Bishop of the Abyss

Chapter 122 122. Signing "Hai Ye", the shortest center in history! (two in one)

On December 12, the Timberwolves officially released a message announcing that the team would lay off 1-year-old Mark Madsen and officially complete the contract with free agent Chuck Hayes.

The contract signed by the two parties is not a ten-day short contract, but a direct two-year contract.

As for the specific details of the contract, the Timberwolves did not disclose it to the outside world, but it is foreseeable that the salary of this contract will not be too high, after all, the Timberwolves have limited salary space.

The media speculates that Hayes' annual salary is around $40, or even lower than this figure.

With the news of this signing, all teams in the league have turned their attention to the Timberwolves.

At present, the entire league is very clear that the Timberwolves have insufficient inside configuration and have been looking for inside players to reinforce. This is no secret in today's league.

It's just that after the signing of the Timberwolves happened, the attitudes of all the teams in the league were basically the same, except for surprise or shock.

The name Chuck Hayes is really unfamiliar to each team. You have to go through the personal data to find out that Hayes turned out to be the undrafted pick in this year's draft.

For the Timberwolves, they can only be strengthened by signing a contract and losing the draft. Many people in the league gloat, teasing and satirizing the Timberwolves behind their backs.

But what is really shocking is that Chuck Hayes' official registered height is only 1.9 meters eight?
When they heard the news, many teams asked the scouts to confirm it carefully to see whether it was the height error or Hayes' position error.

But the final result is that Hayes is a center player, a blue-collar center with poor ball handling skills and no shooting ability, and his height is indeed only 1.9 meters eight.

This news obviously stunned many teams in the league. Everyone did not understand why the Timberwolves would sign such a center player who was only 1.9 meters tall.

Even if the Timberwolves have insufficient internal configuration and once fell into a rotation crisis after Eddie Griffin was absent, the Timberwolves directly signed a two-year contract with Chuck Hayes. This operation is really confusing.

Even if the Timberwolves and Hayes signed a ten-day short contract, other teams would not be surprised, and would only be shocked that Hayes, a center player, is only 1.9 meters eight.

However, considering the Timberwolves' two deals on Salmons and Ariza, as well as the two rookies selected in this year's draft, many people are hiding in the dark and watching secretly.

I want to see what kind of magical power this undrafted center with a height of only 1.9 meters [-] can win the favor of the Timberwolves.

Chuck Hayes is 1.9 meters tall and weighs 110 kilograms. There is no obvious advantage in terms of height or weight, but Hayes has excellent lower body strength, and he can withstand a center forward who is 40 pounds heavier than himself with his lower body strength alone.

During college, Hayes played for the University of Kentucky, a famous basketball school. During his four-year college career, Hayes, who is only 1.9 meters tall, was elected as the team's rebounding leader for four consecutive years, and even occupied the top ten in the NCAA defensive efficiency list all year round.

Before participating in this year's draft, Hayes also won the MVP in the Portsmouth training camp.

However, Chuck Hayes regretted losing the election. The disadvantage of physical condition made Hayes ignored by the league teams.

Even though Hayes showed a very strong defensive ability during college, the NBA depends more on personal talent.

An inside player like Hayes, who is only 1.9 meters tall, really can't get into the eyes of every team.

Hayes' offensive ability is extremely poor, and he can only contribute as a defender in more cases.

Hayes is proficient in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, but none of them stand out.

The only offensive rebound that was better than the center of the same class was ignored by scouts because of his height of 1.9 meters.

The NBA is a place that focuses on individual talents, and players who are working hard must also be based on the premise that they are more talented than ordinary players.

After losing the draft, Hayes came to the Development League to play. During his time in the Development League with the Thunderbirds, Hayes averaged 6.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

This data is definitely very comprehensive, but unfortunately, Hayes' efforts are in vain just because of his lack of height, and he can only wait for someone who is destined to discover his potential.

Under normal circumstances, Hayes should have been recalled by the Rockets from the Development League in 2006. At that time, the Rockets paid Hayes only about $23.

In the first season of playing for the Rockets, Hayes successfully gained a foothold in the team, and even entered the defensive efficiency list as a substitute player, becoming one of the most efficient defensive players in the league at that time.

In the 06-07 season, Hayes became an indispensable part of the team. In the case of Yao Ming's frequent injuries, Hayes' existence was the last barrier for the Rockets inside.

He was even called "Hai Ye" by many fans at that time!
In the previous life, with the emergence of the Warriors chasing Dream Green, many people like to call Green an enhanced version of Hayes.

This point is not unfounded. Both Hayes and Green can be regarded as short insiders. Both of them have comprehensive skills, basketball IQ is online, and their attitude towards the game is also very positive.

It's just that Hayes didn't have Green's tactical status in the Rockets at the time, otherwise Hayes' data would definitely get better.

Of course, it's as difficult for Hayes to score as if he's constipated, even harder than Draymond Green.

Green at least has a three-point shot, while Hayes has rough skills, lacks shooting range, and basically can't score on the offensive end.

But Hayes is a hardworking and intelligent top defender.

Strong and fast, with a good sense of position, he can fight tall centers with his lower body strength.

Hayes at his peak used to be able to single-handedly fight against O'Neal in the low post. Even though O'Neal was no longer at his peak at that time, there are absolutely not many centers who can withstand O'Neal in one-on-one.

This alone is enough to prove how good Hayes' lower body strength is.

“海爷”巅峰赛季在没有战术地位的情况下可以轰出场均7.9分8.4篮板2.8助攻1.3抢断以及0.9次封盖，其中场均进攻篮板为3.2个，登场时间只有28分钟。

In 2018, ESPN published an article in which it listed the ten players with the strongest lower body strength in NBA history.

Among them, Chuck Hayes ranks second in NBA history after Kendrick Perkins, and is even better than Big Ben, Barkley and Tyson Chandler.

Luke chose to sign Hayes not because of how much talent Hayes has to tap, but because Hayes has a positive attitude in the game and works hard enough in training.

Coupled with the basketball IQ that crushes 90% of blue-collar centers, the joining of Hayes can definitely solve the defect of the Timberwolves' lack of internal rotation.

Even if Eddie Griffin lifts the suspension and ushers in a comeback, Hayes' existence will not conflict with other players.

Since "Sugar Man" Olowokandi left the team, the Timberwolves currently lack a tank player like Hayes in the interior, who can serve as a meat shield to defend the penalty area.

Compared with the contribution Hayes can bring to the team, Hayes' contract can be called the price of cabbage.

Even though most teams now plan to watch the Timberwolves lively, they are full of doubts and ridicules about Hayes, a center player who is only 1.9 meters tall.

But I believe it won't be long before Hayes will prove to the entire league what it means: "The shortest stature is defending against the biggest opponent!"

…………

The time has entered December, and the Timberwolves ushered in the challenge of the Philadelphia 12ers in the first game in December.

In this game, Luke used "Gloves" Payton and Trenton Hassell to double-team Iverson throughout the whole process. As long as Iverson passed halftime, the two would immediately step forward to double-team. Do not give Iverson any offensive environment.

The 76ers have not changed much in the lineup this season. Except for the shooter Korver, the outside threats of the entire starter are very limited.

When the Timberwolves flank Iverson, as long as they don't let Korver go, Luke won't care about other people's open shots.

Especially Chris Webber and Iguodala, neither of them are good at three-point shooting. They only take a few three-pointers per game, and their three-point shooting percentage is less than [-]%.

Under the Timberwolves' excellent defense, the 76ers fell behind by nearly 20 points at the end of the third quarter. In the end, the Timberwolves beat their opponents by 26 points at home and won the team's first victory since December.

It is worth mentioning that Hayes' personal debut attracted many fans to watch, and even other teams in the league have set their sights on this game.

Everyone wants to see how this 1.9-meter-eight center plays and what abilities he has that can attract the Timberwolves to sign him.

The 76ers mainly use Dalembert at the center position, an inside beast with a height of 113 meters and a weight of [-] kilograms.

Dalembert once picked up 23 rebounds in a single game. Although his personal offensive ability is not strong, he can definitely be regarded as a scourge.

When Luke sent Hayes, a center player with a height of only 1.9 meters, to the field for the first time, the scene of the two standing together made people laugh out loud.

While most people were waiting to see Hayes' excitement, Hayes' performance refreshed people's perception of him.

Dalembert, who is two meters tall, wanted to force Hayes in the low position, but he turned his back twice, and Hayes remained motionless behind him, which made Dalembert very embarrassed.

Frequent physical confrontation also made Dalembert lose his balance, and the offensive rhythm was chaotic. He was defended by Hayes twice in a row.

Among them, in the third quarter, Hayes sent two blocks in a single quarter. One was to Dalembert who was about to force a dunk after receiving a pass from Iverson, and the other was to the one who broke through the restricted area with a tomahawk dunk. Andre Iguodala.

Hayes' two tough blocks directly pushed the atmosphere of the Timberwolves home to a climax.

A center player with a height of only 1.9 meters eight sent a wonderful frontal block in the game. This impact was far greater than that of other centers, which made the fans on the scene excited and gave Hayes a crazy cry.

In the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves held a big lead, and there was no suspense about winning or losing the game. Luke simply kept Hayes on the court for the whole time, helping Hayes make a wonderful personal debut.

Hayes has a very positive attitude towards the game, and his performance on the field also did not disappoint Luke.

Even though Hayes' scoring ability on the offensive end is limited, but on the defensive end, even assistant coach Lambiel couldn't help but praise Hayes' hard work: "Now I finally know why this kid can play with a height of 1.9 meters. Center forward, this core strength and aggressive attitude is really moving."

"Unfortunately, Chuck's height is only 1.9 meters eight, and his talent limits his development prospects. Otherwise, with Chuck's hard work, it would not be difficult to make a name for himself in the NBA."

"Today I can be regarded as another witness to history. Chuck is probably the shortest center player in NBA history."

"No! It should be said that Chuck must be the shortest center in the history of the NBA. Even Big Ben is much taller than him. It's unbelievable."

"1.9 meters eight? This height is a bit short for small forwards. It seems that this kid must have suffered from training."

Lambiel As a defensive center, it is very rare for Hayes to be praised by Lambiel.

You know, even the main center of the Timberwolves, Magloire, has not been praised by Lambiel. More often, Lambiel is dissatisfied and criticized Magloire on the defensive end.

"Chuck's attitude has always been very positive. His confrontation has reached the NBA level, but his defensive experience is too poor."

"Bill, I may trouble you in the next period of time. With you here, no one is more suitable to be his defensive coach than you."

Standing on the sidelines with arms crossed, watching Hayes tirelessly running back and forth on the field, Luke's brows were relaxed, and the expression on his face revealed a satisfaction.

"You don't need to say this. I will definitely guide this kid's defense. Centers with a height of less than two meters are rare in history."

"It would be a good thing for me if I could develop him and get a foothold in the NBA."

"After all, the attention he receives is far greater than that of ordinary players."

Lambiel shrugged with a smile on his face, turned his head and looked at the field again, staring at Chuck Hayes as if looking at his own disciple.

全场比赛海耶斯个人首秀登场21分钟，面对戴勒姆波特与斯蒂文亨特两人砍下4分9篮板3助攻1抢断以及2次封盖。

Four of those nine rebounds were offensive rebounds.

Hayes has a high basketball IQ and is very aware of his personal disadvantages on the court. After grabbing an offensive rebound, he will not recklessly attack again immediately, but will quickly make a choice between passing and scoring.

This is what Lambiel is most satisfied with Hayes. Although Lambiel has been called a "demon" by fans throughout his career, Lambiel's basketball IQ is ridiculously high.

As for Magloire after grabbing the offensive rebound, in most cases, he will continue to attack the basket. Because of this matter, Lambiel has not known how many times Magloire has been said.

But Luke didn't think too much about it. After all, Magloire was a center who had been selected as an All-Star back then, which really made him a bit aggrieved to work hard like a blue-collar on the field.

As long as the brain is not confused at the critical moment of the game, Luke will not care about the irrational shots of the players on the court, especially on the premise that Magloire himself has outstanding personal ability.

.........

Immediately after the game, the media approached Hayes for an interview. He was a center forward with a height of only 1.9 meters [-], and he also played a good performance in his debut.

Coupled with the label of being undrafted, when all these are combined, Hayes' popularity instantly rises, and even the media wants to take advantage of the opportunity to gain popularity.

In the face of media interviews, Hayes, who had just entered the league, seemed very excited. Hayes is a very hardworking and low-key player, but in any case, Hayes is only 22 years old.

Not long ago, Hayes could only play in the Development League, with a meager salary that could barely satisfy his hunger. He was full of fantasies about the future but could not see any hope.

But now Hayes not only successfully stood in the NBA arena, but also attracted the media to take the initiative to come to interview, which made Hayes himself unbelievable.

"I am very excited and very grateful to my coach. Without him, I would not be able to stand on the court in the NBA, let alone play a wonderful performance."

"I'm just one of the many undrafted players in this year's draft. I know I don't have any specialties. Except for hard work, I can't see my talent."

"To be honest, I still don't know why the coach chose to believe in me. For me, it's all like a dream recently."

"I don't know what will happen next, but as long as it is the coach's arrangement, I will definitely work hard to complete it, and use practical actions to prove that the coach's vision is correct!"

In the first interview, Hayes was incoherent with excitement and answered many questions from reporters, but Hayes' core purpose has always been to thank the coach and Luke for giving him a valuable opportunity to enter the NBA.

And when the reporter mentioned his height, Hayes just laughed it off, didn't feel any regrets, and even took the initiative to tease himself, poor skills, no shooting, height can't hit the inside, skills can't hit the outside, it's just a basketball court Jokes on.

The reporter didn't know how to answer Hayes' words, and the reporter had nowhere to go in the way of the reporter.

It seems that Hayes, who has been playing the center position all these years, has also received strange eyes and comments from the outside world, and Hayes has long been used to all of this.

Saying no regrets is definitely deceiving oneself, but the height is only 1.9 meters eight, this is the fact that Hayes cannot change.

Hayes can only prove himself through hard work, proving that basketball is not the exclusive sport of big men, and centers are not only giants.

During the interview with Hayes, Hayes' yearning and enthusiasm for basketball, even the reporter's attitude towards Hayes has changed.

In particular, Hayes has a sentence that the reporter remembers deeply, "I am very confused, I don't know what to do to make them believe that I can play in the NBA, all I can do is to go all out to play every game well, and continue Remind myself that if there is a second chance, I will take it!"

　Ask for a monthly ticket, ask for a recommendation ticket, thank you, third child!

　　...............

　　Hayes, a very inspirational player, with a height of 198, can play as a center in the NBA for more than ten years without being dirty at all. It is really not easy.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)