The Trials Begins

In the blink of an eye, their small team had been training together for nearly two months. Nick Young had left partway through, having played a full season before being pulled into off-season training by Gibson. He needed a break, after all.

As their training came to a close, it was time for them to part ways.

After nearly two months of intense work, everyone had shown significant improvement. During this time, they also forged deep friendships. However, with upcoming commitments like tryouts, the draft, and the summer league, their small team had to disband. Many made plans to train together again in the next off-season.

In these two months, everyone witnessed Lian Dao's dedication firsthand. His training intensity was high, his sessions were long, and his growth was astonishing. Initially, some tried to mimic Lian Dao's training regimen but gave up after less than two days.

It wasn't for a lack of effort; Lian Dao was simply on another level!

Before leaving, Chris Brickley explained the follow-up training plan to Lian Dao with great detail and professionalism. This meticulous approach was one of the reasons Chris Brickley quickly became famous in the training community. In the future, even LeBron James would hire Chris as a personal trainer.

"To be honest, I haven't seen Kobe's training, nor have I seen Jordan's Breakfast Club. But your training intensity is the strongest I've witnessed so far. I think even Kobe's training intensity wouldn't surpass this. With the level of effort you're putting in, I believe you're destined for success in the NBA."

Chris Brickley wasn't just complimenting Lian Dao because he was his client. Lian Dao not only completed the training plan but also added additional workouts at the end of each session. If this had lasted one or two days, Chris might have thought Lian Dao was merely showing off. But maintaining this routine every day for two months earned Chris Brickley's genuine admiration.

Many NBA players claim to be disciplined, but they typically just complete their training plans and then relax. For them, nightly visits to clubs and parties are the norm. However, treating training as a daily routine is rare, and Chris Brickley saw this dedication in Lian Dao.

"In addition to training, you should also pay attention to balancing work and rest. This will be beneficial for your body in the long run," Chris advised.

"I also reviewed your tryout plan. Honestly, it's quite extensive. Given your current draft projections, you don't need to attend too many. Just focus on a few top teams for your tryouts!"

Chris Brickley offered these insights to help Lian Dao maximize his potential and make strategic choices for his future.

To be honest, Chris Brickley's advice was also echoed by Guo Yuwei. There was no need for Lian Dao to try out for too many teams. Sometimes, maintaining an air of mystery can be a marketing strategy. Moreover, Lian Dao could focus on teams that genuinely needed players for the 3rd and 4th positions. This would ensure he got sufficient playing time in future games, facilitating his growth during his rookie period.

Lian Dao nodded in agreement. He understood that excessively intense tryouts could negatively impact his performance in actual games, making it counterproductive. Therefore, he planned to select only a few teams that were a better fit for him.

In Lian Dao's view, while draft position is important, finding a team that suits him is even more crucial.

"Thank you, Chris Brickley. I'll seriously consider your advice, and I look forward to working with you again in August," Lian Dao said, reaching out to shake Chris's hand.

Lian Dao and Chris Brickley had signed a long-term contract, and the results of their training sessions had been excellent. Lian Dao was optimistic about their future collaboration.

Chris Brickley shook Lian Dao's hand, understanding the importance of building a strong relationship with his client. He knew the workplace survival rules well and was committed to helping Lian Dao achieve his goals.

...

After two months of intensive training, Lian Dao and his small team embarked on their trial training journey.

Following the advice from Chris Brickley and Guo Yuwei, Lian Dao focused his trial training on the following teams:

Clippers, Knicks, Grizzlies, Kings, Wizards and Pacers.

These teams shared a common characteristic: they were relatively weak in the 3rd and 4th positions, with the Grizzlies and Timberwolves being notable examples.

Lian Dao was particularly inclined towards the 3rd position, as his skills at the 4th position were not yet fully developed. The Clippers, for instance, had a significant need at the 3rd position, with only Al Thornton available. They were eager to strengthen this position, either through the draft or trades.

The Grizzlies, too, had shown a strong interest in Lian Dao. If he joined them, he might even start at the 4th position. The rest of the teams had similar needs and considerations.

Before starting individual trials with these teams, Lian Dao and his fellow candidates would participate in the joint trial training held in Chicago.

...

This morning, Lian Dao and his senior sister, Guo Yuwei, took a plane to the United Center in Chicago.

The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls, is renowned as one of the most prestigious arenas in the NBA, largely thanks to its connection to one iconic figure: Michael Jordan, the founder of the Bulls' two dynasties. At the arena's entrance, the most prominent feature is Jordan's bronze statue.

As Lian Dao arrived, he noticed many rookies, including DeMar, who was accompanied by Bill Duffy, taking photos in front of the statue. The inscription on the statue reads:

"There was no one before, and there will be no one after."

"It's quite something to have a statue like that," DeMar remarked to Lian Dao, unsure of what to say upon seeing him.

"I don't know, but there's definitely a chance!" Lian Dao responded, sharing his own admiration. Such honors are incredibly tempting for basketball players, often seen as more valuable than championships.

After spending some time at the entrance, they moved inside the United Center. There, they encountered several familiar faces from the recent training camps, including Danny Green, James Harden, Gibson, and Vucevic. Vucevic was there to gauge his performance, though he could be considered a potential draft pick.

Reuniting with old friends, Lian Dao and his group greeted Griffin, Thabeet, Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington, and notably, Stephen Curry.

Griffin, who had competed against Lian Dao in the finals, was particularly emotional. He hadn't anticipated Lian Dao's rapid growth, and the media hype around the top pick had left him feeling overshadowed. Griffin's response to Lian Dao's warm greeting was a distant smile, acknowledging the tension without fully engaging.

Lian Dao understood Griffin's reaction and chose not to press further, respecting the space Griffin needed.

This year's joint trial training had attracted a complete roster of invitees. The NBA had also sent scouts to the United Center to observe the proceedings.