601 Pass the Ball to Wood (1/2)

The new season had officially begun.

The first game of the new season at the Staples Center was reserved for the LA Lakers. The Clippers, who were based in the same city, flew to Portland to face off against the Blazers for their first game of the season.

The Blazers were a strong team. They had been consistently made the playoffs in recent years. They had also been improving. In the fiercely competitive Western Conference, reaching the playoffs proved a team's strength.

In comparison, the Clippers were not considered a strong team. They had traded away their key player, Ronny. They signed on some retired ex-stars who were making their comebacks. They had become a shelter for the old and weak. Commentators and fans alike were optimistic about the Blazers' chance of victory.

In the predictions made before the game began, every commentator interviewed said that the Blazers would win. The betting odds by the gaming company verified this.

The fans at the Blazers' home court were very excited. Although the game had not yet begun, they were thinking about how they would celebrate the first win of the season.

In the Blazers' locker room, the players were relaxed. All of them felt that the game could be easily won. The substitutes were eager to play. They felt that their team would gain a massive lead very quickly. Once that happened, they could get seven or eight minutes of playing time. For those players who had not yet entered the rotation, having the opportunity to play in front of the coach was something worth celebrating.

The Blazers' coaching staff were also very relaxed. After all, their opponent was the Clippers. They were the shelter for the old and weak. The coaching staff did not believe that a group of retired veterans could be too strong. In addition, the Blazers' backcourt duos were the best in the NBA. They could easily defeat the Clippers.

On the other hand, the atmosphere in the Clippers' locker room was much more serious. Hall, Raymond, and Gray were all back after retiring. This was the first official game they would be playing since their comeback. Gray took it especially seriously. The former genius did not have much experience. He had only played about one hundred NBA games. Now that he had made his comeback and was starting for the Clippers, he felt nervous.

Dai Li sat alone on a chair. He held a clipboard in his hand. He seemed to be closing his eyes, but he was actually using the Prophecy Request Box.

To all the gods and goddesses on both heaven and earth, let me draw a good lot! Dai Li silently recited in his head. In the system, a sign came out of the Prophecy Request Box.

It is a good lot! Although it could be better, it can be considered to be a good one. Let me look at what is written on the sign quickly.

Dai Li immediately checked the sign. On it, it said, ”Pass the ball to Wood.”

What does this mean? Dai Li thought about it. He eventually stood up, walked to the middle of the players and said, ”Let's talk about the game plan.”

The players immediately stopped what they were doing and turned to Dai Li.

Dai Li coughed and cleared his throat. ”We have a very simple strategy this game. Pass the ball to Wood.”

The players looked at Dai Li, waiting for him to continue, but Dai Li had stopped.

Wood couldn't wait any longer. He took the initiative and asked, ”Coach. Then what?”

”Then what?” Dai Li asked.

Wood looked at Dai Li with a blank stare. ”I mean, after the ball is passed to me, what should I do? Is it a pick and roll, a breakthrough? Should I create opportunities for the players outside the three-point line, or should I directly rush for the basket?”

”Well, you can decide that yourself,” Dai Li said casually.

”Decide by myself?” Wood blinked in confusion. He had played basketball for so many years and he had never seen a coach arrange such a strategy.

”Is there a problem?” Dai Li asked. ”Wood, you are the point guard. You are the leader on the court. The organization of the offense is your responsibility, isn't it?”

”Yes, but...” Wood looked a little hesitant.

”Are you worried that you can't handle this responsibility?” Dai Li asked with a smile.

Wood did not answer, which was an admission that Dai Li was right.

”Do you think you haven't recovered fully?” Dai Li asked. He did not wait for Wood to answer. ”Wood, there are many excellent players in our team. They used to be superstars, but no one has recovered fully; that includes you.

”I know you need more time to find your rhythm and the rhythm of the game. However, the regular season has started, so we don't have that much time. I need someone to take the lead and step up, to lead the team forward. I think that person is you!

”You started your rehabilitation training in May, earlier than everyone else. You have recovered the most. That is why I chose you. I think you can take on this responsibility. You don't need to worry about it, as long as you do what you think is right, you should do it boldly.”

Dai Li looked at Wood trustfully as he was talking to him.

Wood was moved. He did not expect Dai Li to trust him so much. The effects of the Specter of Authority made Wood feel that Dai Li's words were as right as the words on holy scriptures.

”Coach, I will definitely try my best,” Wood said positively.