basketball player

255 Chapter 253: Going out in person

"I can't get in touch with that child." When Henson and An Jiali left the small town of Oia two days later, Silas gave Henson such an answer.

"Can't get in touch?" Henson was a little surprised. Are there any players in this world that Silas can't get in touch with?

"I heard that his parents are illegal immigrants, so they are very cautious with people. I can't find any information about them. All I know is that the kid plays for Filas Ridix, the Greek second division team, but he is only 17 years old. He was also an illegal immigrant before he was 18 years old and automatically obtained Greek citizenship. This situation is very special. But to be honest, Henson, there are a lot of 17-year-old talents waiting for us in the United States.

"17 years old. I can participate in the draft next year. Anyway, I need to see him play one game. We only need one game to know whether he is worth it. By the way, what is the name of the kid?" Henson has always been curious about how to pronounce the bunch of letters together.

"Yannis."

"You know that's not what I'm asking, Stephen."

"Giannis Antetokounmpo!" Silas held back his strength, and finally read out the full name of the "Greek monster". "Damn, I doubt whether the NBA team's jersey is enough to write his name!"

"That's not something we should consider, Stephen. Well, enjoy your vacation now. Put Antetokounmpo's affairs aside. When the time is right, I will take you to watch the game." After finishing speaking, Henson hung up the phone.

Antetokounmpo. What a tongue-twisting name.

※※※

By the time Henson and Anjali returned to Indianapolis, it was mid-July.In fact, Henson had postponed his return as much as possible, because he really didn't want the tour with An Jiali to end so soon.

But there is no way, July means that the NBA transfer market has opened.Although the Pacers, as a championship team, do not have any major transformation and reinforcement plans this summer, they only focus on stable development.But even so, it is impossible for the Pacers to have nothing to do with the transfer market.

So even if Henson still enjoys the free time for nearly a month, he must stop temporarily and return to work first.

Before Henson returned, Bird had discussed and finalized three contract changes with Henson by phone.

First, Kirk Hinrich, a former member of the Dream Team, left Indianapolis contented after receiving a championship ring.

Hinrich actually hovered on the edge of the rotation last season, and he knows very well that he will likely fall directly out of Henson's rotation next season.Although Hinrich is not as good at playing as before, he has not yet reached the point where he can only sit on the bench.

Therefore, the white guard made it clear that he would not re-sign with the team, while expressing gratitude for his time in Indianapolis.

Neither Henson nor Bird prevented Hinrich from leaving. Henson must admit that Hinrich's position in the team has become more and more backward.With Paul in the front and Stephenson in the back, Hinrich's playing time next season may be further compressed.Rather than letting Hinrich sit on the bench at the Conseco Arena, it is better not to delay others.

So the two sides hit it off and "broke up peacefully". Hinrich left Indianapolis with his thanks and a hard-won championship ring, while the Chicago Bulls ushered back their veteran point guard for two years and $2 million.

The second personnel change is about Pacers veteran Jeff Foster.

Henson didn't have much contact with Foster. After all, most of the time when Henson coached the team, Foster was not selected for the official roster, and Foster's name was not included in the 12-man roster for this year's playoffs.But this white center who has dedicated his entire career to Indianapolis still enjoys a high reputation in the local area, so Henson also respects him very much.

Foster announced his retirement immediately after the end of the season, ending his 13-year career.In this regard, Henson and Byrd naturally also sent their blessings.Of course, this also means that the era of "old walkers" is completely over.Now Indianapolis has ushered in the full "rule" of Henson!
Henson actually still has some feelings about Foster's departure. After all, the career of this white center is too "alternative".If Foster wants to write an autobiography, the title of the book can be called: "How does a white man with basically no offensive ability rely on hard work, toughness, defense, rebounding, and fierce fouls to not be abandoned for 12 consecutive years in a brutally competitive league like the NBA, and earn a total of 5000 million US dollars in his career."

Although Hinrich and Foster's departure of the two veterans is a bit sad, the fact is that the departure of these two veterans will not have any impact on the Pacers' rotation.After all, the team already had no place for them last season.

And this third contract change will have a greater impact on Henson's team.

Danny Green decided to stay in Indianapolis with a three-year, $3 million contract, which made Henson very pleased.As the starting third position of the Pacers last season, although Green's average data is only 1128 points and less than 9.1 rebounds per game, the value of this guy cannot be judged by data.

So for this contract extension, Henson and Bird immediately agreed with a wave of their hands.First, the three-year contract of 3 million yuan is really very cost-effective.Secondly, Danny Green's continued stay also allowed Henson's lineup to remain intact.

Henson didn't even meet Green in person before the extension was done.After all, Green likes this group very much, and other teams have not offered him a good offer.With a similar salary, Green would definitely prefer to stay.

Before Henson returned, the Pacers had already dealt with the above three contract changes.And this time Henson returns because of the potential fourth change, which is much more complicated than the first three.

Coach Henson had to go out when he had to.But different from the past, this time Henson is not going to persuade others to stay or join, but to persuade others to leave.

※※※

The summer in Indianapolis is actually not too lively. Since the championship parade that almost everyone participated in, the city has gradually returned to its former calm.

So driving in the Carmel district of Indianapolis, only the empty streets "traveled" with Henson.

Carmel District is one of the most famous wealthy districts in Indianapolis. It has a beautiful environment, and there are rows of small villas with a sense of technology. The preparatory school of Indiana University is also established here.However, it is a little far away from the urban area, so it looks somewhat deserted.Or, call it quiet.

Henson stopped the car in front of a two-story small villa by an artificial lake. Compared with his own small house, this place can be described as "luxury".

It can be clearly seen that a small basketball court has been built in the yard in front of the villa.Next to the basketball court, there is also a swimming pool.Henson shook his head, maybe he should build such a house to enjoy himself.Back then, the little devil who could only live in a rented apartment and watch the draft live on TV, surely never imagined that he would be able to live in such a mansion one day.

Henson smiled and rang the doorbell of the mansion.There is a gold plate under the doorbell that reads "Matthews".

"Boss, you're here! Come in quickly, my mother has prepared some snacks for you!" Wesley Matthews greeted him with a smile. He had been preparing for Henson's arrival for a long time.

This black guy knows very well that if it weren't for this coach, he would not be able to live the life he is today.

After Matthews got closer, Henson deliberately put on a straight face and made a very serious expression.

"You know what I'm here for today, Matthews. Get out, get out and get your big contract! The Blazers' 5-year 3300 million, and the Pacers' 3-year 1200 million are not the same concept!" The Chinese coach said straight to the point.

(End of this chapter)