As the Vice Gang Leader, considered lower in rank among the "dual leaders," Jordan often played the good guy in the team.
When there were problems with the team’s offense or defense, Gan Guoyang was always the first to step up and question, pointing out inadequacies here and shortcomings there.
Shortly after, Jordan would offer comfort, telling them that they could actually do it, it’s not that bad, Ah Gan’s standards were just too high.
For the first time being a second-in-command, Jordan discovered that being second was actually nice, letting the big brother take the blame while he played the nice guy. It was the first time his relationship with his teammates was so good.
Of course, Jordan’s skills were still a bit lacking; he hadn’t learned how to let the second or third in line take the blame while the big brother played the nice guy. If he had, his reputation would’ve been much better.
In daily interactions, Yao Ming also noticed that compared to the stern, dazzling Gan Guoyang, Jordan was actually more approachable, and being with Jordan made him feel more relaxed.
Jordan would never have dreamed that in a team, he would become the more approachable one.
After Yao Ming secured his starting position on the Glory Team, his performance was still not entirely stable, and on some nights, he would perform out of form.
In the first game of December, at the Glory Team’s home game against the Indiana Pacers, Yao Ming’s performance wasn’t good.
He shot 1 out of 9, scoring only 3 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. His poor performance indirectly led to the Glory Team losing the game.
This was their second loss of the season, with Reggie Miller scoring 37 points, which made Gan Guoyang quite displeased.
So after the game, Yao Ming was somewhat anxious. He knew he had played terribly.
Not only did Yao Ming have to face criticism from the American media, but voices from back home were also constantly reaching him, some of which were not so pleasant.
No matter how strong one’s mental fortitude is, nor how optimistic one’s mindset might be, there is always a limit, and surpassing this limit could lead to a breakdown.
Jordan felt the pressure on Yao Ming; he knew that being chosen by Ah Gan to come to Las Vegas was both an opportunity and a huge challenge.
If he had stayed with the Knights or gone to another team to be developed as a core player, he might not face such high expectations, and Yao Ming’s growth environment would be more relaxed.
So during a post-game interview, he said: "Yao Ming is essentially still a kid, bearing a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. The example before him is too dazzling, and the expectations he’s carrying are practically impossible to fulfill. No one can do it. So, I hope that in the NBA, at the Glory Team, basketball can be a paradise where he relaxes and pursues happiness, rather than a hell that torments the soul. When stepping onto the court, one’s mind should be peaceful, undisturbed by anyone, so that one can truly express oneself on the court."
Jordan’s words were undoubtedly insightful, and he himself had achieved it. No matter how chaotic things were off the court, once he stepped onto the court, his mind was calm, focused solely on basketball.
Of course, there’s a prerequisite. He’s not the team’s leader, he doesn’t need to worry about Yao Ming’s development. He just needs to play well this season and win a championship to be satisfied.
Gan Guoyang agreed with Jordan’s words; after the game, he found Yao Ming, and they chatted briefly. Yao Ming said he was fine, it was all minor stuff.
Gan Guoyang patted him and asked, "Hey, who do you think is more suited to be the leader, Michael or me?"
Yao Ming replied without hesitation, "Of course you, I think Michael is quite good as the second in command."
Gan Guoyang was very satisfied with this answer and asked again, "Then who do you think has the third most influence? Can you do it?"
Yao Ming shook his head and said, "I can’t, third... it must be Porter."
"Didn’t I tell you not to mix around with Porter."
"I’m not fooling around with him, he’s teaching me how to shoot three-pointers."
"Has he ever said anything bad about me?"
"Never said anything good."
"...Forget it, he’s the boss now, listen to him from now on."