The Basketball Court Swordsman

"I don't think we should sign P.J. Tucker, he is not the kind of player we need."

Inside a small villa in Carmel District, Indianapolis. The two greatest basketball players in the city, Larry Bird and Henson Joe, are sitting together, talking about the future of the Pacers.

"Why? Tucker is a good player, I promise." Henson said as he poured Bird's freshly brewed tea.

"Because our forward line is already very crowded, Henson. Even if Channing Fry is gone, our forward line is extremely crowded! Antetokounmpo, Siakam, even Bogdanovic and Paul George can play forward. By the way, and the handsome guy you got in the draft this year, he is also a forward! Then now you tell me, we still have to sign PJ Tucker? I don’t understand. Henson."

Bird spread his hands. He didn't want to interfere with Henson's basketball affairs. But as literally said, Byrd didn't understand why Henson signed Tucker, he just wanted to hear Henson explain.

"Speaking of that handsome guy, his name is Kyle Kuzma, and that guy performed very well in the summer league. He just defeated the Los Angeles Lakers led by Lonzo Bauer in the last game. I think he even has Qualify for the MVP of the Summer League."

Henson did not answer Bird immediately, but touched on another topic, "Do you know what Ball said after losing to Kuzma? He said that Kuzma was not so good at university, in the NCAA arena. No one remembers Kuzma at all. But now, he is letting a second place remember him. Hahahahaha, it seems we made a right bet this time, Bird."

"Yes, yes, the speed of that little handsome guy’s progress is amazing, as the media writes. Please, I know about Kuzma. You haven’t answered my question yet, Henson. Why do we still need the PJ Tower? K? What do you think he can bring to the team?"

"Three points, defense, toughness, these are the things Tucker can bring us. And the addition of Tucker will not make our forward line crowded."

"You mean, are you going to let Tucker play guard?"

"No," Henson waved his hand gently, "I plan to let Tucker play center!"

"Puff!" Bird sprayed the ground as soon as he took a sip of tea.

"What? The tea is too hot?" Henson smiled gleefully.

"PJ Tucker is less than 2 meters tall and is a typical small forward. He is struggling to play at the fourth position. You actually want him to play center!?" Byrd ignored Henson's joke, he found that he had become more and more. The more he couldn't keep up with Henson's thinking.

"It's the age of small balls, Bird. A small center of 1.98 meters, not short at all. Last season, Antetokounmpo played a good center, but he is more suitable for attacking on the outside. Detokumbo goes a step further, I think it’s better to put him in the most suitable position. What about Siakam? His confrontation ability is not enough to reach the fifth position. In other words, except for Lopez, We do not have any suitable center candidates."

Seeing Byrd getting serious, Henson didn't fight haha ​​again, but began to answer seriously.

"So, this season we need to bring in someone who can play center when changing formations. Tucker is strong defensively, with enough tonnage and strength to resist ordinary insiders. Moreover, he can also open up space, which is also Detokumbo couldn’t do it as a center. No matter how bad, we might use him as a spare for Siakam and Kuzma. In case Kuzma doesn’t adapt after entering the NBA, we can use him instead of Kuzma. The position of the horse."

Bird nodded thoughtfully. According to Henson, P.J. Tucker's signing is indeed very worthwhile.

Henson's current reinforcement plan is actually very clear, that is, the kind of jackpot type who can play multiple positions. And Tucker's ability to defend from outside to inside is undoubtedly in line with this requirement.

"Bird, there is one more thing, I have to tell you in advance. Because I hope that the team can prepare in advance." After finishing Tucker, Henson decided to put out his plan.

"whats the matter?"

"Well... a thing that you may not be happy after hearing it." Henson bit his lip. He didn't want the Pacers to know his retirement plan until the end, leading to lack of preparation. Therefore, I plan to tell Bird in advance to retire at the age of 40.

But when it comes to the lips, it is not so easy to say...

"Damn Indianapolis, damn!" Rockets general manager Morey was furious in the office. He couldn't believe that the role player he had longed for would be intercepted by the Pacers ahead of time!

Two hours ago, the NBA and the Pacers announced at the same time that P.J. Tucker had accepted the Pacers' three-year, $28 million contract and officially joined the Indiana Pacers.

Tucker rejected the Raptors’ highest bid of 33 million in three years, and also rejected the Rockets’ stingy offer of 32 million in four years, which compromised the Pacers’ three-year 28 million.

For Tucker, his most important thing now is not money, so the Raptors are naturally unable to compete.

With the same win, Tucker had to use money to measure a contract.

So Tucker finally chose the Pacers. A team where he doesn't have to cut too much salary, but can also win.

Tucker's move can be annoying Morey, Morey wanted to make a bold and resolute championship lineup this summer, but unexpectedly the first step of the plan was destroyed by the Pacers.

Originally, the Rockets were so close to Tucker, but all this was caused by the Pacers' midway join.

Morey covered his head with his hands in irritation, there are not many big fish left this summer. Gordon Hayward and Kelly Irving are the only hope for the Rockets.

But what if you don't have a championship lineup this year? Morey couldn't help taking out Chris Paul's information. Next year, he will let the Pacers pay their debts!

When Paul's contract expires next summer, the Pacers will definitely take the lead in renewing the younger George with a maximum salary. At that time, Morey will open a contract that the Pacers can't match and recruit Paul into his command!

Just thinking about the back line of Paul + Harden teamed up, it makes people feel chilly.

Morey hooked the corner of his mouth, no longer entangled with P.J. Tucker. His thoughts have flown to next summer, the summer that is destined to make Pacers regret.

The whole world knows that Paul and George will renew their contracts next summer, and they also know that the Pacers cannot give them both a maximum salary contract. Therefore, there are many rumors that the Pacers want to trade Paul.

As the head coach of the Pacers, Henson can't help but know these things.

Although it is early to consider things next summer, Henson still feels it is necessary to talk to Paul. After all, Paul is a meritorious player of the Pacers, and the four championships are inseparable from Paul's contribution. Henson would not forgive himself if he just put the meritorious players away in such a vague way. Moreover, he also needs to avoid rumors about "The Pacers want to trade Paul", lest Paul think too much.

So just after signing Tucker, Henson called Paul. He wants to talk to Paul about where he belongs next summer.

"To be honest, coach. I am willing to cut my salary, and I am willing to stay with the Pacers. But as you know, I am 32 years old and I have entered the end of my career. In other words, next summer will be the last time I will take Opportunity for a big contract. So, if other teams offer a price that I can hardly refuse, I..."

"Well, Chris, I can understand. Don't worry, I will not trade you ahead of time in exchange for chips, and I will not deprive you of your position because you plan to leave. I respect your choice and you are not mine. Personal belongings. Next summer, if a team is willing to sign you with a maximum salary, I will never stop you. But until then, Chris, you are still the leader of the Pacers. This will not change!"

Henson understood what Paul meant. Similar to Horford, he did not want to leave the Pacers, but at the same time did not want to miss the opportunity to sign the last maximum salary. This is a good thing, Henson doesn't want a player to give up those thousands of dollars for himself. The story of one person, one city is romantic and beautiful, but looking at the current league, how many players can achieve the condition of one person, one city?

The Mavericks and Lakers are willing to open large contracts to the elderly Kobe and Dirk, just for their feelings. But this kind of financial resources is not available to every team.

It's okay that no one will give Paul a maximum salary next summer. Paul will cut his salary and stay behind, and everything will be fine. But if someone really wants to make things happen, give Paul a maximum salary contract while ensuring competitiveness...

Henson curled his lips, a little worried. After all, he has never led a team without Paul to a championship.

Unknowingly, the secret battle between the Pacers and the Rockets had already begun a year in advance...