Chapter 35: Allen Iverson Joins the Team

After defeating the Clippers and the Nuggets, Wade Dong had accumulated 35 talent points. He had wasted 10 points on Hayward, leaving him with 25 points.

Tonight, they also defeated the Jazz. Logically, his talent points should now be at 30.

However, even as Wade Dong prepared to sleep, his talent points remained unchanged.

"System, are you there?"

[Yes.]

"Did you forget something?"

[What?]

"Tonight's talent points?"

[Victory without merit, no reward!]

"Oh, damn it!"

Wade Dong was surprised. This system had principles and integrity.

However, the system's thinking aligned with Wade Dong's. He already had enough advantages, and unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't use the "lucky potion" or the "bad luck potion." Otherwise, the game would lose its original meaning.

He had used the "bad luck potion" on Hayward twice today, but it was just to test if the potion really made people unlucky.

Yes, Wade Dong just wanted to test the potion's effectiveness. He had no grudge against Hayward and didn't need to mess with him, right?

...

The regular season was coming to an end, and the playoff spots were mostly determined.

Many teams had already finished their regular season, and several players had bought fishing rods, ready to go fishing.

Of course, more players were preparing for the playoffs.

The Suns had one final game left, against the Western Conference leaders, the Spurs. Wade Dong was ready to lead the Suns to victory and secure a playoff spot.

Just before the game against the Spurs, the Suns management made a series of moves.

First, they cut two bench players. Then, they signed Allen Iverson, who hadn't played in almost a year and was on the verge of retirement.

This move puzzled many people.

But before the game against the Spurs, Iverson appeared at the Suns' training facility, wearing the number 3 jersey.

Wade Dong welcomed his third All-Star teammate, following Nash and Hill.

"Hey, Wade."

Iverson still had his rebellious demeanor, but he greeted Wade Dong warmly. "I heard from the team manager that you requested the team to sign me?"

Wade Dong smiled. "We have a saying in China: 'An old horse knows the way.' Besides, I don't think you're old."

"Of course not!"

Iverson nodded vigorously. "I can still score on the court!"

"But, would you be willing to come off the bench?"

Wade Dong looked at Iverson with a smile. Iverson had once said he had never seen an All-Star come off the bench.

Iverson hesitated. His current situation, without a team, was largely due to his rebellious personality.

The players practicing also looked at Iverson. Even Coach Gentry, who had followed Iverson into the training facility, remained silent.

If Iverson refused to come off the bench, he would have no place on this Suns team.

"What if I don't want to come off the bench?"

Iverson asked, looking at Wade Dong.

Wade Dong smiled. "Idol, if you don't want to come off the bench, I can come off the bench for you. Our goal is the championship, and everyone needs to make sacrifices. We're all working together for this goal."

"You're joking with me."

Iverson also laughed. "I swear on my career, I've never met a player as strong as you. If you come off the bench for me, the whole world will laugh at me."

After laughing, Iverson compromised. "For victory, I can do anything for the team!"

"Hahaha..."

The Suns players, hearing Iverson's words, all relaxed and hugged him. "Welcome to the Suns!"

In this Suns team, Wade Dong was the shooting guard, Nash was the point guard, and Iverson, if not coming off the bench, would have to displace either Nash or Wade, which was impossible. This was why Iverson quickly accepted the situation.

"Alright, many of you are old friends."

Coach Gentry also relaxed and clapped his hands. "Let's have a scrimmage."

Before signing Iverson, Gentry had his doubts, fearing that Iverson wouldn't comply with the team's management. But Wade Dong's few words had convinced Iverson, which greatly relieved Gentry.

In the scrimmage, Iverson was assigned to the bench team.

This was almost unprecedented in his career, but Iverson showed no signs of discontent.

If it were a few years ago, or if he hadn't joined the Suns, Iverson might have thrown the ball and stormed out of the gym during a scrimmage.

Since they were facing the Spurs the next day, this scrimmage was divided into two halves, each lasting 20 minutes.

Iverson dribbled the ball up the court and saw Wade Dong coming to defend him.

The bench team players all spread out, giving Iverson and Wade Dong space for a one-on-one.

Iverson dribbled and said to Wade Dong, "I watched your game against the Spurs. Your style is similar to mine."

"But I'm stronger than you."

Wade Dong slapped the floor, taunting, "Can you still cross me over, idol?"

"Of course!"

Iverson executed two quick crossovers, making large directional changes. At this moment, Iverson's body was almost touching the ground.

When the ball reached Iverson's right hand, he made another crossover, pulling the ball back and leaning his body against Wade Dong. He then dribbled past Wade Dong with his left hand, accelerated to the basket, and finished with a one-handed dunk!

"Beautiful!!!"

All the players on the court applauded Iverson.

His signature crossover!

Iverson had used this move to cross over countless stars, and even Wade Dong couldn't avoid it.

Only Nash and Hill exchanged glances.

They had seen that when Iverson crossed over Wade Dong, Wade Dong's lateral movement had slowed for a moment.

Iverson's first step was no longer at its peak. If Wade Dong hadn't slowed down for that moment, Iverson would have had a hard time breaking through his defense. So, Wade Dong had intentionally let Iverson cross him over.

"Ah!!!"

After landing, Iverson roared!

He could still play, but no team wanted him. He needed to prove himself again!

"Too fast, truly unstoppable."

Wade Dong looked somewhat helpless.

Iverson smiled. "Not bad, brother. This is the move that made me an All-Star."

"Piece of cake..."

Wade Dong laughed. "But I can do this move too."

After saying that, Wade Dong asked for the ball and used the same move against Iverson's defense.

"Hahaha..."

The teammates also laughed.

Since Wade Dong joined, the atmosphere in the Suns' locker room had become increasingly positive.

The scrimmage ended with the expected result: the starting team defeated the bench team. Wade Dong gained another 5 talent points.

However, in the 40-minute scrimmage, Iverson scored 21 points, the highest on the bench team. This proved that although Iverson was past his peak, he still had the ability to contribute.