Chapter 230: Zone Defense and Defense for 3 Seconds?

That night, many people were not in the mood to sleep. They were watching the video of the game over and over again.

These people include Pat Riley, head coach of the Eastern Heat, Phil Jackson of the Bulls, Larry Bird of the Pacers, Jerry Sloan of the Western Jazz, Popovich of the Spurs, and Harris of the Lakers.

These are all teams that may meet the Knicks next, and Zhao Dong almost played 5*5 in the half, forcing them to work overtime overnight.

"The interior defense has been strengthened, but there is no change on the offensive end." This is the result of Phil Jackson's research.

This result let him know that Zhao Dong should have made preparations to defend Ewing.

In other words, when playing against the Bulls, Zhao Dong should return to the low position, just like playing against the Cavaliers.

This is a bad thing, because Zhao Dong's interior defense seems to be stronger, and Zhao Dong's low post offense is very efficient. It is impossible for him to ignore the rebounding offense Zhao Dong showed against the Jazz in the finals.

This is also a good thing, because when Zhao Dong returns to the low position, the Knicks' fast break ability will definitely be weakened, and Zhao Dong's impact on the inside will also be weakened.

Another point is that although Zhao Dong in the low post can also play as an organizational center, his organizational function will definitely be weakened and he is not as good as the small forward position.

Larry Bird repeatedly watched the video for an hour and came to the conclusion that it was impossible to face off against Zhao Dong when playing against the Knicks, because no one on the Pacers had the qualifications and ability to reach Zhao Dong's level, even close to it. nothing.

The Pacers are different from the Bulls. The Bulls have Ewing. The Pacers have no superstars in the low post, let alone a super giant, so he is not even sure which position Zhao Dong will play when facing the Knicks.

This made him very helpless. He couldn't even predict Zhao Dong's position, so he was still studying a ghost? Turning off the TV, he went to bed.

In Miami, Pat Riley, like Phil Jackson, predicts that Zhao Dong will return to the low post against Mourning against the Heat.

Then his strategy is to have Mourning contain Zhao Dong and let Xiao Chong attack from the other wing, just like the way the Jazz adopted in last season's finals.

Like these head coaches, ESPN is working overnight.

After Zhao Dong was injured, ESPN's championship probability rankings abandoned the Knicks. This time they have to revise the rankings quickly, otherwise this ranking will just become a joke.

The next day, Zhao Dong's performance after his comeback shocked the world.

"The Cavaliers were defeated at halftime. Iron Man officially returned. The Knicks are back at the top and aiming for the championship." New York Times.

"The Feilong showed its power on both ends of the offense and defense, while the Rainman was like a bird that had been stripped of its feathers. It was at a loss on the court and performed poorly." New York Sports News.

ESPN announced the updated list at 8 o'clock in the morning. The Knicks returned to the top three and even surpassed the Pacers to become the first in the probability of winning, with a probability of up to 55%, showing the sharpness of the defending team of the championship. .

At the same time, what Zhao Dong said at the press conference was also considered by the media to mean that he had definitely not taken banned drugs, otherwise he would never have dared to make such a big bet.

In fact, many people have already started contacting major pharmaceutical companies.

Hope to get relevant information.

Among these people are companies such as Adidas, Nike, and Reebok. They are the driving force behind this public opinion storm and most hope to bring down Zhao Dong.

Unfortunately, major pharmaceutical companies and their sales channels failed to produce relevant records, which disappointed Nike and others.

In addition to these, because of Zhao Dong's explosive performance in the first game back, teams in the league and countless media immediately began to discuss restarting the "anti-isolation singles rule", which was more intense than before.

And that afternoon, at the league headquarters, Stern personally participated in a meeting to revise the rules.

He supports the introduction of restrictive rules, because if Zhao Dong is too strong, it will affect the interests of the league. For example, fans may like a one-sided series at the beginning, but after a long time, a series without suspense will lose a lot of attraction. Force, this is what he wants to avoid.

This is not to suppress Zhao Dong. Just like Jordan after the introduction of the Jordan Rules, he was not restricted by the Jordan Rules. Instead, under the restrictions of the Jordan Rules, he broke out the most brilliant edge and created a dynasty.

He believes that Zhao Dong can create a dynasty like Jordan under restrictive rules and in the same environment. This is the most anticipated thing and the most beneficial situation for Zhao Dong. Only in this way can he be qualified to compete with Jordan. .

That night, the Bulls swept the Hornets with a score of 3-0 and advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference.

On the 29th, Zhao Dong once again led his team to defeat the Cavaliers, advancing to the second round with a big score of three to one.

In this game, Nelson did not adjust his tactics and used the same tactics to defeat the Cavaliers in the half.

Zhao Dong played for 30 minutes and had an all-around performance of 40+ points. He played a dominant performance recognized by the system and was rewarded with the second fragment of dominance.

With the end of this game, the voices calling for the introduction of restrictive rules have become louder and louder.

Pat Riley stood up and said: "I think the league should consider launching a zone defense."

With one stone striking a thousand waves, the media and teams across the league immediately began discussing this possibility.

In Los Angeles, Jerry West has a headache, because once the zone defense rules are introduced, O'Neal will be greatly restricted at the basket.

But there are advantages and disadvantages. The implementation of zone defense is also a great harm to Zhao Dong, which is also a great benefit to the Lakers competing for the championship.

On April 30, the Knicks returned to New York and were warmly welcomed by Knicks fans.

Regardless of this, just a few companies such as Nike, Adidas and Reebok have begun to comprehensively promote the introduction of restrictive rules in the past two days.

They used a lot of power to get many people in the league to stand up and speak out for restarting this rule.

But the key to what they have to do is not the introduction of this rule.

Because the introduction of this rule has been confirmed, what they hope to achieve is that the modification of the rule will create more and greater constraints on Zhao Dong.

But during this period, Nike had very serious differences with companies such as Adidas and Reebok.

With Jordan, Nike has captured half of Adidas' market share in the field of basketball shoes in the past 13 or 4 years. It is an absolute competitor with Adidas.

Even now, Adidas' most powerful opponent is not Feilong Sports, but Nike.

The principle that Nike wants to modify the rules this time is to restrict Zhao Dong and let go of Jordan's hands and feet, which is in Nike's best interests.

Because the anti-isolation singles law restricts Jordan, once it restarts, it will also be a great restriction for Jordan, and they want to avoid this.

But this is not suitable for the interests of dynamic companies such as Adidas and Reebok. Jordan benefiting is not what they want to see. Only Jordan and Zhao Dong being restricted together is what they need.

Therefore, when promoting the rules, they not only failed to join forces, but also completely stood on opposite sides.

This means that the alliance formed by Nike and Adidas against Zhao Dong has split.

"Damn it Addy!"

At Nike headquarters, Philip Knight was very helpless, but he knew that this was inevitable and Jordan must face the anti-isolation singles law again.

Promoting this rule may be a helpless choice for Nike. All they can do now is to try to promote some provisions that restrict Zhao Dong and some provisions that liberate Jordan.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, Zhao Dong attended the signing ceremony with Hummer.

Hummer invested a lot of money this time. It signed a six-year endorsement contract with a total of US$280 million, which was paid off in three years. The first two years must be paid off when signing the contract.

Hummer gave Zhao Dong three top-notch off-road vehicles at once, with military power configurations, top-grade civilian decoration and shock-absorbing systems, which greatly increased comfort.

On this day, the alliance headquarters was also holding a meeting.

In fact, since the end of the regular season, there have been constant meetings these days to discuss the restart and modification of the anti-isolation singles rules.

But now, there is another issue, whether to abandon man-to-man defense and switch to zone defense.

"Zone defense is very restrictive on offense, and I don't think it's time yet."

"You can implement three-second defense to limit defense in the paint and reduce the negative effects of zone defense."

"I think illegal defense should be eliminated and double-teaming of people without the ball should be allowed."

This meeting involved three-second defense and the cancellation of illegal defense, and this news was leaked when the meeting was paused for a break.

When the meeting resumed, some media got through the phone to Vice President Lanier Prova and asked if the league had really introduced zone defense and defensive three seconds, and canceled illegal defense.

"Mr. President..."

He immediately told Stern and the news was leaked.

"snort!"

Stern's face darkened with anger and he glared at everyone present.

He knew that among these people, there must be people from all walks of life, and these guys were betraying the interests of the alliance.

By the end of the meeting, the contents of the meeting had been circulated by interested parties, and all teams in the league and many media knew about it.

"This cannot pass."

Lakers general manager Jerry West had sweat on his forehead.

Once zone defense and three-second defense are implemented, especially allowing double-teaming of people without the ball, how can O'Neal still play under the basket? It may be difficult to catch the ball.

In this way, it is not restricting Zhao Dong, but restricting O'Neal.

Immediately afterwards, the Lakers held a press conference to publicly oppose zone defense and three-second defense, as well as the cancellation of illegal defense rules. West said to many media:

"Once a zone defense is implemented, the offensive area will be greatly compressed, causing the game to no longer flow smoothly. We will not be able to see the breakthrough offense of outside stars..."

However, the Lakers only represent the interests of the Lakers, and other teams do not see it that way.

The Pacers, for example, strongly support the implementation of these three rules.

Larry Bird believes that the Pacers do not have a superstar. Whether it is anti-isolation singles rules, zone defense, or three-second defense and allowing double-teaming of people without the ball, they are all beneficial to the Pacers. He strongly agrees with the implementation of these rules.

Facing the media, he said: “The league should keep pace with the times, we have made zone defense illegal for decades, and it’s time to change it.

In addition, we have three seconds of offense but no three seconds of defense. We must change this to make offense and defense more balanced. "

Like him, many teams have begun to express their opinions, each with their own considerations.

Those who have superstars disagree with zone defense, but those who do not have superstars agree.

As for the defensive three seconds, the defensive team objects and the offensive team supports it.

For example, the Knicks, in addition to opposing the restart of the anti-isolation singles rule, now also oppose zone defense, and also oppose defending three seconds.

The Knicks now have a strong interior defense, which is at the top level in the league. Once they defend for three seconds, it will definitely cause a lot of damage.

Companies like Nike and Adidas are feeling a little bad now. They pushed for the resumption of anti-isolation singles rules, but now they have no control over the development of the situation.

On the 30th, after the afternoon meeting, Stern ordered overtime work in the evening to continue the meeting.

At the same time, he also began to solicit opinions from each team and try to balance the interests of each team.

That night, the Heat eliminated the Hawks with a big score of 3 to 1 and advanced to the second round. They will face the Knicks in the second round. The Knicks have home court advantage.

On May 1st, media reporters interviewed Jordan.

"Michael, now that we have received information, it is almost certain that the league will introduce anti-isolated singles rules. What are your opinions on this?" the reporter asked.

Jordan said: "That means that a superstar will encounter real extreme defense on the offensive end, rather than the quasi-extreme defense of last season. His efficiency will decrease, that's for sure."

"Are you referring to the New York Flying Dragon?" the reporter asked.

"Yes, that's the Chinese flying dragon." Jordan replied directly without dodge.

"How big an impact do you think it will have on him?" another reporter asked.

"The implementation of this rule will allow him to face faster help defense. He is famous for his ability to get rid of defenders. Last season, he showed the strongest ability to get rid of defenders in the league. This is the most important reason for his high efficiency. Reason. But once this rule is implemented, his ability will be limited, thereby reducing his high efficiency." Jordan said.

"So, do you support or not support the restart of the rules?" the reporter asked.

Jordan pondered for a moment and nodded: "I have enjoyed that kind of rule, and now I want to enjoy that kind of rule again."

"enjoy?"

"Yes, it is enjoyment, a unique and supreme enjoyment." Jordan said with great pride.

"So what about zone defense and three-second defense? Do you support or oppose it?" Another reporter asked.

"I have played zone defense in the Olympics, and I can adapt to that kind of rules, so my attitude is that it doesn't matter. As for defending for three seconds, it limits interior defense. As an outside player, of course I choose to support it." Jordan said.

In New York, Zhao Dong's home also received joint interviews from several media outlets.

Reporters from The Times, and reporters from The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post, and the Chicago Daily News.

Except for New York Sports, which is a professional sports newspaper, these media are the largest comprehensive media in the United States and are the most influential media in the United States and the world.

This shows that Zhao Dong's current influence has completely left the circle and has become a world-class sports superstar.

Of course, being shot and only slightly injured and earning the nickname Iron Man was an important reason for his soaring influence.

"Feilong, what is your attitude towards the anti-isolation singles rule?" a New York Times reporter asked.

"Welcome." Zhao Dong said.

"What?"

All the reporters were surprised.

"Why?"

Surprised, the Times reporter asked.

Zhao Dong smiled and said: "Formulating specific rules that restrict me, I think this is a reward from the league, a kind of coronation. It can make me unique from everyone, just like Jordan back then."

"The only one?" the reporter asked.

"Isn't it?" Zhao Dong smiled.

"Without a doubt." The reporter nodded.

Then a reporter from the Washington Post asked: "So, what is your attitude towards zone defense and defensive three seconds?"

Zhao Dong smiled and said: "My attitude is still to welcome the zone defense to continue to increase restrictions on me after the anti-isolation singles rule. I am not afraid to face a stronger defense.

As for defending three seconds, you should worry about guys like O'Neal. I may appear in the low post, but that is not my main position. "

The Chicago Daily News reporter asked the third question: "Feilong, as we all know, your back-up skills are very lacking. Once you restart the anti-isolation singles rule and encounter real extreme defense, you don't have the omnipotent offense like Jordan." The way you score, do you think your efficiency is going to drop significantly?”

"The decline is certain, but are you so sure that I haven't practiced my back this season?" Zhao Dong asked with a smile.

"But you haven't used it." The reporter said.

"Maybe it's just not necessary, because my basket-facing skills alone are enough to defeat my current opponents." Zhao Dong said with a smile.

"Iron Man, can I call you that?" a Los Angeles Times reporter joked.

"It's up to you." Zhao Dong smiled.

"So Iron Man, you healed your gunshot wound in less than ten days. How did you do it?" the reporter asked curiously.

"My doctor said that my physique is superhuman. He said that he had met people who healed faster than me before." Zhao Dong said.

"Oh, that means your ability to resist injuries is super strong." The reporter said in surprise.

"Yes." Zhao Dong nodded.

"Have you ever practiced kung fu? The kind of hard qigong mentioned by Jabbar?" the reporter asked.

When asked about this, Zhao Dong boasted and said with a smile: "Of course I have practiced. I have practiced iron cloth shirt and thirteen Taibao cross training, which makes me super strong in resisting beatings..."

"So last time you had a boxing match with the postman, you beat him to a bloody head and he rested for a few months, but nothing happened to you? This kind of hard Qigong is amazing!" the reporter said excitedly.

"Only an idiot would touch me." Zhao Dong chuckled.

"What about Michael Tyson? I heard that he asked you out and you agreed?" the reporter asked.

"Yes." Zhao Dong said.

"Are you confident that Tyson will become an idiot? Has your matter been put into process?" the reporter asked again.

"Not yet, let's talk about it after the playoffs." Zhao Dong said.

…