A professional sports manager, in his past life as a basketball enthusiast, Link knows how important a good manager is to a player. So he spoke to Carl the day after he received the call. Jones met.

If he could, Link would certainly like to be part of a well-known managerial group. He believes that it will help him increase his chances of signing with an NBA team.

If it's the coach who helps the players on the basketball court, then the manager is the coach of the players off the basketball court.

A player's business operations and many things in life, the manager will help the player to deal with. A good manager can make a player's career more effective with half the effort.

If he could, Link would certainly like to have an ace manager himself. For example, Chinese fans are very familiar with Bill. Duffy, let's say Dan. Fagan. But the brutal truth is that he doesn't have a choice now.

How can these ace managers look down on a small draft failure?

Therefore, Carl. Jones, the self-recommended manager, met with Link just like that.

"I watched that game and you did really well. I think the development league is just too small for you, and I'd love to help you get into the NBA and you're going to be a star, man. ”

Looking at the braggadocio of the young white man in front of him, Link always felt a little lacking in confidence. As we all know, professional sports managers are in great need of connections and experience, and finding a young manager is very risky.

Of course, there are no examples in the history of the NBA where managers have become famous with their players. But that's a minority, and most famous managers have partnered with a star before they've even become famous.

However, Link now has no choice, and he does need a manager to handle his contacts with NBA teams. Moreover, in front of this Karl. Jones seemed to be his only option.

"I know you'd love to help me, but I'm afraid I can't afford to hire you."

After the other party had finished speaking, Link finally spoke. With an annual income of less than $20,000 in the Development League, which manager can he afford?

However, the other party didn't seem to care, and apparently guessed such a result.

"I don't need a salary, I just take a cut of the team contract and the commercial contract you signed. In fact, at least 28 of the top 30 picks in the draft each year receive money from managers. Because only in this way will a player choose to become a client of a certain manager. But like you, I don't have the money to show my sincerity. Therefore, we might as well take what we need. I'll help you get commercial endorsements and NBA contracts. And you, you can rest assured to choose me boldly. ”

Link pursed his lips, he could accept it. After all, a manager's commission per contract is very small, usually no more than 4%. As for the commission of commercial contracts...... What kind of commercial contract can Link get now?

"Are you sure you're going to help me get an NBA contract?" After thinking about it for a while, Link still wanted to give it a try, after all, he didn't want to waste too much time in the development league.

"I can assure you, Link. The color of your skin, your background, and how well you perform on the basketball court are all advantages! Trust me, it's not hard for me to get you a 10-day contract. ”

"Then we can sign a one-year contract first, and if we have a good relationship, we can renew it."

Link didn't choose to fully trust the man in front of him, a one-year contract was the safest. If it is found that the manager's ability is not good, Link can also replace him immediately.

"No problem, it's good that you're wary of that, Link. I'll start working tomorrow, and trust me, it won't be long, maybe not even a month, and you'll be on the NBA stage. When the time comes, you will realize that signing with me is the best decision you have ever made. ”

Cal. Jones Thief pulled out the contract with a smile, and the collaboration between an unknown manager and an unknown player began.

※※※

Zeke. Upshaw, 26, is three months away from his 27th birthday.

At the age of 26, it is still a golden age for ordinary people. But for a professional athlete, it's not too young.

Upshaw himself knows very well that at his age, if he doesn't make it to the NBA in two years, the peak of his career may be in the Development League.

Development alliances have low salaries, no guarantees, and few spectators. But the players know that if you survive in this league, you have a chance to play in the NBA.

Earpshaw knew that, of course, even though he was 26 years old.

The NBA, a utopian fantasy world, drives hundreds of players like Upshaw to survive in this brutal world of basketball.

At this time, Upshaw, who scored 17 points on the court yesterday, is now sitting in a car wash in a dirty uniform.

As an NBDL player, Upshaw can barely make ends meet if he lives alone. But alas, he has a family to take care of. As a result, Upshaw had to do something else when he wasn't playing.

It was noon, and the car wash was not busy. Upshaw had just had lunch and was sitting in the car wash looking at his phone. On my phone, it's the news of yesterday's game. There is a picture of him on it, and there is a narrative of him cutting 17 points.

Looking at the news, Upshaw smiled slightly. Only at this moment can he feel that he is a true professional.

"Zike, are you busy?"

While Upshaw was immersed in the dream of a professional footballer, a man came to the door of the car wash. Looking up and seeing the visitor's face, Upshaw showed a mouth full of white teeth, and it was none other than his best friend on the blue team, Tom. Lin, Link.

"Big star Link! Hahahaha, that's what my colleagues in the car wash call you today. What do you think? Was it a pleasure to sign with the manager? Upshaw walked up and gave Link a hug, and he wouldn't forget the wonderful passes Link had given him yesterday.

"I signed it for a year, and hopefully he will get me to sign an NBA contract sooner rather than later. Let's go, come and practice with me in the arena. "Link's goal now is to fill that little white bar as soon as possible, in addition to getting into the NBA.

Only by getting stronger will Link have a better chance of surviving.

Upshaw looked at the car wash behind him, smiled wryly and shook his head, "I need this $50, Link." ”

Yesterday, Upshaw's sister fell in love with a dress that wasn't too expensive. Although she didn't ask for it, Upshaw could see his sister's love for the dress. But a dress for just $200 would require Upshaw to work four days at a car wash.

Upshaw wanted to surprise his sister and add some hope and joy to that struggling family. But all of this had to be built on Upshaw's sacrifice.

Link patted Upshaw on the back in understanding. Link doesn't have to take care of his parents now, and it's hard enough to survive on his own. So, he knows very well how much financial pressure Upshaw has. After all, Upshaw is not just taking care of himself.

"I'll pass you the ball in the next game, and we'll all make it to the NBA." Link is a love-hate man who never softens his enemies, such as Brockman. But to his friends, Link will not be ungrateful either.

"Not necessarily, but you can. Hey, I'll give you a pair of sneakers the day you enter the NBA. When the time comes, you'll put it on for me and go to the NBA. ”

"No, you're going to have to wear it and play in the NBA, Zike. I'm leaving, feel free to come to the stadium when you have time. ”

Link waved away, leaving only Upshaw, still smiling. In Link, he seemed to see his younger self.

If someone can fulfill his NBA dream for him, he will be very happy. That Chinese worked hard, and he deserved success.

By this time, Link was already far away, and Upshaw was ready to do his job. But suddenly, the black player suddenly clutched his chest and crouched on the ground.

More than ten seconds later, Upshaw was back to normal. He didn't seem to care about the symptoms just now.

In other words, it is already difficult for him to maintain even the basic life, and he has no extra energy and money to take care of his body.

Anyway, this symptom has been going on for a whole year......