Chapter 50 Changing Their Fate

On the morning of December 11th, manager Ernie had a conversation with Jeff, asking if he needed to bring in reinforcements to strengthen the roster. Jeff initially considered signing a free agent, but after discussing it with Jerry, he dismissed the idea.

Why brought in an out-of-shape veteran who couldn't keep up with the pace when the team has promising rookies who need development? Even a short-term contract was unnecessary. In just over a month, the injured players would return.

Jerry's joining the Knicks had triggered a butterfly effect. If Jeff had been left to make decisions on his own, he would have made such foolish moves more than once. In Jerry's previous life, Jeff almost turned the Rockets into a retirement home.

Jeff's personality wouldn't change overnight, but at least during this period of injuries, he would give Stephen and Chucky opportunities.

Stephen had been frustrated since the season began, training every day but often not making the roster and never getting on the court.

Before practice, Jerry spoke to him. “Stephen, eat less tonight and be ready to play. You’ll definitely have a chance to show what you can do today.”

“Really? He’s going to use me?”

“We talked about it. How long you play will depend on your performance,” Jerry smiled. “Jeff will talk to you. You've been shooting threes well lately.”

“I can definitely hit open shots,” Jackson assured, patting his chest.

The NBDL (Development League) hadn’t been established yet, so players without playing opportunities could only channel their energy into training. Mikki and Jackson both followed Jerry's instructions, diligently practicing three-point shots from the top and sides of the arc.

Physical fitness could be improved with training, but shooting was often a matter of talent. Some players with stiff wrists and overly developed muscles could never become good shooters.

Players who could become good shooters usually had some shooting ability in high school; it was just a matter of degree. As they age, most became more accurate.

Jerry's emphasis on three-point shooting for the two rookies had yielded results.

Stephen’s three-point shooting percentage in practice exceeded Jerry’s expectations, reaching up to 70% when he was in good form. Jerry remembered Stephen’s career three-point shooting percentage wasn’t high, with 33.3% in the regular season and 35.5% in the playoffs.

The poor stats were due to his terrible shot selection, often taking contested jumpers.

Mikki was less accurate, having been a mid-range shooter in college. After extending his range, he could make some threes, but his accuracy was below 40%. Given his build, Mikki couldn’t play a physical game, but if he improved his three-point shooting, he could fare better than Jerry remembered. This was the right path for him.

After practice, Jeff outlined the evening’s tactics, shocking everyone, especially Jackson, who didn’t expect to be in the starting lineup.

Bowen, averaging just 18.8 minutes per game with 4.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.4 steals, had been a starter since the season began. Now, three Summer League rookies were being heavily utilized, a complete turnaround for them.

Everyone knew the tactical arrangements were Jerry’s doing; only he would dare to rely so much on rookies.

Charles, who had returned to the bench and averaged 6.9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this season, didn’t object. He had chances to perform in the last four games but didn’t play well. Who could he blame?

That evening, Madison Square Garden was packed as usual, with the team’s best start in franchise history drawing in the fans.

After warming up, Jeff gathered the players and reiterated the tactics before sitting down.

Jerry admired Jeff’s work ethic; he was always meticulous and highly responsible.

Jerry couldn’t guarantee a win, as the Minnesota Timberwolves were not a weak team.

The team's point guard was Stephon Marbury, nicknamed “Stephon,” who later played in China’s CBA. He had been outstanding since entering the league, now in his second season, averaging 17.6 points and 8.6 assists.

In his third season, Kevin Garnett, the fifth pick in the 1995 draft, was averaging 18.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.8 blocks, excelling on both ends of the floor.

Additionally, last season’s All-Star Tom Gugliotta, a 6.8 feet tall, 240 pounds small forward, was averaging 20.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals.

As the Timberwolves’ absolute core last season, Gugliotta had a significant influence on Garnett and was highly skilled, though limited by his physical attributes, making his defense slightly weaker.

In Jerry's previous life, Gugliotta was unlucky, soon to suffer two severe injuries, which would end his career, making him one of the league’s most injury-prone players.

In December 1999, after a game, Gugliotta took a sleeping pill containing gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and other chemicals because he couldn’t sleep. While talking to his wife on the phone, he suddenly stopped breathing.

Fortunately, his wife noticed something was wrong and immediately called his teammate Rex Chapman’s wife, who alerted Chapman to check the small bottle in Gugliotta’s bag. This information was crucial during the team doctor’s rescue efforts, ultimately saving his life.

After warming up, the players stood on the court. The New York Knicks’ starting lineup was: Ward, Allan, Bowen, Jackson, Patrick.

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ starting lineup was: Marbury, Chris Kyle, Gugliotta, Garnett, Stanley Roberts.

Jerry was worried for Stephen, an 18-year-old rookie facing the future “Big Ticket” Garnett, a daunting matchup.

All-Star voting had already begun, and Garnett’s comprehensive stats and high popularity had him temporarily ranked second among Western Conference forwards, just behind Karl Malone and ahead of Barkley and Duncan, likely making him an All-Star starter.

Jeff was even more uncertain but hadn’t gone so far as to have Patrick guard Garnett. Garnett had the height of a center, the speed of a guard, and played like a swingman, which would easily outmaneuver Patrick.

At the forward position, no one on the Knicks could compare to Garnett, not even Larry Johnson, who was far behind in All-Star votes.

Jeff had considered starting Charles to guard Garnett but was firmly opposed by Jerry, which left him somewhat displeased.

He whispered, “Jerry, today’s starting lineup is your idea. Do you think Bruce can guard Gugliotta?”

“Just contest his shots. If he drives, Patrick is there. Letting their center Roberts shoot is fine too,” Jerry replied calmly.

“But can Stephen guard Garnett? I feel very uneasy about this lineup.” Jeff sighed.

It wasn’t just unease; he actually thought this lineup was bound to fail, fearing they’d be blown out in the first quarter, making the rest of the game an uphill battle.

“I don’t see it that way. The key is to stop Marbury and Kyle’s three-pointers. Those are the only two who can shoot from distance on the Timberwolves. As for Garnett’s one-on-one plays, Stephen is a good match. He’s mobile, just a bit shorter. If he can contest the shots, even if Garnett scores over 30 points, two-point shots won’t kill us. We’re aiming to win with offense this time.”

Jeff frowned and sighed, “I hope so.”