ace marshal

Chapter 759 Gradually Increasing Doubts
Played 25 minutes, scored 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 turnovers.

This is the statistic contributed by No. [-] pick James Harden in the first game of his NBA career.

Although it is a preseason game and there is not much reference value, but even if Harden did not show his strength in the preseason game with relatively low confrontation ability and level, it is a bit hard to justify.

"Adjust your condition, take a good look at the video of last night's game, chat with the assistant coach and video analyst, analyze and think about it~!! I believe you will play better and better~!"

After the first day of training after the first preseason game here, Lan Shengli said to Harden.

"I messed up last night, but I'm sure I'll take care of it all, I'll get it right~!! Give me some more time~!!"

Harden responded.

"Hmm~!! I believe in you too, I believe you can do it~!!"

Lan Shengli responded.

Harden really needs a good performance to prove his worth and ability.

Because the Clippers' home stadium, the Staples Center, was occupied by other activities during the preseason, the Clippers' preseason home stadium moved to other venues in Los Angeles.

The second home game was played at the "new home" in Los Angeles.

"No. 13, from Arizona State University, James Harden~!!!"

"Yeah~!!!"

Although the performance of the first game was not satisfactory, when the home DJ introduced Harden to play, the fans at the scene gave the most enthusiastic cheers.

After all, it was only the first game, and the fans' expectations for the "No. [-] pick" are still there, and they believe that Harden will play better and better.

"Head coach~, Victory~ Blue~!!!"

"Ooh~!!!!"

"Crack, clap, crack!!!!"

Of course, after returning to the home court, Lan Shengli also enjoyed a more passionate opening introduction and more cheers and applause.

While Lan Shengli is enjoying all this, it can be said that he is carrying this pressure all the time.

But since there is pressure, there is also motivation to see if Lan Shengli can bring new changes to the team in the "new home court".

"Clang~!!"

"Clang clang~!!"

"Dang, clang~~"

After the start of the game, although Harden's personal offense has been strengthened a lot, it is still very poor, with a very low shooting percentage and the sound of hammering iron can be heard endlessly.

And many shots are taken under high-pressure defense, so it affects the overall offensive efficiency of the team.

"It's okay~!! I'll put it in~!!"

At first Lan Shengli would give Harden some encouragement.

But~

When Harden voted "three non-sticks"~
"Hey~!! Thugs~!!"

When Harden no longer actively returned to defense, but appealed to the referee, Lan Shengli couldn't bear it anymore.

"Harden~!! You have to be patient~!! Your offenses are really too anxious~!! If you make a transition, there will definitely be better shots~!! Believe in your teammates and remember that we are training The offensive tactics deployed at the time~!!"

Lan Shengli reminded.

Harden listened, but didn't respond, his eyes were very wandering.It feels like I have no confidence in the game and my own state.

In the end, with the most 23 shots in the game, Harden only scored 15 points, which was extremely inefficient, and the team also suffered a two-game losing streak.

"Hey~~"

Compared with the last game when Sterling saw Harden's depressed state without any expression, this time Sterling sighed.

But he didn't get angry, and gave Harden a chance.

But if Harden still can't achieve a rebound, it will be difficult to keep Sterling so silent.

In the following preseason game, Harden's performance showed some signs of rebound.

11 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Although his scoring ability is still not good, Harden played more holistically and more actively.

This can be seen in the number of rebounds and assists.

The team finally won a victory and made a good start to the preseason.

It is also the first victory of Lan Shengli's coaching career, but most people still think that Harden can do better, especially on a stage like the preseason, he could have scored more points and assumed more responsibilities.

If you still can't perform as expected, it can only show that Harden's ability is really not enough.

"Harden is slowly improving. He is gradually understanding how to read the game and how to make himself more comfortable in the game. His learning ability is very strong. I believe he will get better and better~"

In front of the reporters and cameras, Lan Shengli still supported Harden. After all, he chose him, and there was nothing he could do if he didn't support him.

Just when everyone thought that Harden's performance would get better and better, he did not "disappoint".

2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assists, 3 turnovers.

When facing the strong team Spurs, Harden completely lost himself when facing his own template - Manu Ginobili. The breakthrough was surrounded and made a mistake, the passing intention was too obvious and was cut off, and the shooting selection was still very poor. Oops.

And in the second half, he was caught by Lan Shengli.

Harden played the most freezing moment since the preseason.

The team was also bloodbathed by the Spurs in San Antonio.

"You inform the coaching staff and others that there will be a meeting at the team base tomorrow. I can't stand Harden's performance~!!!"

Finally, the boss, Mr. Sterling, couldn't sit still anymore. He called the general manager just after the game, speaking in a very angry tone.

"Hey, Bruce, I really can't help you this time~"

After the general manager hung up the phone, he sighed melancholy.

Nowadays, it's okay for the young players of the Clippers to perform unstable or not perform well, but Harden can't.

Because he is the No. [-] pick, he is the future hope of the team. If the hope is so slim, maybe Sterling, who has a tough style, will do "big things".

Regardless of the fact that Lan Shengli's contract was guaranteed for the first two years.

"Come on, our coach Blue, this is the No. [-] pick you chose in the draft year~?! This is the No. [-] pick you said can become a cornerstone player~?! This is the future of the team you said~?! "

At the meeting, Mr. Sterling stared at Lan Shengli and questioned him directly and unceremoniously.

"Sorry, Mr. Sterling, Harden's performance in the last few games is really not satisfactory. I didn't expect this before, but it is a good thing for us to happen~!!"

Lan Shengli responded with a low tone.

"Good thing~!?, God~!!, this turned out to be a good thing~?!, are you an undercover agent sent by the Lakers~?!"

Mr. Sterling was already extremely angry, so he basically spoke "unpretentiously".

(End of this chapter)