Lin Qi pressed the remote control again, and a technology radar chart comparison between Pierce and Hill appeared on the projector.
Chris Paul Pierce (first 6 games of the 2000-01 season).
He averaged 29.7 points per game.
Key scoring distribution: mid-range isolation plays (42%), drawing fouls (28%), three-pointers (18%).
Grant Hill (1999-00 season, Pistons' last year).
He averaged 25.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Main scoring distribution: layups/dunks (38%), fast break transitions (22%), mid-range shots (25%).
"Do you understand?" Lin Qi tapped the screen. "To the untrained eye, your positions seem to overlap, but the data doesn't lie. Your technical strengths are complementary."
Lin Qi stood up, walked to the whiteboard, and picked up a pen.
" Pierce was great at three-pointers and mid-range shots. He liked to isolate and attack from a step inside the three-point line, using his footwork and rhythm to create space or draw fouls."
Lin Qi drew a circle on the whiteboard and labeled it " Pierce's Attack Zone." "His attack range is mainly here: mid-range and three-point line."
Lin Qi drew a second circle, extending from the three-point line all the way to the basket.
"But you're different. You're a penetrator; you like to have the ball on the perimeter, using your speed and explosiveness to attack the rim, or creating opportunities for your teammates during your drives," Lin Qi said. "Your offensive range is the entire path from the three-point line to the basket. And you can initiate the offense like a point guard, which Pierce couldn't do."
"If you and Pierce are on the court at the same time, how can the opponent defend you? If the opponent dares to double-team Pierce, you can easily drive to the basket. If the opponent dares to collapse their defense to block you, Pierce can shoot them out from the outside."
"More importantly, you have playmaking ability," Lin Qi said. "You can have the ball on the wing, observe the situation on the field, and make the best decisions. This will greatly reduce the pressure on Gary Payton and make our offense more diverse."
Lin Qi threw down his pen and braced his hands on the back of the sofa.
"So, to answer your question from last night... after your comeback, what number will you be?"
Lin Qi paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately.
The Answer is entirely up to you.
Hill unconsciously sat up straight.
"If you can return to the form you showed on those Pistons tapes," Lin Qi said with absolute certainty, "You will be the absolute core. You, Pierce, Garnett will form the most terrifying Big Three in the entire league. Without a doubt."
Lin Qi wrote five names in the corner of the whiteboard.
[ Gary Payton, Chris Paul Pierce, Grant Hill, Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace ]
"This is my ultimate winning lineup for the final three minutes," Lin Qi said, pointing to the five names. "Five players who combine defense, size, and basketball IQ. They can switch on any defense and dominate any half-court set."
Hill's heart began to race; something in his blood was ignited.
Core. Big Three. Ultimate Decisive Lineup.
This is the highest recognition of his talent.
But before he could even savor this elation, Lin Qi poured cold water on him.
"But..." Lin Qi's tone became more serious, " Grant, I have to be honest with you. Injuries are cruel. I've seen too many players come back from injury and never reach their previous level. Penny Hardaway Hardaway, Larry Bird Johnson, Alonzo Mourning... they were all ruined by injuries."
Lin Qi walked up to Hill, his gaze sharp as a knife.
"I can't guarantee you'll make a 100% recovery," Lin Qi said. "There's no such thing as a medical guarantee. What I can do is provide you with the best medical team, the best rehabilitation plan, and the best resources. But the final outcome depends on your will, your hard work, and... a little bit of luck."
Hill clenched his fists.
"If you can get back to 100%," Lin Qi said, "You're the core, you're the key piece of the winning lineup, you're one of the core elements of our dynasty team."
"If—and I mean if," Lin Qi's voice held no pity, "You can only recover to 80%, or even 70%, of your peak... then you might have to bow your head and accept a supporting role. You might just be a high-quality rotation player, a playmaker off the bench, a surprise weapon specifically designed to deal with certain opponents."
Hill looked at Lin Qi, a complex emotion welling up inside him.
Supporting role. Surprise weapon. Substitute.
These words were like thorns, piercing his heart.
"I didn't say such harsh things to humiliate or discourage you," Lin Qi said, looking at him. "I'm trying to build your mental strength. The next year or so of recovery will be extremely difficult. You may experience setbacks, relapses, and even despair. If you're not mentally prepared to accept the worst-case scenario, you won't make it through."
Lin Qi sat back down on the sofa.
"But no matter the outcome, you are an indispensable piece of this team. 70% Grant Hill can still help Boston win a championship, just in a different role."
"Now, tell me, Grant," Lin Qi stared into his eyes, "Can you accept this reality?"
A deathly silence fell over the office. The only sound was the faint hum of the central air conditioning.
Hill looked down at his left leg.
Lin Qi didn't say "you can definitely do it," but instead laid out the choice and the harsh truth on the table.
Either rise from the ashes to become king, or accept a mediocre fate.
Hill took a deep breath, slowly raised his head, and his eyes, which had been full of confusion and fear last night, now regained a sharp light.
" Lin Qi, I will do everything I can to get back to 100%," Hill said firmly. "I don't want to be a supporting player. I want to be the core. I want to help the team win in the crucial moments of the playoffs."
Lin Qi looked at him and finally revealed a satisfied smile.
"Very good. That's the Answer I wanted to hear."
Lin Qi picked up the remote control, and a document appeared on the projector.
Grant Hill Personalized Rehabilitation Program (Improved Version)
"This is the rehabilitation plan devised by Dr. Lasset," Lin Qi said. "18 months, divided into three phases. Phase 1: Bone healing observation period, 6 months. Phase 2: Strength reconstruction period, 6 months. Phase 3: High-intensity resistance training, 6 months."
"This is the standard rehabilitation process," Lin Qi said, "But I feel it's not enough."
"Not enough?" Hill was taken aback.
"Yes, this step-by-step approach can only get you back to 80% at best," Lin Qi said. "But what I want is a 100% or even 110% Grant Hill."