Chinese fans only realized how much Jiang Lin had gone through to get this contract after reading Su Qun's article.
Only a professional basketball journalist like Su Qun could understand and describe it so clearly.
From interrupting his studies at Peking University to pursuing his basketball dream, he made an impressive debut in the CBA in his first year.
Then he decisively left the CBA to join the NBA draft, participated in the combine with no attention, and went undrafted.
He then wandered across various cities in the U.S. seeking playing opportunities, consistently training in gyms and arenas, never stopping regardless of time.
Earlier this month, Jiang Lin signed a short contract with the Lakers to fill a point guard position during training sessions... As everyone knows, he was cut after the 10-day contract, and his last performance was like a fleeting moment.
Su Qun got teary-eyed at this point because, when everyone thought this 20-year-old would return to the CBA to strive for championships and build his resume, he instead stubbornly sought another playing opportunity.
And he directly signed a guaranteed contract with the Grizzlies, which might seem miraculous, but it was the result of accumulated effort.
The most remarkable part is that he did all of this on his own, without an agent, without a team, and with little money, doing it solo!
Su Qun also explained the significance of a guaranteed contract in her article. Generally, players who sign this contract have definite playing opportunities unless they perform terribly over several games. At the very least, they'll get a few minutes in the third rotation.
With the Grizzlies currently having only three point guards, if Jiang Lin could outcompete the team's first-round pick Tony Wroten, he might get more playing time. So, Su Qun urged fans to support the Chinese guard, who has had a tough journey.
"This is professionalism!"
"Thank you, Teacher Su Qun! We love Jiang Lin too. It's incredibly tough for Chinese guards; they have such a hard time!"
"Jiang Lin, show the world that our backcourt isn't weak!"
"I've bought my direct ticket to Memphis. Brothers, let's support our Chinese boy in tomorrow's game against the Bulls!"
"I'll hold up a sign saying 'Light of Chinese Guards' in the FedEx Forum!"
To play in the NBA, only Jiang Lin knew the hardships he endured!
Su Qun's article made many people understand and like him. Not to mention, the side profile photo with a determined look attracted many female fans!
"Is this guy really this strong-willed? My 20-year-old still drinks milk every day..."
"Look at what others are doing at 20! I'm still wandering in the Glory Canyon, feeling inferior!"
"I want to have Jiang Lin's babies! Such a charming man!"
"Those muscles! That physique, that height!! Beats all the pretty boys!"
"His face is so handsome, with a sculptural beauty, and he's a top student from Peking University. I'm in love!"
"Following him on Weibo!"
Jiang Lin's Weibo followers jumped from 100,000 to over 300,000 in no time. This is the influence of the NBA and a guaranteed contract. Signing this contract meant he would be in the NBA for the entire season!
Tencent Sports immediately dispatched their reporter Duan Ran to Memphis, and several female hosts were preparing to cover the NBA frontlines.
However, other industry insiders, including investors and brand representatives, remained cautious. In competitive sports, strength speaks. Signing a contract is one thing; proving oneself on the court is another. They needed to wait a while longer.
…
**Miami Gym.**
A nearly thirty-year-old veteran saw the report, frowned, and then relaxed.
He unexpectedly thought Jiang Lin and the Grizzlies seemed like a good match, but it didn't matter much to him.
As he and Riley had hoped, this potential threat went to a Western Conference team.
So, it didn't matter…
As Cole, training like a madman, said: "We'll only face them (the Grizzlies) once more this season, unless we meet in the Finals, haha."
Cole breathed a sigh of relief, still remembering the garbage time of that game. The Grizzlies were a Western Conference team, and they had already played them once this season, with only one game left. Unless they met in the Finals, which was unlikely.
The Grizzlies had lost their initial encounter with the Heat, but then the Heat started a winning streak, so the game was memorable. The Grizzlies' twin towers had a lineup that countered the Heat.
At this moment, Battier laughed nearby: "What if the Grizzlies win the Western Conference..."
"This... impossible, right?"
"Wait, why are we so scared, haha."
"Let's train! This guy is just a streetball player..." Wade said, chewing gum and puffing his cheeks.
…
The Lakers, fresh off a big win, were indifferent to the signing news because they were already hitting their stride. Kobe was back in form, and Howard posted a monstrous 22 points and 20 rebounds, leaving them unfazed.
"Wants to slap the Lakers? Heh." Odom was in awe of Kobe again today and laughed when he saw Metta World Peace's phone screen.
Artest put away his phone and glanced at Odom, who quickly returned to his seat.
D'Antoni twisted his nose, wondering why Hollins was so impatient. He hadn't suggested signing a guaranteed contract... This was too much.
But he didn't have time to ask Hollins for specifics. He felt he had done a good deed. Congrats, JIANG!
Compared to the indifferent fans, the teams that had contacted Jiang Lin had a different reaction.
The scouts and management of the Rockets, Jazz, Mavericks, and Spurs were all wondering why the Grizzlies acted so quickly, offering a rookie guaranteed contract.
They also learned that Jiang Lin was indeed in Memphis today, meaning it was probably prearranged.
The Spurs assistant coach Budenholzer told Popovich the news, and Popovich felt annoyed: "The Grizzlies struck gold, but such a hasty player doesn't fit our team. Let's focus on our lineup this season."
Budenholzer: "Understood."
He felt a bit uneasy, even disagreeing with Popovich's view.