"DeAntoni was completely outcoached by Stevens..."

"The Pelicans' tactics are so well-targeted, whether it's against Harden or Cousins. Stevens has really shown the strength of a top coach."

"Actually, in the first round against the Mavericks, we thought the Pelicans won more because of their roster. But at least Stevens is no worse than Carlisle. Then, in the second round against DeAntoni, we realized how strong he is."

"Tang doesn't even need to exert much effort. According to him and many haters, he can win with a normal performance as a system player. This will give him plenty of energy to play in the Western Conference Finals and the Finals later."

"Speaking of Tang, why doesn't the Rockets defend him more specifically?"

"Are you sure Tang can be specifically defended? His ability to drive, shoot, and pass is too strong, and his defense is also the strongest. This is the biggest difference between him and Harden and Cousins. This question is like asking how to specifically defend against Jordan back in the last century."

"Haha, but I believe the Warriors' unlimited switching defense will be very effective against him in the Western Conference Finals."

"Warriors? Are you sure? Bro, have you been watching the playoffs? The Thunder are already up 2-1!"

"Yeah, the Thunder's performance in the playoffs is really unbelievable. Durant becomes a true Grim Reaper in the playoffs."

"I'm quite looking forward to Tang and Durant facing off in the Western Conference Finals. Since Tang became the core of the Pelicans, they haven't faced each other in the playoffs."

"No, I want to see the Pelicans and the Warriors. Last year wasn't satisfying enough. The Pelicans must get revenge this year!"

……

The fans were discussing heatedly on the online forum, but Tang Tian left the arena after attending the press conference.

He had made plans with Yao Ming to have a late-night snack at Yao Restaurant.

When Tang Tian arrived, Yao Ming was already there waiting.

"You really didn't show any mercy tonight!"

As soon as they met, Yao Ming stood up and said to him.

When he said "no mercy," he was naturally referring to the game that had just ended.

His jersey retirement ceremony was moved up to give the Rockets a chance to win, but in the end, the Pelicans still won.

"Blame Stevens if you want to blame anyone."

Tang Tian said with a smile.

The fans on the forum were praising Stevens to the heavens. He got all the credit, so he should take some of the blame too.

Yao Ming laughed and nodded after hearing that.

He was just making an opening remark. After retiring for so many years, the Rockets held a special place in his heart, but it was limited to sentimentality.

Yao Restaurant is Yao Ming's personal business in Houston. It serves Chinese food, and because Yao Ming is from Shanghai, it mainly serves Shanghainese cuisine.

Pork Lard with Mixed Fruits Cake, Drunken Chicken, Jade Beef Tendon...

And those Eight Treasure Duck, Grape Fish, etc., that Tang Tian had introduced to Olsen before...

Yao Ming had prepared a lot, but eating was secondary; the main thing was chatting.

Chatting about the game that had just ended, the progress of the basketball school and the draft, and... the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After the playoffs this year, there was the Rio Olympics in the summer.

Yao Ming was elected as the chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, and Tang Tian would definitely play in the Rio Olympics.

Moreover, his strength was much greater than it was four years ago. He could beat most national teams even with one star and four average players.

"I have two requests."

Tang Tian was very familiar with Yao Ming, so he didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

"First, in terms of player selection, choose as many 3D players (three-point shooters and defenders) as possible, and bring some young players as well. Oh, right, Guo Ailun has to be included."

International games only have 10 minutes per quarter, and the physical contact isn't as intense as in the NBA.

He basically had to play the entire game, and a one-star-four-shooter lineup was the most suitable for him.

As for young players, major competition experience was very important.

He specifically mentioned Guo Ailun because when he needed to rest for a few minutes, the team needed a stable ball-handler to transition.

Yao Ming nodded to indicate that it wasn't a problem.

After taking office, he divided the national team into two teams, Red and Blue, to prepare for the Olympics and play as many international games as possible.

Many new talents had emerged, and there were also many who could defend and shoot three-pointers.

Among the short guys, there were always generals.

"Second, I want to have a say in the coaching staff, and it's best to find a coach who can do what I say."

Tang Tian made his second request.

Yao Ming didn't respond immediately.

This request was a bit excessive.

This was basically like finding a national team head coach to be Tang Tian's assistant.

Those experienced coaches, including Gong Luming, who was currently leading the team, wouldn't work, and even young coaches might not be willing to do it.

"If we want to win a medal, this is the only way."

Tang Tian said when he saw that Yao Ming didn't react.

His understanding of tactics, or rather his coaching ability, was stronger than NBA coaches, let alone domestic ones.

His strength was much greater now than it was four years ago. Reaching the quarterfinals was definitely not his goal; winning a medal was.

"Okay."

Yao Ming nodded.

If anyone else, including himself, said that the Chinese would win a medal at the Olympics, he would think that person was crazy.

But he believed it when Tang Tian said it.

Tang Tian's strength in the Olympics was really strong enough to play one-on-five.

Tang Tian was relieved that Yao Ming had agreed to everything.

Although it was difficult to win a medal, the goal had to be set first, just like aiming for the top eight in London in 2012.

Once there was a goal, what if it was achieved?

That would definitely be an unprecedented moment.

"I have a request, and it's a personal one."

After Tang Tian finished making his requests, Yao Ming followed up with one of his own.

Tang Tian thought it would be about the team's style of play or some requirements for getting along with the coaching staff.

But these were all wrong. Yao Ming's request was indeed, as he said, limited to him personally.

"I hope you can wear the number 13 jersey at the Rio Olympics."

For a player of Tang Tian's level, number 31 was almost bound to him.

31 Kobe, 31 Nash, he was already the strongest number 31 in basketball history.

Number 31 was his synonym, but Yao Ming wanted him to use number 13.

"I can't play basketball anymore, but I hope my national team jersey number has the opportunity to appear on the podium at the Olympics."

Yao Ming continued with a sincere look in his eyes.

That was a sufficient reason.

"No problem."

Tang Tian agreed; he couldn't refuse.

Yao Ming had done so much for the Chinese men's basketball team, and this was just a small request that didn't affect the overall situation.

"Thank you."

Yao Ming said with heartfelt gratitude.

He came out to play in the Olympics in 2008 even though his injury hadn't fully recovered, and it was precisely because of that Olympics that his basketball career ended prematurely.

But he didn't regret it.

Some people played in the Olympics for money and exposure, but he fought for the country and for honor.

But unfortunately, he failed as a player; his highest honor in the national team was just reaching the quarterfinals.

Now, he couldn't play as a player anymore, but he placed his hope on Tang Tian.

He saw in Tang Tian the passing of the number 13 jersey, just like the jersey exchange between Tang Tian and Kobe before.

That was the inheritance of the scoring guard position, and this here was the inheritance of the national team.