The next day, the Rockets' official Twitter was attacked by a large number of fans.
It is not difficult to understand why the fans are angry.
Stephenson captured the hearts of many Rockets in just one game; and the other protagonist who was traded, Aaron Brooks, is the darling of Rockets fans.
Fans couldn't believe that Shen Fei used two such young and capable players to replace Blake Griffin, who had only played less than half of the game in more than a year.
The fans' dissatisfaction did not stop at words, they also organized spontaneous protests.
A group of people arrived in front of the Toyota Center, home of the Rockets, and pulled up banners and shouted:
"Shen Fei is out of class."
Although this demonstration did not produce any substantial results, it also reflected how difficult Shen Fei's current situation is.
Early the next morning, Yao Ming posted on his personal Twitter: "Time will tell."
This sentence was not directed at anyone, but Rockets fans naturally knew that he was speaking for Shen Fei.
Many fans are advising him:
"Dayao, your reputation in the Rockets must not be ruined because of Shen Fei."
"Just play ball well and don't worry too much about other things, so as not to get into trouble."
Of course, there are also a few more rational fans who have expressed different views:
"I personally think that this deal is still a good deal. Aaron Brooks is 25 years old and does still have a lot of potential to be tapped, but his static physical fitness is too mediocre and it is difficult for him to get on a bigger stage. "
"Looking at Griffin, his talent is unquestionable. More than a year ago, he was the undisputed No. 1 pick! And his previous injuries have fully recovered without leaving any sequelae."
"I believe that it won't be long before he shows what people expect!"
While the fans were having different opinions, Shen Fei, who was at the center of the public opinion storm, was personally driving to the hotel where the Clippers were staying.
He had only one purpose for his trip - to pick up Griffin.
When Shen Fei arrived at the hotel door at the agreed time, Griffin was limping out of the hotel.
His agent followed behind, helping Griffin carry large and small bags.
"Hey, Blake."
Shen Fei smiled and said hello.
"Hello, manager."
Griffin forced a smile and responded with a smile.
His displeasure was not directed at Shen Fei.
But until now, Griffin still can't accept the fact that he was abandoned by the team.
Ever since he was selected with the No. 1 pick by the Clippers last year, he has had the ambition to reach the top of his game from beginning to end!
Even during his injuries, Griffin always asked himself:
"Can I win a championship for the Clippers?"
"Am I going to be the best player in the league?"
"Will I retire in Los Angeles? Will the Clippers retire my jersey when I retire?"
However, these questions that he had fantasized about countless times were meaningless now.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine when we get to Rocket."
As Shen Fei spoke, he reached out and patted Griffin on the shoulder.
Griffin looked at the Asian youth who was as young as himself in front of him with mixed feelings in his heart.
It is said that Shen Fei single-handedly promoted his transaction.
Since the deal was concluded, Griffin has heard a little bit about the arguments on social media.
To put it simply, Rockets fans now regard Shen Fei as an eternal sinner.
[Is he the only one who can see my value?]
Griffin was confused. He felt guilty that Shen Fei was blamed because of him, and he was also angry that he was looked down upon.
"I will work hard."
Griffin said softly.
"Um."
Shen Fei nodded slightly.
Seeing Griffin's eyes turning red, he said no more and returned to the car.
Soon, Shen Fei and Griffin met with the Rockets in a private arena.
On the court, Mark Jackson took the lead, and the Rockets generals applauded and welcomed Griffin.
"How's the ankle injury?"
pj-Tucker took a step forward and said with concern.
"It's nothing serious. You can resume training after the swelling subsides."
Griffin responded.
The two of them had never known each other before fighting.
They were rivals before, and now they are comrades fighting side by side, guarding the inside of the Rockets.
"Have a good rest and return to the team quickly."
Shen Fei said with a smile.
Griffin nodded gratefully.
At the same time, he silently vowed in his heart that he would make a name for himself in the future, make the Clippers regret it, and shut up those who underestimated him!
............
Two days later, the Rockets faced their second opponent in the Summer League—the Washington Wizards.
One of the highlights of this game is that this year's No. 1 pick, John Wall, will make his career debut.
As for the Rockets, Paul George, who missed the first game due to injury, appeared in the starting lineup, which also attracted a lot of attention.
As the referee throws the ball high, the game officially begins!
In this game, Mark Jackson withdrew Ismael Smith, who had a poor performance in the previous game, to the bench, with Brother Hao as the point guard.
George, who returned from injury, replaced Stephenson as the small forward.
Shortly after the opening, Jeremy Lin and Wall put on a racing show!
Rockets center Jordan Hill made a mid-range shot, Wall grabbed the rebound and advanced quickly.
His speed is so fast that it can only be described as lightning fast.
In less than three seconds, Wall went from his own half to the Rockets' penalty area.
Along the way, he didn't make any fancy moves.
The speed alone attracted exclamations from the fans at the scene.
"John (Wall)'s speed and explosiveness remind me of Rose. I am very much looking forward to their head-to-head showdown in the regular season!"
Collins, the host of this game and a commentator on radio station tn.t, said excitedly.
However, when Wall was about to collect the ball for a layup, a yellow-skinned figure suddenly appeared behind him.
It’s Jeremy Lin!
He didn't know when he had caught up with Wall, and now he was bending his waist, preparing to block the shot!
"Oh my God, someone can actually keep up with Wall?! Who is he?!"
Collins was so excited that he forgot Shuhao's name.
After all, Brother Hao is just an undrafted rookie, so it’s understandable that the host can’t remember his name for a while.
But...in 0.5 seconds, Collins will never forget the name "Jeremy Lin"!
I saw Shu Hao jump up and reach out a hand from behind Wall...
"Bang!"
The basketball was nailed hard to the backboard.
"woo..."
The whole place was in an uproar.
The Rockets players on the bench were either holding the back of their heads or covering their mouths, all looking in disbelief.
This scene is incredible!
Who would have thought that the No. 1 pick, John Wall, known for his speed, would be blocked from behind by a yellow-skinned undrafted guy?
You know, the prerequisite for completing the block is that you have to catch up with your opponent.
Although Wall advances with the ball and Shuhao runs without the ball, the former took a few big steps just now!
In this way, Wall was still caught up.
It can be seen from this that Jeremy Lin’s speed is not inferior to this year’s No. 1 pick!
After completing the big block, Brother Hao did not celebrate, but immediately controlled the ball and launched a counterattack.
Paul George, who had just returned to defense with him, quickly moved to the frontcourt and asked for the ball.
Shuhao flicked his wrist and passed the ball accurately to George's hands.
When the latter received the ball, he was two steps outside the three-point line.
But George didn't hesitate and took action immediately after catching the ball.
After the basketball left his fingertips, it spun at high speed and drew a beautiful arc in the air...
"Shua~"
Hollow into the net!
3:0, the Rockets take the lead!
On the other side of the court, Wall was still complaining to the referee that Shu Hao's block just now was actually ball interference.
The referee ignored it.
This made Wall very frustrated.
But what he didn't know was that his nightmare had just begun today!