Champion Creed
Chapter 867 - 867 287 One suspense ends yet leaves another bigger suspense for the basketball world Request for monthly tickets!_4

867: 287: One suspense ends, yet leaves another bigger suspense for the basketball world (Request for monthly tickets!)_4 867: 287: One suspense ends, yet leaves another bigger suspense for the basketball world (Request for monthly tickets!)_4 This is yet another explosive news.

Although Dream averaged only 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season, and almost retired due to a blood disease caused by blood clots in his calf, ultimately, Hakeem Olajuwon remains a superstar of great fame.

In 1994, when that 18-year-old boy challenged Dream, people never thought that one day these two guys would play ball together.

Current star players still care about appearances.

Hakeem Olajuwon felt a bit embarrassed facing the fans after leaving Houston, let alone host any live broadcasts.

He could only ask his agent to convey his feelings through the media.

“Hakeem has lived in Houston for 20 years.

The thought of leaving here tears his heart apart.

But many say he’s old, say that he’s done, and say he will never win another championship.

For a top athlete in the sports industry, these voices are unbearably harsh.

Therefore, Hakeem pleads with Houston fans to give the 37-year-old him this last chance for recklessness.”

Dream’s departure from Houston is a three-way win transfer.

The Rockets can confidently and thoroughly rebuild, Dream got a three-year mid-level pension contract, and the Hawks acquired a center with rim protecting capabilities.

Without a doubt, signing Dream was Roger’s decision.

The reason is simple, Dream indeed still has some usefulness.

Just like other players entering the twilight of their careers, just like leaving their native teams, although Dream’s late career mirrors Big Ape’s fate, the two are on completely different levels in terms of strength at this stage.

Big Ape truly has nothing left to squeeze out, but Dream remains a competent rim-protecting center.

If Roger recalled correctly, on the original timeline of the 01-02 season, Dream in only over 20 minutes of playing time could still deliver 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, and had two games where he handed out 9 blocks in a single game.

Of course, these stats weren’t inflated, as judging by his defensive win contribution, Dream’s performance level was even better than in previous years, ranking 52nd in the league.

In comparison, Erik Snow ranked only 54th.

While Big Ape’s defensive win contribution had already fallen to 176th in the league.

Big Ape and Dream are players of completely different levels in the twilight of their careers.

Therefore, Dream remains a choice worth trying.

But after all, he is a 37-year-old Dream.

No matter how good he is, his defensive contributions can no longer approach Big Ben—Big Ben’s defensive win contribution was first in the league last season, with a contribution value of 7.2 that slightly exceeded Tim Duncan, far beyond Dikembe Mutombo.

You cannot count on Dream to maintain the Hawks’ defensive standard; at 37, he cannot rejuvenate in Atlanta.

In fact, the Hawks can’t even provide Dream with a stable starting position, and everyone should be clear about one thing: The current Dream can only be effective in certain specific scenarios.

Therefore, for the Hawks to defend their title next season, the most direct method is to completely change their playing style radically.

The Hawks can no longer engage in half-court battles with opponents, nor can they compete on defense with them.

From offense to defense, the system must undergo a comprehensive overhaul.

Roger knew the holidays just began, and he didn’t want to disturb Lenny Wilkens’ vacation.

But he still texted Lenny.

“There’s a frustrated assistant coach in Portland named Mike D’Antoni.

This guy used to play in Italy and was Kobe’s basketball idol during Kobe’s time there.

That’s not the point.

The point is that after the vacation ends, you can try to reach out to him, recruit him, and ask him about the seven-seconds offense.

Believe me, he can talk to you about this topic for three days and nights.

I can predict that his tactical concept will make you feel highly revolutionary, and you might not be able to accept it right away.

But now, Lenny, we struggle for survival if we don’t adapt.”