Lionel. Hollins is officially leaving, and former Butler University Bulldogs coach Brad Brown. Stevens took over as the Grizzlies' new head coach.

Hollins burst into tears at the press conference, and Stevens was moved to tears on the day he left Butler University.

As soon as this news came out, it made the whole basketball world laugh.

"When this seemingly simple news headline appeared on my phone screen, it became the most incomprehensible sentence in the world. For half a minute, I didn't even understand it. Brad. Stevens? Which Brad. Stevens? I haven't heard of this guy on the coaching staff of any NBA team. ”

"Brad. Stevens? That's only better than Zach. Randolph's college coach who is three years older? ”

"Stevens is too young, Robert. Pera is also too young, and together, they will ruin the rising Memphis Grizzlies! ”

"It's not the first time an NCAA coach has made it to the NBA. Pitino and John. Calipari and others have proven that it's hard for an NCAA coach to succeed in the NBA, which is two different worlds of basketball entirely. ”

"I don't know what Grizzlies management is going to do, but Hollins did a great job with the Grizzlies, they made it to the Western Conference Finals for a record two years in a row! As a result, as soon as the rookie boss came to power, he brought a rookie coach, which is incredible! ”

"It's hard to imagine how a 35-year-old coach with no NBA coaching experience and no professional player experience can get that group of young men who don't admit defeat to listen to him. If a coach doesn't have a say in the locker room, the team will get out of control sooner or later. ”

"The new owner wants to bring his own people into the team, and that's understandable. But Robert. The people who are brought by Pera are not very reliable. ”

As Rink expected, as soon as the news of Stevens joining the Grizzlies broke, it was overwhelmingly full of voices.

After all, in the original history, when Stevens joined the Celtics, the outside world also reacted in this way.

It's just that the Celtics have basically begun to rebuild at that time, and the Grizzlies are still a Western Conference Finals-level team. As a result, Stevens has been questioned louder than he had in history.

Link had already returned to Memphis from Spain at this time, and his Spanish golden holiday with Rachel did not last long, because the Olympics were going to be played at the end of July, so the national teams also started training camps, and Gasol did not have much time to play with Link.

Seeing that many people around him were going to play the Olympics, Link also had some itchy hands. But there is no way, want to play for the Chinese team? It's not as simple as giving up your U.S. citizenship. If the Chinese Basketball Association does not have a naturalization plan to give Link the green light all the way, Link is willing to give up his American citizenship, and it will be difficult for him to become a Chinese citizen.

After all, China is not a country of immigrants, and it is not easy to become a citizen. And think about the state of Chinese basketball in recent years...... Well, don't wade into these troubled waters.

Everyone else is busy working for the Olympics, and Link has to work for the Grizzlies.

At the end of June, Link was present at the signing ceremony of the Grizzlies and rookie players. This year, the Grizzlies used their first-round pick with the 27th pick to acquire center Festus from Vanderbilt University. Aizeli to fill the void of an inside rotation on the bench.

There's nothing to say about this draft, naturally there was no trade to Jimmy last year. Butler was so stunning. But this year's draft is at the end of the first round, and there really isn't a good choice. Choosing Azeli to add the thickness of the inside line on the bench is at least the right idea.

There are a few good players in the second-round pick, such as Green, who will make the league feared in the future, and Chris Brown, a tall pitcher in the future. Middleton. But they are in the grizzly bears, and they may not be able to play their strengths, so the grizzly bears did not stretch out their "magic grasp".

Showing his face at the signing ceremony, Link can be regarded as helping the Grizzlies promote and increase their popularity. By the way, also boost the motivation of rookie players.

With the core of the team involved in the signing ceremony of a rookie at the end of the first round, he will definitely feel valued and an important reinforcement for the team. And then the following summer, I will push myself desperately.

Speaking of which, Link himself has not participated in the post-draft signing ceremony, and now he is still present at someone else's ......

After Azeli's signing ceremony, Link also met with Pera and Stevens.

"We're being pushed to the forefront, guys." Pera sat behind her desk, frowning as she watched the negative news about the Grizzlies.

"To be honest, that's to be expected." Stevens, who was questioned, was not so irritable and still smiled.

"We've always lived under questioning, we're used to it." Link also spread his hands, the Grizzlies have been questioned a lot, and they don't care about these two.

'In any case, you're going to be under a lot of pressure next season. No, we're going to be stressed! Coach Stevens, I'd also like to hear your thoughts on reinforcements. If we're going to sign or trade a player, I'll talk to you about it in advance. Just like promised, you have a share in the control of this team. ”

"The team still has a trade?" Link asked knowingly, mainly to get some information.

From the time the team changed coaches, Link was sure that this wasn't the only change the Grizzlies had this summer.

"Hmm...... I'm not afraid to tell you that the entire league is now brewing a deal. This summer, things are going to get crazy. Tomorrow, the trade market and free agent signing market will open. When the time comes, the intensity may be no worse than in the playoffs. Pera touched his chin, in order for the Grizzlies to be able to take the Grizzlies one step further next year, he must take every opportunity from tomorrow!

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"I didn't expect us to work together on the same team." Standing in the training ground of the Federal Express Arena, Stevens crossed his waist and chatted with Link beside him.

"It's fate, this year, I don't have to go to Indianapolis to be able to train with you." Link smiled, he didn't expect that he would actually join forces with the young marshal.

When George first introduced him to Stevens, Link was still fantasizing about what it would be like to play under Stevens.

But it won't be long before he doesn't have to fantasize.

"Do you know why I'm willing to accept a contract with the Grizzlies? Link. ”

"Because you said you wanted to get into the NBA, I remember you said last year."

"I do want to get into the NBA, but the Memphis Grizzlies aren't my only option. To tell you the truth, the Boston Celtics have also been in contact with me. But I finally decided to come here because of you! Stevens finished and turned to look at Link.

"I know how good you are, and if I take you as the core of the team, I am confident that I will lead the team well! I've always wanted to work with a player like you, so when the opportunity came, I jumped at it. You, Link, are the biggest reason I'm here. I'll tailor everything for you and I'll take your performance to the next level. You, on the other hand, will take the grizzly bear to a higher position. Since I trained you last year, I've been thinking how nice it would be if I could coach you all the time. Now, the dream has come true. ”

"Haha, you're embarrassing me, Brad." Link waved his hand, but he believed what Stevens said.

Stevens does have the ability to make players better, and Thomas, who is 1.75m tall, almost took the top salary at the Celtics. But what about after leaving Stevens? He was almost out of work.

"I can't wait to start training here as soon as possible. In the NCAA, I didn't get the final honors. But in the NBA...... Link, look around here, there aren't any pennants of honor. But maybe we can decorate it beautifully? ”

"You be the best coach, I'll be the best player?" Link smiled, Memphis' basketball history will no longer be bland.

"That's right, that's fine. You be the best player, I'll be the best coach. Stevens and Link clashed fists lightly, and amid the doubts from the outside world, the Grizzlies will have begun to look forward to their future.