After studying version 7.0 of the Iron System, Su Feng has roughly finalized the direction of his development plan for the next stage.
First of all, according to the tips in [ ], Su Feng is projected to grow to 198 cm in height. Therefore, once he enters the NBA, the swingman position will be the most suitable for him.
That's why Su Feng needs to start preparing for the NBA early.
Back in the 1990s, due to the existence of the hand-check (HC) rules and the "old rogue" style of play, outside players were generally lighter.
Most perimeter players between 190 cm and 2 meters tall weighed around 85 to 100 kg.
As is well known, the HC rule allowed defenders to place a hand on the upper waist, and referees back then often saw using elbows to push the opponent's waist as a legitimate defensive tactic. So without elite speed, playing in that era was extremely disadvantageous.
To illustrate: After the HC rule was abolished, "King" LeBron James gradually increased his weight, eventually reaching approximately 115 kg.
Why is that?
Because once the HC rule was gone, heavier and more physically dominant perimeter players became more favored.
Without defenders being allowed to use elbows to impede the waist, a strong player could simply bulldoze opponents into the paint with raw power.
James Harden, in Su Feng's previous life, was also a player of this "small tank" type.
When James first entered the league, he was a young athlete who could explode off the first step—just slightly bulkier than the average perimeter player.
Especially in the 2005–06 season, when the NO-HC rules were strictly enforced, James' stats soared to an average of 31.4 points per game.
However, Su Feng's physical build is completely different from James'. Let's focus first on the current version of the game, which still includes HC rules.
If Su Feng gains weight too quickly, it'll inevitably slow him down. And in this era—where elbows are still used to neutralize strength—that would be a losing strategy.
Unless Su Feng plays like Charles Barkley.
But that kind of "Flying Pig" build emerges only once every five or six years, and Su Feng clearly doesn't have the body type or bone structure for it. His physique is more reminiscent of Michael Jordan.
In Su Feng's view, it would be foolish to abandon his strengths and adopt an unfamiliar play style.
Under the HC rules, perimeter players rely on speed primarily for defense and quick penetration through the opponent's defensive line.
Allen Iverson is a prime example. Despite not being particularly efficient under HC rules, he could still burst past defenders.
Looking at the widely recognized golden ratio—where height-to-weight subtraction equals 100—Su Feng's ideal future weight should be around 98 kg.
But keep in mind, body weight and physique are not the same.
Jordan was dominant partly because his 98 kg consisted mostly of lean muscle.
Gaining weight, in general, is easy—but gaining only muscle?
That drives people insane.
"Kobe's future playing weight, for example, was around 96 kg, while Jamaica's soaring sprinter Bolt was 195 cm tall and weighed 94 kg at his peak…"
Su Feng knew that to build the ideal physique, he'd need help from an expert in the field.
Fortunately, just as the idea popped into his mind, the perfect candidate quickly came to him...
Beyond gaining weight and building core strength for the NBA, Su Feng also needed to convert his potential into real ability over the summer.
Finally, he still had to focus on accumulating Iron Value—because if the system called [Sky Wizard] requires sky-high Iron Value to upgrade potential, Su Feng can't afford to be empty-handed.
…
In June, after finishing his high school career, Su Feng watched that year's NBA Finals at Kobe's house.
Just as he remembered, the Houston Rockets swept the Orlando Magic 4–0 and successfully defended their title.
In Game 1, soon-to-be-retired commentator Kenny Smith became the X-factor in Houston's win, scoring 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting from three-point range.
In Game 2, "The Alien" Sam Cassell stepped up again. He went 8-of-12 from the field, including 4-of-6 from deep, sank 11 of 12 free throws, and finished with 31 points.
Game 3 was Horry's turn to shine. Though not yet a veteran, he dropped 20 points and—aside from Olajuwon and Drexler—was the most dazzling Rocket that night.
At that point, the Magic were on the verge of collapse.
Then came Game 4, and veteran Mario Elie rode in to finish the job.
Usually a role player averaging 8.5 points per game, Elie stunned the Magic by scoring 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting, delivering the final blow.
In each game, a different "Mr. Clutch" would step up for Houston, and Su Feng thought it was almost too cinematic—like something out of a melodrama.
Was it epic? Or just too dramatic to be real?
Of course, the Rockets' championship run wouldn't have been possible without Olajuwon, who averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks per game—using his savvy and dominance to outshine even Clyde Drexler.
Solid, godlike consistency—or consistent godliness—that's the impression Olajuwon left with that playoff run.
On the Magic's side, although Shaquille O'Neal posted impressive numbers—27.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game—he still ended up floundering like a lost shark...
In truth, the Finals revealed that O'Neal didn't lose because he lacked talent—but because Olajuwon had vastly superior experience.
Throughout the series, the "Dream" kept maneuvering O'Neal out of position, opening space for his teammates to thrive.
Once Shaq was pulled away from the low post, Orlando's interior defense fell apart.
This elite leadership, real-time decision-making, and strategic exploitation of mismatches were the key reasons Olajuwon triumphed in the battle of the big men.
Well...
Kobe, who had predicted a Magic win, was not pleased.
Thinking about the shark who had signed him and taken a photo with him only to be swept in the Finals, Kobe couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
Luckily, Su Feng had no idea what Kobe was thinking.
Otherwise, Su Feng might've asked him, "Brother, when you argue with O'Neal in the future, won't this pop into your head?"
Of course, that question would've been better left unasked—Su Feng still had hopes of…
"Yes, Su. I received an invitation to the Adidas ABCD Training Camp," Bryant said to Su Feng that same day, after watching Game 4.
What?
Oh, right!
How could he forget something so important?
If Su Feng remembered correctly, Bryant did attend the Adidas ABCD camp in 1995, and wore jersey No. 134 there—a number that would later inspire his iconic No. 8 (1 + 3 + 4 = 8).
This summer, Bryant headed to the Adidas ABCD training camp, where he would meet the future Lamar Odom—a player who would follow him around for years, including those infamous three-day nightclub streaks.
Cough cough.
Back to the serious stuff.
Regardless of how the future turns out, Su Feng knows that Odom currently enjoys a stellar reputation in the American high school basketball scene.
But if you're familiar with this chapter of basketball history, you'd surely feel bad for Odom.
Because, frankly, he might be the most tragic high school phenom in U.S. basketball history.
In 1995, already making waves, Odom ended up as Kobe's background prop at the Adidas training camp.
Then in 1996, with Kobe having entered the NBA and most top talents going the college route, Odom took the spotlight as "the best high school player in America."
And then… nothing.
He was crushed by a drowsy unknown in the 1996 Adidas ABCD camp.
That guy? He'd go on to become famous and was picked by the Raptors in the first round in 1997.
Later in college, Odom faced accusations of cheating on academic tests and was forced to drop out due to poor academic standing...
All things considered, Odom's path was a human tragedy.
"I originally said he'd take you to play with that guy this summer. He invited me last year, but back then you weren't ready," Kobe told Su Feng.
Su Feng nodded knowingly—he was familiar with who Kobe was talking about. After all, both Kobe and that player were top stars in Su Feng's past-life Adidas circle.
Truth be told, Su Feng was itching to attend this year's Adidas ABCD training camp. It was the perfect stage to showcase his talent in front of scouts and coaches.
But...
The camp had strict age restrictions, only accepting students between 13 and 16.
So this year, Su Feng didn't qualify...
Wait, hold on...
Something didn't add up.
Su Feng glanced at Kobe—and froze.
"So this summer, train hard on your own. Just don't fall too far behind!" Bryant said with a grin.
Hissss~!
What the heck?
Does this mean...
His "plug-in" was leaving him behind?
Su Feng was stunned.
"Hey, Su, there's a guy named Lamar at the camp. People say he's just as good as Carter. I'm curious to see how strong he really is," Bryant said, patting Su Feng's shoulder.
And now, seeing Kobe chatting it up with Odom, Su Feng sensed they were already acquaintances...
Su Feng: "..."
Odom?
Tch.
Although it stung to lose Kobe's help this summer, Su Feng had read the book on success. It's America—there's always another path.
"Oh wait, if I remember correctly, this year Duncan, Iverson, and Carter will be representing the U.S... at the World University Games!"
Su Feng: ORZ!
It's over. The heavens are collapsing. His beloved Iron Sect might fall by his own hand!
Su Feng knew seeking out NBA players for "iron training" wasn't realistic—he was still just a kid compared to them.
So he'd have to turn to players who hadn't yet entered college.
Garnett?
Out of the question. That young wolf was preparing for the draft.
As for others… Su Feng didn't know where they were or what kind of "Iron Value" they could even offer.
After all, Kobe's training gave Su Feng not just experience—but the coveted four-quarterback bonus.
Wait—what?
Su Feng felt like a blind monk discovering enlightenment.
Four point guards...
North Carolina. Vince Carter. Ed Cota...
"Go hang out with your Odom, and when summer ends, I swear I'll destroy you!" Su Feng muttered. Even though he was a walking human now, every boy has to grow someday.
Su Feng made his decision—he was buying a ticket tomorrow.
He was off to find a new plug-in.
And while he was at it... a proper trainer too!