Memphis, the largest city in Tennessee, is also the 17th largest city in the United States. But sitting in a taxi to FedEx Arena, what did Link see?

Dilapidated buildings, abandoned high-rises, and bleak-looking vacant lots.

It is only when you get close to the city center that the scenery outside the car window gradually comes alive.

Originally, Memphis was the world's largest producer of cotton. But now, under the double whammy of industrial relocation and the Great Depression, Memphis is becoming more and more dilapidated.

In addition to the severe economic decline, the crime rate has also increased dramatically.

Yesterday at the hotel, Link also made a special check. It turns out that in Memphis, it's true that individuals can get free tickets by turning in their guns, not Jeff. Austin's fabrication or exaggeration.

This is Memphis, a city that once thrived and now decays.

Sitting in the taxi, Link took his eyes back from the street scene outside the window. Although he was a fan in his previous life, the 10-11 season is still too far away from 2019 after all. What is the specific situation of the grizzly bear now, Link is actually a little rusty.

He took out his mobile phone, checked the Grizzlies' roster, and combined with the current situation in Memphis, he instantly smiled bitterly.

The label of a city is also often a brand of a team, and so is the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies are a team that everyone fears, and the fear here doesn't mean they're invincible, it's that all the big-name players are looking at this city with a high crime rate and a declining economy.

So much so that Paul . . . When Gasol learned that he had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Spaniard's first reaction after six and a half years at Memphis was not loss and reluctance, but excitement.

And now, this group of players of the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Grizzlies team, are simply another microcosm of the city.

The players on the Grizzlies team are almost all abandoned and despised characters.

Mike. Conley? Auden's younger brother in college.

Gasol Jr.? It's just a show. At the beginning, the Lakers put him on the shelf with Chinese player Sun Yue and let the Grizzlies pick and choose.

Zack. Randolph? The stalwarts of the former Portland prison team have been soaked in the big dye vat of New York for many years. When he arrived in Memphis, almost everyone thought he was finished.

Look at yourself again? One played in college for four years, participated in the draft and was unsuccessful. A low-level player who almost couldn't get along in the development league and was kicked out by the Rockets when he entered the NBA.

This similar fate made Link suddenly have a sense of intimacy with the grizzly bear.

He, like everyone else on the Grizzlies, is an outcast from the world. They have been forgotten in the decaying city, left to flourish like garbage.

But as a traverser, Link is well aware that the rest of the Grizzlies are just like himself – they don't admit defeat!

"Link, after signing today, you probably won't be playing in the official game right away."

Seeing that it is not far from the FedEx Arena, Jeff. Austin began to talk to Link about joining the Grizzlies.

"Oh? What do you mean? Am I going to be sent to the Development League by the Grizzlies first? Link swallowed, if the Grizzlies still needed him to play in the Development League, then he would have been happy for so long.

"It's not like that's in the Development League, you scored 52 points in the Development League, which is the highest personal score. Development alliances don't mean much to you anymore. But there's a good chance the Grizzlies will let you play in practice first, and if you're up to the mark, the Grizzlies will let you play. ”

After listening to Austin, Link nodded. He certainly knows that it won't be easy to get a foothold on an NBA team as an undrafted pick.

"That's actually a good thing, Link. The Grizzlies are in dire need of small forwards right now, so they're actually really eager to get you on the court. But that's why they're making sure you're eligible to play. On the Rockets, you don't even practice with the team. Because essentially, you're not in Team Rocket's plan at all. Memphis, on the other hand, needs you to play before they test you. Grab the opportunity and make a splash. ”

Austin's analysis is well-founded, and Link accepts that fact.

After all, signing a guaranteed contract is a million-dollar deal at a minimum. The Grizzlies owner is not a philanthropist, and the millions of dollars can't be spent for nothing.

The money and the future are all here, want to take it? Do it yourself!

A few minutes later, Link finally saw the luxurious, modern building in Memphis, the jewel of the city, the FedEx Arena.

FedEx Arena doesn't match Memphis at all, because it's so luxurious. The entire arena is rectangular in shape, and the exterior walls are basically made of glass. The entrance of the arena is directly facing the road, and there are many basketball-like stone piers separating the square outside the arena from the road.

Naturally, the home stadium of the blue team can't compare to this arena, and even compared to the Toyota Center in Houston, the FedEx Arena is not inferior.

"Isn't it beautiful here? Don't underestimate the FedEx Arena. It's the first court in the NBA to use a transparent timer, so that fans sitting behind the rebounds are not blocked. ”

Jeff. Austin is very familiar with the FedEx Arena, after all, his big client, Mark Bush. Gasol is also a member of the Grizzlies. He and Grizzlies general manager Chris Brown. Wallace is also an old acquaintance, which is why Link was able to connect with the Grizzlies so quickly. And the players recommended by Austin, the Grizzlies will also attach great importance to them.

This is the difference between a well-connected manager and a rookie manager, otherwise, why do people get millions of commissions a year?

After getting out of the car, Link and Austin walked into the arena hall. The hall is very beautiful, with many nice murals and spray paints. In addition to the Grizzlies players, the mural features many of Memphis' most famous artists.

Link didn't know much about Memphis's urban culture, but he still recognized "Elvis" on the mural.

I have to say that Memphis inside the arena and outside the arena are completely two worlds.

"Austin, you're finally here. This is Link, right? Welcome, and I hope your trip to Memphis is enjoyable. ”

Not long after walking in the hall hall, a strong, bald black guy who looked a little old walked up and cordially greeted Link and Jeff. Austin shakes hands.

"This is Grizzlies assistant coach Elston. Turner, a former professional player, has extensive experience as an assistant coach. He was an assistant coach with the Trail Blazers from '96-00 and with the Sacramento Kings from '00-06. From 06 to 11 years in Houston, he and Yao Ming were old acquaintances. Now, he's in Memphis, helping the team move forward. ”

Jeff. Austin introduced Link in great detail, and Link was a little dumbfounded, this black guy in front of him, who didn't look good, was so capable. From 96 to the present, he is also an experienced old coach.

"Hahahaha, okay Jeff, I know you're very intelligent, and everyone who does this is transparent in front of you, don't show off your extensive basketball knowledge. Link, go to the locker room and change your shirt when you're ready. At noon, you warm up first, and we will do the physical test first. In the afternoon, you'll probably be training with the team right away. ”

"Huh?" Link looked at Austin and then at Turner, "Practice with the team in the afternoon?" But haven't we signed a contract yet? ”

"How many minutes did it take to sign the contract? After practicing in the afternoon, just go to the general manager's office to sign. Or is it important to train, and you want to play as soon as possible, right? I've seen your performances in the Development League and Houston, and as long as you're willing to work hard, I'm sure there's a place for you in Memphis. ”

"Oh...... Oh......" Link nodded, Memphis was really different from Houston.

At the Rockets, his signing ceremony was attended by a large number of reporters, and Morey was still smirking vigorously in front of the camera. What is the result behind this show? Link didn't even qualify to practice with the Rockets.

In Memphis, as soon as I came up, I trained with the team, and the signing was simple, and everything was very simple.

Whether a team wants to hype you up or feel at ease for you to play, Link understands the difference.

Although the signing was not so impressive, Link felt that he had really come to the right place this time. However, the thought of participating in confrontational training in the afternoon made Link really a little nervous. Although he now has the 09-10 season Grant. Hill's ability to compete at the NBA level is not like beating Joan. Brockman is as simple as that.

"By the way, one more thing. What size jersey do you need to wear? Do you continue to wear size 5? Still want to change one. As long as no one is wearing it, any number is fine, after all...... Hahahaha, after all, the Grizzlies haven't retired their jerseys yet. Tell me the number and I'll have the team prepare it for you. ”

Face Elston. Turner's inquiry, Link answered without hesitation.

"Number 0, I want to wear the number 0 shirt. Thank you if you can. ”

"Really?" Turner smiled, of course he knew the story between Link and Upshaw. At this moment, he found that he was more and more fond of this Chinese striker.

Link looked around, and if all went well, this would be the place he would fight for in the future.

So, start from scratch and go ahead!

The battle began with this afternoon's in-team training.