basketball player

Chapter 564 Chapter 562: Player against the Era

"Antetokounmpo renews his contract with the Pacers in advance for 4 million in 1 years, and the next face of the league determines his own ownership!"

"Giannis Antetokounmpo: I voluntarily cut my salary and it has nothing to do with the team's bid."

"Jeff Austin: I am very happy that Antetokounmpo can stay in Indianapolis. This is the best choice for him."

During training that afternoon, reporters flocked to the training ground of the Bankers Life Arena.There is no doubt that they were all attracted by Antetokounmpo's contract extension.

Looking at this situation, Henson was not surprised.After all, Antetokounmpo is now a first-tier star in the league.As one of the Eastern Conference All-Star starters, Antetokounmpo's ability to attract attention is beyond doubt.

But at night, voices of doubt really began to appear.The big tree attracts the wind, and Henson has long expected Antetokounmpo to be questioned.

There are two main voices of doubt, one is to question Antetokounmpo.This kind of doubt is the stupidest, because the 22-year-old Antetokounmpo has already demonstrated his potential to the fullest. 4 million spent on Antetokounmpo in 1 years is definitely not a loss.

The other is to question the Pacers' management.After all, Antetokounmpo was short of the maximum salary by 600 million, so some people said that after Henson became the general manager, he deliberately lowered the price of Antetokounmpo.He is a jerk like Pat Riley, who suppresses the heroes of the team for money.

Henson doesn't care about this kind of statement, after all, he has been used to it.

Neither of these two voices of doubt disturbed Henson.Because compared to these doubts, Henson is more concerned about who is the next unlucky guy who will accept Antetokounmpo's wrath.

After reviewing the schedule in his head, Henson smiled even more happily.

Gregg Popovich, Henson's old friend and old rival, will be the first guy who will be forced to deflate after Antetokounmpo's contract extension.

Henson believes that Antetokounmpo will definitely bring his "sincerity" to the San Antonio Spurs in the face of the newly renewed contract and doubts all over the world.

※※※

On Feb. 2, two days after the Pacers lost to the Cavaliers and one day after Antetokounmpo's early extension.At the same time, it was also the day before the Pacers played against the Spurs.

On the Internet, the Pacers VS Spurs game has become a high-profile focus battle.

There is no doubt that the Pacers and Spurs are strong teams this season.The relationship between Henson and Popovich has also been a topic of high-profile.What's more, this is the first time the Pacers have met the Spurs this season.

On these basis, the duel between Antetokounmpo and Leonard added a lot of color to this game.

That year, Leonard left Indianapolis for a bigger contract.Antetokounmpo was just the opposite. Not only did he stay, but he also took the initiative to cut his salary.

The completely different choices of the two were talked about by the media.People are already imagining what it will be like when they meet.

"What would Antetokounmpo say to Leonard? Curious."

"Leonard will definitely do his best because this is his chance to prove himself!"

"I don't know what the match will be like, but I'm sure there will be sparks between Antetokounmpo and Leonard."

Sitting in the office and reading the news from the reporters, Henson couldn't help admiring the reporters' brains.In their writing, Antetokounmpo and Leonard seem to have a bloody feud.

But in fact, the two just made different choices.It is understandable that Leonard chose to join the Spurs at the beginning.From his point of view, joining the Spurs not only strives for greater benefits but also retains the hope of winning the championship, why not?
Henson is not interested in the grievances and grievances made up by the reporters.For this game, Henson expects only two things.

First, look forward to playing against Popovich.

Second, expect Antetokounmpo's performance to silence the reporters who questioned him.

4 million in 1 years?Take the initiative to lower prices?

Henson will let the world see how cost-effective this contract is, and he will also let the world see how well he and Antetokounmpo cooperate.

※※※

The stands at the Bankers Life Arena were already full. Although this game was not broadcast live across the United States, its popularity was no less than that of the nationally broadcast game.

Before the game, when Henson saw Popovich, he embraced him very enthusiastically.These two eccentric guys can be friends, really like each other.

"The Pacers are in surprisingly good shape recently, Henson. It seems that you really take that phrase as your creed in life." Popovich patted Henson on the shoulder. The Chinese coach in front of him was very energetic, not at all like a man who almost lost his life due to a heart attack.

"The Spurs are not in bad shape. You said you don't know if you can beat the Warriors, but in my opinion, you are fully capable of challenging the Warriors. Your record of 41 wins and 13 losses has been underestimated by the media, but I will not underestimate it."

"Okay, let's stop bragging about each other here. I heard that you and the kid renewed their contract in advance?" Popovich pointed to Antetokounmpo who was practicing catch and shoot.

Although Antetokounmpo is inaccurate in shooting, but in training, his shooting percentage is [-] to [-]%.

"Better watch out, Pop. I bet he's going to give you a big headache today."

"It's okay, LaMarcus will also give him a headache. I know, you have never experienced a losing streak this season. But today, I will break this record. Alright, no more nonsense with you, see you after the game." Popovich waved his hand, turned and left.

Just as the old man walked away, a reporter approached Henson.

In the past, there were only one or two media that were able to enter the venue for interviews before the game.However, after Xiao Hua came to power, he greatly increased the number of admitted media in order to maximize business.After all, the NBA has signed contracts with many media.Among them, it also signed a broadcast and interview contract with China's Tencent.

So the reporter who appeared in front of Henson at this time was not familiar to him.The reporter was obviously very excited to be able to interview Henson. He extended the microphone to Henson's mouth and almost poked Henson's mouth.

"Coach Henson, as we all know, Antetokounmpo is a player with very obvious advantages and disadvantages. Today, not to mention the third position, even the fourth and fifth positions require the ability to shoot three-pointers. I believe you will not deny this. But Antetokounmpo is a player who is 'against the times'. Do you think he can really become a superstar in the modern basketball system? Are you not afraid that 4 million in four years will become a rubbish contract?"

The reporter's question was very sharp, and he obviously questioned Antetokounmpo's faction.

Seeing that the opponent was questioning his player, Henson became less polite in an instant.He squinted at the reporter, then shook his head.

"You don't understand football at all. When you understand why Antetokounmpo can get $1 million and you can only appear on the scene occasionally, you can interview me again." Henson is as straightforward as ever, and as stubborn as ever.

He does not accept any remarks that question Antetokounmpo.

After 10 minutes, the starting players of both sides stepped onto the field.Today, Henson did not throw Antetokounmpo into the third position to confront Leonard as the reporters hoped, but kept him in the fourth position.

Henson couldn't control what kind of game the reporters wanted to see.He doesn't play games to show reporters, but to win.

Henson will use 48 minutes to give an answer on how a "anti-era" player can succeed.

(End of this chapter)