On October 12, the 76ers welcomed their second preseason opponent, the Celtics.
This Celtics team—featuring Antoine Walker, Rick Fox, "Big Head" Wesley, Eric Williams, Todd Daye, and others—would only manage 15 wins that season. Hard to believe, right?
In this game, Su Feng, who earned a starting spot, experienced firsthand why Auerbach wanted Duncan.
Simply put, these Celtics... had no pride left!
M.L. Carr's offense was tactical yet simplistic.
He encouraged players to shoot boldly. It didn't matter if the shots were unreasonable, or whether they went in or not.
As for defense?
Even simpler—don't overexert yourselves. Save energy, take care of your bodies. Winning wasn't important; happiness was.
Su Feng thought that Antoine Walker's future habit of becoming a "volume shooter" wasn't without reason.
This "Black Bird" really saw himself as Larry Bird on the court tonight.
Shot after shot—duang, duang, duang. If Walker had no hair, Su Feng would have recommended him as a spokesperson for King Shampoo.
That night, at the Spectrum Arena (Note ①), the 76ers finally earned a long-awaited victory!
109 to 89—a win by 20!
Philadelphia fans were stunned.
"Look at the sky! Is this really the 76ers we know?"
Preseason games weren't broadcast, but like the regular season, the 76ers had a tradition: if the team scored over 100 points, fans received free Coke and hamburgers.
Even though ownership had changed this year, the tradition remained.
Fans left the arena thrilled, talking about the "Golden Double Guns" as they carried their Coke and burgers.
The nickname became the talk of the town. The performance was so perfect that even Su Feng himself could hardly believe it.
The Celtics' defense was nonexistent. Whenever Su Feng drove inside, their big men offered only symbolic resistance.
To help players develop the "habit of losing," M.L. Carr had emphasized since preseason that the team's theme was—
Happy basketball.
Of course, the Celtics risked accidentally winning, but Carr didn't mind. As long as they became the worst team, he was satisfied.
In this game, Su Feng scored 24 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Iverson exploded for 36 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal.
Together, the "Golden Double Guns" combined for 60 points—the hottest topic in Philadelphia.
Big Ben had a rough night. He grabbed 10 rebounds, all defensive.
If Antoine Walker hadn't sent a few "warm gifts" his way, Big Ben might have stormed off to confront the Celtics: "Do you call this playing basketball?"
Su Feng knew the Celtics were doing everything they could to land Duncan.
It was Auerbach's plan—blowing up Van Horn as "Bird II" while tanking for Duncan.
And with Su Feng's two outstanding preseason performances, Davis became even more determined to start him.
The front office strongly supported Davis's decision.
Team executive Pat Claus couldn't help but smile. With the "Golden Double Guns," selling tickets for the new season wouldn't be difficult.
Meanwhile, Su Feng's McDonald's endorsement was booming. The "The King" burger was affordable and filling.
Truly worthy of being the king of burgers!
Besides attracting plenty of fans, the promotion was irresistible: eat 10 "The King" burgers, and McDonald's would give you a Su Feng poster.
So the girls cheering Su Feng every day shouted:
"Not one or two, not three or four, not five or six. As long as I eat ten, I'll get Su!"
Sinful!
Su Feng felt guilty.
But honestly, the "The King" burger was delicious...
After practice, Su Feng bought one and tried it with nutrient solution.
Perhaps because he hadn't eaten spicy chicken for a long time, he found the taste surprisingly unique.
After the game with the Celtics, Su Feng tried to call Kobe Bryant.
But after 81 consecutive calls with no answer, Su Feng finally gave up...
"My God, this is too vengeful!"
Su Feng thought he could only restore his friendship with Kobe during the regular season matchup against the Lakers.
So, Su Feng turned his focus back to training.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles...
Kobe, just finishing his own training, was stunned when he saw 81 missed calls on his phone!
And when he realized they were all from Su Feng...
Kobe smiled.
"Speaking of which, that Wellington steak Su made last time was delicious. When I go to Philadelphia during the regular season, I'll have to ask him to cook it for me again."
Thinking this, Kobe dialed Su Feng 101 times in a row.
Kobe was speechless.
"Why have I never seen such a petty person? You called me 81 times and I didn't answer. But I called you 101 times—shouldn't you pick up?"
"Forget it. I won't bother with him."
Kobe shook his head, deciding that when the Lakers faced the 76ers in the regular season, he would mend his friendship with Su Feng then...
…
On October 14 and 17, the 76ers played two preseason games against the Cavaliers and the Pacers.
The Cavaliers' leading player at the time was Terrell Brandon, an All-Star guard standing 180 centimeters tall.
The Cavaliers relied on team basketball, but this time Iverson outplayed Brandon in their matchup.
In Su Feng's previous life, Brandon was one of Iverson's favorite opponents.
Iverson once scored 50 points against Brandon, because he could overwhelm him with speed, strength, and even height.
Although Brandon often lost individual battles with Iverson, he actually won 7 of their 11 matchups.
In this preseason game, Iverson scored 41 points, but the 76ers still lost.
Brandon, on the other hand, scored only 11 points but dished out 11 assists.
Influenced by Iverson's style, Su Feng—who scored just 9 points—noticed something important.
In his previous life, Su Feng hadn't paid much attention to Brandon, but after being outplayed, he realized Brandon was a remarkable player.
Even when Iverson kept scoring, Brandon never panicked. He used his teammates wisely, playing true team basketball.
In fact, Brandon once assisted Kevin Garnett in leading the Timberwolves to their first 50-win season.
Su Feng wrote Brandon's name in his notebook as a future opponent and planned to remind Iverson the next time they faced the Cavaliers.
After losing to the Cavaliers, the 76ers fell to the Pacers on October 17.
The Pacers' coach was the famous Larry Brown.
In the 1993–94 season, under Brown, even with a shooter like Reggie Miller, the Pacers averaged only 6.6 three-point attempts per game.
But after the NBA shortened the three-point line, Brown adapted. Miller averaged 5.4 attempts last season, hitting 2.2 per game at a 41% clip.
Of course, apart from Miller, the other Pacers weren't so fortunate.
Brown was a notoriously stubborn coach. After the game against the 76ers, he criticized Davis's use of Iverson and Su Feng.
Brown praised Su Feng's defense but argued Davis should give him more post-up and mid-range opportunities instead of running him off screens for threes.
"If Su were in my hands, I could make him an All-Star within three years," Brown said.
As for Iverson, Brown believed Davis wasn't maximizing the opportunities and space Iverson created.
"They have excellent talent, and they will definitely become a strong team in the future," Brown commented.
Su Feng noticed Davis was visibly upset after hearing Brown's remarks through the media.
But out of respect for the legendary NCAA coach, Davis didn't respond.
After all, Davis lacked the authority to fight back.
Su Feng suspected Brown's praise of him and Iverson was strategic—perhaps to undermine Davis and position himself to take over later.
Still, Su Feng valued Davis's kindness toward him.
To avoid being "poached" by Brown, Su Feng decided to launch the "Save Coach John Davis Operation."
After the game, in an interview, Su Feng praised Davis to the skies:
"He is an excellent coach who knows how to work with young players. Given time, I believe he can become a great coach."
Davis, already hurt by Brown's criticism, was moved to tears.
He thought: Next, I must develop more tactics for Su Feng.
But in truth, Su Feng wasn't scheming—he genuinely wanted to protect Davis.
A coach who listens to players and understands their hints was a treasure in an era of tense player-management relations.
Su Feng decided to encourage Iverson and Big Ben to also praise Davis, reinforcing his "excellent corporate culture" and ensuring the coach stayed on their side.
Su Feng could only start another plan.
The "Wandering Su Feng" Plan.
As a traverser, Su Feng knew clearly that playing under Larry Brown was simply impossible. Brown was not only difficult to deal with, but his coaching philosophy was unchangeable.
No matter which team he coached, that team had to follow his rigid standards.
His tactics were inflexible, and his style of play alone meant that before the next system upgrade, Su Feng couldn't even dream of accumulating 1.5 billion hit points.
In Su Feng's previous life, Brown—while coaching the 76ers—would rather let Iverson take more than 25 shots per game than bring in another scorer to relieve Iverson's offensive burden.
So Su Feng guessed that if Brown coached the 76ers again, he would:
Make Iverson the primary offensive weapon.Focus defensive schemes on Su Feng.Occasionally allow him reasonable post-ups and open mid-range shots...
But even those "open" shots might end up with a foot on the line, turning threes into twos.
Hammer-level tactics, really.
And this style required years of repetition to produce results, because Brown demanded defensive precision down to the centimeter.
Later, he would take over the Pistons and win a championship—but that was because the Pistons were already stacked, and Rasheed Wallace could dominate.
Hamilton or Prince? They fit his system perfectly.
For Su Feng, enduring two years of "career leveling" under Brown might be acceptable.
But after unlocking his speed talent, Su Feng felt that all his hard work would be wasted if he couldn't play like a handsome Grant Hill.
Think about it—Hill's explosive first step, combined with his elegant mid-range game. Wasn't that beautiful?
As a hardworking young talent, why settle for being a "little prince" when you could aim to surpass Jordan and become The King?
Wake up—Su Feng was destined to be an iron-blooded star.
Therefore, the "Wandering Su Feng" Plan became his solid backup option that day.
If reality didn't allow him to play stylish basketball alongside AI, then he would have to make a decision: find another place and bring his talents there.
All in all, if reality dared to be ruthless, then Su Feng could only respond with cold determination.
…
On October 20, the 76ers ended their two-game preseason losing streak, this time against the Charlotte Hornets.
As the team targeted by the 76ers in the draft, the Hornets focused mainly on player development, since their goal for the new season was to make a breakthrough in the playoffs.
Coleman, who had been traded to the Hornets, didn't play in this game. At the time, the Hornets featured Glen Rice, who in Su Feng's previous life helped Shaq and Kobe win their first championship.
It's worth mentioning that an unusual incident occurred before the two teams warmed up.
Two elementary school kids wearing Hornets No. 30 jerseys ran over to the 76ers' side.
Su Feng immediately recognized them...
One was Stephen, the other Seth.
You might not believe it, but the former's future reputation would surpass every player on the Hornets' roster that night.
Generally speaking, there are many kids named Stephen and Seth, but the key here was their surname—Curry.
The 76ers didn't chase the kids away, since anyone allowed near the court before warm-ups had to be family.
And since they were wearing Hornets No. 30 jerseys, it was quickly clear they were Dell Curry's children.
The incident happened because Ben Wallace tried to tease the two boys. But Big Ben was too intimidating, and Stephen and Seth burst into tears.
Dell Curry, who was practicing three-pointers, rushed over and apologized to the 76ers.
Dell Curry was one of the best sixth men of the 1990s, known for his three-point accuracy. Off the court, he was also an MVP in family life.
Su Feng smiled, greeted Dell Curry, and pulled out a bag of potato chips from his backpack.
"Good boys, Stephen don't cry, Seth don't cry. Call me uncle, and this bag of chips is yours."
That day, Su Feng once again felt like a true senior.
Stephen Curry blinked his big eyes, then suddenly stopped crying and laughed: "Good uncle!"
Seth was slower to react, but when he saw Stephen take the chips, he quickly shouted: "Good uncle!"
Su Feng patted both boys on the head, then looked at Dell Curry and said: "Your two children will achieve great things in the future."
Although he knew Su Feng was just being polite, as a parent, Dell Curry was pleased to hear praise for his kids.
"Thank you. They're just too naughty and didn't mean to disturb you," Dell Curry laughed.
"Do you usually teach them to play?" Su Feng asked deliberately.
"Yes, don't underestimate them—their shots are terrific," Dell Curry replied.
No wonder... the man of the future would be practicing every day.
Su Feng held Stephen Curry, who was opening the chips bag: "Stephen, play well. One day, you'll definitely become an MVP."
Dell Curry chuckled, thinking: I know my son. Stephen, an MVP? Impossible!
Stephen, delighted by Su Feng's praise, thought the uncle was handsome and kind. He gathered his courage and asked:
"Uncle, can you help me get Allen Iverson's autograph? I really like him."
Su Feng smiled: "Do you like me?"
Stephen thought for a moment, took out a chip, and said while eating: "It's okay. You're pretty good, uncle."
"..."
At that moment, Su Feng really wanted to snatch back the chips and toss the kid aside...
"Uncle, uncle, I don't like Allen Iverson—I'm your fan! I know the Philadelphia Gemini, and I also know the Golden Double Guns!" Seth suddenly tugged at Su Feng's pants.
Su Feng was delighted, smiled, and took the chips back from Stephen's hand: "Good boy, Stephen, share some with Seth too."
Stephen was stunned...
From Seth's mischievous grin, he realized his brother had played him.
Dell Curry knew Su Feng was just joking with the kids and didn't think much of it.
So, on this day, besides defeating the Hornets, Su Feng also unlocked the "Uncle Achievement" with Stephen Curry.
…
On October 22 and 24, after playing two more preseason games, the 76ers completed all their preseason matchups before the start of the new season.
The team's preseason record was 3 wins and 4 losses. Su Feng averaged 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
He shot 45% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 85% from the free-throw line.
After the preseason, based on evaluations from team doctors and trainers, Davis believed Su Feng's physical condition was fully capable of handling 30 minutes per game.
Of course, if he could, Su Feng would have told Davis: I had no problem playing 48 minutes...
But as a rookie straight out of high school, even if he was durable, Su Feng had to follow the coach's plan.
In fact, for a high school rookie, such playing time was already remarkable.
Last season, Garnett averaged only 28.7 minutes per game.
After the preseason, the 76ers also cut guard Frank King.
Su Feng suspected the team was clearing space for a future trade...
Because with King gone, the 76ers' only point guards were Iverson and Overton.
Aside from Waters, none of the shooting guards could swing to point guard. And for an 82-game NBA season, such a thin reserve at point guard was clearly insufficient.
It made Su Feng curious—which team were the 76ers preparing to trade with?
"Forget it, why think so much? I'm just a rookie and almost forgot my position again."
After finishing the preseason, Su Feng could already feel the strong "middle school" flavor of the NBA at that time...
"Fight for freedom and hope! Philadelphia, never bow your head!"
That was the 76ers' new season slogan.
Because the team's name originated from the Declaration of Independence adopted in Philadelphia in 1776, the franchise itself carried that dramatic flair.
In Su Feng's previous life, when Kobe visited Philadelphia for the last time, how long did the arena DJ spend introducing him?
Thirty-six seconds.
With the rhythm of English, Su Feng even felt the urge to save the world after hearing that introduction.
On October 22 and 24, after playing two more preseason games, the 76ers completed all their preseason matchups before the start of the new season.
The team's preseason record was 3 wins and 4 losses. Su Feng averaged 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
He shot 45% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 85% from the free-throw line.
After the preseason, based on evaluations from team doctors and trainers, Davis believed Su Feng's physical condition was fully capable of handling 30 minutes per game.
Of course, if he could, Su Feng would have told Davis: I had no problem playing 48 minutes...
But as a rookie straight out of high school, even if he was durable, Su Feng had to follow the coach's plan.
In fact, for a high school rookie, such playing time was already remarkable.
Last season, Garnett averaged only 28.7 minutes per game.
After the preseason, the 76ers also cut guard Frank King.
Su Feng suspected the team was clearing space for a future trade...
Because with King gone, the 76ers' only point guards were Iverson and Overton.
Aside from Waters, none of the shooting guards could swing to point guard. And for an 82-game NBA season, such a thin reserve at point guard was clearly insufficient.
It made Su Feng curious—which team were the 76ers preparing to trade with?
"Forget it, why think so much? I'm just a rookie and almost forgot my position again. Seems I need to reread the Four Great Classics."
After finishing the preseason, Su Feng could already feel the strong "middle school" flavor of the NBA at that time...
"Fight for freedom and hope! Philadelphia, never bow your head!"
That was the 76ers' new season slogan.
Because the team's name originated from the Declaration of Independence adopted in Philadelphia in 1776, the franchise itself carried that dramatic flair.
In Su Feng's previous life, when Kobe visited Philadelphia for the last time, how long did the arena DJ spend introducing him?
Thirty-six seconds.
With the rhythm of English, Su Feng even felt the urge to save the world after hearing that introduction.
…
Los Angeles, unlike the 76ers who were beaten for freedom and hope...
After the preseason, the slogans shouted by the local media in Los Angeles were more straightforward:
——Showtime is back.
At the Lakers' home preseason games, just looking at the group of people sitting courtside showed how much attention this team was getting.
Nicholson, Jim Carrey, Dennis Miller, Sharon Stone, Denzel Washington...
Even in the crowd, you could sometimes spot Sampras and Holyfield.
In the 1980s, after the Lakers defeated the Celtics with Showtime, the Lakers had become the golden symbol of Los Angeles.
And now, with the "shark's" westward journey, a new chapter in Lakers history had begun.
After finishing the preseason, Kobe knew he had to wait patiently for his opportunity.
Because Harris had told him that at the Lakers' opener, he would not be in the rotation.
Harris understood the importance of the opener. With so many eyes on the Lakers, a loss would bring even more criticism.
Kobe was the future of the Lakers, but not yet the present.
"Su, will he start in the opener?"
Recently, through the newspaper, Kobe learned that unlike in Philadelphia, Su Feng was gaining more and more playing time.
Envy, jealousy, resentment?
Perhaps. But toward Su Feng, Kobe also felt a sense of anticipation.
It was a strange feeling.
As Su Feng progressed faster and faster, Kobe expected him to catch up quickly.
But when Su Feng actually "surpassed" him, Kobe didn't feel uncomfortable or out of place.
Because he realized he had found another goal.
And such a goal, unconsciously, was also driving Kobe's growth.
However, in his new home in Los Angeles, after drinking the last bottle of sports drink sent by Su Feng, Kobe felt a bit uneasy...
"Forget it, why think so much! When I see him on the court, I won't lose to him!"
...
PS: Note ① In the 1990s, the Philadelphia 76ers' arena was the Spectrum (commonly called CoreStates Spectrum from 1994 onwards, although it retained the classic name for much of the decade).
The team played at the Spectrum until the end of the 1995-96 season, moving to the new CoreStates Center (currently Wells Fargo Center) at the start of the 1996-97 season.