Start coaching the Thunder, starting with Westbrook

Chapter 5 Thunder Boss Invitation

Oklahoma City, home of the Thunder.

The predecessor of the Thunder was the Supersonics, a strong team in the Western Conference, but in 06, Oklahoma businessman Clay Bennett bought the Supersonics. After changing the name, he advocated relocating it from Seattle to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant was the last of the Sonics' rookies, and he had hoped to become the "Son of Seattle."

But the arm can't twist the thigh, even if the Seattle fans are eager to keep him, it will be difficult to change the determination of the new boss.

Now after spending the team's fifth season in a new city and a new arena, the Thunder has become a well-known powerhouse in the Western Conference. All of this success actually comes from the team's excellent draft.

In the second year after Durant was selected, they selected Westbrook with the No. [-] pick in the first round. In the third year, they selected James Harden with the No. [-] pick. Together with the [-]-year-old Spaniard, they formed the "Thunder Four" and reached the finals last year.

It's a pity that it was overthrown by James' Heat in the end, and this combination fell apart because of a mere few million during the offseason.

Harden left for Houston and formed the so-called "Harlem" combination with Jeremy Lin.

It's a pity that in the first year after the separation, both sides were frustrated. Although the Thunder won the first place in the Western Conference, they lost Westbrook in the first round of the playoffs, and lost to the Grizzlies in the second round. A season of hard work fell short again.

Harden played against the old master in the eighth place in the West, and then was sent home for fishing 2:4.

For the Thunder today, they not only have to sum up the past failed season, but also have to consider Westbrook's injury.

For a guard whose body exploded and played with his explosive body, the injury that was reimbursed for the season affected all aspects. Li Sheng knew that this injury was actually far more serious than everyone imagined, which caused Westbrook to overdraw his body.

In the end, at the age that should have been the last peak, he fell down early, his reputation was ruined, and he was displaced.

However, in the eyes of the Thunder, they still have a chance to make a comeback. They think that if it were not for this unexpected injury this year, they would have hoped to reach the finals for revenge.

At this time, Presti felt very strange. He received a call from the boss and rushed to his villa, but got a very strange order from him, asking him to collect information about the Chinese assistant coach Li Sheng of the Spurs, and to send him an invitation during the offseason.

But Presti has always been a good subordinate who takes money and does things obediently, so despite his doubts, he still obeyed the order and collected all the information about Li Sheng first.

Having been in the league for so many years, Presti's contacts needless to say, after a little inquiry, Li Sheng's simple and thin resume was fully displayed in front of his eyes.

"Graduated from UCLA, obtained the coaching qualification certificate after graduation, and then passed the interview of Popovich, became the assistant coach of the Spurs, responsible for the team's tactics. This year won the championship with the Spurs..."

There is nothing to say about his previous experience, and he seems to be an ordinary young man. What is worth noting is the latest news about him. Many people mentioned the last game of the finals, and the rotation at the decisive moment came from his suggestion.

Popovich also specifically named his credit, and seemed to be very optimistic about him.

Then the Al-Quds Daily also reported today that Li Sheng and Leonard had a private dinner. It seems that the two rising stars of the team have a good relationship.

Presti consciously understood the meaning of the boss, he was obviously dissatisfied with the team coach Sturt Brooks.

Maybe many people don't believe it. Before last year's finals, the outside world was more optimistic about the Thunder's youth storm than the Heat's Big Three who had failed in the finals once. Moreover, the Thunder also won the first game at home and showed momentum.

Of course, there may also be a relationship where the Heat are Public Enemy, so everyone will want the Thunder to beat them.

As a result, the Thunder lost four games in a row and lost that championship.

In Bennett's view, obviously the team's biggest shortcoming is the head coach.

And sure enough, with a good record in the regular season this year, after Westbrook was injured in the second game of the first round, the Thunder lost three games in a row and then lost two games in a row.

Where did Brooks' adjustment go?
Even without Westbrook, is the lineup gap so big and vulnerable?

Especially this year's championship came with an unfavorable lineup, who was able to defend Popovich, who won the series at the critical moment. Bennett only felt that Brooks was stinky, and his biggest mistake was to renew his contract before.

The good thing is that Brooks' contract is not big, as long as there are better options, he can be changed with all his heart.

However, why does the boss think that the Spurs assistant coach, a Chinese who has never proven himself, is a better choice than Brooks?
Although he didn't understand, Presti took the initiative to contact Li Sheng after finding the information.

The voice on the phone seemed very young, and when he revealed his identity, the other party's reaction was also a little strange.

"It's really Thunder?!"

Presti was a little puzzled, but still smiled and said, "Mr. Li, let me call you Li. If you don't believe me, you can show Popovich my phone and ask him if it's me."

He also played tricks here. It was rumored that Li Sheng was favored by Popovich and wanted to be his successor. If Popovich knew of his invitation, from Popovich’s attitude, it might be inferred that Li Sheng was just a fake or a real talent, and he was indeed valued by the Spurs.

Li Sheng didn't doubt it right away, but smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I just can't believe it, Mr. Presti, what can I do for you?"

"This..." Presti thought for a while, but said directly: "Actually, I have been ordered by Mr. Bennett to invite you to meet in Oklahoma to discuss something."

This is basically a clear statement, and the other side really said excitedly: "Really, what time, I will go there right away?"

Presti smiled. Sure enough, this temptation is not something that ordinary people can resist. Not to mention a powerful Western power like the Thunder, even if it is the Kings, Timberwolves, and Suns who are at the bottom, few people can refuse an invitation.

Of course, he also played his mind. If the meeting doesn't go well, then there's nothing to say. If it goes well, Brooks doesn't just open it up.

It's not just a contract issue, but Durant, Westbrook and Brooks, who are the star players, have a good relationship and support him.

What's more, the Thunder currently have a consensus. If Westbrook is not injured, they will be fine. They are all waiting for a comeback under the leadership of Brooks next season. At this time, what's the matter with changing the coach who seems to have no big mistakes on the surface?

Even if it is the boss's decision, it is not non-negotiable. At least Presti thinks, let Li Sheng come over first and then become an assistant, and then we can talk about the situation.

In the coaching staff of a team, assistants also have high and low status. Although Li Sheng is currently in charge of tactical training and planning in the Spurs, his position is not high, so if he can come to the Thunder as the first assistant, the result will not be bad.

Then Presti made an appointment with Li Sheng. According to the boss's intention, naturally the sooner the better.

It happened that after Li Sheng participated in the championship parade, he had enough rest time, so he set the meeting time for two days later.

At that time, Li Sheng will come to Oklahoma City and go to Bennett's villa with Presti to meet him.

(End of this chapter)