Previously, although Mohammed looked out for him, he definitely wouldn’t talk to him that much. Emmanuel wasn’t one of those who mocked him with cold sarcasm, but he absolutely wouldn’t talk to him this much either. After all, there was a huge difference in their status on the team. Mohammed was a starting player, just warm-hearted and caring toward all teammates. Emmanuel was also a steady part of the rotation.

Ethan Brooks was about to start training, but was first taken away by the team doctor for another check-up.

Ethan Brooks could really feel the seriousness of the NBA. Even though he had no issues in yesterday’s check-up, they still did another round this year.

And before the training started, he was taken by the trainer for warm-up, stretching, and a massage, which alone took more than ten minutes.

The Hawks’ staff, including trainers, massage therapists, and physical therapists, totaled 15 people. This is the basic setup in the NBA, because the NBA has only one asset, and it’s the only asset: the players. The league exists mainly because of the players, and now that player salaries account for 57% of the league’s total revenue, it proves this point.

……

When some become friendlier, others become more hostile.

After Ethan Brooks finished the team doctor’s check-up and the subsequent warm-up, an hour had already passed. There were only a few minutes left before the 10 o’clock training session, and all the teammates had arrived, including Jason Terry and the others.

Just as Ethan Brooks finished warming up and went to the only half-court left without anyone training, ready to grab a ball, a short guy pushed him aside.

“I want to practice shooting. You go fetch the balls for me,” Jason Terry snorted coldly.

Ethan Brooks almost exploded at that commanding tone!

He held it in!

Ethan Brooks knew he couldn’t get into a conflict with this annoying little guy, or he’d definitely be the one to suffer.

Fighting aside, although Ethan Brooks wasn’t as strong as Jason Terry—even the 5’6” Boykins in the NBA was stronger than him—fighting isn’t just about strength. Back in high school, Ethan Brooks was known as a sneaky little rascal, using every trick in the book in a fight.

Status!

Status in the NBA!

And, most importantly, ability!

Ability is the key!

Right now, Ethan Brooks was just “the coach’s guy” brought in by Coach Kruger, basically someone with connections, while Terry was a rising young star, almost first-class. Ethan Brooks had checked his ability rating—an impressive 82!

If Ethan Brooks could one day reach even a 70 rating, he wouldn’t have to worry about finding a team, since the average starting player in the NBA has a 70 rating. But for now, he could only endure!

Seeing Ethan Brooks silently go to fetch balls, Jason Terry looked smug and started practicing three-pointers.

“Practice, practice, practice—practice yourself to death. Training without warming up… Wait, this damn little guy was still playing in 2018? Damn! Are Black athletes all built like beasts?”

Chapter 11: The Substitute’s Substitute

Do you know why Linsanity in the future was so hot in New York that it surprised Chinese fans?

Now Ethan Brooks understood.

Just because of one game, just because of three three-pointers, there were actually hundreds of fans at the Philips Arena all wearing his jersey and gathering together!

Philips Arena seats 20,000 people. If a few hundred fans were scattered, it wouldn’t be noticeable, but these four or five hundred fans in his jersey actually switched seats to sit together! They gathered behind the scorer’s table, making it extremely obvious!

Although the number wasn’t huge—especially compared to the Iverson fans who filled a third of Philips Center—it was tiny. But as soon as Ethan Brooks entered the arena, he felt that sense of recognition.

Is this what it means to be a little bit famous?

“Yes, host. Last game featured the popular star Francis, so there was a lot of attention. You performed well against Francis, similar to how you understand Linsanity scoring 38 points on Kobe. But your impact is much smaller, and your ability is far below peak Linsanity. Linsanity’s peak rating was 89, though it lasted less than a month, but that’s close to a top star. Your rating is only 46.”

No need to remind me! Damn, why do you always have to put me down! Other people’s systems always encourage and reward them, but mine just keeps hitting me with setbacks!

Ethan Brooks was helpless with this system. By the way, would this guy pop up and say something like “wrong position, try a different one for more comfort” during sex?

Just thinking about it gave him the creeps!

“Don’t worry, host. When you’re doing things unrelated to the system, or when the system determines it’s your private business, it will automatically enter standby mode.”

Ethan Brooks ignored this pervy system and started warming up while checking out the people on the court.

Compared to his own team, Ethan Brooks felt that the 76ers’ lineup was simply invincible in the East after being wrecked by Jordan!

Allen Iverson, currently the league’s top guard, scoring champion, and steals leader.

Aaron McKie, currently the league’s best sixth man.

Dikembe Mutombo, currently the league’s best interior defender, already a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and since his rookie season has averaged over 3.5 blocks per game for years.

Derrick Coleman, a top power forward who averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game before getting injured last season.