The spy scandal has had a significant negative impact on Gan Guoyang, affecting not only his performance on the court but also his endorsements, advertisements, and assets.
Though not a crippling blow, it was still quite a shock. In these circumstances, Berman did not kick him when he was down by exposing Gan Guoyang’s "scandals." Instead, he wrote a book highly praising Gan Guoyang, almost to the point of glorification, showing the depth of their friendship.
When Wang Fuxi said this, Gan Guoyang felt it made a lot of sense, so he patiently continued reading.
[...Ah Gan’s major problem is that he swears a lot, probably even more than I do...]
"Bullshit! I can’t swear as much as him? I have to call him."
Gan Guoyang threw the book aside and went to the neighboring room to call Berman. They hadn’t communicated for a while.
This season is Berman’s third season with the Celtics, and the young roster he built is finally starting to show great power.
The Western Conference is full of contenders, all wanting to challenge the Trail Blazers’ authority, while the Eastern Conference has already become the Celtics’ domain.
After the new season began in November, up until now, the Celtics have achieved a record of 21 wins and 4 losses, leading the league with 1.5 more wins than the Los Angeles Lakers, standing out in the Eastern Conference.
Compared to the aging Trail Blazers, the Celtics have the youngest starting lineup in the league.
Among the starting five, only Fox is 30 this year, while the rest are under 25. Keeping this lineup stable means the Celtics will maintain championship competitiveness for the next 5-8 years.
Berman has constructed a balanced system of offense and defense in the Celtics. They can play intense defense and fast-break counters, have Twin Towers in the paint, and guards running fast breaks outside, making Boston fans reminiscent of the Bird era in the 80s.
For a while, the team’s popularity soared nationwide, the Fleet Center was packed every night, and ticket prices rose.
This season’s Christmas battle will be between the Celtics and the Trail Blazers, with Berman leading the Green Army to visit the Rose Garden Arena.
This is the most anticipated game of the 1999 schedule, with ticket prices already inflated to over a thousand US dollars each.
Outside expectations are high for the Portland Trail Blazers to meet the Boston Celtics in the 2000 Finals.
"Bobby, you stinky glass from New Jersey, all the cow dung piled on the Texas prairie doesn’t match your foul mouth, you foul language king, how dare you say I swear more than you?"
"Oh, dear Sonny~ I can tell just through the receiver that you haven’t brushed your teeth for at least three days, suck my XXXXXXX!"
"You’ve really got a quirk. I can tell from your voice that you’re really on a roll. Paid off your gambling debts yet?"
"Who said I have gambling debts? I’m a big winner! You won’t get a penny less of your royalties. Filthy lad, your recent performance isn’t that great, and that’s not like you."
Gan Guoyang chatted over the phone with Bobby Berman.
Shooting Guard Bobby Berman is indeed on a roll this season.
The Celtics are realizing their potential and the team is entering a harvest season.
At present, Berman’s transformation and operation of the Celtics seem successful.
He is slowly dispelling the shadow left by his four years in Los Angeles, and evidently cold Boston suits him better.
Berman also cares deeply about Gan Guoyang’s condition. As the coach who understands Gan Guoyang best, he clearly felt Gan Guoyang’s abnormal state this season.
"That’s terrible, you’re almost on par with Barkley and Olajuwon, this isn’t like you, buddy," Berman commented.
"Everyone ages, and there are too many off-the-court issues, I can’t tell you much more..." Gan Guoyang is still under surveillance.
So aside from basketball, he didn’t talk much else over the phone with Berman.
"Rick is a good coach, he has ideas, but I think he doesn’t understand you enough, doesn’t know how to work with you."
"Rick is indeed good, but... let him be, I really don’t have the energy to focus on the regular season anymore. Maybe I really need some rest, Bobby, I’m truly tired."
In front of Berman, Gan Guoyang can show his vulnerable side.
But Berman didn’t believe him, saying, "Are you going to give up the championship?"
"No, I’m definitely going to win this season’s championship. For myself, and for Charles Barkley."
"Then you might be disappointed, Sonny, we’re very strong this year."
Gan Guoyang just smiled on the phone without saying much.
Berman was somewhat unsure, as most of what’s said in the book ’The Sun Rises from the West’ is true.
-----------------
On December 16, the Trail Blazers went to Utah to challenge the Utah Jazz in an away game.
Kobe Bryant followed the team to Salt Lake City, his right wrist bandage already removed, entering the team’s observation list.
Before the game, Rick Carlisle stated that Kobe’s wrist injury has healed and he will return in a recent game, whether against the Warriors or the next game still undecided, depending on player status and team circumstances for Kobe to play.
Kobe personally believes his wrist injury has healed, so he is eager to play.
Before the game, Kobe found Carlisle in the locker room and said, "Coach, my hand is healed, I can play this game."