: One thousand and thirty-eight: Chris Paul's last chance (1/5)

　　 Link had just returned to Memphis when he realized that he had become the subject of heated discussion.
　　 But people are not discussing his performance in the last game, but the historical ranking of a basketball writer.
　　 Link was ranked sixth in Bill Simmons’ "Pyramid of Fame", which caused a huge sensation.
　　He is not only the highest ranked among active players, but also the highest ranked among all players who debuted after the 90s!
　　 Kobe, Duncan, James, O'Neal and other names like Ragul were all pressed by Link.
　　 Link himself was a little surprised, he didn't expect Bill Simmons to hold himself so high.
　　 After all, the ugly bald shape of Bill Simmons back then came from Link. They are actually more like enemies than friends.
　　 But then again, Bill Simmons has never found fault with Link since he witnessed Link's full season of the Player of the Month.
　　 Even, he often helps Link speak.
　　 As Simmons himself said, he recognized Link's greatness. And this time, he expressed this recognition through rankings.
　　 Bill Simmons's "Pyramid of Fame" is still quite influential in the basketball world.
　　 Although it is not an official ranking, Link is still very high to get such a high ranking on this ranking.
　　 It’s just that now he doesn’t have time to discuss this, because the Grizzlies players who just returned from Milwaukee have to fight the old rival Los Angeles Clippers non-stop today.
　　 The Clippers are still a force that cannot be ignored in the West this season. This back-to-back game is also considered to be the Grizzlies' first defeat this season.
　　 The performance of the Los Angeles Clippers in recent years is actually quite disappointing. The combination of Paul + Griffin + Jordan + Champion Rivers, at first, was aimed at winning the championship.
　　 As a result, the Clippers have not even played in the Western Conference Finals for so many years. In the 15 playoffs, he was even shamefully reversed by the Blazers in a 3-1 lead.
　　 But even so, no one would think that the Clippers are a weak team. After all, their configuration is there. A team with Chris Paul will never be a weak team.
　　 At the start of the season, the Clippers have an excellent record of 4 wins and 1 loss. In the five games, except for Russell Westbrook's lore in the face of the Thunder, the other four were big wins.
　　 And these four opponents, there is no shortage of Western power such as the Blazers and Spurs.
　　 Meeting opponents like the Clippers in back-to-back games is undoubtedly a huge test for the Grizzlies.
　　 Therefore, Link can’t worry about controversies like the "historical player pyramid".
　　 Facing reporters' questions, Link always said, "I would rather talk to you about tonight's game."
　　 Link’s attitude naturally embarrassed the reporters.
　　 This was an opportunity to make big news, but Link was so indifferent, which obviously did not meet their expectations.
　　 But in any case, they must quarrel on this topic.
　　 So, there are more and more voices about Link's "dare to face the super high ranking".
　　 "Of course he dare not face it. What is the concept of sixth place? Is he really better than Wilt Chamberlain?"
　　 "Link has only three championship rings, but he ranks above Kobe, who has five championship rings, seriously?"
　　 "Did Bill Simmons update his ranking when he was drunk? I admit that Link deserves a higher ranking, but sixth in history? This is too much."
　　 The Grizzlies and the Clippers are about to fight, but people don't care about the game at all.
　　All forums and social media are talking about whether Link is qualified.
　　 Some people admit Link, others think Link is not qualified. The quarrel between the fans didn't mean to stop at all. This incident even involved Bill Simmons, who was only the author.
　　 Bill Simmons has always been a controversial figure.
　　 But none of his columns have been as controversial as they are today.
　　 The huge sensation and quarrel caused in the afternoon, Bill Simmons had to respond to the fans' heated discussion on his social media.
"First of all, I think Link is worthy of such a ranking. Based on one point, he has done things that many people have not done, and all the records he broke are written down to make you look dazzling. His strength, His versatility is unmatched by many great players."
"Of course, some people will say that he only has three championship rings. God, three rings are enough, and there are only two great players like Hakim Olajuwon! And these three rings, It’s still three seasons in a row. Isn’t a player who has established a dynasty worthy of recognition? With your fingers counting, there are a few people in the entire NBA history who have led the team to three consecutive championships."
"Furthermore, Link's career is not over yet. I am pretty sure that the number of rings in his hand will not always stay at 3. Do you know why I only rank him sixth? Because he has not yet reached himself. The final form. If Link gets a few more rings in the future, let alone surpass Kobe, I might rank him ahead of Michael!"
　　 "Also, this is my ranking, I can rank as I want, don't watch it if you don't like it!"
　　 Simmons' response was very tough, and he didn't mean to "kneel and lick" the fans.
　　 Actually, Link and Simmons are alike in some ways.
　　 Link is a "big villain" in the league, and Simmons is also considered to be the most difficult writer in ESPN.
　　 He has always been his own way, and his mouth is silent. No matter for the fans or the stars, they never show mercy.
　　 Because in his concept, few people in this world know the NBA better than him.
　　 If what he said is not authoritative, then what other people say is fart.
　　 Simmons did not accept the suggestions of the fans at all, stubbornly thinking that Link's ranking is not high at all.
　　 This not only did not calm the argument, but made the matter worse.
　　 So the signs were even drawn to Link's opponent Chris Paul.
　　 "I don't care where he ranks, I don't care at all. No matter where he ranks, we will go all out today to win." Paul looked serious, and he didn't want to join the argument.
　　 Unknowingly, Paul has been with the Clippers for five years. When he joined the Clippers, the expectations of him and Griffin were very high.
　　 In the past five years, Paul's career achievements have almost stagnated.
　　Don't talk about the championship, he and the Clippers have never even touched the edge of the Western Conference championship.
　　 And how many five years can a player's career be delayed?
　　 Before, Paul could still say that he had a long way to go. But now, Paul will be 32 years old in six months!
　　 For a professional player, his path is really not that long.
　　 He wants to lead the team to compete for the championship, so he can only take advantage of these few years.
　　 If he can't do it in the past few years, then he is likely to become the next John Stockton or Steve Nash-no title for life!
　　Paul knows that this is a season that he must let go. If the Clippers are still stagnant this year...Paul may choose to find another way out!
　　Paul also knows very well that the Clippers management has actually begun to lose patience. They have an excellent lineup every year ~EbookFREE.me~ They are strong teams every year, but they just can't make further progress in the playoffs.
　　If the Clippers continue to break down in the playoffs this year, the management might also push the entire team down and rebuild.
　　 Jordan, Griffin, and Paul have all passed their golden age, and it doesn’t make much sense for the team to continue to consume them. So once the Clippers decide to push to rebuild, the three of them will definitely part ways.
　　 So, Paul knows very well. This year is their last chance!
　　 If you can't get any results this year, everything will change.
　　 To get results in the playoffs, you need to pass the Warriors and Grizzlies!
　　 Today’s game, the Clippers and Paul will win anyway!
　　 "You mean, do you also think that Link's ranking is a bit high?" The reporters would not let Paul go easily. Every question they asked would lead Paul to Link's ranking.
　　 "I don't know, but after this game, everyone should know. If Link is really as good in the rankings, then he should be able to win the game." After Paul finished speaking, he turned his head and walked towards the player tunnel.
　　 Ranked sixth in history?
　　 Well, if you can beat Link, who is sixth, you can definitely prove that you have the ability to win the championship!
　　 Although the Grizzlies fight back-to-back and are at a physical disadvantage, who cares?
　　 The winner is the winner, no one will wonder how the loser loses.
　　 Paul clenched his fists. He thought that this might be a good opportunity for him.