Chapter 46 The battle is imminent, Maddie's mentality!
The reason why Mark Jackson formed such a lineup was actually influenced by Shen Fei.
During that chat in the restaurant, the Asian young man once told him a defensive strategy - unlimited defense changes!
The Rockets' current starting lineup is essentially one guard plus four forwards.
The four forwards all have excellent physical fitness and can defend multiple positions.
The only guard, "Little Steel Cannon"-Kyle Lowry, also has good strength and defensive awareness.
He can also handle opponents at positions 1-3 on the defensive end.
The good mobility and athletic ability of these players are the basis for unlimited defense changes.
"I also have great confidence in Tucker, he can do it."
After three months, Mark Jackson has a deep understanding of PJ Tucker's abilities.
"However, this small lineup cannot be used as a long-term conventional method."
"Otherwise, the consumption of Tucker will be too great."
Shen Fei reminded.
In my memory, the Golden State Warriors, the representative team of the small ball era, would always have a big center in the starting lineup.
Whether it is Bogut, McGee or Pachulia, even if they have no shooting ability and cannot open up space for the team, their presence still plays a huge role in most of the game.
In other words, the five-small lineup can serve as a "blaster" for a short period of time, but it cannot be used for a long time, otherwise it will consume too much players.
In Shen Fei's vision, the team's final shape will still have to wait until Yao Ming returns.
By then, with Dayao as the starting center, the height and intensity of the Rockets' lineup will rise to another level!
"I understand."
"However, our first opponent is the Los Angeles Lakers. Their 'three highs' inside are definitely a huge test for our defense."
"To be honest, I'm not sure now whether Tucker and Griffin can withstand their attack."
Mark Jackson said with worry.
"Em... On the defensive end, I'm not sure they can guard Gasol and Bynum." Shen Fei touched his chin and analyzed: "But on the offensive end, Blake will definitely guard them. It’s turning the world upside down!”
As he said this, he recalled several famous scenes between Blake Griffin and Gasol in his previous life.
Frontal dunks, back-up dunks from other people, hard hitting inside...
To put it simply, Griffin was very cruel when he met Gasol.
In those years, when the Clippers played against the Lakers, the inside line was always in an advantageous position.
Although many fans later said that Griffin used his arms to press people when dunking.
However, there are always winners and losers on the court. Griffin's dunk was so fast that the referee basically couldn't react.
At the same time, Shen Fei did not think that Griffin relied on a foul to complete the dunk.
Otherwise, why don't other post players follow suit?
And in the years when Griffin was most capable of dunking, no players or coaches raised any objections to his actions. Most of them were opinions expressed by fans after watching the passion.
[I will personally observe it for a period of time. If there is really obvious pressure, I will discuss it with Griffin in detail.]
Shen Fei thought to himself.
"Be well prepared and try to get a good start!"
Shen Fei said, stretched out his right hand and high-fived Mark Jackson.
............
After leaving the arena, Shen Fei immediately asked his assistant to contact the Rockets' publicity department and ask them to warm up for the upcoming opening game.
"Announce to the fans that Tracy McGrady will appear in the starting lineup."
Shen Fei gave a special warning.
That night, the Rockets’ official Twitter posted a poster of Tracy McGrady with the following text:
"Starting again, t-mac returns to the starting lineup! See you at Staples Arena!"
Soon, Rockets fans flocked to express their opinions.
"T-Mac returns to the starting lineup? Am I right? He played very average with the Pistons last season. Can he now take Kevin Martin's place?"
"Playing the defending champion in the first game, I feel like we are in a very bad situation!"
"Moreover, the Rockets officials made it clear two days ago that Yao Ming will not return at the beginning of the season. Without Yao Ming, how can we deal with the Lakers' high inside position?"
"The only good news is that Griffin has fully recovered. Let's see if he can make some moves inside."
...
ESPN Radio also previewed the game between the Rockets and Lakers in its evening live broadcast.
The famous commentator A-Smith said excitedly:
"The game the day after tomorrow will be a massacre!"
"Kobe, who is still at his peak, will not be merciful against Tracy McGrady who has fallen from the altar. The Black Mamba will crush, crush and destroy Tracy McGrady!"
"Looking at the inside, the Lakers have a classic 'three-high' combination. Whether it's Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum or Odom, they all have the ability to attack the city. They will dominate Houston's penalty area!"
"From the first two games of the preseason, we have seen that the Rockets' rookie Griffin has amazing talent. But, boy, what you are about to face is the strongest inside combination in the NBA at the moment!"
"Welcome to the NBA!"
............
It seems that all the comments are completely on the side of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Just like in the playoffs that year, the Rockets, as the "underdog", were never expected to cause trouble to the Lakers in the series.
However, the tenacious Houston Legion fought to the last bullet that year and pushed the game into a tiebreaker.
Therefore, although most Rockets fans say that there is no suspense in the game, they still retain a glimmer of hope in their hearts.
"No matter what, I believe in the Rockets. If the Miracle has a color, it must be Rockets red!"
"Even if Yao Ming doesn't make it, there are still many powerful players in the Rockets. Battier, Scola, Hayes... there is a high probability that they will start the day after tomorrow. Whether they can create miracles depends on them! "
............
Early the next morning, Shen Fei came to Toyota Center Arena again.
This afternoon, the Rockets generals will take the team bus to Los Angeles to prepare for the opening game.
Shen Fei has his own private jet, so he will not travel with the team.
But he had to watch the opening game.
Shen Fei came to the arena today with only one purpose, which was to meet Tracy McGrady.
When he arrived, the players had completed simple shooting training and were packing their bags in the locker room.
Shen Fei went directly to the locker room.
After greeting everyone, he called McGrady aside.
"Tomorrow you will compete with your old rival Ke. How about it? Are you nervous?"
Shen Fei asked with a smile.
Maddie shook her head.
"Kobe has always taken good care of his body much better than me."
"It's not easy for him to still maintain the highest level at the age of 32."
"However, my current physical condition may be better than when I came to Houston a few years ago."
"If Kobe knows about this, then he is the one who should be nervous."
Maddie said jokingly.
Shen Fei couldn't help laughing when he heard this.
It can be seen that after recovering physically, McGrady's mentality has changed a lot.
This relaxed and indifferent state is based on strong strength.
Seven years ago, Tracy McGrady was the league's scoring leader and could match up with anyone.
And now, he not only has peak physical condition, but also has increasingly improved skills over the years...
Shen Fei believes that people will see a more powerful Tracy McGrady that they have never seen before!
"The outside world doesn't know it now, but our goal is to compete for the championship."
"I have always wanted to find an opportunity to announce our ambitious goals to the outside world."
"Just tomorrow! Once you get a good start, we will officially announce to the outside world that the era of the Rockets has arrived!"
Shen Fei looked into McGrady's eyes and spoke loudly and forcefully every word.
The next moment, the Asian young man could clearly see that under the sleepy eyes, there was a gleam of fire in Maddie's eyes!