The summer of 2014 was not an easy one for the Pacers.

Reims. Stephenson became the first problem that arose after the Pacers lost Henson.

If Henson is around, Stephenson may choose to sign a long-term contract with the Pacers. But when no one could hold him down, and he felt like he was in for a championship, Stephenson chose to leave for more money.

For 27.5 million in 3 years, Stephenson officially joined the Charlotte Hornets, who were in charge of Jordan. Not only that, but the Pacers' other contract extensions are also going very hard.

Originally, Bird wanted to renew Jimmy's contract early. Butler and Leonard. However, the desire of these two guys to stay is not strong.

Leonard, at the instigation of his uncle, asked for at least 90 million for 5 years. There is no doubt that Leonard's victory in the FMVP in the 13-14 season gave him inflated capital.

And Jimmy. On Butler's side, the asking price is also not low. At least 95 million in 5 years, otherwise it will not be considered. And, Jimmy. Butler has openly stated that he wants to go further in his career. He thinks he's getting too few opportunities with the Pacers, and he's got very few starts on a team that has George and Leonard.

So aside from the money issue, Jimmy. Butler also has some dissatisfaction with the rotation in it. Therefore, his departure next summer has almost become a sure thing.

With Paul and George already re-signed with a maximum salary, the Pacers simply can't afford to get a third maximum contract. Especially, when the players are not willing to make concessions.

In the past, Bird could have Henson talk to the players and coordinate with them. But for now, Bird is on his own. After losing Henson, he was left to take charge of every aspect of the Pacers on his own.

In the case of discouragement in the team, Bird has not yet come up with a reliable reinforcement plan. In order to get Chris. Paul, the team sent a 14-year first-round pick early. As for the second-round draft, Bird doesn't have too good a goal.

If Henson is here, he will definitely be able to find a treasure in the second round of rookies. It's just a pity that the guy who always digs gold now, is no longer there.

Of course, Bird had to face not only internal pressure, but also external pressure.

In mid-July, without warning, LeBron. James announced on social media his decision to leave the Heat and return to Cleveland. There is no doubt that LeBron. James's "decision two" has become the most exciting news after Henson's retirement this summer.

Leaving the Cavaliers for the Heat four years ago, James formed the "Big Three" with Wade and Bosh. But it's a pity that the three of them have worked together for four years and have only played in the finals once and have not won the championship. And the "culprit" who prevented the Heat from winning the championship was naturally the Pacers led by Henson.

I believe it is precisely for this reason that James will choose to jump out of the contract. Despite the Heat's efforts to retain him and offer a five-year, $122 million contract, James still opted to sign an $88 million four-year contract with the Cavaliers, saying he hopes to end his career with the Cavaliers.

Although it seems that the combination of Irving + James + Wiggins is not mature enough, Bird is clear that James will not make decisions casually. The Cavaliers definitely have a follow-up trade, and he has already heard some rumors that there is an intention to make a three-way trade between the Cavaliers, the 76ers and the Timberwolves. If the deal does go through, then Kevin. Love will most likely be a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers!

Irving + James + Love, such a lineup is enough to put pressure on the Pacers! This is a younger, more dynamic Big Three lineup than the Heat! Without Henson, Bird really didn't know if he would be able to withstand the onslaught of such a Cleveland Cavaliers.

This summer, Bird really felt what it means to be troubled internally and externally.

Of course, the Cavaliers aren't the only team in the East that is being strengthened. The Bulls bring in Paul. Gasol, Raptors bring in Luis. Williams, New York retained Anthony, Wizards got "Truth" Pierce...... Every Eastern Conference team has engaged in an arms race, but the Pacers have been tepid.

As soon as Henson left, it seemed that everyone was sharpening their knives and ready to give the Pacers a good look.

And at the beginning of August this year, the Pacers' star Paul. George had a frightening accident. He was nearly seriously injured in a training session before the U.S. men's basketball team participated in the World Cup. Harden fell to the ground and stepped on the bracket of the basketball hoop.

Luckily, George only suffered a slight ankle sprain. If he fractures his lower leg, the Pacers will lose their leading scorer next season.

However, it was also found that it seems that Henson. After Joe left, the aura that hung over the Pacers' head disappeared in an instant. Now, the Pacers players will also have trouble over money, and the Pacers players will also get injured frequently due to various accidents.

The intoxicating dynasty team seemed to have experienced a summer before falling off the altar.

But Henson turned a deaf ear to these things, and he actually wanted to know how the Pacers were doing, but he couldn't help but watch the news. Because he was afraid, he fell into that kind of work environment again in an instant.

So, Henson had to use something else to distract himself. For example, officially began to plan his wedding to Anjiali.

In the beginning, Angeli and Henson originally wanted to go to Paris or Venice for a wedding. Because these two places are almost the best interpretation of the word "romantic".

But after much thought, the two finally decided to hold their wedding in Indianapolis. Of course, the reason is also very simple, in this way, it will be more convenient for their relatives and friends to want to attend the wedding.

"I don't plan to let the media know about this, I just want to get married with the blessing of my own people, and I don't want to be disturbed by the media." Sitting in a small rented villa in Brazil, Henson put his arm around Angeli's shoulders and looked forward to their future.

"I thought so too, it was a private party. After all, our wedding is not a show. ”

"Since we're going to have a wedding in Indianapolis, let's go to Venice for our honeymoon. I've never been to Venice before, and it's said to be a must-visit destination for couples. ”

"Then, we'll have our own kids, Henson!" Speaking of this, An Jiali's eyes were full of longing.

"yes," Henson's arm around Angeli's shoulder tightened, "we're going to have our own children, our own families." Our lives are going to change dramatically. If we give birth to a boy, are you allowed to play basketball? ”

"Of course, even a girl can let her play basketball. After all, basketball is a hobby that we both share. As long as he doesn't lose his body because of basketball like you, then he can play as much as he wants. ”

"I'm afraid, we're going to need a bigger house. After all, it's not just the two of us who will be alone in the future. ”

"Henson, do you want to have a basketball team!?" Angeli slapped Henson on the arm.

"That's what you said, not mine."

This carefree couple is once again entangled together.

No matter how uneven the Pacers are right now, it has nothing to do with Henson. His beautiful life has just begun. Henson saw no reason for him to go back. Back to the work environment where you have to work day and night, you need to intrigue, you need to worry about this and that.

Isn't it better to have a day like this than to be a basketball coach?

Just looking at the sunset that was about to sink into the horizon, for some reason, Henson seemed to suddenly remember his team. Will the walkers also begin to sink like the dazzling sun?

For a moment, just a moment, Henson thought he might go back because he couldn't let go. The Pacers were like the children he had worked so hard to raise, and he couldn't bear to see his children fall.

However, this "dangerous" idea only appeared for a moment......