Basketball Legends: Strikers Are King

After a difficult victory over the Grizzlies, the Pacers continued their regular season schedule. When they faced the challenge from the Raptors in February, Qi discovered that Gay was actually in the opponent's lineup.

Yes, just after that game, Gay was traded to Toronto by the Grizzlies.

During regular time, the two teams were tied. In overtime, Gay worked hard to prove himself. He scored 4 points in 5 minutes. Although West scored 4 points and Qi Tian also hit a three-pointer,

George, who had already played 42 minutes, did not contribute in overtime due to limited physical strength. The Pacers, currently third in the Eastern Conference, suffered an upset loss to their opponent, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference.

The loss of the game did not affect them, because a piece of good news spread throughout the Pacers:

Granger is about to make a comeback.

After being sidelined for more than two months due to injury, the Pacers are finally welcoming their most unquestionable leader, Danny Granger.

In fact, as early as two days ago, Granger appeared at the training venue and conducted some training with his teammates.

However, for the sake of his injury, Granger only conducted simple shooting training, and then gradually increased the intensity to three-person and five-person confrontations.

Even so, the timetable for his comeback is also very cautious.

In the end, Granger is scheduled to return in the away game against the Pistons, and he will play as a substitute.

The reason is very simple. The Pacers and the Pistons will have two consecutive back-to-back home and away mini-series. The Pacers played at home with a 34-17 attack wave in the first quarter and controlled the rhythm of the game.

, and finally defeated the opponent 114-82.

A not very strong opponent, plus the opponent's lineup is not strong enough, is the best choice for Granger, who is somewhat unfamiliar with his teammates, to come back.

"Have you heard, Danny is coming back!"

"Really or not?"

"Of course it's true, the news is finalized! You see, in the away game against the Pistons, Danny Granger, who missed 40 games due to injury, will return!"

"Great, the Pacers have become stronger again!"

"It's just one point, but it's several points!"

The official release of the news immediately aroused heated discussions among fans.

The first half of the game is coming to an end, and the situation in the east and west halves is basically clear.

The Spurs and Thunder are faintly standing at the front of the Western Conference. The Nuggets, Clippers, Grizzlies and other teams are crowded together to form the first echelon of the Western Conference.

For the latter three teams, competing for the third position in the Western Conference is crucial. In addition to the high probability of facing the weaker second-placed Western Conference team in the second round, it can also avoid the tragic situation of the fourth and fifth matchups.

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The second tier of the Western Conference is composed of the rising Warriors, Rockets, Jazz and traditional strong teams Lakers and Mavericks.

They are far away from the first tier, so they can only compete with others for the three playoff spots from sixth to eighth in the Western Conference.

Due to their low ranking, even if they reach the playoffs, they will inevitably face the higher-ranked teams. If nothing else, a round trip seems to be the destination for most of their teams.

Of course, once an accident occurs, leaving his name in the history of the NBA does not seem to be a problem.

The most surprising thing among them is the Lakers team that recruited Nash and Howard to form the Big Four.

Since Nash, Gasol and even Howard were all affected by injuries, the Lakers did not lead the league as their fans imagined, and they even had to try their best to get into the playoffs in the second half of the game.

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The remaining teams in the Western Conference have formed a tank team. They need to work hard for a higher pick in this year's draft. By the way, they should consider whether to trade the team's immediate combat power in exchange for draft picks.

After all, one more first-round pick means one more chance to select a cornerstone.

The situation in the Eastern Conference is similar, with the Heat taking the lead and preparing to defend their title with great vigor.

Behind them is the second group composed of the Knicks, Pacers, Nets, Bulls and Eagles. The teams from second to sixth in the Eastern Conference will be produced among them, trying to ensure the top three results.

Entering the playoffs, their goal is not to suffer early internal losses in fourth or fifth place.

The Celtics, who have lost Ray Allen, still maintain a strong competitiveness. They and the Bucks form the second echelon. Although there are 76ers and Raptors behind them, but overall, scoring

The playoffs are not a big problem.

The other teams in the Eastern Conference are the Tank Team. Without Howard, the Magic currently occupy the last place in the league, squeezing out the Bobcats.

"All in all, ensuring the thickness of the rotation is the current top priority for the Pacers."

Pacers president Bird looked at the TV and whispered.

Since the Heat almost occupy the first place in the Eastern Conference, it seems certain that the Knicks and Pacers, currently ranked second and third, will meet in the second round.

Whether the Pacers can successfully advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, or even defeat the Heat and reach the Finals, depends on the less than two months before April.

The return of Granger, a top-paid player, is great news for the Pacers. Even if there is a problem with Granger's condition or the team's understanding, they will have enough time to correct it.

At the worst, Bird would be able to accept the situation in the playoffs last season.

"It depends on how much Granger can recover!"

He glanced at Granger who was warming up on the screen, but saw George and Qi Tian next to him.

George is diligently passing the ball to his boss Danny, while Qi Tian is responsible for the setter.

"If that doesn't work..."

Looking at Qi Tian, ​​Bird frowned.

This summer, the team will discuss contract renewal with Qi Tian.

The problem is that the team already has two top-paid players in Granger and Hibbert with an annual salary of more than 13 million, and the other two starters, West and Hill, have a combined salary of 18 million.

For comparison, due to the Big Three's crazy squeeze on salary space, the Heat, which can only sign players with minimum salaries, the three of them received a total of more than 51 million U.S. dollars.

The Pacers' current four-man roster is only worth $7 million less than the Heat's Big Three.

Of course, if Qi Tian signs a contract with an annual salary of over 7 million, Bird is willing to fly to Detroit now to complete the signing.

But the news coming out from Qitian's side is that they hope Qitian will get a contract with an annual salary of over 10 million.

This means that with the five players plus rookie George's 3.28 million, the Pacers' salary has firmly exceeded the salary cap and is one step closer to the luxury tax line.

Some people may ask, isn't this still some distance from the luxury tax line?

Bird just wanted to teach him how to behave, because in addition to filling the 15-man roster, the two-year, 20 million contract David West signed with the team will also expire this summer!

"David wants to get a raise, Seven also wants to get a raise, and the substitute also needs to be signed. Isn't this forcing me to make a choice?"

Bird murmured to himself.

After letting go of Qi Tian, ​​they still have a substitute at the back, but if they let go of West, who can they rely on inside, and can Hansbrough be replaced as the starter?

Bird was lost in thought.