In the seven games before Christmas, the Wizards only won three of them due to Yu Fei's protective suspension, except for the Heat and the Hawks, two weak teams that are not worth mentioning, the only thing the Wizards won was the trilogy with the Knicks, which was still due to Jordan's 44 minutes of playing time and a beautiful quasi-final shot far beyond the physical load limit.

But the three wins don't make the Wizards forget about their problems.

Will Yu Fei be traded? When will the transaction be completed?

Jordan's tenosynovitis looks getting worse, so why not control his playing time?

As far as this month is concerned, the Wizards are already the traffic kings of the NBA, surpassing the OK Lakers in terms of media appeal.

Since the past few days, the reserve prices of each team have been reported to Jordan's desk.

The Hawks are willing to trade Sharif Abdulahim for Yu Fei and are willing to eat Leitner's junk contract.

The Philadelphia 76ers are willing to trade Aaron McGee and two unprotected first-rounders for Yu Fei.

The Warriors didn't make a direct offer, but hinted that they didn't have anything for sale, and the Wizards could do whatever they wanted.

All kinds of offers show that in the eyes of other teams, Yu Fei is now an All-Star level bargaining chip, but for a rookie who has not played in the NBA for two months, this rating is amazing enough.

December 24th

The Wizards have a few off-season days, which allows them to adjust well.

But since Yu Fei and Jordan completely fell out, the atmosphere in their team has been very strange.

Yu Fei will still come to train with them and play matches, but except for Chris Whitney and Kwame Brown, no one will take the initiative to get close to him.

Because in the eyes of other teammates, Yu Fei is the one who is about to leave the team, and they still have to be teammates with Jordan, and now they are too familiar with Jordan's opponent to want Jordan to add your name to the little black book?

These days are the busiest time for the Wizards' team reporters.

In the beginning, the Wizards only had reporters from the Washington Post, but after the Yu Fei incident, the Post's appeal to the Wizards suddenly increased with exclusive information about the Wizards, and it was only a slight advantage over other major local newspapers, but now it is several orders of magnitude stronger in sales.

To that end, The Washington Times qualified to send reporters to the Wizards through Abbie Paulin's connections.

The Times sent a reporter named Thomas Flynn, a basketball expert on The Times' sports section who has long covered Wizards games.

On the night of Yu Fei's "he said he was going to trade me," Flynn was a witness, and he was one of the many reporters in the media interview room.

Today is Flynn's first time here, and his goal is to coach Doug Collins to elaborate on Jordan's tenosynovitis.

Recently, the Yu Fei trade has left Collins scorched, and the worsening tenosynovitis caused by Jordan's increased playing time has raised another question, and people, or rather the media, are questioning Collins' ability and integrity because he has said that Jordan is fine. He no longer seems to be a normal coach, gradually, he becomes a nominal coach, and the essence of the question is - who is leading the team?

Who has the final say on this team? Including the roster for each game, starting line-ups, playing time, game strategy and team morale, and whether Collins will be fully trusted and will he put the interests of the team above the interests of a player? The problem has been around since training camp in Wilmington, when Collins casually and sometimes smugly denied that Jordan had any serious physical problems. Did he know anything about Jordan's knee problems? Is he hiding the truth about the player's health? If yes, why? Is it about his lack of authority and will not do what's best for his team because of Jordan? Has he been threatened by Jordan to remain silent or cover up the truth since training camp?

Flynn knew that it would be easy to anger Collins by asking such questions directly to Collins as the reporter reporting for the first day, but he didn't mind. In the world of sports, the local media usually treats their own family members gently, unless they are sucky or problematic, which can lead to a boundary between the two sides, as if there is a no-offense zone. This is rarely seen in political reporting.

In political reporting, when something becomes a problem, the media enthusiastically confronts the candidate or official, and they do so at their own risk. In contrast, coaches, like athletes, can behave rudely. Vent your emotions unscrupulously. On live television, Lloyd Carr, the head coach of the University of Michigan's football team, angrily answered a polite question from an ABC sideline reporter about Carl's coaching: "Why would you ask such a stupid question?"

Coaches in all kinds of sports periodically lose their temper or lash out at journalists, who often see this tantrum as the price of their work, and they study hard to survive their careers and let themselves know when to back down. And they'll find themselves with a lot of room to back down.

But Flynn is a sports journalist with no sense of borders.

"I hope Michael doesn't play that long." Here's what Collins said to Steve White.

Flynn approached him and asked, "Michael and Tim Grover both said they were aware of tenosynovitis during training camp, when did you learn about that?" ”

Collins stammered a little, a bit like Biden's face now looks more like Biden twenty years later, but it's not panic, it's a defensive caution and caution, "Oh, it's probably in New York (on the night of the opening game), I was thinking, maybe Michael was hurt." ”

"Didn't you notice any problems with Michael before the preseason?"

This domineering questioning made Collins feel like a prisoner, and his resentment with Flynn skyrocketed, but he had to deal with the question: "This. . . Well, you know Michael, you know he's not going to tell you what's wrong with him. ”

"I've got something to do."

Flynn's question was not over, but Collins was gone.

Flynn asked Collins' assistant coach, John Bach, for advice, "Can I ask Doug a few more questions about MJ?" ”

Bach went to ask Collins for his opinion, and the reply was: "He doesn't want to be interviewed." ”

"I'll keep asking him." Flynn insisted.

Bach spread his hands and said that he could not control the matter.

Flynn stood aside, watching Collins pretend to watch the players practice, waiting for the right moment, until Collins decided to go back, when he came back to the other side: "Grover and Michael didn't tell you about tenosynovitis?" ”

"We never discussed this kind of thing."

There was already visible dissatisfaction on Collins' face.

"Are you really not aware of any signs?"

"I'm not a doctor."

"Even if we're not doctors, we can tell if someone is comfortable or uncomfortable."

"I didn't think about it."

"Maybe you're worried that if you discuss this publicly, there's going to be a lot of coverage?"

Collins grimaced, as if thinking about how he was going to answer the question, and then he got the answer: "Michael is in such a situation that if he gets tenosynovitis, everybody will say, look, you're too old to come back." Whatever he does, he gets criticized. ”

Flynn was satisfied, and he would write about it in the news tomorrow, but he still had questions to ask.

"About Frye."

"Enough!" Collins interrupted him, "It's you!" You want to mess us up! Treat us like prisoners! We are under no obligation to inform you of what has happened to us! You bastard! Stay away from me, you stalker! ”

Collins left in a rage.

The movement here caught Jordan's attention.

In contrast, the man in the eye of the storm seemed calm.

Yu Fei turned the basketball on his fingers, and probably only looked here for a few seconds before continuing to train.

No one in the vast Verizon Center seemed to care about what happened to Flynn.

As an outsider who joined halfway, he knew that such a thing would happen.

The reporter who was sent as a wizard was not a business trip for Flynn, but an exile.

He was abandoned.

He would have just had to watch the game, interview the Wizards players, and write a story based on their answers, but now he's up close and personal with the most arrogant, egoistic, self-serving and rude bastards in sports.

Flynn hated himself for having such a job.

This is something that many people don't realize, and most sports journalists hate their jobs. It doesn't get any more annoying than that, and as paradoxical as it is, no one will admit it, but just give you a drink, and in a bar that lacks customers, you'll hear the truth. Those who provide you with first-hand information about professional, college, and high school sports, sincerely hope that everything sports-related except for the NCAA tournament will disappear from this world completely.

There's very little to say about this job other than turning one into a sneering, miserable bastard all day long. What's worse is that no one will have a normal conversation with you for the rest of your life. You meet people who either want to talk about sports or think you want to talk about sports, strangers will complain to you about why Rashid Wallace can't control his temper like a manic, your girlfriend's father can't help but ask you all sorts of weird questions about the Washington Redskins, and you're more interested in the geopolitics of the Middle East, but unfortunately, you're a sports journalist and no one wants to hear you talk about politics.

That's what Flynn lived.

Just when he felt sorry for himself and had the wild idea of blowing up the Verizon Center, Yu Fei sat down beside him.

"Would you like to do an interview?" Yu Fei said, "I have time. ”

※※※

Today, Jordan is not in training, he has more important things to do.

The so-called more important thing is naturally Yu Fei's transaction.

Jordan made up his mind to trade Yu Fei, but he never got the offer he wanted.

The Heat's any-player + three first-rounders looks good, but what's the use of Jordan asking for three first-rounders?

What he wants is instant combat power, instant combat power that can help him win from now on, and this instant combat power must obey his leadership, and it is unacceptable to jump off a beam like Yu Fei.

It wasn't until Suns director Brian Colangelo called that there was a real progress.

"Michael, we're old friends, I know your doubts, and I know what is needed. So, here's my offer, Penny, Rodney Rodgers and next year's first-round pick, and we want Frye and Christian Leitner. ”

It was the most satisfying quote Jordan ever heard.

He has always loved pennies, and from the moment they entered the league, he was optimistic about the growth of this young man. Prior to the injury, Jordan thought Penny would take over the league after him, but the injury was a key factor in the loss of talent.

Although today's penny is no longer the successor he was designated by himself, he is still excellent, averaging 12 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game as a two-way guard, with him, the Wizards' guard line is no longer worry-free, and Rodney Rodgers is also a veteran who has been in the league for many years, averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds per game this season.

There's instant power, and it's in line with the Wizards' needs, and there's draft picks.

It's a killer offer.

"I see your sincerity, Brian, let me discuss it with my people, and you'll get an answer soon."

Jordan hung up the phone and looked at Rod Higgins: "Phoenix is willing to give us pennies, Rodney Rodgers and draft picks. ”

"Great!" Higgins also feels it's the best offer they can get.

Before making the final decision, Jordan remembered that at the beginning of the season, Collins offered to trade Yu Fei.

Jordan remembers what he had said.

If they traded Yu Fei, it means that he failed.

It may not even be a month and a half now, and Yu Fei's transaction is imminent.

Did he lose?

No, he didn't lose, it's all Yu Fei's fault!

He forced me to do this!

Jordan is caught up in the nostalgia of the past, and his brown eyes look a little blurry.

"Do you want to inform that person about the transaction?" Higgins asked.

"Of course," Jordan said coldly, "he's still the owner of the team after all." ”

These days, Abi Pollin has been coming to the Verizon Center almost every day.

He was worried that Jordan would suddenly complete Yu Fei's deal while he was away.

Pauline is against the Fei trade, but he won't say it.

Before Jordan arrived, Pauline gave him the authority to manage the team, which of course included trades, signings, and drafts, but in terms of trades, Pauline had a requirement, that is, every trade needed to meet his "standards".

Jordan didn't ask what the criteria were, because every trade he's made since Jordan took over the team has gone through.

When a standard never affects a transaction, it doesn't matter if it exists or not.

But Bolin really has a standard for trading.

"No news yet?"

As Wes Unseld walked briskly into Pauline's office, the Wizards' owner acted a little out of sorts.

"There it is! The deal is set! "The deal was Phoenix, and they were willing to send pennies, Rodney Rodgers and a first-round pick. ”

Pauline asked, "Does this deal meet my 'criteria'?" ”

"Of course not, Mr. Pauline." Unseld knew what Pauline was thinking, "Rodney Rogers doesn't talk about it, he's just an addition to this deal." The emphasis is on pennies. Penny used to be great, but now Penny is just an average starter, and last year he caused a big scandal in Phoenix when he pointed a gun at the child's mother in front of the child and threatened to kill her. If such a player comes, what will the feminist people in the city think? And what about the good things campaigners? I can't imagine, Mr. Pauline. ”

"Good! Good! All right! Pauline's excitement at this moment makes it impossible to tell if he's happy because the deal doesn't meet his own standards or because he has the opportunity to stop Jordan, "Tell Michael, I don't agree with this deal, it doesn't meet the 'standards'!" ”

Unseld hesitated, "What if Michael insists on making this deal?" ”

Just in an instant, Pauline was like one of those people who were possessed by evil spirits in horror movies, and suddenly showed a terrifying face, and asked with a cruel sneer: "Wes, who do you think has the final say here?" ”

"Mr. Pauline, of course!"

"So, Michael and I will come to an agreement." Pauline said, anticipating Jordan's possible reaction and whispering to himself, "It's still useful for me to talk here." ”

"Go tell Michael, and let Frye come over, I've got something to tell him."

When Unseld personally informed Jordan that the deal did not meet Pauline's "standards," the existence of a player-coach, general manager-owner, unique in NBA history, was furious: "Standards? What the fuck is the standard? You explain to me, what is the fucking standard??? ”

"Mr. Pauline has only one 'standard,' and that is that the Wizards don't welcome players saddled with scandals, and there's no place for them here." "Penny threatened the mother of his own child with a gun last season, and his violent tendencies and disrespect for women are something that Mr. Pauline will not tolerate," Unselde said. Michael, did you know that it is one of the birthplaces of women's rights activists? Did you know that there is a lot of feminist activity going on here every year? If we trade Frye for pennies, the gang will take advantage of the problem and make us stink! That's Mr. Pauline's 'standard'! No one can challenge it, that's why we replaced 'bullets' with 'Wizards' (1), that's why Chris Webb is clearly the best power forward in the league, but we don't hesitate to send him away whenever he's suspected of committing a crime, all based on Mr. Pauline's 'criteria' (2)! ”

Jordan had a calm face: "I'm going to talk to him!" ”

"Mr. Pauline is in the office." Unseld had fantasized about hitting Jordan in administration, but he didn't expect it to be so painful.

Jordan, who was out of control, just wanted to ask Pauline in person, and walked straight out of his office.

Jordan came to Pauline's office door and knocked hard twice.

"Come in."

Pauline's voice could be heard inside.

Jordan opened the door vigorously, and was about to speak, only to find that there was another person inside that he didn't want to see at all now - Yu Fei.

"Why is he here?" Jordan asked.

Pauline smiled, "This matter has been dragging on for many days, there should be a result, and we are going to end it today." ”

Yu Fei asked, "Is my transaction complete?" ”

"Oh no, no, Fry." Pauline still looked like a kind old man, "You're not going anywhere." ”

Did Pauline choose Yu Fei between himself and Yu Fei?

"Abiy, whose team is this?" Jordan asked straight to the point.

Pauline replied, "This is our team. ”

"Since it's our team, why can't I trade this bastard who will only get me in trouble?" Jordan asked again.

Can a defendant still be a plaintiff? Who likes to look for trouble?

Yu Fei smiled: "Yes, yes, it seems that everyone likes to play with people who can trade their teammates at will." ”

"Michael, do you think Frye is more difficult to get along with than Jerry Krauss?" Pauline began his show.

Jordan didn't answer, and for now, he was really not sure if he hated Klaus more or Yu Fei more.

"Jerry is undoubtedly the person you hate the most, but you've still won six championships together. This is a good indication that having someone on the team that you don't like is not a sufficient requirement to hinder the team's progress, and in some cases, he can also be a big help for you. "Besides, Fry has played so many games and I think you should know that he can really help, and a lot of the games we've won this season would have been a different outcome without Frye. ”

This is a fact that Jordan could not deny.

But if they can trade Yu Fei, they can also trade back the instant power that can help the team win, which is what Jordan wanted to say, but Pauline was clearly in control: "You're the greatest player of all time, the best leader of all time, your experience can help him, his energy can help you, why can't you try to understand each other?" ”

"How can I understand each other with someone who doesn't respect me?"

"How can I understand each other with someone who threatens to trade me?"

Yu Fei and Jordan said almost at the same time.

"Look, that's what we need to solve." Pauline stood up, put one hand on Jordan's shoulder, and the other took Yu Fei's hand, "From today on," he looked at Jordan, "you have to be a better leader, teach him experience, and improve his game." Then he turned to Yu Fei, "And you, respect the veteran and obey his leadership, I promise, no one will trade you, you have such strength at such a young age, it is stupid to trade you, you are the future of professional basketball!" Michael, on the other hand, will be your mentor! ”

Yu Fei already knew that he would not be traded. And the person who bears the shame for this is Jordan, for Fei, being traded is the best outcome, and if he is not traded, it is Jordan who looks foreign.

And, now it's clear that Jordan's trade plan was vetoed, which was a victory for Pauline in the administrative battle.

Seeing that he was so proud that he almost laughed off a mouthful of yellow teeth, Yu Fei was also happy: "I agree." ”

Then Pauline looked at Jordan.

The Suns' deal was rejected for clear reasons and full of legitimacy, Jordan has no better choice, and choosing to settle with Yu Fei on the surface is the best plan at the moment.

"I don't have a problem." Jordan said at the top of his voice.

"Great! That's great! Pauline was so excited that he almost launched on the spot, "As long as the two of you can work together, the future of the Washington Wizards is absolutely bright!" ”

Then, the Wizards held a press conference for the two.

Wizards press officer: "I know there's been a lot of interest in the Frye trade rumors lately, but I can tell you now that there will be no trades, and that Frye is and will be a part of the Washington Wizards!" ”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"Fifteen years after leaving school, Scottie Pippen has finally earned his degree and graduated with a vivid lesson to teach people who bankrupt themselves as soon as they leave the NBA." —The Chicago Globe

"Mavericks owner Mark Cuban paid out of his own pocket to hire a statistician to count the referees' missed decisions and errors in every Mavericks game, which seems to provide a factual basis for his ongoing war with the referees (3)." - Dallas Star

"Frye Yu's 'he said he was going to trade me' incident ended with a 0, really, is anyone surprised by that?" —The New York Times

"Michael said that he and Frye had understood each other after a long conversation, would that bring their relationship further?" —The Washington Post

"All those who believe that Frye will reconcile with MJ are fools, they will not reconcile, and the apparent calm means that an even bigger storm is coming. However, Frye will never bow to MJ, because he has the support of the whole of Seattle behind him, and he will not only achieve unprecedented achievements in the NBA, but also make Michael Jordan fall from the altar completely! —The Seattle Times

(1) In 1997, Pauline changed the Washington Bullet to the Washington Wizards. Because "bullet" no longer had a positive meaning at that time. The name was popular in the '60s, when television was flooded with American-style cop Westerns, where a good sheriff on TV always had a good gun and shot a bullet of justice at the bad guys. But times have changed, and so has the nature of American cities. It's a bad name for a city with too many bullets in too many areas and too much bleeding from bullets. Another reason that made Pauline decide to change his name was that one of his friends had also died in an assassination attempt at the time.

(Of course, this knowledge doesn't mean much to everyone, I'm just taking the opportunity to sell off the miscellaneous information I have collected, don't be surprised)

(2) Weber was suspected of having a female affair with Second Uncle Huo in Washington, and finally Second Uncle Huo got out, and Weber reconciled with the parties.

(3) There should be no current Doncic fans who don't hate Cuban, because his team-building ideas are obviously delaying Doncic. But in fact, at the beginning of the century, Cuban was still a very bloody and very down-to-earth boss, attending each Maverick's home game, and in the front row instead of the fans to play the referee who blew the whistle and missed the whistle, after inviting the so-called "statistician", it was even more terrible, and before scolding the referee, he had to quote a paragraph "What kind of 'dog whistle' and 'soft whistle' have you blown on a certain day, month, year, month, and day, I @¥@!" ￥@”

Thanks to the leader of the bamboo trail, and also thank Feather Blade, Thousand Illusions Dancing Snow, Book Friend 201908282226430888, Strange Crow, Ah Huxuan, Red Plum Splash Snow, Seventeen Plus Nineteen, and Begonia Sleepless ST for their rewards.

(End of chapter)