The rest is just noise

This year is a very promising year for the Indiana Pacers.

They got the biggest prize in last year's draft (Manning), and second-year player Horace Grant performed very well.

This raises a series of questions.

The Pacers have too many good inside players, but they only have two who can play. The other two can find a foothold in most teams, so naturally they will not be willing to come off the bench in their prime years.

But the Pacers didn't handle the players' emotions well, so except for Manning's occasional flash of inspiration, they didn't perform well most of the time.

There is a problem with the team's chemistry, and the first one to bear the brunt is the coaching staff.

Only halfway through the season, the Pacers have already replaced Hall of Fame coach Jack Ramsey (0-7), the best center in team history Mel Daniels (meldaniels/0-2), and the Pacers who have played for Indianapolis for many years.

Veteran assistant coach George Irving (6 wins, 14 losses).

If a team changes three coaches before the season is over, and the team's chemistry has not improved yet, can it still be a problem with the coaching staff?

In this case, the position of Dick Versace, the Pacers' fourth head coach this season, was preserved.

His predecessor bought him tolerance at the cost of his own career.

Since the coaching staff can't find the source of the confusion, it looks for it among the players.

Herb Williams, a young and strong former center, publicly expressed his dissatisfaction.

He believes that he and Manning can coexist, and the team should play twin towers instead of letting Manning occupy the fifth position.

Wayman Tisdale, a super brusher in the same class as Ewing, was confirmed by the Pacers to be mortal after several 17+7 seasons of ineffective output and was unlikely to bring qualitative changes to the team.

The Pacers would be happy if he was willing to be a substitute scorer. But now, he has entered the fourth year of his career and is also the year of his contract.

He has to work hard for his next contract, so he doesn't want to be a substitute, he wants to score.

At this time, the Pacers were so sick that they sought medical treatment and found two people who seemed to be the most dissatisfied with the current situation.

Walsh openly touted Tisdale and quietly asked for Williams.

These two things are no longer rumors among the general managers of each team.

Just as Walsh was hanging up the phone from Bill Russell and contemplating the deal, his phone rang again.

"Hello."

"Which one?"

"Is it Bill?" The other person's tone was as cheerful as if he had gone out to pick up 5 million today. "It's me, Elgin."

An image of Baylor instantly formed in Walsh's mind.

He knew who Baylor was and that he was the general manager of the Knicks, but everyone knew that he was just a tool for Little to speak out to the outside world.

A few years ago, Louis could still control everything behind the scenes.

Now, as there are more and more rumors, the authenticity of those rumors related to Louis has been confirmed by the parties involved, so everyone suddenly realizes that it is him who is behind the scenes.

"Elgin, why did you have time to call me?"

Walsh asked knowingly.

"What you said is boring. What can I do if I call? Who doesn't know you have business to discuss here?"

Walsh smiled and asked: "The Knicks' current chemical reaction is perfect. Do you want to make a deal with us?"

"You may not believe it, but yes, that's why I called."

"Okay, who does little Lu want?"

"What a little reveal, we are talking." Baylor seemed to want to use this statement to prove his weight in the Knicks, "How about it, Bill, aren't you selling Tisdale everywhere?"

Walsh doesn't deny it.

"Yes, are you interested in him?"

"Who wouldn't be interested in an insider who averages 17 points and 7 rebounds per game?" Baylor said with a smile, "You can make a price."

Walsh asked tentatively: "Dennis Rodman?"

"Can you be serious?"

Walsh thinks he's serious, but it would be crazy if the Knicks were really willing to trade Rodman for Tisdale.

Walsh smiled bitterly and said: "Well, why don't you give me an offer and see what Little Lu is willing to pay for Tisdale?"

"I told you, there is no Little Lu, it's just you and me, don't keep mentioning that kid!"

"Okay, then please give me a quote."

"Charles Oakley."

Baylor said directly: "Oakley for Tisdale, one for one."

Walsh gave a thoughtful response and hung up.

new york, blue palace

Belle frowned, and Louis was inserting coins into the vending machine in his office.

He bought a bottle of Coke and a pack of bagels.

"Why are you acting like a child?" Belle complained.

"Elgin, I'm just trying to get into the child's inner world." Louis said holding a bagel, "It is said that this is the most popular snack this year."

Belle didn't want to discuss with him what food was the most popular this year.

"Don't forget about business, what about the deal?" Baylor said dissatisfied, "That bastard Walsh didn't show any intention of trading with us."

Louis smiled and said: "I bet he will take the initiative to call."

"Why?"

"The Pacers need Oak."

Louis was 100% sure about this matter.

If the Pacers want to rise, they must ensure that Danny Manning grows up smoothly.

Manning's current playing style is three different, sometimes like a small forward, sometimes like a center, but his body is closer to a power forward.

As long as he can play well, he will definitely become a miracle player like Sampson.

If he wants to fight, he must have a strong thug by his side.

In the first two years of Ewing's career, Oakley played a key role. He did most of the dirty work and ensured that no one dared to attack Ewing as long as he was around. Now Ewing has become a villain himself.

He took the initiative to protect others, coupled with Rodman's evolution, and the changes in the Knicks team after last year's Eastern Conference Finals, things changed.

Oakley is still the best player on the Knicks and the most intimidating person in conflicts, but now people fear and hate the entire Knicks team, not Oakley alone.

Those who need Oakley's protection have grown up.

This is the thug's dilemma.

Louis believes that Oakley is the league's top hitter and bodyguard, and that when the team needs it, he can stably contribute 17 points and 12 rebounds in his position.

If the Pacers really want Manning to grow, they must get Oakley.

Louis explained why the Pacers had to hire Oakley, and Baylor understood.

He admired Louis greatly.

Whether it's trading or drafting, Louis' meticulousness is unprecedented in his life.

For Louis, the superficial glitz is just an illusion. He has a pair of eyes that can see through the essence.

On the trading floor, as long as he knows what the other party wants, he will find a way to use that chip. In the draft, his 100% shooting rate since entering the industry in 1978 is a legend in the professional basketball industry.

"Do we need Wayman?" Ewing asked puzzled.

Louis smiled and said: "Actually, it's not that necessary."

"Then why do you want him?"

Louis said cunningly: "I don't need it, but there are always people who need it."

About half an hour later, Walsh took the initiative to call Baylor back.

They decided to accept the Knicks' offer and send Tisdale to New York.

The deal between the Knicks and the Pacers progressed quickly. After the negotiation was concluded, a fax was sent to the league for confirmation.

It only took less than two hours from the beginning to the conclusion of the agreement and the confirmation of the alliance.

Even before the league announced the details of the transaction between the two parties, Louis called Bill Russell's office.

"Russell, let's talk again?"

Russell has a strange fascination with Tisdale. He believes that Tisdale, as a high-profile super rookie, can play as a backup in Indiana for three years, which shows that he is a selfless player.

He scored 17+7 in consecutive years as a substitute. What if he becomes the core player?

Louis couldn't understand his admiration for Tisdale, but since the man was already in his hands and the Knicks didn't need Tisdale, it was certain to sell him.

Russell already knew something about Tisdale's situation, and he knew New York had succeeded.

He didn't expect Louis to call him.

He thought that he and Louis "see the same thing" and both wanted Tisdale, but New York had better bargaining chips and he lost without temper.

Now Louis called and actually acted like he wanted to hand over the treasure he got?

Could it be a scam?

"what do you want from me?"

Russell asked warily.

"Russell, you know we already have McHale, so there is no position for Tisdale. Moreover, your roster does not have the players I really need. Out of necessity to match the salary, I can only choose Joe.

Klein.”

"who?!"

"Joe Klein."

Joe Klein was a white import who was drafted higher because of his skin color and so-called skills. He entered the league as a lottery pick in 1985 and signed a four-year, $4 million contract. He played more games than the four-year, $400,000 contract.

The wheel is even worse.

"One for one?"

"Russell, you have worked with Reid for a while, so you should know how to do business." Louis was completely convinced of Russell, "I can give him to you without affecting the strength of your team, but you

You have to give me some potential stocks for the future.”

Russell was happy and let out a reggae-like laugh.

"Future potential stocks? If you think we have potential, just take it away! hihihihi"

"Really?" Louis' words made Russell's laughter stop. "I think your future draft picks have great potential."