score maniac

Chapter 19: A Declining Dynasty

In the early 21st century, the Kings—a team that had been in the league since the NBA’s inception—experienced what was perhaps the most glorious era in their history, aside from the championship won during the “Rochester Royals” era (the NBA’s dark ages). Led by “King” Chris Webber, the Kings—with a core of elite players including Mike Bibby (and, of course, “White Chocolate” Williams),Doug Christie, Peja Stojaković, and Vlade Divac, along with a bench featuring powerhouses like O’Neal, Gerald Wallace, and Bobby Jackson, the Kings dominated the league. Relying on the modified Princeton offense—tailored specifically for the Kings by veteran coach Adelman—the team, though lacking significant physical advantages, relied on astonishing basketball IQ, formidable team vision, and jaw-dropping ball movement to dominate on offense. Unlike the “small-ball” trend that later swept the league, the Kings of that era did not rely on a “point-guard-driven” fast-break style. Instead, they executed gorgeous, fluid, and superbly coordinated plays in half-court sets, leaving an indelible impression on every fan who witnessed that team in action. Although the Kings’ pace—that is, their offensive tempo—was among the fastest in the league at the time, it’s important to remember that the early 21st century NBA was arguably the darkest era in league history, defined by ironclad defense. While the Kings were considered fast during that period, their pace was on par with teams like the later-era Suns. Just how spectacular was that Kings team? If you asked a fan who saw them play, you’d likely get a response like this: “Everyone could make blind passes, everyone could make behind-the-back passes, everyone could make x*** passes—not even God knew where they were going to pass the ball!” Or, to put it simply in one word: absolutely breathtaking! However, while the Kings’ dominant offense captured the hearts of countless fans, it couldn’t secure that elusive championship ring. Facing perhaps the most dominant center in history, Shaquille O’Neal, the Kings were crushed. In that infamous, controversial Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals, the Kings faced several highly disputed calls and ultimately suffered a heartbreaking defeat. Perhaps, as fans, we can come up with all sorts of excuses for the Kings. But the victor takes all—in competitive sports, only the champion is recognized, and the basketball court is just that cruel. Since then, the Kings have gone from glory to decline. With Webber’s injury and key players leaving one by one, they never regained their former glory. A few years later, they even sank to the bottom of the league. “Now, I’ll announce the starting lineup!” July 8, 2010, Las Vegas. The NBA Summer League for the new season kicked off. Although both teams facing off today were once-great teams now in decline, they had attracted considerable attention due to a string of scandals. “The Summer League is primarily for developing young talent, so the veterans will get plenty of rest. As for the starting lineup, I’m going to make some bold choices!” In the Kings’ locker room, with less than half an hour until tip-off, head coach Paul Westphal—his silver hair framing a slight frown—looked at the rookies before him and began announcing the starting lineup. “Starting center: Hassan Whiteside!” “Present!” Hearing his name called by the head coach, the towering Whiteside immediately perked up. He responded with a loud shout and cast a rather smug glance at the other big man standing beside him. “…Coach, what did you say???” De Marcus Cousins was stunned—truly stunned. Who the heck is Whiteside? How dare he steal my starting center spot?? “What’s the rush? Did I finish reading the list yet???” Westphal was a typical old-school coach who ran a tight ship. When he sensed a hint of defiance in Cousins, he immediately shot him a stern look, silencing the rookie so that he could only mutter under his breath. “Starting power forward, De Marcus Cousins!” “I’m playing power forward??” Cousins wasn’t too happy. Although he’d played power forward in college, it had been out of necessity. His skill set was clearly better suited for center. Now, the center position he’d had his heart set on had been snatched away by Hassan Whiteside—a player he looked down on completely. Feeling his pride was at stake, Cousins grumbled in frustration, “Coach, I don’t buy it! Why is Hassan playing center? Why should I be his backup??” “Play second fiddle?” Westphal’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Cousins and said, “Who says a power forward is just there to play second fiddle to the center? Have you ever heard anyone say that Garnett played second fiddle to Perkins? Huh?! Every position is about playing the game. If I tell you to play power forward, you play power forward—stop all this nonsense!” “No way, no way—I’m not used to it!” Cousins’ childish temper flared up; he waved his hands frantically, refusing to go along with it no matter what. “Fine, then don’t play today.” But Westphal had an even better one up his sleeve—one sentence that left Cousins with his mouth agape and his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. Wow, this coach really means business…! Gu Yu, listening nearby, felt a bit uneasy. Although he’d always known Westphal was a strict coach, this level of severity was truly beyond his expectations. A high draft pick this year—just told not to play? This head coach is really something else! “Coach, I…” “So, at the power forward starting spot, Jason, are you just using the Summer League to develop players? Why not let us rookies play first??” “…Does ‘developing players’ mean you don’t care about winning or losing?!” What hadn’t Westphal seen in his time? From player to coach, he’d weathered decades of ups and downs; even a legendary hothead like Barkley had been completely under his thumb. As for Gu Yu and Cousins, he didn’t even give them a second thought. He said coldly, “The Kings only want soldiers who can charge into battle—we don’t want troublemakers who disrupt discipline! If you and Cousins aren’t satisfied, then sit it out. When you’re ready to follow orders, I’ll put you back in. Otherwise, don’t even think about stepping on the court for a single minute!” This… The locker room fell instantly silent. Everyone was speechless, and countless eyes were fixed on Gu Yu and Cousins. “All right, let’s head out!” After saying this, Westphal didn’t give the two a chance to speak. With a sweeping gesture of his hand, he led the players out of the locker room. “Gu, you didn’t have to stick up for me like that…” Cousins had misunderstood. He walked over to Gu Yu, patted him on the shoulder, and said somewhat sheepishly, “This… doesn’t this mean I’ve gotten you into trouble?” “No.” Watching the others walk away, Gu Yu furrowed his brow and clenched his fists: “We have to get on the court—both of us have to get on the court…!” “Ah, forget it. The coach is in a rage right now, and we were a bit too impulsive just now. Let’s wait until he cools down, and then we’ll…” Cousins tried to comfort him, but in Gu Yu’s mind, there was only one thought left. “It doesn’t matter if I can’t play in any future games, but today, I have to play…!” Gu Yu clenched his jaw tightly. Listening to the cheers coming from the court, his heart had already flown out onto the court. I have to play, because today’s opponent… “Today’s opponent is none other than the Timberwolves…!” This season, Longgu personally thinks there’s a pretty good chance Harden will be benched. What do you guys think?