uncrowned king.
This phrase is particularly fitting to describe Allen Iverson.
In 2001, everyone knew the Los Angeles Lakers' "ok combination" was at its peak. They only lost 1 game in their entire 16-game Playoffs.
They won the championship with overwhelming force.
The "ok combination" struck fear into the entire league.
But everyone also knew that the one game the Los Angeles Lakers lost that year was to the 76ers led by Iverson.
A small player, only 1.83 meters tall, directly confronted the "ok combination" and won the game.
His greatness needs no further words.
However, the title of "uncrowned king" was given to Iverson not just because he won that one game.
That year...
Iverson was the regular season MVP, an all-star starter, also won the All-Star Game AMVP, was the Scoring Champion and steals leader, and was selected to the All-NBA First Team.
He also led the 76ers to the eastern conference first record.
This year... Iverson garnered too many remarkable honors, seemingly only missing an FMVP and a championship trophy.
That would have been completely perfect.
But regret followed; he missed the championship, although it was indeed very difficult to obtain.
In 5 games of the NBA Finals, his average stats were: 35.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.2 Blockings.
His average playing time even reached 47.5 minutes.
A game is only 48 minutes long, and Iverson played almost the entire game, fighting until his last bullet.
The 76ers lost.
Iverson didn't lose!
He was just one championship short, but it became a permanent regret, and also created his title of "uncrowned king."
Of course.
This is only part of Iverson's strength.
His inherent pride, untamed personality, lone hero spirit, unyielding warrior demeanor, and almost manic desire to win in every game.
These are all reasons why fans love Iverson.
Because of this, everyone also feels that Iverson, who is fanatically passionate about basketball, should have a championship trophy of his own.
Su Yan also has some understanding of Iverson.
Watching him live, he appeared even smaller, and Su Yan knew how many injuries he carried, yet he could still fight so hard.
It was truly moving.
He wasn't sure if he could lead the New York Knicks to a championship.
But if he could, he wouldn't mind doing Iverson a favor and letting him also get a championship trophy.
To make his career without regret.
Some might say, what's the point of a championship won by riding on others' coattails?
Let them say what they want.
True "the answer fans" definitely wouldn't care.
Buzz~
After Iverson finished listening, his whole body trembled, and a burning light inexplicably flashed in his eyes—that was an intense desire for a championship.
He even inexplicably believed the young man in front of him, believing that he could truly help him make up for the regrets in his career!!!
"Okay!"
Iverson nodded seriously, "I believe you, Su Yan!!!"
"Mmm."
The two embraced again.
Only then did Iverson leave.
Immediately after... Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian walked over.
"Su Yan, hello!"
Yao Ming greeted with a smile.
Damn... this was clearly a very natural smile, but why did I feel like an emoji, inexplicably finding it funny?
Can't laugh, can't laugh.
"Hello, Brother Yao Ming!"
Su Yan forced himself to hold back, waving his hand in response.
Seeing Yao Ming, and also Yi Jianlian who came with him, seeing two fellow Dragon Country compatriots, who were also the future pillars of the Heavenly Dynasty Men's Basketball team.
His mood was somewhat excited.
This was an emotion beyond "fellow villagers meeting, tears in their eyes."
"Su Yan, you're amazing!"
Yao Ming hugged Su Yan tightly and exclaimed excitedly, "Your Three-point Shot, my goodness, how can it be so accurate?
Not to mention domestically, even in the NBA, I've never seen a player shoot like you.
Whether they can or not.
If anyone shot like that, the coach wouldn't let them play the next day, but you can shoot as you please.
And keep making them.
Too terrifying.
Too crazy.
Too incredible!"
"Yes, yes!"
Yi Jianlian also repeatedly sighed, "Many of the shots, to be honest, were unbelievable and defied logic.
But.
Damn, they just go in.
It's truly amazing. At first, I was on the edge of my seat for Su Yan's shots many times, but I was completely overthinking it.
They just go in.
Later... when Su Yan shot, I just raised my hands, waiting for the ball to go in, waiting to cheer, and that was it!"
"Ha~"
Su Yan smiled, waving his hand modestly, "Brother Yi Jianlian is joking, it's not as exaggerated as you say!"
"Haha!"
Yao Ming really laughed like an emoji this time, "Yi Jianlian is right, almost every Three-point Shot Su Yan takes goes in.
He's just that accurate.
Seriously... if we had a Shooter as accurate as Su Yan at the Olympic Games last year.
I can't even imagine how strong we would be.
If Su Yan had appeared earlier, if we had played the 2008 Olympic Games together, we might not have stopped at the quarterfinals!
The semifinals.
It's even possible to get a medal."
"Yes."
Yi Jianlian also looked regretful, "It's such a pity!"
"No."
Su Yan shook his head and smiled, "Brother Yao Ming and Brother Yi Jianlian, and all the Dragon Country Men's Basketball players.
You've already played very well.
You are excellent.
You are worthy of pride and honor from every Dragon Country fan."
"Haha!"
Yao Ming laughed happily.
Su Yan was articulate, always speaking well of them, always praising them. Everyone loves to hear such words.
Yao Ming chuckled, then asked seriously, "Su Yan, will you play for the national team in the next Olympic Games?!"
"Of course."
Su Yan didn't hesitate.
Although... he had never been someone with particularly great patriotic sentiments, Dragon Country was really good.
Perhaps living in a safe environment all the time.
People may not instinctively feel anything.
But if you just learn a little, compare a little, you'll find... the outside world is really dangerous.
Too dangerous.
Danger could lead to death at any time, anywhere.
We may not need to specifically thank the country, but if we can do something within our capabilities.
To bring glory to the country, then... it's perfectly fine.
Moreover, if one can achieve some success, even better success, and gain the support of over a billion compatriots in the entire Dragon Country.
That is also a very enjoyable thing.
Just like Liu Xiang in 2004!!!
"That's great, it's not too late to discover it now."
Yao Ming said with a smile, "Although I'm not sure if I'll still have a relatively healthy body for the next Olympic Games.
But I will try my best to maintain it, at least to perform without holding back.
By then... there will be Su Yan, who will surely grow into a top league Shooter, or even a superstar, and Yi Jianlian, who is constantly getting stronger and reaching the peak of his career.
The three of us.
Should still be able to dedicate our last dance to the national team!
I believe in our strength, let's set a small goal: to win a medal for the national men's basketball team at the Olympic Games!"
"Absolutely!"
Yi Jianlian roared, pumping his fist.
Su Yan also clenched his fist, his gaze focused, and a fiery gleam flashed in his eyes: "A medal? I don't know if we can do it.
At least... we have to strive for that goa
l."
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn luffy1898