Chapter 54 China Exclusive Interview

On the 22nd, the New York Knicks devastated the Mavericks at home with a score of 109 to 71, entering garbage time before the end of the third quarter.

Patrick Ewing played for 25 minutes, making 9 out of 10 shots and sinking both free throws, scoring 20 points with 7 rebounds and 2 assists. His efficiency was astonishing, and he got to retire early to be a spectator for the rest of the game.

When facing AC Green, who stands at 6.7 feet, and the shorter guards, Ewing's turnaround jump shot was nearly unsolvable; his jump shot capability was historically great among centers.

On the defensive end, he could cover a wide area in the paint, excelling at both individual and help defense, as long as he wasn't dealing with penetrating guards.

A healthy and energetic Ewing was definitely a superstar on the court.

Allan Houston also thrived in the new tactical system, playing for 24 minutes, making 12 out of 18 shots, sinking 7 out of 11 three-pointers, and all four free throws, scoring a total of 35 points.

His style was not like the "Midrange King" persona of his previous life, but more like Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, rarely holding the ball for more than two seconds, shooting decisively, and capable of getting scores.

In 2016, Thompson played for 29 minutes against the Indiana Pacers, making 21 out of 33 shots, 8 out of 14 three-pointers, and 10 out of 11 free throws, scoring a frantic 60 points in three quarters, setting the record for the quickest 60+ point game in history.

Thompson's 60-point feat was not just notable for the short playing time; the duration he held the ball on the court was frighteningly brief. According to statistics, he only dribbled the ball 11 times while scoring those 21 field goals, averaging merely 1.5 seconds of ball possession per play.

Moreover, NBA reporters stated that Thompson had only 46 touches and a total ball possession time of 90 seconds throughout that game.

During training, Jerry encouraged Houston to shoot or pass immediately upon receiving the ball, virtually eliminating the need for ball-handling, making him an excellent partner for Ewing. His data was not much less pleasing than in his past life, but much more efficient.

The Mavericks had only 7 players available for the entire game, with no reserves to speak of. Even when significantly behind, their core player Michael Finley played the entire game.

As per Jerry's plan, the New York Knicks enjoyed a rare four-day rest before facing the weak Toronto Raptors at home court on the 27th.

Considering a win against the Raptors was almost a given, it was a time for everyone to sigh in relief.

On the 23rd, Jerry received a call in the morning. The Chinese-language media in New York wanted to conduct an exclusive interview with him at his apartment. People in New York were curious about his lifestyle, for he had previously lived in China, and the Chinese community regarded him as one of their own—a pleasant gimmick.

Upon arriving at Jerry's place, Chinese female reporter Li Rong brought some gifts.

Jerry greeted her wearing a pair of ugly, oversized cotton slippers, with gorilla pattern on them, resembling Ewing. He was not nervous about being filmed, even at his feet.

After exchanging a few words, the interview began.

Facing the camera, Li Rong said, "This season, a story of dreams and persistence unfolded in New York. The protagonist is not an NBA star who is overly consumed by the media or idolized by fans, but a tall young man, just like an ordinary person. Many of the experiences he had are relatable to us. He is the person we're interviewing today."

The empathy referred to was the covert discrimination Jerry faced when job hunting. His unsuccessful attempts to find work after hundreds of school interviews had already been exposed.

Jerry waved to the camera and said in Chinese, "Hello everyone, I'm New York Knicks Assistant Coach Jerry."

Li Rong asked with a smile, "Jerry, what do you think is the secret to your success?"

"Capability," Jerry replied with a smile. "Because I'm only 23 years old, to get this job, I had to have exceptional abilities."

His response seemed somewhat uncooperative, as it made him appear different from other people, but it wasn't arrogance; it was a fact.

Indeed, many talents were ignored in this world, but those who achieved remarkable success were generally extraordinary.

With his first answer, Jerry displayed tremendous confidence. Li Rong's perception of Jerry changed. Women tended to like confident men, albeit not the conceited ones.

Li Rong asked, "So, what is most important to you in life?"

"Family and brothers," replied Jerry.

Not basketball? This was different from what Li Rong anticipated, making him seem more personable.

She glanced at Thomas on the side. The fact that Jerry was an orphan was public knowledge. The family and brothers he spoke of were this handsome man he was sitting with.

Li Rong asked, "Now that you're famous, what do your old friends think?"

"For that, you'd have to interview Thomas. He's my only friend from those days. No doubt, my life was a mess before. Before joining the New York Knicks, I worked at a food store near the gym and was almost penniless."

Jerry still wore a smile, but Li Rong felt shocked. To speak so casually about a difficult past required significant mental strength.

This contrast made people see Jerry in an impressive light. Who would have thought he wasn't talking about himself?

In his last interview, he merely mentioned some numbers without detailing the effort behind them. Because he didn't feel personally involved, even if he remembered, it didn't seem like his own doing.

Li Rong asked, "Has anyone asked for your autograph?"

"There's been a few, not many. I'm just an assistant coach after all, which is quite normal. If one day I become a head coach, I believe there will be more people asking for my autograph," Jerry answered.

"Do you have confidence you'll be a head coach in the future?"

"Of course, but I might have to leave the New York Knicks then. Jeff Van Gundy is an excellent coach, and we're still good friends. I can't exactly take his job from him, can I? If another team gives me the opportunity to coach, I certainly won't disappoint them." Jerry seized the opportunity to advertise himself.

Although it was a Chinese-language station, other media might translate it.

On one hand, Jerry commended Van Gundy, and on the other, he said he couldn't take his job, implying, "I'm not worse than Van Gundy" or "I'm better than Van Gundy."

The phrase "we're very good friends" was to appease Van Gundy, who couldn't get upset after hearing it; that wouldn't be very friendly.

The subsequent questions revolved around basketball and Jerry's work with the New York Knicks, how he participated in discussions, helped players with tactics, and so on.

There was nothing special about these things. Any academically trained coach would be familiar with them. Jerry made use of his memory from the past life, effortlessly spouting a bunch of theories, impressing the fans without them fully understanding.

An academically trained coach simply refers to those whose own basketball skills were modest, lacking a player career, and receiving training at sports academies and camps. Such people typically possessed stronger theoretical directions and were invincible in rhetorical battles.

Jerry adeptly answered every question, and the interview concluded smoothly.