Pope of Basketball.

Summary

The chapter discusses the Clippers' management changes following Chris Paul's departure, focusing on Yang Rui's efforts to fill the assistant coach position after Steve Cole was hired by the Suns. Yang Rui promoted Tai Long Lu and reached out to Luke Walton, who had just retired and was eager to coach. Walton signed a three-year deal with the Clippers, expressing his excitement about the opportunity. Yang Rui declined Jason Kidd's self-recommendation, believing Kidd would only use the Clippers as a stepping stone, unlike Walton, whom he saw as a long-term investment. The narrative shifts to Yang Rui's personal life, highlighting his struggles to balance family responsibilities with social events. He reflects on the popularity of NBA stars visiting China, particularly Kobe Bryant, whose fan encounters have gone viral. The chapter concludes with a chilling anecdote about a fan's extreme reaction to criticism of Kobe, showcasing the intense devotion and sometimes dangerous fandom surrounding basketball players.

Full content