After the draft, as per tradition, Zack and the other rookies selected this year attended what's called "NBA Safety Education Class."
But for Zack, this five-day "safety" course felt a lot more like a history lesson on the Los Angeles Lakers' dark past.
When explaining the concept that "the freest things are the most expensive," the NBA staff member giving the lecture unhesitatingly brought up Magic Johnson's name.
He quoted former Lakers player Ron Carter's memoir from the late 1970s: "Never doubt your charm... Even if you're just the most inconspicuous fringe player on the team, those groupies with ulterior motives will flock to you like crazy."
In the late 1970s, Ron Carter once said in an interview that whenever the Lakers traveled for an away game, he'd always stay by the hotel phone receiver.
"Women were incredibly proactive, too proactive. They always knew where we were staying and would wait there before we even got back to the hotel. They'd even hold our team roster and ask, 'Can I talk to 'Magic' Johnson?' 'Can I have a heart-to-heart with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?' Yeah, they'd just go down the roster. Of course, we all knew they were there to hook up with a Lakers player. And I usually felt pretty disappointed because my name was usually around 11th on the list. Guys like 'Magic' Johnson would just leave the phone off the hook when they got back to the hotel, but I had to stay by the phone, because if there was an overflow of 'resources,' my chance would come, especially in New York and Philadelphia. I'd definitely get some action."
In the 1970s and 80s, many NBA head coaches often said that one of the reasons for the Lakers' enduring success was their team's "sex culture."
In short, in the NBA, besides A.C. Green, who would carry a Bible everywhere to resist temptation, even those universally regarded as "good guys" often couldn't keep their pants on.
Therefore, as more and more NBA stars made mistakes regarding their "pants situation"...
Every year, before rookies signed with various teams in the NBA, the league would specifically arrange for professionals to instruct these young players on how to handle these matters correctly.
Especially after Kobe's Eagle County incident.
The NBA's safety education class gained a fresh, living textbook.
"We all know that girl named Katelyn Faber was after Kobe Bryant's wallet, so please be advised: always, always take proper safety precautions when dating, and always date with a skeptical mind. There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world, and often, the cost of 'free' will exceed your imagination."
In class, in addition to thoroughly explaining to players how to "manage their pants"...
The league also brought in professionals to instruct these young players, who were about to enter the NBA, on how to properly manage their finances.
However, during this financial management class...
Zack noticed...
Except for a few players, most of the young players in the classroom were dozing off.
It proved that no matter how well-intentioned the NBA was...
They still couldn't stop millionaire after millionaire, or even ten-millionaires, from going bankrupt after retirement and living impoverished lives.
In a sense, this safety education class even had an adverse effect.
Because during the "pants management" lecture, Zack noticed that many young players were very interested in the scenarios described by the league staff.
Those vivid descriptions of just how attractive they were to those groupies.
This is the NBA.
As the top professional basketball league in the world, beneath its glamorous exterior, filth and grime are everywhere.
Zack and Paul were the two most diligent students in this safety education class.
While Zack never intended to pursue an ascetic lifestyle, he always had very high standards for his personal life in that regard.
As for Paul?
Having received a good upbringing and possessing strong religious beliefs, he always believed that A.C. Green was the exemplary role model for NBA players.
Shortly after the league's safety education class ended, on July 7th, saying goodbye to his "Mighty Mouse" friend, Paul...
"Overlord" Zack officially signed a 4-year rookie contract with the Warriors, with a team option in the final year, totaling $20 million.
After taxes and giving 4% commission to Schwarz...
Zack's annual salary would exceed $2 million.
In 2005, this was a rather substantial income.
Additionally, because men's basketball team, after careful consideration, had decided to call up Zack to the roster this summer, Mullin officially announced on the day of the signing that Zack would not represent the Warriors in this summer's Summer League.
As a renowned "product inspection" phase in the NBA...
The Warriors no longer needed Zack to prove himself in the Summer League.
In comparison, if Zack performed well in the Asian Championship, the Warriors would actually gain more support from market in the new season.
And Zack didn't have to worry about playing in the Asian Championship affecting his subsequent special training.
Because upon learning that Basketball Association planned to call up Zack to the team...
Yao Ming, who had already completed the internal integration of men's basketball team by angrily throwing a towel at the 2004 Athens Olympics, would train with Zack before Zack headed to Doha in September to gather with the national team.
From March Madness to July of this year...
With the friendship forged in World of Warcraft, old Yao, knowing how stormy the road ahead was, was just as decisive and firm in his decision to shield young Zack from the elements.
Moreover, with Schwarz officially finalizing Zack's collaboration with Coca-Cola in early July...
After the Asian Championship, Zack would also participate in Coca-Cola's promotional activities , alongside Yao Ming and LeBron James.
To win the bidding war against Pepsi, Coca-Cola offered Zack a hefty contract totaling 5 years, worth over $20 million, plus a $3 million signing bonus.
This contract was even larger than the one James signed with Coca-Cola back then.
Because Coca-Cola firmly believed that Zack, who had already signed with Nike, would definitely give them their money's worth.
After all, in a sense, Zack, who secured a $70 million, 7-year offer from Nike and special licensing revenue without having to bid against Adidas or Reebok...
His current status at Nike was clearly that of the new "Crown Prince."
Nike viewed Zack as their key to capturing market.
They even hoped to build him into a "Son of !!!" to form a dual pillar with LeBron James, the "Chosen One," for the future Nike empire.
With Nike paving the way, in July of this year...
Various sponsors naturally didn't hesitate to invest in Zack.
On July 14th, before heading to Houston for special training with Yao Ming, Schwarz once again brought good news to Zack.
Cadbury Schweppes offered Zack a four-year contract worth over $5 million, hoping Zack would help them promote their "Bubblicious" chewing gum.
It's worth noting that another famous NBA endorser for this chewing gum was none other than LeBron James.
At this moment, though not yet in the league, Zack vaguely sensed a large hand operating behind the scenes...
The Nike Empire, on the verge of unifying the world, had officially begun its campaign to crown a new "Crown Prince," orchestrated by Lynn Merritt.
Before Zack's transmigration, many people used to say that Nike's influence on the NBA wasn't that significant.
But in reality...
Nike's influence on the NBA was likely much greater than these people imagined.
Because the so-called Nike Empire never referred to just Nike alone.
It referred to Nike and their partners.
Once Nike placed its bet, these Nike partners would follow suit with their own bets, and as the snowball rolled...
A huge alliance of interests would form in an instant.
"Sports Illustrated has chosen you as their new cover person."
"The New York Times wants to interview you again."
"The San Francisco Chronicle wants to know more about your story before you participate in the Asian Championship."
"Renowned biographer Roland Lazenby hopes to write a biography about you titled The Real Zack."
In July of this year, Nike's new "Crown Prince" Zack had already become a hot topic in the basketball world.
Feeling completely overwhelmed, he even wished for a moment that he possessed the "Shadow Clone Jutsu" divine technique...
Because that way, he could dedicate more time and energy to training.
"You're just getting started. Wait until you go back to @@@... then you'll understand what 'empty streets and huge crowds' really means." That day, after giving Zack his signature wry smile, Yao Ming spoke to him with the wisdom of experience.
Hearing this, Zack completely broke down.
Because as someone who had also experienced it, he knew very well that Yao Ming wasn't exaggerating in the slightest.
"Old Yao, how do you deal with all this every time you go back to ##?" Zack asked Yao Ming curiously.
"What else can you do? You deal with whatever comes your way. Besides, with our height and build, even if you wear a mask, fans will still recognize you."
"So, after we go back, we don't have to wear masks everywhere like other celebrities?"
"Now you know why I made you choose a Gnome with me when you created your character (in World of Warcraft), right?"
Under Yao Ming's continuous encouragement and reassurance...
Zack quickly adjusted.
Then, after this special training began, Zack discovered...
Yao Ming's true weight was far more than the 140 kilograms listed on the official website.
Since NBA stars don't weigh themselves constantly, a player's weight after entering the NBA has always been a mystery.
But logically, given Yao Ming's weight of over 130 kilograms based on his skeletal frame alone when he was drafted, how could he only be a mere 140 kilograms after years of muscle gain?
It's well known that at 135 kilograms, Yao Ming still looked like a big bamboo stick.
So, after bulking up, his current weight had already reached 145 kilograms. (Note ①)
Furthermore, because in Jeff Van Gundy's tactical system, the Houston Rockets, with relatively fewer offensive possessions, needed to further increase their success rate per possession...
Therefore, Yao Ming, who had to carry a significant scoring burden on the court, would inevitably have to gain even more weight.
During their special training, Yao Ming revealed his upcoming weight gain plan to Zack.
150 kilograms to 155 kilograms.
"Old Yao, are you trying to become an alien by gaining so much weight?" Zack quipped to Yao Ming that day.
Hearing this, Yao Ming first paused, then looked surprised, "That guy O'Neal definitely weighed over 160 kilograms last season. I have to gain weight to match up with him."
At this moment, Zack was dumbfounded: "Old Yao, now that O'Neal is in Miami, how many games do you play against him each year?"
Yao Ming replied: "If both of us stay healthy... two games."
Then, Zack said: "Old Yao, how do you feel about our one-on-one sessions in the low post these past two days?"
Seeing this, after recalling the images of him freely dominating Zack in the low post, Yao Ming gave a devilish smile: "Hehe, your low-post defense is definitely stronger than Tyson Chandler's now. But... in front of your big brother Yao, you're still a bit green."
Zack nodded noncommittally: "Then, how do you feel about our unrestricted one-on-one sessions?"
The next second, it was Yao Ming's turn to be stunned.
Because while Zack was indeed no match for him in the low post, once they entered the unrestricted one-on-one phase, Zack could use all sorts of tricks to toy with him.
Especially recalling Zack easily putting the ball through his legs and making a layup...
Yao Ming instantly fell silent.
"In the NBA, once your mobility drops due to weight gain, Old Yao, believe me, you'll become the primary target of opponents on the court. And the NBA's defensive three-second rule... will definitely make you constantly exhausted on the court."
As someone who had been there, Zack knew very well that it was this weight gain before the 05-06 season that laid the groundwork for Yao Ming's short future career.
In fact, Yao Ming at 145 kilograms was the most optimal Yao Ming.
Because at that weight, Yao Ming could balance both low-post play and a certain level of mobility.
Historically, before the start of the 05-06 season, Yao Ming had only missed two games in his first three professional seasons.
Admittedly, Van Gundy's slow game pace could somewhat protect Yao Ming's knees.
But the problem was...
What if Van Gundy was fired in the future, and the Houston Rockets made Yao Ming play run-and-gun with Adelman?
Of course, at this moment, Zack knew better than anyone that he alone...
couldn't convince Yao Ming right now.
So, Zack unhesitatingly pulled out his trump card.
"Are you crazy? Do you want to leave the NBA before you're 30?"
That day, with his eyes wide like copper bells, legendary trainer Tim Grover spoke to Yao Ming and his training team.
In front of this legendary trainer, Yao's team, who had previously planned for Yao Ming to gain weight, had completely lost their former confidence.
"How could I leave the NBA at 30? I'm a ground-bound player..."
"How is it not possible? Dude, your height is 7 feet 6 inches! Do you know the average career lifespan in the NBA for players over 7 feet 3 inches?"
At this moment, Yao Ming and his team were stumped.
Yes...
Among all NBA players over 7 feet 3 inches tall, even Yao Ming, whose career was famously short, could be considered an iron man.
Then, Grover said to Yao Ming: "Since you entered the league, you've fully proven that you can play a healthy 82 games at 145 kilograms... But now you're only in your fourth year, and you want to gain another 10 kilograms? Do you think your knees are like Shaquille O'Neal's? And even Shaq, to play healthy, has to miss a lot of games and practices every year. Based on your daily training volume and the intensity you experience in actual games, I can tell you right now... As long as your weight increases to 155 kilograms, your career will definitely end within five years."
Truly worthy of a legendary trainer who had coached over 400 star players and multiple Olympic champions across North America's four major sports leagues.
Grover's prediction that day was precise and deadly.
Seeing this, Yao Ming said dejectedly: "But if I don't gain weight, how can I increase my impact in the low post?"
Hearing this, Grover rolled his eyes at Yao Ming: "Your true shooting percentage last season was already 61.4%. As a center who primarily relies on two-point shots and strong drives, how much more impact do you want?"
Yao Ming, who didn't want to stop there, said: "But Jeff wants me to get stronger because he plans to give me more touches next season."
Grover got furious: "Can't the Houston Rockets figure out how to bring in a few guards who can pass you the ball?! Other teams' centers can score easily on the court, and you're the only one who has to relentlessly pound inside?"
At this moment, Yao Ming was helpless, and Grover was enraged.
However, after calming down, Grover still found a solution for Yao Ming: "Try to make your mid-range and long-range shooting more accurate. Zack has already shown you a clear path with his college basketball performance; who says pick-and-roll only has one offensive option, rolling to the basket?"
After a pause, Grover added: "Patrick Ewing's signature move back then wasn't his low-post back-to-the-basket game. In 'Dream' Hakeem Olajuwon's brilliant career, there were also plenty of instances where he used mid-range jumpers to solve his offense."
At this point, Yao Ming, still unwilling, asked: "Do I really have to play at only 145 kilograms?"
Grover nodded: "Every NBA player has their physiological limit. Trust me, I coached Michael Jordan."
Seeing this, Yao Ming sighed deeply and said: "Then I'll listen to you... I just don't know about Jeff and the Rockets' management..."
Grover got impatient: "Have your agent, Bill Duffy, tell Leslie Alexander, that cheapskate who never spends a dime. Just ask him... does he want a money tree that will keep earning him money, or does he want a T-Rex lying in a hospital bed?"
"T-Rex?"
"Given your arm span, I think T-Rex suits your image perfectly."
"..."
Finally, Grover earnestly told Yao Ming: "Even though you've played in the NBA for three years, I feel like no one has ever taught you many things... Yao, you need to know that in America, humble and low-key honest people are often the easiest to bully. Michael Jordan would never ask the Bulls management or coaching staff what they wanted from him during special training. He would just grab the ball with one hand and yell at those trying to hinder his training: 'Get the hell out of my way, all of you!'"
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