In the second half, Gan Guoyang took the position of power forward, focusing more on defense.
However, in offense, he was more of a free agent, versatile in and out, able to appear in any position.
Even in the corners, where he rarely went before, he contributed two three-pointers, bringing cheers from the on-site fans.
Gan Guoyang played for a full eight minutes in the third quarter before taking a rest and didn’t return to the game.
In the end, Glory Team won their historic first preseason game 100-91, defeating the defending champion Lakers by a margin of 9 points.
At the end of the game, Phil Jackson came over to shake hands with Gan Guoyang and said, "You came back too fast, Sonny."
Gan Guoyang replied, "You take your chances very quickly, I came back too late."
Both of them were speaking with a hint of sarcasm, and Phil Jackson seemed more frustrated.
All four of his rings were won during Gan Guoyang’s retirement.
Now many people questioned whether Jackson was simply an example of a monkey taking over when the tiger was away.
So Jackson was really hoping to defend the title this season, preferably by taking down the Glory Team in the playoffs.
But looking into Ah Gan’s deep eyes, gripping his broad and strong hand, Jackson felt a lack of confidence again.
After the game, the visiting team’s locker room at the Staples Center was filled with people, all there to interview Gan Guoyang.
Gan Guoyang was asked about his feelings on returning to play a year after leaving the game.
He sincerely said, "I feel like I’m really getting older, a year’s absence has had a big impact, I’ve become slower, my explosiveness is fading, and fading fast. I almost don’t want to drive the ball to break through anymore, not because I can’t, but because it consumes too much energy. I’d rather play with my back to the basket, turn and shoot. My mind is moving faster than my hands, so I find that it seems like I’m losing more hair."
"Just to add, I’m not going to shave my head." The journalists all laughed heartily.
Now it’s impossible for fans to enter the backstage of the stadium; journalists must hold credentials and pass security checks.
Back in the ’80s, at the Memorial Coliseum, after a game everyone could leave together with the fans to the parking lot or out to eat, which is no longer possible.
Players are now stars, million, even ten-million-dollar stars, with Gan Guoyang being a billion-dollar superstar.
Glory Team’s preseason games were like a superstar parade, the new team appearing in different cities and showcasing in the stadiums.
Old and new fans would come to the stadium to see if their former king had changed after a year away.
It’s been a month since the 9/11 attacks, but the shadow hasn’t lifted. This isn’t a simple hot topic event but a major turning point possibly affecting many years to come.
Many are curious about what kind of connection Ah Gan has with 9/11, and the rumors about Ah Gan’s vows are becoming increasingly ridiculous.
Some say Bin Laden is a fan of Ah Gan, and because Ah Gan declared "the Twin Towers weep for me," Bin Laden decided to use the attack to prove Ah Gan’s innocence.
Others say Ah Gan is indeed a spy, but he could have prevented the 9/11 events. However, due to the American Government’s distrust, this crucial intelligence wasn’t discovered by Ah Gan, ultimately leading to the tragedy.
Still others say it’s a play directed by Ah Gan and the FBI together, with the purpose of deploying troops to Afghanistan.
Less than a month after 9/11, the US Army, under the guise of fighting terrorism, entered Afghanistan, driving their military saber into the heart of the Eurasian continent.
Simultaneously, on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, China gained a favorable space and time for development, so some people even say it’s actually a play directed by Ah Gan in collaboration with China...
No matter which play it is, the topics surrounding Ah Gan are as numerous as fleas on a cow, uncountable and interminable.
Everywhere he goes, local dignitaries and wealthy individuals invite him to parties and to give speeches.
Major sports, beverage, and car brands one by one offer endorsement contracts.
As long as Gan Guoyang continues to play, his commercial value will grow stronger, accumulating to a terrifying degree.
For the benefit of the Glory Team, and for the revenue target of 500 million over seven years, Gan Guoyang must firmly bind himself to the team.
This undoubtedly makes one weary, and because Gan Guoyang shines so brightly, other players can hardly get any exposure.
During the preseason, Gan Guoyang realized this. He instructed Tomjanovich to give other players, especially the young ones, more playing time.
After the final preseason game in San Francisco, on the private jet back to Vegas, Gan Guoyang took the opportunity to gather everyone for a chat.
Gan Guoyang stated clearly, "For commercial success, I have to be the most exposed person on the team, but I’m already 37, and Glory Team shouldn’t be represented only by me. I’m telling you clearly here, every one of you was personally picked by me to join the Glory Team. I believe in you, in your strength, and especially in the potential of the young players. I hope that by halfway through the season, we’ll see more and more fans in the audience wearing your number jerseys. They’re not coming for Ah Gan; they’re coming to the stadium to watch you."
Steve-Kerr said, "Sonny, do you think I’ve got a chance?"
Everyone burst into laughter, and Gan Guoyang said, "I’ll assign you to the cheerleading team next time; I’m sure you’ll be very popular."
Everyone laughed again, the team atmosphere at Glory Team was pretty good, and the locker room was always harmonious with Gan Guoyang around.
Siblings not getting along often signify poor parenting, and as the father figure, Gan Guoyang has always been very competent.