NABC Chapter 51 A Promising Future! The Long Street Welcomes...
Chapter 51 A Promising Future! The Long Street Welcomes...
Four days after the Warriors' elimination in the first round of the playoffs, Oracle Arena held its 2002-03 season debriefing. The arena was packed with media reporters and die-hard fans, all waiting for the team, returning to the playoffs after a 10-year absence, to give its answer regarding the future.
At 2 PM, the post-season review meeting officially began. The first to speak was Warriors owner Chris Cohan, microphone in hand, a long-absent smile on his face: "Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. First of all, I want to thank all the fans for their unwavering support throughout this season. Although we lost to the Spurs in the first round, I can say with certainty that this has been the Warriors' most successful season in the last 10 years."
He paused, his gaze falling on Lin Hao sitting in the first row, his tone incredibly solemn: "Our biggest gain this season is Lin Hao. His performance has made the world rediscover the Golden State Warriors. His hustle, his basketball IQ, his leadership have won over everyone in the locker room. I can tell you definitively that Lin Hao will be the absolute core of our future rebuild. In the offseason, we will spare no effort to strengthen our roster and provide him with championship-caliber teammates. Next season, our goal is to break through the first round and reach the Western Conference Finals!"
As soon as Cohan finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Fans spontaneously chanted Lin Hao's name, their voices rising in waves and echoing throughout Oracle Arena.
Next to speak was newly appointed general manager Chris Mullin, who detailed the team's season performance and offseason plans: "This season, we achieved a 45-37 record, making the playoffs as the eighth seed in the West, ending a nine-year playoff drought. This offseason, our top priority is to strengthen our interior defense and bench depth, and we have already had in-depth discussions with several experienced free agents specializing in interior play. Regarding Lin Hao's future, we will re-sign him as soon as his contract allows, ensuring he can wear the Warriors jersey long-term."
Then head coach Eric Musselman spoke, summarizing the team's strengths and weaknesses: "This season, our offensive efficiency ranked fifth in the league, which is inseparable from Lin Hao's playmaking and clutch ability. However, our interior defense and rebounding still have a long way to go, which is the main reason we lost to the Spurs. In the offseason, we will focus on refining our defensive system and optimizing our offensive tactics around Lin Hao's strengths. I believe we will be even stronger next season."
Finally, it was Lin Hao's turn to speak. He wore a tailor-made black suit, walked onto the stage, and took the microphone. The audience erupted in even more enthusiastic applause and cheers, which lasted for a full half minute before subsiding.
Lin Hao bowed deeply to the audience, then smiled and said, "Thank you for your applause. First, I want to thank the boss, general manager, and coaching staff for their trust in me. Thank you to my teammates; without your support, I wouldn't be standing here. And I especially want to thank all the Warriors fans. No matter the team's fortunes, you've always cheered us on at Oracle Arena; you are our strongest support."
"This season, although we were eliminated in the first round, we gained something more valuable than victory—confidence and team cohesion. The series against the Spurs showed us the gap between us and top teams, but that won't defeat us; it will only make us crave victory even more." Lin Hao's tone became firm. "During the offseason, I will first return to China to participate in the national team training camp and prepare for the Asian Championship. After returning, I will train with my teammates to hone our skills. I promise that next season we will definitely make a comeback and go even further. One day, I will lead the Warriors to the highest podium in the NBA and bring a championship trophy to Oakland!"
"Lin Hao! Lin Hao! Lin Hao!"
The fans in the stands chanted his name wildly, and the applause and cheers lasted for a long time.
After the summary meeting, Lin Hao was surrounded by reporters.
"Lin Hao, what are your expectations for facing the Spurs again next season?"
"I'm really looking forward to facing Duncan and Parker again. They're great players, and playing against them makes me stronger. Next season, we'll definitely give them a lot more trouble."
"Lin Hao, you will soon be representing the Chinese men's basketball team in the Asian Championships. What are your goals?"
"I have only one goal: to win the Asian Championships and secure a ticket to the Athens Olympics. I will do everything in my power to bring glory to my country."
After answering the last question, Lin Hao squeezed through the crowd and saw Zhang Qingying standing not far away waiting for him. He quickly walked over, naturally took her hand, and then smiled at the reporters who were still taking pictures, saying, "Let me introduce you all, this is my girlfriend, Zhang Qingying."
The entire venue fell silent for a second, then erupted in a warm cheer and applause. Flashbulbs popped incessantly, capturing this heartwarming moment.
Zhang Qingying's face flushed crimson. She lowered her head shyly, her fingers tightly gripping Lin Hao's hand. Her teammates gathered around, with Richardson leading the cheers: "Oh! Our 'Canned Food Bro' is in love! When are you inviting us to his wedding?"
"Exactly! Wedding banquets must be served with canned yellow peaches!"
Lin Hao laughed and joked around with them. Sunlight streamed through the glass windows of the stadium, illuminating the faces of the young players, which were full of youthful vigor and aspirations for the future.
This season has ended, but the story of Lin Hao and the Warriors has only just begun.
On May 25, Lin Hao brought Zhang Qingying from San Francisco to Fengtian Airport in Liaoning Province.
As soon as the plane came to a stop, Lin Hao saw a dense crowd on the tarmac through the porthole. The moment the cabin door opened, a deafening suona horn sound rushed out – at the front was a folk suona band of 32 people, playing "A Man Should Be Self-reliant" with all their might, the stirring melody soaring into the sky.
"Lin Hao! Lin Hao! Welcome home!"
A deafening roar of cheers erupted from the crowd, and countless flowers and banners came into view. The villagers held up signs that read "Welcome home basketball star Lin Hao" and "Lin Hao, the pride of Fengtian," their faces beaming with heartfelt pride.
Lin Hao was stunned. He hadn't expected his hometown to welcome him with such a grand gesture. A warm feeling welled up inside him, and his eyes instantly filled with tears. He waved vigorously to the crowd, saying, "Thank you everyone! Thank you, fellow villagers, for coming to welcome me!"
At this moment, the mayor of Fengtian and the leaders of the Sports Bureau quickly walked over. The mayor tightly grasped Lin Hao's hand and said excitedly, "Lin Hao, you're finally back! You showed the spirit of the Chinese people in the NBA, bringing glory to Fengtian and Liaoning Province! The entire province is proud of you!"
"Thank you, Mayor, thank you everyone." Lin Hao's voice choked with emotion. "I'm just an ordinary kid from Fengtian. My achievements today wouldn't have been possible without the nurturing and support of the people of my hometown."
"Let's go home!" the mayor said with a smile.
Lin Hao took Zhang Qingying's hand and followed the crowd out of the airport. Along the main road from the airport to the city center, every 500 meters there was a folk suona band playing festive tunes such as "Singing for the Motherland" and "Step by Step Higher," their voices echoing throughout the entire street.
Red banners hung from the trees lining both sides of the road, and citizens spontaneously stood by the roadside, waving national flags and flowers, and shouting Lin Hao's name. There were mothers holding children, elderly people with gray hair, and students in school uniforms, and everyone's face was beaming with smiles.
"Haozi! You're awesome! You've made us Northeasterners proud!"
"Lin Hao! My son imitates your basketball playing style at home every day, saying he wants to play in the NBA when he grows up!"
"Lin Hao, win the championship next season! We all support you!"
Lin Hao walked along, greeting the villagers and signing autographs for the children. Zhang Qingying followed beside him, watching the lively and sincere scene before her, and whispered to Lin Hao, "You people from Northeast China are so hospitable! I've never seen such a grand welcome before."
Lin Hao smiled, squeezed her hand, and said, "That's just how we Northeasterners are, so down-to-earth. Look, my old building is just around the corner."
Following the direction he pointed, an old-style residential building came into view. Lin Hao's parents were standing downstairs, having been eagerly waiting. Upon seeing Lin Hao, they quickly came to greet him.
"Son!" Lin Hao's mother hugged him tightly, looking him up and down, tears streaming down her face. "You've grown strong and matured, but you look a little tired. You must have suffered a lot over there, right?"
"Mom, I'm fine. The team has professional nutritionists and trainers, so everything's alright," Lin Hao patted his mother's back to comfort her.
Lin Hao's father also came over and patted his shoulder hard. Although he didn't say anything, the pride and heartache in his eyes were unmistakable.
"Hello, Uncle and Aunt." Zhang Qingying quickly stepped forward and bowed politely.
Lin Hao's mother quickly let go of Lin Hao, took Zhang Qingying's hand, and smiled broadly: "You must be Qingying? Haozi often mentions you on the phone. You're so handsome! Come in and sit down. Auntie has made a whole table of your favorite Northeastern dishes for you, including sweet and sour pork and chicken stew with mushrooms, all made to Haozi's specifications."
"Thank you, Auntie." Zhang Qingying smiled shyly.
The family entered the house, where the dining table was already laden with steaming dishes, all of which were Lin Hao's favorite flavors from childhood. During the meal, Lin Hao's mother kept piling food onto Zhang Qingying's plate, her enthusiasm making Zhang Qingying feel a little embarrassed. Lin Hao's father, meanwhile, chatted with Lin Hao about NBA games, asking him about his experience playing against Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, listening with great interest.
After dinner, Lin Hao took Zhang Qingying for a walk in the neighborhood. The neighbors all gathered around, greeted him, and praised him for being successful.
"Haozi, you're truly the pride of our neighborhood!"
"Lin Hao, when are you going to play a suona for us again? Everyone still remembers the 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' you played at weddings and funerals back then!"
"Lin Hao, when are you going to open your youth training camp in Fengtian? My grandson wants to learn basketball too!"
Mentioning the youth training camp, Lin Hao's eyes lit up: "Soon! I came back this time to talk to the Sports Bureau about the Xinghuo Youth Training Camp Fengtian Branch, and strive to start classes this summer to teach our Fengtian kids to play basketball."
The neighbors clapped and cheered, saying, "That's great! Now the kids have a place to learn ball!"
The following day, Fengtian held a grand welcoming ceremony for Lin Hao at People's Square, officially awarding him the title of "Fengtian City Image Ambassador".
At the ceremony, the mayor personally presented Lin Hao with a certificate and trophy, then said, "Comrade Lin Hao, through his hard work and dedication, has proven the strength of Chinese players in the world's highest-level basketball league, bringing glory to the motherland and honor to his hometown. His indomitable and fighting spirit is worthy of our emulation. We hope that Comrade Lin Hao will continue his efforts and achieve even better results in future competitions, winning more honors for the country and his hometown."
Lin Hao accepted the certificate and trophy, saying excitedly, "Thank you for the country's trust and for the support of my hometown people. I came from Fengtian, but no matter how far I go, my roots will always be here. In the future, I will definitely work harder and live up to everyone's expectations. At the same time, I will do my best to contribute to the sports cause and youth development of my hometown, so that more talented children can realize their basketball dreams."
After the ceremony, Lin Hao took basketballs and sports equipment to the local experimental primary school. He played basketball with the children, taught them basic dribbling and shooting techniques, and gave each child an autographed basketball.
Looking at the children's innocent and radiant smiles, Lin Hao was reminded of himself as a child—also on a cement court like this, clutching a worn-out basketball, dreaming of the NBA. Now, his dream has come true; he wants to be the one to ignite dreams for children.
As the sun set, golden sunlight streamed onto the basketball court and onto the children's running figures. Lin Hao stood by the court, watching all this, a satisfied smile on his face.
He knew this was just the beginning.
In the future, he also wants to lead the Warriors to win the championship, lead the Chinese men's basketball team to the quarterfinals of the Olympics, and spread the Spark Youth Training Camp throughout the country so that more Chinese children can stand on the world stage.
The future is promising; he is on his way to realizing his dream.