Chapter 1136: Chapter 361: The Most Arrogant and Overbearing Interview in History
So, Roger believes there’s no reason for him to be humble.
He flaunts his honors freely, which is a small reward for his hard work throughout the season.
After arranging a bunch of trophies, Roger leans back in his chair, his legs up on the table: “Ask away.”
This is probably the most arrogant interview scene in NBA history.
The flash from the camera combined with the reflection of the trophies made Spoelstra beside him unable to open his eyes. He finally understood why Roger wore sunglasses to the press conference.
At this moment, brilliance is no longer just an elusive metaphor for a player, but a stark reality.
Beside him, the Warriors’ female press officer handed Spoelstra a pair of sunglasses with a smile: “You’ll need this, coach.”
The next day, the most arrogant championship photo in NBA history appeared on the covers of major sports magazines and newspapers.
Roger with his legs on the table and trophies spread out in front of him is destined to become one of the most classic images in NBA history.
Wild; this man is truly wild.
But when a player wins more trophies in a season than 99% of players do in their entire careers, his arrogance is not resented by most.
Of course, there are still a few people who resent Roger’s actions.
This person is not the Pistons’ head coach Rick Carlisle, nor the Pistons’ players.
But it’s Larry Brown, head coach of the Dream Team.
The Dream Team training camp is about to start in half a month. The intensity surrounding the Olympics and the World Championship is completely different from the Americas Cup. Although the training camp is still half a month away, there are more and more reporters coming to attend routine press conferences now.
Larry Brown can feel this attention. Basketball is a major area where Americans spread their sense of superiority and pride globally. Even though there’s no suspense every year, every year it still draws attention.
Moreover, this year does not come without suspense.
In 2002, when the Dream Team lost to Argentina, 99% of Americans couldn’t even find Argentina on the map. This humiliation was something Americans had never experienced.
Although there has been one revenge at the Americas Cup, it’s not enough.
Only revenge at the Olympics counts as real revenge.
Besides Argentina, this year there is also the highly anticipated Team China.
Therefore, the level of attention this Dream Team, which carries the revival plan of American basketball, has already far exceeded that of the teams in 2000 and 1996, approaching infinity with 1992.
“Larry, has the training camp roster been confirmed?”
“Yes, we are currently confirming the lineup of college players that will practice against the team, including Andre Iguodala from the University of Arizona, and Devin Harris from Wisconsin University, among others. You know, it’s increasingly difficult to find practice players in colleges. I don’t know when this started, but players now tend to shun college basketball, joining the NBA right after high school. This year’s lottery draft sees high school players taking up half the slots.”
“Coach, the guy who kicked off the high school draft frenzy won the NBA championship last night, becoming the second in history to achieve a grand slam season. What do you think of this? By the way, did you see that classic photo of Roger accepting the interview?”
“It’s a victory that belongs to the Warriors, not individually to Roger. Marcus Camby and Amar’e Stoudemire consistently contributed over twenty rebounds and four or five blocks each game, Allan Houston stretched the defense, Cattino Mobley provided firepower during transitions, Tayshaun Prince made things difficult for Richard Hamilton — these are all part of the game.
The outcome of a game is determined by a dozen people’s joint efforts, Roger is supported by the league’s strongest inside defense combination, Chauncey Billups faces the pressure of the Warriors’ entire defense line and their defensive assistance.
When you understand this, you won’t easily shout out simple and brainless slogans like someone easily blows someone else out. I don’t know why Roger does what he does, piling the trophies all in front of him. In reality, the championship cannot be won by him alone.”
Larry Brown is one of the few dissenters against Roger at this time. Anyone with clear judgment would agree Roger achieved great success this season. Although Larry Brown hasn’t directly denied Roger, he certainly conveys a subtle criticism.
Actually, Larry Brown is happy about Roger’s accomplishments because he is the only one who can defeat this “Immortal Legend” this summer.
Think about it, Larry Brown leads the Dream Team, tramples over Argentina and the illustrious Roger, completely rescuing the Dream Team from decline. Then he will become the greatest coach in the Dream Team’s history, with no equals.
In the past many years, being the head coach of the Dream Team was more like a symbol, as they didn’t even need to call time-outs in games.
Only Larry Brown bears the mission of ensuring the team’s victory.
By then, Roger’s brilliance will all be for Larry Brown’s benefit.
This is the crucial summer of his coaching career; he must seize the opportunity!
After answering a few questions, Larry Brown clapped his hands: “Alright, you can leave the other questions to the players.”
The reporters were somewhat surprised, as they didn’t know that players would participate in today’s press conference.