone in a daze: "Who is it? It's so early in the morning..." What surprised Li Xiao was that

, the thoughts in my heart came out in English.

Before Li Xiao could react, there was a stern voice on the other end of the phone: "Darko, this is Larry. The purpose of my call is to remind you that it's already 7:30 in the morning. O'Neal, Kobe,

Duncan, Garnett... they may have been training for two hours, and you are hiding under the sheets, have you left your shame behind?"

Li Xiao picked up the phone, looked at the stylish and luxurious environment around him, looked at the handsome face in the mirror, and didn't know what to say for a moment: "Larry, which Larry?"

"I'm your head coach Larry Brown, not Larry Hughes, and not Larry Bird. I wish I were them now, because I won't have to face you this lazy loser all season long.

…”

Before Larry Brown could finish spitting out the curse words, Li Xiao had already thrown the phone aside in shock...

That's right, Li Xiao became Darko Milicic, Milicic, who is known as the "Human Victory Cigar". When you feel sorry for an insignificant person, you will wonder why he doesn't cherish the good times so much, but

When it was my turn, it happened again. In the previous life, Li Xiao was an innocent loser, but now he has become a handsome and rich public figure. After signing a three-year contract worth 11 million, wouldn’t he want to sit on it?

Beautiful woman, driving a luxury car, living a comfortable life.

Li Xiao relied on Milicic's memory and knew that he had a nice house and a Mercedes-Benz. He was tall, handsome and rich. What else could he invest in with the remaining money? With his own experience, what else could he do?

No, rich people do much better than athletes.

Thinking of this, Li Xiao lay down on the bed comfortably, turned on the TV and hummed a song.

"On July 16, 2004, which is yesterday, the Pistons officially signed star forward McDyess. As the defending champion, the Pistons will further improve their strength. The Pistons have accumulated Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace.

With Okur, Campbell, and the newly joined McDyess, I am afraid that the disappointing second overall pick Milicic will continue to struggle in the Pistons in a marginal role..."

I don’t forget to say a bad word when reporting any news. It seems that the great Milicic really needs to save his character, that is, the Pistons have just won the championship. Otherwise, comparing his data with James and Anthony’s data, the angry Motor City fans will be shocked.

I can't. Li Xiao thought about it.

In fact, Larry Brown is also a good coach. Although he is leading the Dream Six Team to prepare for the Athens Olympics, he still does not forget to call Milicic who has just recovered from surgery every day to remind him to practice harder. Brown is strict.

Yes, maybe he should be a hard-working and talented coach like Kobe and Durant. For the young Milicic, Brown's severity is more like a form of corporal punishment.

But after his rebirth, Milicic would no longer think so. As a loser, Li Xiao, it was common for the editor to call him here and there every day. Brown's words were as refreshing as the breeze blowing on his face.

Before he could dream of being rich for a long time, another phone call brought Li Xiao back to reality, "Hello, I am the national team coach Pesic. I would like to know how your recovery from your injury is going? Next month's Olympic Games

I hope you can make it."

The Olympics? Only a ghost can compete in it. There is not much money and there is no chance of winning a gold medal.

"My injury is very serious. I'm afraid it will take a long time to recover. Whether I can make it to the NBA training camp is questionable. I'm afraid I won't have the chance to play for the country this time."

"I'm sorry, but I still hope you can recover soon. You have to remember that you have always been our hope for Serbian and Montenegrin basketball."

Hope? I'm afraid it will turn into disappointment. I have no plans to play basketball in this life. Li Xiaoxin said.

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"You recovered very quickly. I originally thought you would need to rest for six to eight weeks from the injury on your hand, but I didn't expect you to have healed in four weeks." Pistons team doctor Dr. Tege said to Milicic.

"Thank you, Dr. Tege, I feel fine, as if I had never been injured."

"But you didn't listen to me, you didn't do lower body exercises. Kid, remember! Everyone who can come to the NBA is talented. Many people who are not as physically talented as you have become All-Stars, and there are many who are more physically talented than you.

The good ones are forced to play in Europe to support their families. Hard work is very important, you will face more competition this season." Dr. Tege said, looking at Milicic as if he were his own child.

Li Xiao really felt ashamed. It felt really uncomfortable to live up to other people's expectations, but he really didn't want to promise anything. Although Li Xiao liked playing basketball in his previous life, it was just a hobby, and at that time Li Xiao

I play point guard, not a highly confrontational position like center or power forward.

"Competition? With me? I didn't expect that I could also listen to a joke while coming for a physical examination."

Following the unfamiliar voice, I saw it was the McDyess I saw on the news.

"Hello, I'm Milicic, welcome to the Pistons." Little Li extended his hand to McDyess in a friendly manner.

McDyess had no intention of shaking hands with Li Xiao. He looked at Li Xiao, who was slightly taller than him, and said: "You have good height and wingspan. Maybe if you work hard, you can average five minutes of playing time per game this season."

."

Seeing McDyess's hostile performance, Li Xiao also took back his outstretched hand and said to him coldly: "You are not bad at 30 years old. Maybe if you work hard, you won't retire after this season."

."

"Young man, being good-looking and having a sharp mouth is not enough to play in the NBA. If you think you are better than an old guy like me, then we might as well give it a try," McDyess said with frivolous eyes.

Dr. Tege encouraged Xiao Li with his eyes. In his previous life, no one had any expectations for Xiao Li, but now that Xiao Li has the ability to be expected, his heart became hot and he shouted at McDyess:

"One-on-one! Now!" Milicic said firmly.

This is the battle for the Pistons' first substitute, and it is also Milicic's first battle since his rebirth.


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