This is a vibrant new world where Gan Guoyang promises to give a portion of Glory Team shares to Jordan and Ewing after their retirement, making them small shareholders involved in the team’s daily operations, ensuring a truly stable future career.
This promise is more tempting than a championship, and Ah Gan’s integrity is something Jordan and Ewing absolutely trust.
Glory Team is soaring, with no worries about suddenly being sold off.
Gan Guoyang is bringing Jordan and Ewing into the partnership to expand the list of partners and strengthen the team.
Such a big brand, so many interests; it’s dangerous not having anyone collaborate to protect them.
Jordan has carved out a great kingdom for Nike, but their cooperation over the team has not been very pleasant.
Jordan has already transferred his shares in the Trail Blazers, embracing the Glory Team.
The press conference lasted quite a long time. Reporters had a lot of questions for Jordan, Yao Ming, and Ah Gan, unsure who to ask first.
From 10 a.m., it lasted until 11:30 a.m., when the host ended the conference, and everyone dispersed for lunch.
Many reporters still crowded around, asking all sorts of questions, and the air in the press conference hall was thick and stifling, causing dizziness.
"This is going to be the daily routine. The NBA is a league highly open to the media. From on-court to off-court, including your lifestyle, you’ll be exposed to cameras, satisfying people’s curiosity. There’s no choice; part of the money comes from this. Just slowly get used to it." Gan Guoyang said to Yao Ming, worried he might not adapt to NBA life.
Yao Ming nodded; actually, it’s fine, since Yao Ming had grown up in the spotlight.
In 1984, when Yao Ming was four, because he came from a basketball family and was tall, he was featured in Xinmin Evening News.
The newspaper published an article "A Little Pearl in the Basketball Family," confirming Yao Ming’s age, born in 1980.
In the sports world where age modification was rampant, Yao Ming became the athlete with the most confirmed age, with newspaper proof.
Due to his standout height, Yao Ming was a focal point wherever he went and was accustomed to being noticed.
Of course, the developed and frenzied NBA media was somewhat beyond imagination, although he knew a large part of the spotlight was on Gan Guoyang and Jordan.
They are the true superstars; from their speech to behavior, they are so natural and relaxed in front of the media, without a hint of nervousness, engaging in witty banter.
Leaving the press hall, Gan Guoyang invited all media reporters to a hotel for a buffet where they could drink freely with credentials or go to the hotel casino to exchange for small chips, playing a couple of rounds on slot machines.
"Can I play a couple of rounds?" Jordan quietly asked Gan Guoyang.
"The team prohibits gambling. From the moment you signed, you are a Radiant Player. You need to follow the rules."
"The season hasn’t even started yet! I’m just playing for Glory, not sold to the team."
"What you did with the Bulls is one thing; being with Glory is another. Besides, in my view, the season has already started, right, Michael? The attention we receive doesn’t allow for any failures, understand?"
"I understand, don’t lecture me."
"I have ten rings, you have to listen to me."
In the restaurant’s private room, Yao Ming and Ewing quietly watched the two bicker, their composure and intimacy in front of the media vanished without a trace.
Ewing said to Yao Ming, "You’ll get used to it. In truth, this world has no people; the more you interact, everyone’s just human."
Yao Ming nodded, acknowledging the truth.
Ewing seemed very old, especially when compared to Jordan and Gan Guoyang, even though he joined the League one year later.
In terms of maintaining condition, Ewing lags behind Jordan and Ah Gan significantly; his physique changed, body fat increased, and the once resolute and robust face became hollow under the ravages of time.
Gan Guoyang is willing to have Ewing join, partly due to emotional ties, as their relationship is good, considering taking an old mate to win a championship.
Another reason is to get a teacher for Yao Ming; although Gan Guoyang could guide Yao Ming, as a main player, he might not have time to teach hand in hand.
With Ewing joining Glory, his current capabilities would definitely have him on the bench; his state, like Kevin Willis, will give him more time to mentor Yao Ming.
Ewing’s basic skills are solid; his shooting ability among centers is outstanding, and his technical characteristics suit Yao Ming.
Conversely, Gan Guoyang’s style is too challenging for Yao Ming; building a good foundation is more important.
Glory Real Estate arranged a luxury apartment near the training center for Yao Ming to stay temporarily.
During this period, Yao Ming is getting acclimated to life in America and drafting a training plan, preparing for national team and NBA competitions.
As per discussions with the Basketball Association, Yao Ming will represent the national team in world-class events, primarily the Olympics and World Championships.
Regarding Asian-level events, like the Asian Championships and Asian Games, depending on circumstances, participation is optional, decided by Yao Ming, the coaching staff, the Basketball Association, and Glory Team.
As for other events, like warm-up games and cup tournaments, he won’t consider and won’t participate in any.
The Basketball Association has no choice; like Gan Guoyang only plays in the Olympics, not in any other national team events.
He helped the national team win a gold and a silver, so the Basketball Association leadership should be pleased, without extra demands.
According to the plan, the national team will gather in Las Vegas in August; Yao Ming and Wang Zhizhi will join the national team there, concluding the training before participating in the World Basketball Championship held in Indianapolis in early September.