At seven o'clock in the morning on the 26th, the Pacers players arrived at the airport early. Since it is a special plane, there is no need to queue up like ordinary passengers.

But even so, the players got up early in the morning. After all, everyone has to meet at the FedEx Center and then take a bus to the airport.

The team also did this for safety, and if a player was late or had an accident on the way, it would be more than worth the loss. Therefore, as long as it is an away game, NBA teams basically gather first and then set off.

This is Link's first time playing away from home with an NBA team, and for the supporting services of an NBA team, Link feels extremely luxurious.

First of all, the luggage, when playing in the Development League, no matter how much luggage you bring, you have to take it yourself the whole time.

However, when you play away from an NBA team, you just have to hand over your luggage to the staff and you can leave it alone. When you arrive in your hotel room, your luggage will naturally appear in the closet.

Secondly, jerseys, shoes and other equipment naturally do not have to be carried by the players themselves. Watching TV before the time crossing, Rockets player P.J. Tucker always likes to carry a pair of shoes when he enters the stadium, but in fact, they are just used by him to decorate. The real game boots are now neatly arranged in their locker room.

Finally, the conditions for the team to travel are also very good. Although there is no $60 meal allowance, luxury buses and special planes are not available in the Development Alliance.

This time, Link didn't have to squeeze economy class with others. The entire plane belongs only to the Grizzlies players. In Randolph's words, "You kid can do somersaults on top of it." ”

So, carrying his small satchel, Link hit the road. When the plane had already flown out of Memphis, Link still couldn't believe that he was actually sitting on an NBA team's charter plane and was going to play an away game!

Speaking of which, this time the Grizzlies played an interesting destination on the road, which was actually to Indianapolis.

Link remembers a basketball novel he read before he crossed over, in which the main character was coaching in Indianapolis. And in reality, the Pacers also have his good friend Paul. George.

Last night, George called to ask if Link would play in Indianapolis with the team the next day. At that time, Link didn't know that he was selected for the squad, so the answer was that he didn't know.

I believe that today, George will be very surprised to see him. But then again, it seems like this is the first time Link has met his best friend.

※※※

Like the Grizzlies, the Indiana Pacers have been hovering around eighth in the East for a long time. So far, the Pacers have a 13-14 record. They still have a chance to play in the playoffs, but if one is not careful, they will fall outside the top eight.

Everyone thought that this kind of team, which struggled to even make the playoffs, would not be able to fight. However, in fact, this kind of team is precisely the one who is most willing to fight. You just have to fight to qualify for the playoffs, and who wants to give up?

Therefore, Pacers coach Jim. O'Brien asked his players to start preparing early today. The Grizzlies share that desire, and today's game is not destined to be easy.

The good news for the Pacers, though, is that the Grizzlies have just come back on a three-game losing streak. Gay has shot below 40 percent in two straight games. He believes that in Guy with Daniel. In Granger's duel, Granger was able to win completely.

As for the inside, Hibbert was able to use his height advantage to contain Gasol Jr. The two white power forwards, McRoberts and Hansbrough, took turns fighting Randolph, which should be enough for him to drink a pot.

Jim. O'Brien had a lot of calculations, and he thought it might be a tight match, but the result would be no surprise.

"Coach." At this moment, Paul, who was warming up. George got together with Jim. O'Brien around.

"What's the matter? George. "O'Brien didn't take care of George because he was a lottery show, on the contrary, Jim. O'Brien has never trusted George much, and he's not a coach who likes to use rookies.

As a key target for the Pacers, George has not even played 20 minutes this season, which is enough to reflect O'Brien's attitude towards George.

"I just wanted to ask, do you think the Grizzlies will send Link out of the game?"

"Who are you talking about? Link? O'Brien looked at George in surprise, and couldn't remember who Link was for a moment, does the Grizzlies have this person?

"That's it, Link who broke the development league's individual scoring record in a single game some time ago." George continued to add.

"Oh, you said him." O'Brien laughed playfully, if it weren't for George mentioning it, he would have almost forgotten about this person, "It doesn't matter if he will play or not, anyway, even if he plays, it won't affect the game." Concentrate on your preparations, George, and stop thinking about this nonsense. ”

O'Brien didn't take Link seriously at all, and he didn't trust a rookie with a 10th pick, let alone a senior who lost the draft?

※※※

The NBA players are in good condition on the road, but they are also really busy. Having just arrived in Indianapolis for an hour's lunch break, Link had not yet enjoyed the comfort of a room in a five-star hotel. Hollins led the players to the Consec Arena.

Link has been fidgeting, he doesn't know when he'll be on the pitch today or how long he'll be able to play. I finally want to meet my old friend George, so I can't come to the bench for 48 minutes. But if it's just a garbage time appearance like Haddadi, it doesn't seem interesting.

Speaking of Haddadi, he didn't come with the Grizzlies today because he was kicked off the roster.

Well, squeezed out by Link.

Arriving at the visitors' dressing room, the players changed their gear while Hollins explained the tactics.

"The Pacers' offensive firepower is very strong, and Daniel Brown. Granger, Darren. Collison and Mike. Dunleavy is a very good attacker. Similarly, the Pacers' defense, especially the interior defense, is not weak at all. Roy. Hibbert is 2.18 meters tall and can get 2.0 blocks per game! If you don't be cautious enough on the inside attack, you won't be able to score! So today, I need you to increase the number of outside shots. Actively look for opportunities beyond the three-point line and mid-range. Then on the offensive end, block their shooting space. ”

Link listened carefully to the tactics as he changed his clothes.

"Link!" As if sensing that Link was looking at him, Hollins suddenly shouted.

"I'm here, Coach."

'I'm going to rotate you today, don't be nervous, just play according to the performance on the training pitch. We need your range and defense, don't let me down. ”

After Hollins finished, Link and Sam. Yang and the others were both surprised.

Link didn't expect to go straight into the regular rotation, and Sam. Yang didn't expect that he would be abandoned by Hollins so soon.

"I'm ......" Link looked at Hollins' expectant eyes, at the friendly smiles of Randolph and the others, and at the number 0 jersey on his body.

Grizzlies No. 0, this is the first time Link has worn an official Grizzlies game jersey. The big "0" on the chest is extremely conspicuous.

"I'll do my best to get the job done, coach." Link looked up again, he had waited long enough for this day.

※※※

When the Grizzlies players entered the stadium one by one, George's eyes were fixed on the opposite half. Finally, at the end of the team, the small forward, who was picked by the Pacers with the 10th pick, saw his college teammate and good friend Link.

"I said we were going to meet in the NBA!" George walked towards Link with open arms, and although Link had not actually been teammates with George, he had also liked Paul before crossing over. George, therefore, did not hesitate to hug it.

"It's been good lately, George."

"Too good to be true, Jim. Coach O'Brien has given me a lot more minutes. Though...... Well, I must admit, I don't really like him. ”

George glanced at O'Brien, some coaches are good at tweaking new players, while others prefer to use their familiar lineups. Jim. O'Brien, undoubtedly belongs to the latter.

"Really? Did he let you play number three or number two? "Link knows Jim. O'Brien, if history doesn't shift, this guy won't be able to play a few more games and will be out of class. And then Frank who came to power. Vogel is George's enlightenment coach in the NBA.

"Number three."

"It's unfortunate that I'm also playing in the number three position. In that case, we're going to have to align ourselves in rotation time today. Link licked his lips very unkindly if he could beat Paul. George, that team will definitely be more secure!

And George and Grant in their rookie years. Compared to Hill, it can be said that he is very immature. It's not impossible to beat George!

Think about it, a draft loss defeated a rookie with a tenth pick, and it's hard for Link not to be popular.

"Okay, all the bad ideas hit me in the head." George laughed, he thought Link was messing around with him.

Link didn't answer, but gave George a meaningful pat on the shoulder. This guy must not have heard of a saying that is very common in China: "Acquaintances only pit acquaintances." ”