The strongest champion puzzle

Chapter 15 Spurs Training Camp

In late September, the Spurs announced the 9-man training camp list for the new season, including Zhang Xiaotian.

In other words, before the start of the regular season, he must beat at least five competitors to stay.

Among the summer league teammates, except for the three who have contracts, only one of them appeared on the roster with him. It was Taylor Wilkerson, which was a little surprising.

There are also figures on the list who used to be famous in the NBA, such as the little shark Eddie Curry, but now, like Zhang Xiaotian, he has to work hard for the last few of the Spurs' 15 official spots.

Zhang Xiaotian went there very early, and the gymnasium hadn't opened yet when he arrived.

Staff soon came over, and the players on the list came over one after another.

Zhang Xiaotian was a little excited when some familiar faces appeared in front of him in the live broadcast, but he didn't know how to greet them, so he had to do warm-up exercises on the sidelines.

There are others like him, some don't know what to do.

For example, this year's undrafted pick Wesley Witherspoon, such as the NBA's marginal players Derek Brown and Josh Powell.

But there are also new faces who have begun to integrate into the group. Nando De Colo, who just came from Europe, has chatted with old players because of the French fellows Tony Parker and Boris Diaw.

Taylor Wilkerson also formed a group with James Anderson, who played in the summer league together, and Zhang Xiaotian had a normal relationship with them, and just said hello.

Kawhi Leonard, who was standing next to the team's big brothers, suddenly waved to Zhang Xiaotian. Because Leonard came over, he was called over by the team's main players, and Zhang Xiaotian only nodded to him before. .

He was worried about how to get to know the boss of the team, so he walked over quickly.

"This is Zhang, we played the summer league together." Leonard said something, and then fell silent.

Zhang Xiaotian was a little embarrassed, the introducer should introduce the group of bosses around him first, although he knows the names, but he can say hello by the way, right?

However, with Leonard's personality that doesn't like to talk, being able to introduce something is already very good.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Zhang Xiaotian. I mainly play the [-]nd and [-]rd positions. I'm very happy to participate in the Spurs training camp." Zhang Xiaotian was a little nervous, with a slightly stiff expression, and introduced himself in a regular manner.

Duncan grimaced and stared, "You are the one who stands out in the summer league. You just warm up when you come here. Do you want the old man to notice you?"

Zhang Xiaotian didn't expect the other party to say that, so he couldn't answer for a moment.

Ginobili next to him couldn't help laughing, "Young man, don't be afraid, Tim is just a dishonest old guy, don't worry about him bullying newcomers if you hang out with me."

The few of them knew Leonard's character, this kid would take the initiative to introduce someone, he must agree with Zhang Xiaotian, they were also a little curious.

Duncan also showed a smirk immediately. He only joked with rookies when he was in a good mood.

"It's good to be in the limelight. Kawhi wanted to be in the limelight, but he was taken back by the old man, haha... Now let's start the formal question and answer, who is your favorite player in the league."

"I just like Boss Tim. I watch the Spurs games." Zhang Xiaotian said with an honest look.

He's not a fool, of course he won't talk nonsense, but he also really likes Tim Duncan.

"I can't see it..." Duncan squeezed his chin and made a serious expression again. He glanced at Ginobili, "Then what about the one next to me."

"I also like Boss Manu. When he led the team to win the Olympic championship, it was really exciting."

"The young man has taste." Ginobili laughed loudly, "But don't you worry about Tim hitting someone?"

After Zhang Xiaotian blurted out, he realized that when Ginobili was in the limelight in that sports meeting, Duncan was the sad devil who was defeated by the brave, and he immediately blushed.

Of course Duncan wouldn't get angry like this, he pretended to snort, just happened to see Parker who was greeting fellow Frenchmen everywhere, pointed and asked: "Where is that one, and the rest of the team, you won't say everything Like it, crafty boy."

Zhang Xiaotian said innocently: "I'm from San Antonio, and I've supported the Spurs since I was a child. Of course I like the seniors of the team, but you two like me very much."

"Okay, go get ready." Duncan stopped joking and said seriously, "Every coach likes a player who works hard. That kid Kawhi is optimistic about you. We also believe in your ability, so work hard."

Duncan didn't know Zhang Xiaotian, he was willing to say so much because of Leonard.

Duncan is no longer young. He has a deep affection for the team after several years of playing. He is willing to take care of young people in the team who have the ability and have the opportunity to support the Spurs in the future.

"Gentlemen, summer is over."

When the stipulated time arrived, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich appeared in front of everyone with the coaching staff, and the first class of the training camp began.

The training intensity on the first day was not high, and the team mainly wanted to find out the physical condition of the players.

But for each training project, the requirements of the coach are meticulous.

Some players are obviously a little relaxed in the summer, and they are a little tired from the beginning of training, but most of the players are very professional, and every training is done very well.

Zhang Xiaotian worked very hard. Only by doing his best can he truly stand on the NBA court.

At the end of the morning training, the last person on the list arrived late.

The head coach Popovich's face was frosty, but Stephen Jackson didn't seem to feel it, "Hey, old man, I was delayed by something just now. I didn't mean to be late. Don't worry, I'm in good shape this summer."

Stephen Jackson stayed with the Spurs during his rookie period and won the championship with the team.

He was traded to the Spurs last season and is quite familiar with the team, but Popovich, who is very strict with discipline, doesn't like his character.

Popovich didn't even look at him, "Call me coach or sir, go to practice."

"The old man likes to pull his face, but as long as you meet his requirements, he is not scary, and you can even make jokes casually, but if you challenge his authority, you will be in big trouble."

On the other side of the venue, Duncan taught several newcomers in a serious manner.

Popovich took a look this way, and Duncan continued to practice like nothing happened.

At the age of 36, Duncan is not as silent as he was when he was young.

On the first day of the training camp, with tension and freshness, Zhang Xiaotian had a fulfilling life.

(End of this chapter)