Li Fei + Michael Jordan + Scottie Pippen?
Hearing that lineup, the Zen Master was genuinely intrigued.
During the Chicago Bulls' Three-Peat from 1990 to 1993, aside from the well-known Jordan-Pippen duo, the team's third most important player had been Horace Grant, a 2.08-meter forward who averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The lineup Jerry Krause mentioned was essentially replacing Grant with Li Fei. It was undoubtedly an epic upgrade.
Although Grant had made the All-Star reserve team for the first time in his career this season, and although he had been named to the All-Defensive Second Team last season, Horace Grant was actually rather ordinary.
Without Jordan this season, his offensive role had increased, yet he still averaged only 15 points. His defense was good enough for an All-Defensive team, but it had always only been the Second Team.
Simply put, he was an excellent blue-collar power forward. He could handle some simple scoring on offense, but asking him to do more was out of the question.
But replacing the team's third option with Li Fei...
That was like trading a musket for a cannon!
Even Grant's vaunted defense was no comparison to Li Fei's.
Not to mention offense. Li Fei was far superior to Grant. Just off putbacks and second-chance points, Li Fei was projected to average 14 points per game!
And in the Zen Master's eyes, the Chicago Bulls desperately needed a marquee center.
This was an era where the paint ruled. Never mind the fearsome big men in the Western Conference—the Eastern Conference alone had The Gorilla Ewing and The Big Shark O'Neal, who were enough to give anyone a headache.
They needed an outstanding center, someone who could stand up to those big names in the playoff battles.
And most importantly, this trio was perfect for the Triangle Offense.
"This really is a good combination."
Phil Jackson nodded. "But MJ has to come back. If MJ can't return, then getting Li Fei would be pointless."
Jerry Krause nodded.
However, he was far more optimistic than Phil Jackson about Li Fei.
In his view,
even if Jordan did not return, the Chicago Bulls could still choose to develop Li Fei into Chicago's new master.
These days, no one absolutely had to rely on anyone else to survive. Losing someone did not mean they were doomed.
After the Zen Master left, Jerry Krause looked over the Chicago Bulls' current roster.
"Horace Grant, BJ Armstrong..."
"For Li Fei, all of them can be put on the trade block."
The NBA regular season was nearing its end.
The Dallas Mavericks had nearly honorably claimed last place in the league.
By the laws of probability, the Mavericks had the best odds of landing the first overall pick.
However.
As the Mavericks' biggest competitor for the top pick, Milwaukee Bucks general manager Mike Dunleavy was brimming with confidence.
"I heard Dallas's love for Jason Kidd is practically overflowing from the screen."
United States, Milwaukee.
Mike Dunleavy tapped his fingers lightly against his office desk. "That will be hugely beneficial to us in the draft lottery."
"Sir, I don't quite understand what you mean," the assistant said, puzzled.
The draft lottery was calm and uneventful at the moment.
How could this be such a huge advantage for them?
"Book me a ticket to the NCAA Finals. I want to be there in person to support Li Fei."
Mike Dunleavy smiled. "And find an opportunity to let the media know that we intend to select Li Fei in the draft. It would be best if David Stern hears about it too."
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The assistant immediately understood.
"I see, sir. You want to put on a good show for David Stern!"
Mike Dunleavy smiled faintly. Everything was under control.
If Li Fei became the first overall pick of the 1994 draft, he would help the NBA open up the China market. Therefore, from the league commissioner's perspective, Stern would absolutely want the team selecting Li Fei to receive the top pick, and might even rig the lottery behind the scenes.
The logic was simple enough.
But the Mavericks were wavering over Li Fei. Their feelings for Jason Kidd were ambiguous.
At a time like this, if the second-worst Milwaukee Bucks made it clear that Li Fei was their first choice, then for the China market, the league commissioner might very well toss the first overall pick to Milwaukee.
This was the Bucks management's open scheme.
Naturally, the Bucks had their own agenda as well.
Keeping Li Fei was only their second choice.
If Li Fei could help them acquire the star player the Bucks truly needed through the trade market, they could consider trading him after selecting him.
They had even prepared to directly offer Li Fei to the Jazz for John Stockton after drafting him.
"Sir, if we trade Li Fei, won't China fans be unhappy? Would David Stern be upset because of it?" the assistant asked.
"Players getting traded on draft night isn't exactly rare."
Mike Dunleavy was completely unfazed. "What the league wants is really just the first overall pick's publicity value."
"If we really trade for John Stockton, wouldn't that prove Li Fei already had John Stockton-level trade value in his rookie season?"
"With such terrifying trade value, David Stern would be thrilled for us to do it."
Thus,
Mike Dunleavy boarded a passenger plane from Milwaukee to bustling Chicago, arriving at Soldier Field.
Located in Chicago, Soldier Field was one of the most renowned NFL stadiums in the world.
It had been temporarily converted into a basketball arena capable of seating 60,000 spectators for the March Madness final.
A few days before the game, Mike Dunleavy discovered something at the surrounding hotels.
"There are a tiny little too many NBA management people at the Finals..."
The day before the game, every newspaper was running headlines.
<Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause and his assistant check into a hotel near Soldier Field early!>
<Lakers general manager Jerry West and Mickey Kupchak arrive in Chicago!>
<Phoenix Suns general manager Jerry Colangelo spotted at Chicago airport!>
<Carl Malone and John Stockton arrive at Soldier Field for the dunk contest finals!>
<Management personnel, scouts, or players from roughly 20 teams arrive for the NCAA Finals!>
Extra! Extra!...
Those in the know understood that this game's significance had far exceeded the final itself.
This was practically a trial for Li Fei.
The appearance of personnel from NBA front offices also signaled that...
The battle for Li Fei had officially begun!!
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