start with scouting

Chapter 704 The Heart of a Champion

"What did you say?"

Cousins ​​asked subconsciously, and the thought that flashed in his mind was, "I am reimbursed for this season, and most of the state will decline in the future. I can take the opportunity to lower the price, or even give up the contract renewal. I actually offered to give me a maximum salary and a long-term contract. I Did you hear me right? '

It is said that Su Yang can offer a low salary for one year first, and then decide whether to make a long-term contract according to the situation, and at the same time, he can keep Lavin.

But making a promise directly, although it has no legal effect, Su Yang's promise has always been guaranteed, and it is by no means empty talk.

Seeing that Cousins ​​showed two expressions of doubt and expectation at the same time, Su Yang smiled and repeated: "I will give you a 4-year maximum salary extension, and I will also give you player options. That is the treatment you deserve. I am now Speaking out, I only hope that you can recover from your injuries at ease..."

The original offer for Cousins ​​was 4 million US dollars for 1.28 years, but Cousins ​​did not sign the contract before. This injury may be reimbursed for one year. Su Yang has no plan to reduce the price. The only problem is that the contract will not get the injury regulations. Can apply this season.

"I, uh..."

Cousins ​​didn't know what to say for a while, and he was feeling in his heart where to find a good boss like Su Yang. After retiring, he would fight to join the coaching staff or the management team. He must repay the kindness of his knowledge. That trust is more important than money .

"I understand what you mean..."

Su Yang held Cousins' right hand tightly, "You first follow Dr. Kaufman's arrangement and accept the operation patiently. I will send someone to bring your family to you later, but wait until you recover from your injury. , You must lose weight."

During the off-season, Cousins ​​was given the task of losing weight, but Cousins ​​failed to do so, probably because of the decline in fighting spirit after the three-peat championship. Lose pressure.

Anyway, weight is a double-edged sword. O'Neill was at his peak, but Zion the Fat Tiger broke himself.

Leaving the infirmary, Su Yang ran into Xin Ji who happened to come over to inquire about the situation, and the two turned to the office on the third floor.

"Cousins ​​suffered a stress fracture and will be reimbursed at least for the season. When he can play again depends on his recovery. Next, we need to find a center player, preferably the one who can stay next season. It doesn't matter whether he can defend , Mainly for weight protection and guaranteed rebounds, mid-range and long-range shots are the best, the candidate I think of now is Nets center Brock Lopez..."

After Su Yang finished speaking, Xinji thought for a moment, took out his mobile phone and quickly swipe to browse, and then said: "His current salary is 2264 million, and the total salary of the Nets is still 425 million US dollars. He will definitely be willing to trade with us. There are exceptions for injuries. No need to think about the balance, but we're making a trade at a time like this, they're definitely going to want the pick, and we're going to generate as much as…"

"It doesn't matter if you pay an extra 1000 million in luxury tax. It is acceptable to trigger the continuous luxury tax one year in advance. We still have the strength to compete for the championship. We can't just give up. Anyway, the plan has changed. I got the draft pick from the Lakers before and gave it to the basketball team. net."

Before trading George to the Lakers, the Kings got the first round of the Lakers in 19. Considering the record of the Lakers, it is difficult to select a powerful rookie in 19. They simply take advantage of the rebuilding of the Nets and want to get rid of Lopez’s contract. a cooperation.

"Then which player will we send here?"

"Let them choose, Dorian or Javent Green are fine, if you don't want it, give them an extra second round..."

"Then I will immediately apply for the injury special and contact the general manager of the Nets. How will Cousins ​​respond?"

"I have made a promise to him that the original quotation will remain unchanged, and we need to respond publicly to show our attitude."

There was a flash of surprise in Xin Ji's eyes, and a flash of relief, then he left the president's office and started making calls immediately.

Su Yang then calmed down, and couldn't help thinking about how to arrange the rotation and tactics without Cousins. Then he felt that it was useless to be anxious, so he simply picked up his mobile phone, edited the message and sent it to the team chat group. emerge.

"Boogie, be patient and recuperate, waiting for you to come back!"

"The coach did a great job and we'll get through it."

"I'm Derrick Rose, if you need experience in injury recovery, please feel free to dial the number noted..."

After a quick glance at the content of the news, Su Yang found that the King's generals were not depressed, but rather feeling more and more courageous. An average team may collapse.

It can only be said that the construction of the King's team culture is very successful. Even if they have not encountered serious injuries in the past few years, they can still maintain a good mentality, which also shows that the offensive and defensive system is very successful. Unlike many teams, the main players are completely injured Can't fight.

At noon the next day, the Kings announced that Cousins ​​would be reimbursed for the injured season, and various people and organizations responded.

The gaming company BETWAY first increased the odds of the King’s championship from the second-to-last to the fifth-to-last, indicating that they believe the probability of the King’s championship. After the Cavaliers, Rockets, Warriors, and Spurs, the odds became 1 to 2.35.

ESPN then adjusted the team's combat power rankings and re-ranked the Kings seventh in the league, but did not give detailed reasons.

Bill Simmons, a well-known Kemi and well-known commentator, wrote in a somewhat eccentric manner: "It is sad that Cousins ​​is reimbursed for the season, but I must point out that Su Yang's offensive and defensive system is less dependent on Cousins. They can still achieve good results, the biggest suspense now is how the king will fill the vacant center position, and how Su Yang will make adjustments..."

Many fans believe that Su Yang will choose to train Zhou Qi vigorously, give up competing for the first place in the Western Conference by the way, let Curry and other players get enough rest and maintain health, enter the playoffs with the fourth place in the Western Conference, and gently win four consecutive championships. Unlike previous years, both the regular season and the playoffs have been destroyed all the way, winning 70+ games for three consecutive seasons, and even winning the playoffs 16-0.

In various discussions,

The Kings officially released a video of Su Yang’s interview with local media: Su Yang faced the camera and clearly promised to renew Cousins’ contract in the off-season with a four-year offer of 4 million US dollars, with full guarantees, and would not design any favors. Team options.

The only requirement is that Cousins ​​must lose weight, reduce the burden on his knees and ankles, and achieve a healthier state.

The video sparked a lot of discussion and quickly became a trending topic on Twitter.

Pippen tweeted: "Although I often criticize and question Su Yang, in terms of protecting the interests of players, he is the best owner in NBA history. If I am still playing and entering the free market, I will definitely Prioritize them."

Durant tweeted: "Honestly, I'm not surprised at all. When my brother Su Yang was coaching the Thunder, before he was worth billions of dollars, he used to treat people to dinner and give us Christmas gifts. Luxurious gifts, and he also offered to help those players with basic salaries or two-way contracts, money is only a small part of him, you should admire his professionalism!"

LeBron tweeted: "@苏阳, model! More than basketball! Great coach and owner! Salute to you!"

Amidst all kinds of compliments, the King flew to Los Angeles to face the Lakers back to back, and team doctor Kaufman allowed Curry to come back to play.

Su Yang arranged for Curry to take an extra rest. Anyway, if the team is broken, the morale of the team is high, so they can take the opportunity to show confidence.

In short, it is to shape a concept: without Curry, without Cousins, or even Antetokounmpo, you can still win.

The game starts at seven o'clock.

The king is like a wild dragon going out to sea. Rose and LaVine smashed the combination of Russell + Pope in the Lakers' backcourt. Antetokounmpo even beat Randall on both ends of the offense and defense. He led by 21 points in three quarters, and Kobe was so angry Wait for the big-name audience to leave early again.

It is said that the Lakers can at least have an advantage at the small forward position. After all, George is an offensive and defensive player, but Tatum's shooting touch is bursting.

After the game, the Kings beat the Lakers 119-86.

A total of 7 people scored in double figures, and Antetokounmpo scored 31 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists, adding to the All-Stars.

Su Yang immediately led the team back to Saskatchewan, and received a call from Xinji when he got off the plane, and learned that the application for special injury cases had been approved.

(End of this chapter)