My days of working at the NBA

Chapter 18 Best Template?

Zhonghailou Hotel.

John had just returned from the stadium when he couldn't wait to get to his desk, turn on his computer, and start sending the latest results to headquarters.

That's right, the latest find is Du Ze's personal information.

Lisa frowned and asked, "Sir, isn't it a bit hasty to draw a conclusion now?"

John, without turning his head, said, "Although I still have many doubts about Du's future, the information still needs to be sent out. Otherwise, how can we prove that we're working?"

Upon hearing this, Lisa paused for a moment, then smiled broadly: "Sir, you've given me the most practical lesson yet."

John smiled but didn't reply.

After sending out the documents, he didn't stop.

Instead, he opened another person's email and sent Du Ze's information to them as well.

This completely baffled Lisa: "Sir, who...who is this for?"

John's smile grew even brighter: "That's why you need to send the information to the team as soon as possible, because if you're even a little bit late, the latest list of featured rookies on the draft website will be updated."

Upon hearing this, Lisa suddenly realized what was going on.

It turns out that John is not only a scout for the Heat, but also a contributor to a draft website.

This is... trying to profit from both sides?

John noticed her confusion and explained with a smile, "You'll understand once you're in the industry; it's an unwritten rule."

He paused for a moment, then added, "The team won't pursue the matter, and we can provide information to the website in a timely manner, earning a considerable income. Otherwise, why do you think I could afford a villa in Haizhuang in just five years?"

Lisa finally understood: "Meeting you, sir, is the greatest luck of my life."

John chuckled: "You still have a lot to learn. This is only part of our income. There are also things like communicating with the scouting departments of other teams and with agent companies, which are all part of our job."

The simplest example is some up-and-coming talents who are preparing to enter the NBA. He can act as an intermediary to connect them with or recommend them to their agencies.

This is another substantial income.

Agents rely on scouts' firsthand information to quickly identify these new talents.

Lisa nodded repeatedly: "I will definitely learn humbly."

John didn't say anything more, and sent information to several more people.

After he finished speaking, he leaned back and said with some regret, "It's a pity that he has such a good physique. Playing as an inside player at 203cm will make it very difficult for him to move around in the paint."

Lisa suggested, "Is it possible to change our playing style?"

Du Ze's height and weight are actually more like those of a small forward.

John slowly shook his head: "Easier said than done."

Without waiting for Lisa to ask a question, he continued, "A player's development path is basically determined when their bone age is measured. If you're consistently the tallest among your peers, you're destined to develop in the inside, and the team will cultivate you in that direction. That's also your role in the game. Then you'll start learning low-post skills, back-to-the-basket skills, mid-range shots, hook shots, and positioning techniques. You'll also frequently set screens and help with pick-and-rolls in the game."

"But once your skills are set, do you really think it's possible to switch to the perimeter, to handle the ball, to advance the ball, to organize the offense, to drive, to attack the basket, to pull up for a jump shot, to shoot threes?"

"It's impossible, because your body no longer allows you to do that."

Have you ever heard of muscle memory?

"The principle is that your body, your joints, your brain nerves, your muscles, and even the point of force you exert when shooting have long formed memories in the games over the past few years. In this case, trying to change it is no less than reshaping your body."

"How difficult do you think this is?"

Lisa was speechless upon hearing this.

Finally, she realized what she was doing and asked, "Is this why you don't think he has a bright future?"

John said, "More than that, he played very well and his stats were impressive, but his game was too rough. He was just playing with his talent. He didn't look like a qualified professional basketball player."

Lisa pressed, "So, he has absolutely no hope?"

John smiled slightly: "It's not that bad. As long as he can show solid fundamentals in the upcoming games, it's worth taking a chance with a second-round pick. After all, his physical talent is worth the team's gamble."

After a moment of silence, he added, "However, given his height and traditional center playing style, it will be difficult for him to survive in the league."

Lisa was a little confused: "I don't quite understand."

John closed his notebook and said solemnly, "Moving towards the power forward position is also a good way out. Paul Millsap is the best example for him."

This season, due to Boozer's left knee injury, he missed a lot of games, and Millsap seized the opportunity to deliver a very impressive performance during Boozer's absence.

场均可以贡献13.8分9篮板1.9助攻1抢断1盖帽的一流数据，投篮命中率高达53.5%，表现不可谓不出色。

It is thanks to his overall performance that the Utah Jazz have been able to remain competitive, and they are currently vying for a playoff spot with the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Hornets, and Dallas Mavericks.

If it weren't for Millsap emerging, the Jazz wouldn't have even been able to compete for a playoff spot this season.

Without a doubt, Millsap has truly made a name for himself this season.

Millsap's official height is only 201cm. For someone of that height to play power forward and achieve such success is truly remarkable.

Duze is about the same height as Millsap, so learning from Millsap is definitely a viable path.

Of course, acquiring Millsap's mid-range jump shot isn't an easy feat.

However, in terms of physical condition, Duze is far superior to Millsap.

Lisa nodded slightly: "He is indeed a good role model, but I think he is more like Shawn Marion in style."

John raised his eyelids and smiled. "Not bad, not bad. Being able to apply what you've learned to other situations and find the best template for Du Ze's physical condition shows that you're on the right track. You've observed very carefully. Sean is indeed one of the most worthy targets for Du Ze to emulate."

What is Marion's playing style?

It's all about chasing the ball and playing while running.

In other words, Marion's excellent running and jumping ability and amazing athleticism make him a perfect fit for the Suns' run-and-gun offense, making him the Suns' sharpest weapon at the finish line.

But there's a premise here.

The Suns have Steve Nash, the man known as the "Son of the Phoenix Wind," whose passing vision and fast-break passing ability are among the best in the league.

With such a great player feeding him the ball, Marion was able to play so well.

As you can see, after Marion was traded from the Suns to the Heat last year, his stats predictably dropped significantly, mainly because he lacked a playmaker to feed the ball.

Will Du Ze have a chance to find his own Child of the Wind?

Moreover, Marion's fundamentals are quite good; he can dribble independently and do a few low-post flips.

Du Ze, is that okay?

John didn't mention any of this.