basketball player

Chapter 127 125: Difficult choice
This was the first time that Hansen lazily woke up from the big bed, and An Jiali was still sleeping beside him.

The NBA hiatus has been longer than Henson imagined, much longer.He and An Jiali had fun for almost a whole summer, and they traveled all over half of the United States.From wearing a bikini on the beach to playing now having to wear a thick coat.

It is now November, and as usual, the new season has already started for a month.But now, until yesterday, November 11, labor negotiations finally came to an end.

"Sleep a little longer, won't you stay with me for the last morning?" An Jiali stretched out her hand to hold Henson who was sitting by the bed, feeling a little bit reluctant.

"If you sleep again, you won't be able to catch the plane, and you still have classes later." Henson kissed An Jiali's forehead lightly. Yes, it was a rare time that An Jiali had already started school, and he could still be so leisurely.

Speaking of which, 2011 is coming to an end.And I am already 32 years old
"After the season starts this year, you will be very busy." An Jiali sat up and rubbed her eyes. She was not wearing anything.

"Well, the season has shrunk this year, but it means that the schedule will be very dense. But don't worry, it's only four months from the beginning of the season to the end of the season."

"Four months? After the regular season, you still have to play in the playoffs." An Jiali said, slowly put on her clothes, and then began to toss her face.

Henson smiled, "That's right, maybe this year, our season will be longer."

Last season, the Pacers were eliminated in seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.This year, after getting Leonard, maybe the Pacers can go to the next level.
At noon, at San Francisco International Airport, Henson reluctantly said goodbye to An Jiali.

Although he said goodbye to his girlfriend, Henson estimated that he was going to meet his girlfriend's father soon.Today is November 11th, December 27th, and the new season is about to start.During this period, there was only less than a month. On December 12, the summer no, to be precise, the winter free agent market will start.

From reinforcement to run-in to the start of the regular season, every team's time is very tight.Therefore, Henson believed that meeting Vivek was indispensable during this period of time.After all, Vivek is different from Herbert. He still cares about the team's basketball affairs.Even if he doesn't interfere much with the team's signings, he will definitely participate in the discussion.

As soon as he landed in Indianapolis in the afternoon, the driver Carter drove Henson to the Conseco Arena.There, Bird, Vivek, and the coaching staff were already waiting for him.

The new season started very suddenly and everything had to be done against the clock.

"Henson, how is your vacation!?" As soon as Henson entered the hall of the arena, he met Vogel who had gained a lot of weight.

"It's almost bankrupt, hahahahaha. It seems that you are doing well, Frank, and your wife's cooking skills have improved again?"

"Stop teasing my stomach. I have to exercise with the players during this time. When do you plan to start the training camp for the new season?" Vogel didn't exchange many pleasantries. After two or three sentences, he focused on work.

"The sooner the better, now there is only one question. Regarding the Chris Paul deal, what are Bird and Vivek's plans." Henson's expression suddenly became serious. This deal will determine Henson's next signing plan and formation.Most importantly, this will allow Henson to experience the brutality of the NBA for himself.

No matter who the players are traded away, they are all important members who helped Henson win the country last season.After all, you can't get Paul just by throwing out some scraps.

Although Henson has also traded several players before, such as Mike Roberts, Troy Murphy, etc., it must be admitted that the relationship between Henson and these players is not as deep as that of the main players, and these players do not contribute much to the team.

"I've just arrived here, like you, Henson. I hope Byrd and Vivek have made up their minds."

Vogel spread his hands, and while talking, the two had already reached the door of Byrd's office.

Knocking on the door, Bird, Vivek, Pritchard and Silas were already sitting inside.All the giants of the Pacers are here, ready to discuss the winning plan for next season in a limited time.

"Henson, thank you for being with my daughter this summer. You know, I really don't have time. But I feel more at ease with you by my side."

As soon as Henson came in, Vivek nodded to Henson.

"Uh, it's nothing. In fact, I'm very happy with her." Henson touched his nose unnaturally. He didn't expect the scene to suddenly turn into "meeting the parents".

"Okay, let's talk about your marriage later. The labor negotiations are over, and now we have more important things to do." Bird said, lighting a cigar.

"First of all, it's about the team's signings. Chris Paul has been publicly sold by the Hornets, but the Hornets are difficult to deal with because they are now under the trusteeship of the league. If the Hornets lose enough attractive stars, it will definitely be difficult for the league to sell. So, even if Chris Paul is to be traded, the league will definitely open its mouth."

With Bird's words, Henson, who was still on vacation in the morning, was pulled into the working state instantly.

"So we don't have to make this deal. With the current lineup, we can do better than last season." Henson spread his hands, not because he didn't desire Paul, but because he couldn't bear his "children".

"Do you think it's better for the team not to make this deal?" Bird asked back.

This time, Henson couldn't answer.Because there is no doubt that getting Chris Paul will be more helpful to the improvement of the team's strength.After all, that's the best point guard in the league!

Seeing that Henson didn't answer, Bird seemed to see through Henson's mind, so he added: "I know you like those players under you very much, but this is still the NBA. Although I don't agree with the saying that business is business, I believe that the NBA is also humane. But from the perspective of the team, we must put results and strength above personal feelings."

"Well, I understand." Henson nodded. He is just a head coach, and the boss and the president are willing to discuss the transaction with him, which is already giving him a lot of face.

Most NBA coaches are actually just part-timers. Although they are directing the team, they have no right to ask about team personnel changes.Many coaches and teams have conflicts, and the conflicts actually lie here.

The coach needs a three-point shooter, but the management is likely to get a bunch of strong rough guys according to their wishes.The coach can't get the players he wants, the players can't play results, the management can't get results, and the management is dissatisfied. Many teams are in a vicious cycle like this
Only a small number of highly respected coaches, such as Popovich and "Zen Master", are eligible to intervene in team signings.There are also some head coaches who even hold the positions of head coach and general manager.

But Henson is just a head coach, and a rookie coach at that.For the current situation, he is already satisfied.After all, from the time he took office to the present, the team has almost been built according to his wishes.During this period, Bird and management never intervened.Even if Henson wanted to choose Stephenson last year, Bird helped Henson withstand the pressure from above.

So now, in the same way, he can't hinder the possibility of the team's progress because of his personal emotions.Just as Bird respected him, Henson had to respect Bird's ideas.

"My plan is to use Daniel Granger and Jrue Holiday as bargaining chips. Granger is an All-Star player, and Holiday has shown his impressive abilities last season. At most, we can get another 2014 draft pick." Bird said his plan. The 2012 draft pick Henson has been given to the Hawks for Horford. Only use 2013.

Bird believed that the Pacers must have been on the right track at that time and did not need too many rookies, so he decided to invest in this draft pick.

In NBA transactions, many times it is actually a choice between overdrafting the future and reinforcing the present.

Henson was heartbroken, but the price was a bit high.But if the transaction object is Chris Paul, it is not unworthy.

"We must join the competition as soon as possible. As far as I know, the Los Angeles Lakers are very close to Paul. Our chances are getting less and less. What do you think? Is this plan feasible?"

After Bird finished speaking, he looked around the company and a half.

"Okay." Vivek said.

"If you can get Paul, it's certainly worth it." Silas let go.

"I listened to Henson, he is the one who directs the team." Vogel spread his hands.

In the end, everyone's eyes fell on Henson.

Henson lowered his head, he didn't expect that he had to make such a difficult decision just after the holiday.

Granger and Holiday. Those are Henson's henchmen.Fortunately, Henson is equipped with the "goodbye friend" badge, which can minimize the damage caused by the transaction to the locker room.

After pondering for a while, Henson first sighed, and then stared at Bird.

"Then start asking the price."

(End of this chapter)