The Shadow of Larry Bird

Boston Celtics General Manager's Office:

"What's wrong, Paul!" Danny Ainge asked, looking at the grim expression on Paul Pierce's face.

Generally speaking, Paul Pierce wouldn't come to see him unless something was up. Could something have happened? Danny Ainge wondered to himself.

"Danny, I'll just get straight to the point. I don't understand why Coach John Carroll won't let Goodwin play!"

"I've already spoken to Coach John about this issue, but he told me that Goodwin's body isn't currently adapted to the intensity of the NBA!"

"But Goodwin had absolutely no problems in the team scrimmages. Besides, Goodwin hasn't even played a single minute, so how does Coach John know he isn't adapted? On the contrary, I think he's deliberately targeting Goodwin!"

Paul Pierce rattled off his grievances, standing up for his fellow University of Kansas alumnus, Goodwin!

If Goodwin lacked the talent, he would have nothing to say, but to pull such petty tricks behind his back—Paul Pierce couldn't stand for it!

FUCK, trying to bully someone from our University of Kansas? No way!

So that was it. Danny Ainge had thought something major had occurred, but he quickly moved to soothe Paul Pierce: "Paul, don't get excited. Let's solve this slowly. Why don't you sit down first?"

Paul Pierce was obedient and sat down, his eyes locked onto Danny Ainge, as if to say: Don't think you're getting out of this without giving me an explanation.

Danny Ainge said calmly: "Paul, do you think John Carroll is the best head coach candidate to lead our Boston Celtics back to the pinnacle?"

Hearing Danny Ainge's words, Paul Pierce didn't know how to answer for a moment.

After all, John Carroll had only coached him for two preseason games, and they had won both. It was hard to say if he was a good fit or not.

Watching Paul Pierce's reaction, the corners of Danny Ainge's mouth curled up slightly: "I don't think he's the best candidate; he's just filling the head coach position temporarily."

As soon as the words fell, Paul Pierce's expression shifted from cloudy to sunny. So that was how it was.

Danny Ainge continued: "Paul, what do you think of Goodwin's potential?"

Paul Pierce pondered for a moment and said: "Goodwin's ceiling is an All-Star player; his floor is an average shooter."

Danny Ainge smiled and shook his head: "Do you want to hear what the Red Auerbach had to say about Goodwin?"

Paul Pierce's expression changed drastically. Who didn't know the Red Auerbach, especially as a member of the Boston Celtics?

"What did he say?" Paul Pierce asked eagerly.

"He has a bit of Larry Bird in him."

What kind of man was Larry Bird!

Larry Bird was selected 6th overall in the first round of the 1978 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics, then continued his studies at university for another year before officially entering the NBA in 1979. He spent his entire 13-year professional career with the Boston Celtics, was named NBA Rookie of the Year in his debut season, won three NBA championships, was a three-time NBA regular season MVP, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, a 12-time NBA All-Star, the 1982 NBA All-Star MVP, a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection, a one-time All-NBA Second Team selection, and a three-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. He was named Athlete of the Year in 1986 and won three consecutive NBA All-Star Three-Point Contests from 1986 to 1988!

He swept the "God of Basketball" Jordan twice! These were the only times Jordan had ever been swept, and both came at the hands of the same man!

If Larry Bird hadn't retired, perhaps...

For such a legendary figure, Paul Pierce found it hard to associate him with Goodwin.

Did the Red Auerbach really have such a high opinion of Goodwin?

Danny Ainge watched Paul Pierce's shocked expression, his smile widening. When he first heard the Red Auerbach's evaluation of Goodwin, his reaction was even more intense than Paul Pierce's.

"Paul, I don't know if you've noticed, but even though he hasn't received any playing time in the last two preseason games, Goodwin hasn't slacked off in training at all. He is always the first to arrive at the practice facility and the last to leave."

Seeing such a diligent Goodwin, Danny Ainge couldn't help but think of that kid next door!

If the General Manager of the Boston Celtics referred to someone as being "next door," it was undoubtedly the Boston Celtics' arch-rival—the Los Angeles Lakers.

As for the "kid," it was, of course, the current number one shooting guard, Kobe Bryant!

In the 1996 season, Kobe was selected 13th by the Charlotte Hornets. Jerry West had an eye for talent; Kobe had just joined the Lakers and was still very young. At the time, the Lakers' star shooting guard Eddie Jones was still there, and Kobe was only 18.

So, Kobe sat on the bench for two full years, but a diamond will always shine and release its brilliant light.

By the third year, Kobe began to shine. In the lockout-shortened season, he played 50 regular-season games for the Lakers, averaging 37.9 minutes, 19.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists; he played 8 playoff games, averaging 39.4 minutes, 19.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists; and he was named to the All-NBA Third Team that season.

After that, there was no stopping him. In the 1999-00, 00-01, and 01-02 seasons, he won three consecutive championships, becoming the next player after Jordan to achieve a three-peat.

"Alright, Paul, that's enough for now. You should go back and train properly." Danny Ainge finished his piece and began to usher him out.

Walking out of the General Manager's office, Paul Pierce's mind was filled with Danny Ainge's words.

Consequently, during training, Paul Pierce was constantly distracted, his eyes always fixed on Goodwin. He wanted to see exactly where Goodwin showed shadows of Larry Bird.

But after watching for a long time, Paul Pierce couldn't see any trace of Larry Bird in Goodwin. Was the Red Auerbach getting senile?

NO! Retract that! What senile Red Auerbach? I'm the one who's senile; it would never be the Red Auerbach.

After a full day of training, Goodwin couldn't help but ask: "Senior Paul, what's wrong with you today? You've been staring at me the whole time. Is it because I'm handsome again?"

Paul Pierce: "..."

Goodwin continued: "Senior Paul, I know I'm handsome, but I'm sorry, I don't like men. If you're looking for a bromance, please find someone else."

You had to understand, if a man kept staring at another man, if it wasn't love, what could it be? Goodwin couldn't come up with any other reason.

Paul Pierce's anger reached 100%, and he lunged forward to beat Goodwin up.

"Ahhh..." Goodwin's screams echoed throughout the entire training facility.

"Hahahaha." "Hahahaha." "Hahahaha."... The other teammates couldn't help but stop in their tracks, turning into spectators, laughing heartily while they watched the show.