NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 205 It's up to you

The news isn't gossip or anything particularly sensational; it's that experts say he'll win the Most Improved Player award this season.

For a role player, the Most Improved Player award is an award in itself, considering other awards are not so easily won. But for Jia Fei, a player who has already been selected as an All-Star, this award doesn't really elevate his league or historical standing. At most, it just enriches his collection of individual awards.

But anyway, it's better than nothing. They insist on awarding it to you; you can't very well say no, can you? Doesn't the alliance have any pride?

Jia Fei's current pursuit of honors includes All-NBA Team selection, MVP, and championship; he is indeed not that eager for the Most Improved Player award.

But he wanted it too, because he had accepted a mission related to this award. If he won the award, the mission would be complete!

However, this award seems to be cursed...

Since the award was first officially launched in the 1985-86 season, it seems to have been accompanied by a curse, with players who won the Most Improved Player award going 20 consecutive seasons without ever winning a championship.

In addition, many players who won the Most Improved Player award were plagued by injuries, with former Pacers star Danny Granger being a prime example. Others experienced a rollercoaster ride, with their performance declining rapidly after winning the award, such as Don McLean in the 1993-94 season, Bobby Simmons in the 2004-05 season, and Aaron Brooks in the 2009-10 season.

Jia Fei certainly didn't want to suffer any major injuries in the future. He felt that as long as he didn't suffer any major injuries, the possibility of his career regressing drastically was very small.

The following day, the Hawks held their regular practice in preparation for Game 1 of the playoffs against the Bulls.

At the end of training, head coach Budenholzer kept Jia Fei behind and spoke with him.

"The Bulls are a very tough team!" Coach Buden said seriously.

"I know, but we'll be even tougher than them!" Jia Fei smiled slightly, looking carefree but actually appearing confident and composed.

Jia Fei certainly didn't think they could definitely win. What he could be sure of was that he would give it his all. As for whether his teammates would falter or whether they would fight as hard as he did, he couldn't guarantee that.

Seeing Jia Fei's expression, Coach Buden felt much more at ease: "Even though Derrick Rose isn't playing, we can't let our guard down. Joakim Noah and Jimmy Butler are both very dangerous players!"

Jia Fei said seriously, "Don't worry, Coach, I won't underestimate anyone. I will approach the upcoming match with the attitude of a dog. They are fourth, and we are fifth!"

Seeing Jia Fei's expression, Coach Buden was completely relieved. For a train to run fast, the locomotive is crucial; with Horford confirmed out for the season, Jia Fei is undoubtedly the team's primary core. If he can't give his all, defeating the Bulls, who have home-court advantage, will be extremely difficult.

Jia Fei certainly wouldn't tank. This was his first playoff run since switching teams, and he was leading the team as a true leader. He wanted to prove that he could perform just as well in the playoffs.

Before we knew it, it was the evening of the 21st.

Jia Fei and Art Mayork arrived at the United Center early to practice and prepare for tonight's game.

He was no stranger to the United Center. The six championship banners hanging in the arena and the retired No. 23 jersey seemed to constantly remind him that he still had a very long way to go before he could achieve greatness.

After training for a while, the two stood and rested for a bit.

“Jia, all six of these championships were won by that man!” Art Mayork said.

“Yes, that’s right!” Jia Fei nodded. “But basketball isn’t a sport for one person.”

“He has always looked down on you, from the draft to last summer!” Art Mayork lamented. “I used to idolize him, but when he had such poor taste and still looked down on you, he fell from grace in my eyes.”

"Art, you didn't really need to do that!" Jia Fei said with an embarrassed smile.

“Jay, I only liked him when he played on this court, not him now. You’re my brother, and I’m very disappointed in him for being so blind!” Art Mayork said.

“Let’s win tonight’s match, right here!” Jia Fei said, looking at Art Mayork.

“Yes!” Art Mayork nodded vigorously.

As spectators gradually entered the arena, the United Center began to bustle with activity. Chicago is a very special city in the American Midwest, and the Chicago Bulls hold a special place in the NBA because of that man.

The fans here are more arrogant than fans in many other places. In fact, fans of many NBA championship teams are more arrogant, and Lakers and Celtics fans even feel that they are superior.

Just like those who live in Shanghai and Beijing, they naturally assume that they are more noble and of a higher class than people from other places.

The away team's locker room.

Unexpectedly, Al Horford, who was already out for the season, showed up. He was dressed casually and looked radiant. Considering the good looks of his partner, you can tell how happy he is... no, how blissful his life is.

Horford found Jia Fei, and the two shook hands.

"Jia, it's all up to you!" Horford said with a smile.

Jia Fei nodded solemnly. Sometimes, men don't need to say too much. It was clear that Horford had grasped the key point and knew who this team could rely on most right now.

This match was broadcast live on China Sports Channel, with host Yu Jia and guest Su Qun providing commentary.

"Mr. Su, what are your thoughts on the first game of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the Bulls and the Hawks?" Yu Jia asked.

Su Qun adjusted his glasses and said, "This game is expected to be a tough battle. Without Rose, the Bulls' offense relies heavily on Noah's playmaking. Their defense is very strong, and the Hawks should be prepared for a low-scoring game."

"What is your prediction for the series score?" Yu Jia asked.

"I think the Hawks will win, either 4-2 or 4-3!" Su Qun said earnestly.

Yu Jia continued, "What do you think Jia Fei's performance will be like in this series?"

Su Qun said very seriously, "He is the key to whether the Hawks can advance. He must play like a star, otherwise it will be difficult for the Hawks to advance in the end!"

The two teams practiced before the match, and the big game was about to begin.

The starting lineups for both teams have been announced. For the home team, the Bulls, the starting lineup is Noah, Boozer, Jimmy Butler, Dunleavy Jr., and Hinrich.

The Hawks' lineup consists of Antić, Millsap, Korver, Jafki, and Teague.