Chapter 251: Boiling Point (3)
Hearing Malone’s words, Chen Yilun paused to think.
“So, can Josh Richardson actually fill the gap after CJ leaves?”
Malone considered it briefly, then nodded.
“More or less. With Richardson in his current form as our perimeter initiator—and with Jokic beside him—it’s definitely workable.”
As he spoke, something else came to mind.
“But Richardson’s style is still different from CJ’s, so we’ll have to adjust next season’s tactics.”
Pointing toward Richardson on the court, Malone explained,
“CJ’s biggest weapon was his pick-and-roll game with Jokic—either firing from deep or driving and kicking.”
“But Richardson isn’t the same. His outside shooting isn’t stable yet and needs work.
Right now, most of his scoring comes from using his height to punish smaller guards from mid-range or driving straight to the rim.”
Malone folded his arms.
“That style doesn’t draw as much defensive pressure as CJ’s did. We’ll need to adjust our spacing to offset that weakness.”
“You gain some, you lose some,”
Chen Yilun replied, shaking his head.
“Richardson’s scoring can’t match CJ’s, but that’s fine. Our perimeter firepower is already overflowing—we don’t need him putting up big numbers. But with his size, he brings real stability to our current perimeter defense.”
Malone nodded in agreement.
“Exactly. Oh, look at Murray.”
He pointed toward Murray, who was fighting hard to stay in front of Richardson.
“I really underestimated that kid.”
Malone said with genuine admiration.
“His defensive habits and intensity are all from last year training in Stockton. The young lady told me he was infamous there for working himself to the bone—practically lived in the gym.”
“Hard work pays off.”
Chen Yilun said calmly.
“This kid has that street-born grit. With proper development, he could become a defensive iron gate for our backcourt in the future.”
Malone nodded repeatedly.
...
While the two talked, the scrimmage wrapped up.
“Nice work, everyone.”
Malone walked onto the court. “Break’s coming soon. Rest if you need to, but don’t fall behind on your training. Alright, dismissed!”
The starters nodded, greeted Malone, and went off to gather their things.
Malone then turned to the few perimeter players still standing there, staring at him eagerly.
“You all played well and made clear progress this season. I’ll talk with the coaching staff and we’ll finalize your roles for next year.”
With that, he headed off the floor.
“Do you think we still have a chance?”
LeVert asked nervously.
“No idea,”
Murray answered as succinctly as ever. “But Richardson is really strong. He handled both of us one-on-two and still held firm. I doubt we’ll get starting spots. Let’s just fight for a rotation spot.”
Without waiting for LeVert’s reaction, he walked off to pack up.
“I still think Richardson should start,”
Malone said as he and Chen Yilun walked side by side.
“Agreed.”
Chen Yilun nodded. “Then let Murray come off the bench. With those two plus Booker next season, the backcourt is set.”
“One more thing,”
Malone said, looking around.
“Houston fired their Bickerstaff?”
“Yeah.”
Chen Yilun confirmed it. “Bickerstaff was just cleaning up McHale’s mess. Now they’re trying to make a real push, so of course they need a big-name coach. Know who’s taking over?”
“How would I know? They haven’t even announced candidates yet,”
Malone replied, shaking his head—until he noticed the smile spreading across Chen Yilun’s face.
“You brat, you definitely know something! Come on, spill it!”
He squeezed close to Chen Yilun.
“Tell me—who’s the Rockets’ new head coach?”
Seeing Malone practically bursting with curiosity, Chen Yilun didn’t drag it out.
“Mike D’Antoni.”
“D’Antoni? He’s coming back?”
Malone instantly understood the implications of D’Antoni’s return, falling into deep thought.
“They’re going full Moreyball.”
It wasn’t hard to see why Houston chose him.
As the successor to the science-obsessed Rick Carlisle, D’Antoni specialized in using small guards and high-tempo offense to carve up opposing defenses.
That blazing Suns team from years ago was his masterpiece.
“You know what? You’re right,”
Malone said, stroking his chin.
“D’Antoni is a perfect fit for this Rockets team.”
“Next season’s Rockets offense is going to be terrifying,”
Chen Yilun said. “We need to prepare early for anything that could go wrong. Like the saying goes: the best doctor treats illness before it appears, the average doctor treats it as it develops, and the worst doctor treats it only after it hits. If we wait until the opponent comes knocking, it’ll be too late.”
“Got it. Hey, when are you going to help me with that thing I asked?”
Malone pressed.
Hearing that, Chen Yilun felt a headache coming on.
“You really can’t find a good assistant coach on your own? You just keep bothering me.”
He sped up to put some distance between them.
“Don’t forget about it!”
Malone shouted at his back. “Now that Brown’s gone, I’m seriously short-staffed!”
“I heard you!”
Chen Yilun waved impatiently.
If Malone hadn’t mentioned it, he might have forgotten this part entirely.
After Popovich stopped hosting Spurs-system gatherings, their whole network had basically fallen apart. But Chen Yilun had his own idea—
If he positioned himself properly now, with the right moves, once the Spurs system collapsed, maybe he could build a Kings system of his own.
...
“Book me a flight.”
Back in his office, Chen Yilun immediately called for Peja.
“Boss heading out again? Where to?”
“Find me a flight to Oklahoma City.”
“Oklahoma City? What are you going there for?”
Peja asked, confused.
“What else?”
Chen Yilun replied while packing his things.
“To find an assistant coach for our coach Malone.”
“Does Billy Donovan even have any standout assistants?”
Peja tilted his head, trying to recall anyone notable on the Thunder staff.
“You don’t know him yet, but the guy’s got real substance.”
“His name is…”
Chen Yilun searched his memory.
“Oh, right—Mark Daigneault!”
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