Chapter 3: System
***
"Sickle, I was very impressed by your three-pointer the last time we played against each other. I think our cooperation will be very pleasant," DeRozan said as he packed up and walked out of the room. He joined Lian Dao, who was getting familiar with the environment on the sofa in the living room.
"Of course, your mid-range shots are incredibly accurate, and your dunks are powerful. But right now, I think we should fill our stomachs and then head to the court for a warm-up. I haven't eaten since morning, and I'm already getting hungry."
"Okay, let's eat first, and then we'll play some ball. We haven't played against each other for a long time. Don't let me down," DeRozan agreed readily.
"Hahaha..." Lian Dao laughed, though with a hint of guilt. Given his current physical condition, challenging an NBA-level player like DeRozan might not end well.
Lian Dao didn't want to risk embarrassment out of overconfidence.
He actually wanted to train before the day after tomorrow to assess his current level and thoroughly understand his physical condition. This way, he could formulate a reasonable training plan.
His previous life as a trainer made him realize that he once had the potential to enter the highest level of professional basketball leagues. However, he missed out on systematic training during the crucial period from high school to university to enhance his physical fitness.
While some talents, such as height and wingspan, are innate, others can be improved through systematic training, like jumping and speed. Additionally, certain skills can be developed to an All-Star level through rigorous training, such as shooting and passing.
Lian Dao wanted to get familiar with his body as soon as possible and then formulate a training plan. His goal was to improve his strength enough to enter the NBA this year.
This may seem like a fantasy to others, but Lian Dao stands tall at 203cm with a wingspan of 223cm. His palm length measures an impressive 24.72cm, while the width of his open hand spans 29cm. These dimensions are comparable to those of legends like Jordan, with only slight variations.
Such proportions of height, wingspan, and hand size are rare even among NBA talents, granting Lian Dao unique advantages on the court. However, to fully utilize these physical gifts, he must first attain the basic fitness standards required in the NBA, which currently elude him.
Lian Dao is determined to elevate his strength and skills to NBA levels within a year. Achieving this goal demands not only a meticulous and systematic training regimen but also a relentless dedication bordering on extreme measures.
Such "life-threatening" training requires precise body control, something Lian Dao, drawing on his experience as a basketball trainer in his previous life, is confident he can manage.
***
Most of the restaurants at USC were self-service, offering a wide variety of lunch options, and the two of them chose dishes they liked.
Lian Dao's current physique didn't require him to be overly cautious about his diet. He ordered five hamburgers and some meat, aiming for high-calorie and high-fat supplements to counter his thin frame. He knew these calories would be crucial for muscle development through rigorous training.
When DeRozan caught sight of the hefty dinner plate Lian Dao carried, his eyes nearly bulged in disbelief. He had never imagined that someone as slender and tall as Lian Dao could pack away so much food.
After finishing their meal at the restaurant, the two headed to an outdoor basketball court near the stadium.
Lian Dao gripped the basketball with a hint of nervousness. Despite his renewed confidence in pursuing a career in professional basketball after his rebirth, memories of his previous life's setbacks still lingered, leaving him somewhat apprehensive.
Although many NBA players appear thin, their positional toughness and skills are formidable.
Each player who makes a mark in the NBA possesses unique abilities. Steve Nash's graceful passing redefined the point guard position, while Stephen Curry revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. Interestingly, Curry's bench press maxes out at 84 kg, 10 reps, with a body fat percentage of just 5.6%.
Given this opportunity through rebirth, Lian Dao felt a profound responsibility to make the most of it, honoring those who had paved the way for him.
Shaking off distracting thoughts, he focused on the moment. "Let's decide who attacks first with a three-pointer", Lian Dao proposed, bouncing the basketball.
"Are you serious? Why not just go for it?" DeRozan, feeling challenged by the suggestion of a three-pointer, insisted on initiating the game.
"Sorry about that. I forgot that you don't know how to shoot three-pointers", Lian Dao remarked casually, his expression less apologetic and more inviting of someone to punch his face.
"I'm just not consistent, not incapable", DeRozan retorted, frustration evident in his tone.
Lian Dao raised an eyebrow. "Is there really a difference?"
DeRozan sighed, conceding. "Never mind. You go first?"
"Alright!" Lian Dao responded cheerfully, a small grin creeping onto his face. He began to dribble the basketball confidently, preparing to take his shot.
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SYSTEM INITIALIZING
...
...
...
NBA TALENT INHERITANCE SYSTEM ACTIVATED
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"I rely on..." Lian Dao was taken aback by the sudden voice, his mind racing with the realization that this could be his golden opportunity.
"What's wrong, buddy?" DeRozan was puzzled by Lian Dao's startled expression, assuming discomfort due to the lack of warm-up after their meal.
"It's nothing, just a bit surprised. Maybe I need to stretch out a bit. I'll do some exercises over there," Lian Dao said casually, passing the basketball to DeRozan.
Lian Dao stood outside the court, staring intently at the golden icon that had just appeared in his mind. His initial excitement at realizing he had acquired a mysterious system was quickly replaced by confusion when the system didn't respond to his inquiries.
"Are you there, system?" Lian Dao muttered, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice as seconds ticked by without a response. Lian Dao furrowed his brow, tapping his temple lightly as if trying to wake the system up.
"Could it be that the way to open it is wrong?" Lian Dao mused aloud, pacing the small room. "Come out quickly, baby, I promise I won't beat you to death."
He chuckled nervously, remembering stories of ancient martial arts manuals hidden within fictional old men in novels. But this was no novel; this was his reality, and the system remained silent.
"Just my luck," Lian Dao muttered, his excitement turning into frustration. He glanced at the golden icon in his mind's eye, trying to discern any clues or prompts that might activate it.
Suddenly, a soft chime resonated in his head, startling Lian Dao. [System activation completed], a robotic voice finally spoke, cutting through the silence.
Lian Dao blinked, taken aback by the unexpected response. "It was you who brought me back to life," he blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity. "Why did you choose me, and what role do you have?"
[Insufficient Authority], the system replied in its mechanical tone.
Lian Dao sighed, realizing he wouldn't get straightforward answers. "Fine," he muttered, deciding to focus on practical matters. "What can you do? What benefits do I get from this system?"
[First, let me introduce you to the system's attributes. It's called the 'NBA Talent Inheritance System,' developed by a basketball-loving scientist in 2838 with the aim of creating the ultimate basketball player. This system catalogues the talents of all NBA players, past and present].
[However, due to dimensional shuttle triggers, post-2012 NBA player talents are permanently locked and can only be unlocked over time. Only talents and templates from NBA players before 2012 can be accessed under specific conditions].
[The NBA Talent Inheritance System includes a wide range of abilities and life skills from NBA players. Through this system, you can acquire talent skills, templates, and training bonuses. Additionally, defeating opponents can earn you their jerseys, which can be used for jersey talent lotteries. It's important to note that rewards from the system are strictly personal and cannot be transferred to others; violations of this rule will result in immediate obliteration].
After familiarizing himself with the system's basic functions, Lian Dao couldn't resist a cheeky remark. "Did you even ask for my opinion before bringing me back to life, system? Isn't that a bit disrespectful? Maybe you should compensate me for this unexpected reincarnation," he quipped, eyeing the system's interface with a mischievous grin.
The system remained silent for a moment, perhaps stunned by Lian Dao's audacity, unsure how to respond to such a request.
[Due to the host's shameless request], the robotic voice finally replied, [the system can offer compensation this time, but let it be known it's a one-time deal. The final decision rests with the system].
"What compensation, Jordan's finesse, O'Neal's strength, or Chamberlain's dominance... Ugh, body," Lian Dao muttered automatically and systematically, inadvertently voicing his inner thoughts.
[Congratulations, host, on receiving a novice gift package and a compensation gift package. Here are the physical attributes of the host].
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Host: Lian Dao "Sickle"
Position: Small Forward
Currently Included Jerseys: 0
Birthday: 1990.12.15
Height: 203cm (205cm)
Wingspan: 223cm
Weight: 82kg
Bounce: 46 (62)
Strength: 41 (63)
Sprint speed: 52 (64)
Lateral speed: 64 (72)
Dexterity: 53 (73)
Stamina: 52 (64)
Field of view: 86 (93)
Basketball IQ: 98
Skill Evaluation:
Ball handling: 73 (78)
Passing: 64 (79)
Breakthroughs: 47 (62)
Finishing: 51 (69)
Mid-range shooting: 50 (73)
Three-point shooting: 74 (81)
Rebounding: 52 (64)
Defense: 54 (72)
Injury resistance: 40
PS: The upper limit of talent can be increased by completing tasks within the NBA Talent Inheritance System, while physical attributes can reach the current talent rating through rigorous training—represented by the bracket score.
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Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone