Chapter 127: Decisive Battle in Chicago
50cent is a rising star in the East Coast rap world. Once this song was released, it immediately attracted a lot of attention. Now that Eminem has retired and JAY-Z has become more prominent and rarely releases albums, 50cent has naturally become the most influential and highest-selling rapper in the United States. The title of his song happens to be a pun, and yang and young are pronounced the same. Therefore, Yang Mo has attracted the attention of many young people.
Generally speaking, people who listen to rap songs are very rebellious, and Yang Mo's image is so unruly, with a look of "no one can mess with me". And it is this look that quickly won him the love of this group, because these guys love this look.
It can be said that this song by 50cent quickly attracted millions of young fans in North America for Yang Mo, which was a perfect marketing campaign. And the main body of the marketing was Yang Mo.
Before, David Stern was still worried about Yang Mo's image problem. Now that this song is out, it is equivalent to directly giving Yang Mo a positioning: an unruly rebel.
This image is perfect for attracting teenagers. Little do they know that Iverson's jersey sales still rank among the top three in the NBA. This is the power of these naughty kids.
Therefore, David Stern immediately informed the referees of the referee association. This meant that in the future, Yang Mo should not be called for fouls that could be called or not. If he provoked the fans on the road, he should not be called for fouls unless it was too much. David Stern did not want a good "Iverson seedling" to be turned into a roaring god Raheem Wallace by those referees.
In fact, this is equivalent to David Stern giving Yang Mo a superstar treatment. Although Yang Mo's strength and appeal have not yet reached that level, the league has already trained him in that direction.
Give him privileges and opportunities to show his rebelliousness. If he is sent off after a few roars, it will be too boring and will directly destroy this seedling that has not yet grown into a cash cow.
If Lu Xueman knew that David Stern had made Yang Mo a special focus, she would be overjoyed, but she didn't seem to be in that mood now. Her mother, who she depended on for everything, was admitted to the intensive care unit, and she had to stay by her side, so she had no time to take care of Yang Mo's agency business.
Yang Mo had no objection to this, because he was confident in himself. As time went by, his commercial sponsorship would definitely increase and would not decrease. Therefore, it was necessary to reject some worthless endorsements at this time, so as not to lower the grade in the future.
Due to the league's suspension, Yang Mo appeared in Atlanta's away game wearing a suit.
Originally Yang Mo thought that this game would be lost without any suspense, but Beasley was unexpectedly in great form, and Marion kept throwing in three-pointers after three-pointers with his big shot from outside the three-point line. Coupled with Wade's usual stable performance, this difficult away game was actually won easily.
After the game, the reporter on the sidelines did not interview Shawn Marion, who scored 32 points in the game, but walked directly to Yang Mo and asked, "Yang, what do you think of 50cent's song?"
"He wrote down exactly what I was thinking. I admire his talent, just like he admires my basketball skills," Yang Mo replied with a smile.
"Nowadays, many young people are beginning to like you more and more. Do you think it is because of this song or other reasons?" the reporter asked again.
"Of course, it has a lot to do with this song. But I think it's more about me. I have the aura that young people should have. I will destroy anyone who dares to provoke me. This is the arrogance of young people. Those stupid basketball commentators who hide behind their computers every day and analyze others' data can't understand this kind of thing. Their old brains are just like their weak little brothers. They don't know what manliness is." Yang Mo smiled and scolded those basketball commentators who criticized him again. Now Yang Mo has completely broken with that group. If you criticize me, I will scold you in different ways.
"Your opponent in the next game is the Chicago Bulls. A week ago, you had a verbal confrontation with Chicago's center Joakim Noah. Do you think you can win against him?" the reporter continued to ask.
"Of course. Anyone who provokes me will be taught a lesson by me, and Joakim Noah is no exception." Yang Mo said very arrogantly.
"Okay, then I wish you can get good data in the game the day after tomorrow and lead the team to victory."
"Thank you. I will."
Yang Mo waved and disappeared from the camera.
When Yang Mo's interview video appeared on TV and major video websites, it once again sparked a large-scale discussion. This time, it was no longer an overwhelming criticism from one side. More and more young fans stood up to speak for Yang Mo and actively debated with those who slandered Yang Mo.
Yang Mo's phrase "I will destroy anyone who dares to provoke me" quickly became a golden phrase among young people. They love this tone. They think Yang Mo is right. Young people should be arrogant. Those who criticize Yang Mo are old guys who can't get hard anymore. Under this established thinking, strong differences are bound to arise, and then the groups begin to split based on age, and then fight each other.
If everyone is scolding a player, then his commercial value is zero. If everyone is praising a player, then his commercial value has basically reached its limit. But... if half of the people are scolding a player and half of the people are praising him, then, very good, his commercial value is about to reach its peak.
Only controversies can create topics, and topics can attract attention. When attention increases, the commercial value will naturally increase. This is the so-called eye-catching economy.
Amidst this mixed discussion, Yang Mo followed the team to Chicago, the territory of his good brother Derrick Rose.
However, when Yang Mo arrived in Chicago, he was not welcomed, but booed and cursed. Chicago fans of course supported their center Joakim Noah, so about 200 fans blocked the hotel where the Heat stayed, constantly making noise to try to disturb Yang Mo. Unfortunately... Yang Mo fell asleep as soon as he touched the pillow, and their methods did not torture Yang Mo at all.
Yang Mo was not tortured, but most of the other teammates were tormented and fell asleep late at night, so when they gathered the next day, they were a little listless, and one or two even had puffy eyes. There was nothing they could do. They had just flown in from Atlanta, and the long journey was tiring, and with the noise of these fans, they were completely exhausted.
This is not good news for the Heat, and even less good news for Yang Mo.
At this time, Joakim Noah was already on TV, saying, "We will definitely beat the Heat tonight, and I will definitely beat Yang until his face is full of tears. Young people should be arrogant, but they should be like me. Not like that Chinese guy who bullies the weak."
Bullying the weak?
Yang Mo muttered, thinking: Who the hell do you think you are? Zach Randolph, Kenyon, Martin, and Nene all have more experience than you? All of them are more powerful than you? You are so arrogant!
As a bystander couldn't stand it anymore, and those involved were even more angry. Although they had all been taught a lesson by Yang Mo, at this time they were more looking forward to Yang Mo teaching Joakim Noah a lesson and letting this grandson know who the hell is the weak one.
