Zack's first meeting with the Warriors' new owner, Joe Lacob, was incredibly smooth and pleasant. Throughout the entire discussion, Lacob didn't act like a condescending owner; instead, he approached Zack more like a partner. This made Zack respect the owner, who, in the future, would even kneel for Klay Thompson, quite a bit more.
Lacob understood very well that the league was currently in an era where superstars reigned supreme. And Zack was not just a superstar; he was the superstar among superstars. So... rather than being forced into a partnership with Zack like Chris Cohan had been, Lacob wanted to actively cooperate to build a closer relationship with him. He didn't care if his approach with Zack was conventional; he only cared if he could keep Zack satisfied. Because only then could he earn more money through Zack.
Upon learning that Zack wanted Chris Mullin to remain as the team's general manager, Lacob almost immediately said, "Chris is a team legend. Treating legends well will undoubtedly help us build the Warriors into a golden brand, just like the Lakers, in the future."
However, after a brief pause, Lacob added, "Chris will continue as the general manager, but I plan to have Larry Riley serve as the team president." With that, Lacob's gaze turned to Zack. At this moment, Zack knew that Lacob used the word "plan" instead of "decide" because he was seeking Zack's opinion.
Seeing Lacob proactively lowering his stance, Zack replied, "Joe, you're the owner of this team. Personnel appointments are naturally up to you."
Although many people had privately told Lacob before he acquired the Warriors that Zack wasn't an easy star to handle, after actually meeting Zack, Lacob found him much easier to deal with than he'd imagined. This gave Lacob even more confidence in their future together.
"I won't interfere with this season's team planning," Lacob said. "But starting next season, the Warriors must return to championship contention and remain there forever. We don't need to be frugal like in the Chris Cohan era; I'm confident I can make back any luxury tax the Warriors have to pay through other means."
Hearing this, Zack smiled and said, "I think this will be the beginning of a great partnership."
Lacob's ambition undoubtedly promised an incredibly bright future for the Warriors, who were eager to return to their peak after Zack recovered from his injury. In the NBA, with its luxury tax and various salary cap restrictions, Zack knew that a team owner's financial power wasn't as drastically different as it might be in the world of soccer. As long as Lacob was willing to spend money on the Warriors and knew how to make money, then, in Zack's memory, Lacob, who was already skilled at managing a team, was far superior to those owners who only knew how to spend.
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In March, knowing that Zack would literally go crazy if he didn't let him watch a game live, Grover accompanied Zack to the Warriors' home game against the SuperSonics.
At Oracle Arena, Zack's appearance instantly sent the home crowd into a frenzy. They screamed "MVP" for Zack with all their might. Courtside, when Zack's ears rang from the deafening cheers, the urge to play, to compete, almost made him strip off his casual clothes and walk right onto the court.
"This is another reason why I didn't want you to come to games," Grover said with a wry smile. "I know your personality too well. Once you feel the atmosphere, you'll be impatient to make a comeback."
Without a doubt, this was the episode where Zack wanted to play basketball the most. At this moment, he didn't even need any flashbacks to fall into that indescribable, feverish state for basketball.
"Tim, when can I start training?" Zack asked, more eager than ever. "I want to be in the basketball gym every day. I want to play basketball."
Grover, who had a complete grasp of Zack's recovery progress, said, "In a week, we'll officially begin your recovery training."
Another week? Zack felt like he couldn't wait. Not even for a second.
However... the GOAT of trainers showed his authority the next second. "You must listen to me! And you only listen to me! Until I approve your training, you are to rest quietly!"
Then, looking down at Grover's unwavering expression, Zack entered the most obedient phase of his life.
"I know you've been cooped up," Grover said, gently patting Zack's back. "You can now accumulate all your frustration, your grievances, and your burning desire to play basketball. Trust me, when you walk out of this cage, there will be nothing and no one in this world that can hold you back."
The Demon King was about to be unleashed.
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In April, the Warriors officially concluded their 2008-09 season with a 36-46 record, ranking eleventh in the Western Conference. This season, among the Warriors' starting players, only Jason Richardson played more than 60 games. Extensive rotation and rest days to ensure sufficient rest for the main players became the main theme for the Warriors this season.
In the regular season, Nash, who played a total of 48 games for the Warriors, averaged 17.8 points and 9.4 assists. Wallace, who played 50 games for the team, averaged 19.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Richardson, who Mullin had already prepared to put on the trade block, played a total of 68 games this season due to Head Coach Mike Malone's tactical leanings, averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
Brown, who was initially worried about his "future earnings," also wanted to play as many games and rack up as many stats as possible to boost his re-signing prospects. But after learning from Zack that team president Riley had already prepared a five-year, $50 million contract extension for him, Brown immediately started coasting on the court. "My strength must be saved to protect the Messiah," Brown declared emphatically. "I never bother chasing stats on the court."
And old man Hill, who had planned to officially retire after this season, changed his mind at Zack's insistence. "Grant, you have to stay and play one more year," Zack told Hill. "For the past two years, you've been giving your all for the team. I have to make sure you get that ring you want most."
Hearing this, and looking into Zack's determined eyes, Hill said, "In that case, I hope you don't mind if I'm the one who's been affecting this team's luck."
Zack shook his head. "Grant, I never thought you affected our luck. I know the past two years have been disappointing for you, but from now on, I won't let that happen again."
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The regular season concluded successfully. This season's scoring title went to Wade with 30.8 points per game. The rebounding and blocks titles were claimed by Dwight Howard with 14.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. And the assists and steals titles were "stolen" by Chris Paul with 11.4 assists and 2.8 steals per game.
"With the regular season over, in a season without the Messiah, who will emerge from the Western Conference this year? According to the bracket, the Los Angeles Lakers, who finished with the league's best record, will face the New Orleans Hornets in the first round of the playoffs. As the top contender for regular season MVP, Kobe averaged 29.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists this season. Whether the Lakers can go all the way this year will undoubtedly depend on Kobe's performance in the playoffs.
And after another season of cohesion, the Dallas Mavericks, ranked second in the West, will have a direct confrontation with the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs. In an interview, Mavericks head coach Mike Woodson supported his protégé Dirk Nowitzki, saying, 'I don't know why people are discussing whether Kobe or LeBron deserves the regular season MVP more. In my eyes, Dirk is the undisputed MVP.'
After winning the championship last year, the defending champion Seattle SuperSonics clearly had a decline in their competitive drive during the regular season. They will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. As for the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz, ranked fourth and fifth in the West, respectively? A brutal Northwest division clash will unfold in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs." — ESPN Western Conference Playoff First Round Preview
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"In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics, who achieved 60-win seasons for two consecutive years, will face the Chicago Bulls, who are returning to the playoffs, in the first round. And the Orlando Magic, ranked second in the East for two consecutive years, will face the surprisingly disappointing Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs. With the glorious past of the Motor City now history, can this aging Pistons team still make a splash in the playoffs?
As another strong candidate for this season's regular season MVP, LeBron James, who averaged 28.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists this season, will lead the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Jermaine O'Neal's injury has been a major problem plaguing the Heat in recent years. However, in an interview, Pat Riley still optimistically stated that he believes Jermaine will definitely overcome his injury troubles in the playoffs. And the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats, ranked fourth and fifth in the East, will be the most anticipated matchup in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Michael Jordan, who missed the Bobcats' playoffs last year due to injury, stated in an interview that he would definitely be there in person to cheer for the team this year." — ESPN Eastern Conference Playoff First Round Preview
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The playoffs were about to begin. Zack, who had officially started his recovery training, dedicated himself to it while also taking time to attend Stephen Curry's tryout.
Before the draft, Curry, fulfilling his promise to only try out for the Warriors, said through gritted teeth in an interview, "You know, the Messiah is my idol, and I'm eager to play for the Warriors."
Was Curry truly eager to play for the Warriors? The answer was clearly no. But facing the GOAT's threat, and that conscience-troubling promise from three years ago, Curry couldn't very well say the reason he only tried out for the Warriors was because he didn't want to play for them, could he?
However, during the interview, Curry's consistently low morale still caused a hint of worry within the Warriors' front office regarding Zack's choice. Although the GOAT had already privately decided that Curry would be the Warriors' top target in the 2009 NBA Draft, considering that the GOAT's vision might not be as excellent as his basketball skills, and coupled with the likelihood that the Warriors would have to trade Jason Richardson for an earlier first-round pick to secure Curry, the truth was, besides GM Mullin who steadfastly stood by Zack, everyone in the Warriors' front office wanted to persuade Zack to give up on Curry, who clearly didn't want to play for the Warriors.
Yet, just as in Zack's memory, Larry Riley, who would historically defy all opposition to draft Curry for the Warriors, also cast a vote for Curry after the interview. And with both the team's general manager and president standing with Zack, who in the Warriors' front office dared to question the GOAT's choice?
It's worth noting that Mullin's stance was simply to support Zack. Riley, on the other hand, since joining the Warriors with Lacob, had learned that the Warriors had long identified Stephen Curry as their target in the 2009 draft. He not only thoroughly researched Curry but also personally attended many of Curry's games. Then, Riley reached his conclusion: Stephen Curry was the player best suited for the Warriors' playing style.
"Whether Stephen wants to play for us or not isn't important. What's important is that we need a draft pick that ensures we can select him." Riley presented his analysis report on Curry: "Stephen excels off-ball and can also handle the ball for isolation plays. His basketball IQ is very high, and his three-point shot is incredibly accurate. Considering we'll likely lose Jason Richardson next season, I believe Stephen's perimeter firepower will be our best complement."
At this moment, Curry would never have guessed that his uncooperative interview would actually solidify the Warriors' determination to pick him. In Riley's eyes, Curry certainly had many flaws. But because Curry's strengths perfectly fit the Warriors' playing style, whether Curry wanted to play for the Warriors became secondary. After all, in the long history of the NBA, players and teams that mutually choose each other in the draft are few and far between.
Curry not wanting to play for the Warriors didn't matter. As long as the Warriors could draft Curry, Riley believed that given Curry's mental fortitude, which had been fully proven during his college days, he wouldn't need to worry about Curry's future attitude towards basketball.
And Zack? It's the same old story. The more Curry resisted at this moment, the more Zack wanted to personally coach this "God of Three-Pointers."
So, the skill test began. Curry, who didn't want to lie about his basketball ability, was nearly perfect in the shooting test. It's important to remember that Curry was tested from the NBA three-point line during the shooting test. Yet, he still hit dozens of three-pointers consecutively.
Seeing this, Zack proactively increased the difficulty for Curry, saying, "Have him shoot from one meter beyond the three-point line."
Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish!
On the court, as Curry made those three-pointers from the position Zack requested, the Warriors' front office members present, who had originally doubted Curry, immediately dispelled their concerns. This was Stephen Curry. Who said he only developed his top-tier shooting skills in the future? In reality, as early as his time with the Davidson Wildcats, Curry had already demonstrated his ridiculously deep range to the world.
Zack was very satisfied with Curry's skill test. Besides the fact that Curry's passing and ball-handling still needed improvement at this stage, and his thin build meant he couldn't be an excellent defender, Zack was already looking forward to running pick-and-rolls with Curry at the top of the arc.
After the tryout, Riley said, "Good thing he only tried out for us; otherwise, getting him would have been much harder."
Mullin nodded. "No wonder the Messiah favors Stephen so much; his shooting touch is truly unbelievable."
After Curry finished his tryout, Zack promised Dell Curry, who accompanied his son, "Dell, Stephen will definitely play for the Warriors next season."
Although this was probably the last promise Curry wanted to hear, he could only grit his teeth and thank Zack for his "kindness." "Thank you for valuing me so much."
Curry didn't know what kind of karma he had accumulated to be targeted by the great Demon King Zack. However, before everything was set in stone, Curry still held a glimmer of hope for his future. This hope was: after the draft lottery results came out, what if the Warriors didn't get an ideal pick and couldn't trade for a pick that could get him? Then Curry would still have a chance to escape Zack's clutches!
"God, please save poor Stephen!" Curry fervently prayed in his heart on the day he left Oakland with his father.
However... as the Warriors officially confirmed that Curry would be their sole true destiny in the 2009 NBA Draft, Mullin discovered that in this relatively weak draft class, Jason Richardson's appeal to other teams was clearly greater than those high lottery picks. Although the Warriors had to wait until the draft order of each team was officially set to know which team they needed to trade with, Curry, still piously praying at this moment, had no idea... Since the Messiah is God, how could his prayers to the so-called God possibly work?
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