basketball player

Chapter 500 498: Sunset

The summer of 2014 was not peaceful for the Pacers.

Lance Stephenson became the Pacers' first problem after losing Henson.

If Henson is there, Stephenson may choose to sign a long-term contract with the Pacers.But when no one could hold him down, and he felt that he had won the championship, Stephenson chose to leave for more money.

With 3 million in 2750 years, Stephenson officially joined the Charlotte Hornets under Jordan's sole control.More than that, the Pacers' other contract extensions are also very difficult.

Originally, Bird wanted to renew the contracts of Jimmy Butler and Leonard in advance.However, the willingness of these two guys to stay is not strong.

Under the instigation of his uncle, Leonard asked for at least 5 million in five years.There is no doubt that Leonard won the FMVP in the 9000-13 season, which gave him the capital to expand.

As for Jimmy Butler, the asking price is also not low. At least 5 million in 9500 years, otherwise it will not be considered.Moreover, Jimmy Butler publicly expressed his hope that his career can go further.He believes that he has had too few opportunities with the Pacers. On a team with George and Leonard, he has very few opportunities to start.

So apart from the money issue, Jimmy Butler also has some dissatisfaction with the rotation.Therefore, his departure next summer has almost become a certainty.

With the maximum salary extensions of Paul and George, the Pacers are really unable to take the third maximum salary contract.Especially when the players are unwilling to make concessions.

In the past, Bird could ask Henson to talk to the players and coordinate.But now, Byrd is on his own.After losing Henson, he can only take charge of all aspects of the Pacers by himself.

In the case of the team's lack of enthusiasm, Bird has not yet come up with a reliable reinforcement plan.In order to get Chris Paul, the team sent out the 14th-year first-round pick early.As for the second-round pick, Bird has no good goals.

If Henson is there, he will definitely be able to find a baby in the second round.It's just a pity that the guy who can always dig gold mines now is gone.

Of course, Bird has to face not only internal pressure, but also external pressure.

In mid-July, without warning, LeBron James announced on social media that he decided to leave the Heat and return to Cleveland.There is no doubt that LeBron James' "Decision [-]" has become the most exciting news after Henson retired this summer.

Leaving the Cavaliers for the Heat four years ago, James formed the "Big Three" with Wade and Bosh.But it is a pity that the three of them have worked together for four years and only played in the finals once, without winning a championship.The "culprit" who prevented the Heat from winning the championship was naturally the Pacers led by Henson.

I believe it is for this reason that James chooses to jump out of the contract.Although the Heat tried their best to retain and offered a five-year contract worth $5 million, James still chose to sign a four-year contract worth $1 million with the Cavaliers, saying he hoped to end his career in the Cavaliers.

Although it seems that the combination of Owen + James + Wiggins is not mature enough, Bird is very clear that James will not make decisions casually.The Cavaliers must have a follow-up transaction. He has heard some rumors that there is a three-way transaction between the Cavaliers, the 76ers and the Timberwolves.If the deal is finally reached, then Kevin Love will most likely become a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers!
Irving + James + Love, this lineup is enough to put pressure on the Pacers!This is a younger and more dynamic Big Three lineup than the Heat!Without Henson, Bird really doesn't know if he can withstand the impact of such a Cleveland Cavaliers.

This summer, Bird really felt what internal and external troubles are.

Of course, the Cavaliers are not the only team that is strengthening in the East.The Bulls introduced Paul Gasol, the Raptors introduced Louis Williams, New York retained Anthony, and the Wizards got "truth" Pierce. All Eastern teams have launched an arms race, but the Pacers are tepid.

As soon as Henson left, it seemed that everyone was sharpening their swords and preparing to give the Pacers a good look.

At the beginning of August this year, Pacers star Paul George even had a frightening accident.He was nearly seriously injured in a zipper before the US men's basketball team participated in the World Cup. He fell to the ground while chasing James Harden and stepped on the bracket of the basketball hoop.

Fortunately, George only suffered a minor ankle sprain.If he suffers a broken calf, the Pacers could be without their leading scorer next season.

However, people also found that after Henson Joe left, the various auras that shrouded the Pacers disappeared in an instant.Now, the players of the Pacers will also be unhappy because of money issues, and the players of the Pacers will also be frequently injured due to various accidents.

The mesmerizing dynasty team seemed to fall from the altar after a summer.

But Henson turned a deaf ear to these things. In fact, he also wanted to know the recent situation of the Pacers, but he refrained from watching the news.Because he was afraid, he fell into that kind of work environment again in an instant.

Therefore, Henson had to use some other things to divert his attention.For example, officially start planning his wedding with An Jiali.

At the beginning, Anjiali and Henson originally wanted to go to Paris or Venice for their wedding.Because these two places are almost the best interpretation of the word "romantic".

But after much deliberation, the two finally decided to hold their wedding in Indianapolis.The reason is of course very simple. In this way, it will be more convenient for their relatives and friends to attend the wedding.

"I don't intend to let the media know about this. I just want to get married with the blessing of my own people, and I don't want to be disturbed by the media." Sitting in a small rented villa in Brazil, Henson put his arm around An Jiali's shoulders, looking forward to their future.

"I think so too. This is a private party. After all, our wedding is not a show."

"Since the wedding is going to be held in Indianapolis, let's go to Venice for our honeymoon. I have never been to Venice, and it is said that it is a must-see tourist destination for couples."

"Then, we can have our own children, Henson!" Speaking of this, An Jiali's eyes were full of longing.

"Yes," Henson put more force on An Jiali's shoulders, "We will have our own children, our own families. Our lives will undergo tremendous changes. If we give birth to a boy, will you allow him to play basketball?"

"Of course, even a girl can let her play basketball. After all, basketball is our common hobby. As long as he doesn't delay his body because of basketball like you, then he can play whatever he wants."

"Then I'm afraid we'll need a bigger house. After all, it won't be just the two of us in the future."

"Henson, do you want to start a basketball team!?" An Jiali slapped Henson's arm.

"This is what you said, not mine."

This carefree couple is once again lingering together.

No matter how uneven the Pacers are now, it has nothing to do with Henson.His wonderful life has only just begun.Henson sees no reason at all to go back.Back to the working environment where you need to work day and night, intrigue, and worry about this and that.

Isn't such a day better than being a basketball coach?
Just looking at the sunset that was about to sink into the horizon, for some reason, Henson seemed to suddenly think of his team.Will the Pacers start to sink like this dazzling sun?

For a moment, just a moment, Henson thought he might go back because he couldn't let it go.The Pacers are like the children he cultivated painstakingly, and he can't bear to see his children fall away.

But this "dangerous" thought only appeared for a moment
(End of this chapter)