253: Personally out of the horse

"I can't get in touch with the kid." When Henson and Angeli left Oia two days later, Silas gave Henson a reply.

"Can't get in touch?" Henson was a little surprised, there are still players in the world that Silas can't contact?

"I heard that his parents were illegal immigrants, so I was very cautious about interacting with people, and I couldn't ask for any information about them. All I know is that the kid played for the Greek second division team, Filasridix, but he was only 17 years old. He was also an illegal immigrant until he was automatically granted Greek citizenship at the age of 18. This situation is very peculiar. But let's be honest, Henson, there are a bunch of 17-year-old geniuses waiting for us in the United States, and we can't afford to go that far to observe a stateless emaciated child. ”

"17 years old...... I can participate in the draft next year. Anyway, I need to watch him play. It only takes one game for us to know if he's worth it. By the way, what's that kid's name? Henson had always wondered how that bunch of letters should be pronounced together.

"Janis."

"You know that's not what I'm asking, Stephen."

"Janis. Ade ...... Tokun ...... Cumbo! Silas held back his strength and finally pronounced the full name of the "Greek monster", "Damn, I doubt the NBA team's jersey is enough to write his name!" ”

"That's not what we should be thinking about, Stephen. Well, now let's enjoy your vacation. Antetokounmpo will put things aside, and when the time comes, I'll take you with me to the game. With that, Henson hung up.

Antetokounmpo ...... What a tongue-twisting name.

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By the time Henson and Angeli returned to Indianapolis, it was mid-July. In fact, Henson had postponed his return as much as possible, because he really didn't want his trip with Angelie to end so soon.

But it can't be helped, July, which means that the NBA transfer market has opened. Although the Pacers are a championship team, they don't have much plans for revamping and reinforcement this summer, and they only focus on solid development. But even then, the Pacers can't be completely untied to the transfer market.

So even if Henson was still enjoying his leisure time for nearly a month, he had to stop for a while and get back to work.

Prior to Henson's return, Bird had already negotiated with Henson over the phone and finalised three contract changes.

First of all, former Dream Team member Kirk. Hinrich left Indianapolis contented after picking up a championship ring.

Hinrich was actually teetering on the brink of rotation last season, and he is well aware that he will likely fall out of Henson's rotation next season. Although Hinrich is not as capable as before, he has not yet reached the point where he can only sit on the cold bench.

So, the white guard made it clear that he would not renew his contract with the team, while expressing his gratitude for his time at Indianapolis.

Neither Henson nor Bird Bird stood in the way of Hinrich's departure, and Henson must admit that Hinrich has moved further and further back in the team. With Paul in front and Stephenson in the back, Hinrich's playing time next season is only to be further compressed. Instead of letting Hinrich sit on the cold bench at the Consec Arena, it is better not to delay people.

So the two sides hit it off and "broke up peacefully", with Hinrich leaving Indianapolis with his thanks and a hard-earned championship ring, while the Chicago Bulls welcomed back their veteran point guard for two years and $6 million.

The second personnel change is about Pacers veteran Jeff. Foster's.

Henson and Foster have not had much contact, after all, Foster has not been selected to the official roster for most of Henson's tenure at the helm of the team, and Foster's name is not on the 12-man roster for this year's playoffs. But the white center, who has dedicated his entire career to Indianapolis, still enjoys a high reputation in the local area, so Henson also has a lot of respect for him.

Forster announced his retirement immediately after the season, ending his 13-year career. In this regard, Henson and Bird naturally sent their blessings. Of course, this also means that the era of the "old walkers" is completely over. Now Indianapolis has ushered in Henson's full "rule"!

Henson actually has some feelings about Foster's departure, after all, the career of this white center is too "alternative". If Forster wanted to write an autobiography, the title would be "How a White Man with Little Offensive Ability, Relying on Diligence, Toughness, Defense, Rebounding, and Vicious Fouls, Didn't Get Abandoned for 12 Years in a Fiercely Competitive League Like the NBA, and Earned a Total of $50 Million in His Career."

Although the departure of the two veterans Hinrich and Foster is a bit reluctant, the fact is that the departure of these two veterans will not have any impact on the rotation of the Pacers. After all, there was no place for them in the team last season.

And this third contract change will have a big impact on Henson's team.

Danny. Green's decision to stay in Indianapolis on a three-year, $11.28 million contract has been very reassuring to Henson. As the starting No. 3 of the Pacers last season, Green's average data is only 9.1 points and less than 4 rebounds per game, but the value of this guy is not something that can be judged by statistics.

So for this contract extension, Henson and Bird also agreed immediately with a wave of their hands. First, the 3-year contract of 11.28 million is honestly very cost-effective. Second, Danny. Green's retention also allows Henson's roster to remain intact.

Henson didn't even meet with Green in person, and the contract extension was completed. After all, Green likes the group very much, and other teams haven't made too good offers for him. With a similar salary, Green would certainly prefer to stay.

Prior to Henson's return, the Pacers had already dealt with all three of these contract changes. And this time Henson is back because of the potential fourth change, which is much more complex than the first three.

Coach Henson had to go out of the way. But unlike in the past, this time Henson is not trying to persuade others to stay or join, but to persuade others to leave.

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Summer in Indianapolis isn't too busy, but since the championship parade, which was attended by almost everyone, the city has gradually returned to its usual calm.

So driving in the Carmel district of Indianapolis, Henson "walks" with only empty streets.

Carmel is one of Indianapolis' most famously affluent neighborhoods, with a beautiful setting of tech-savvy cottages and the Indiana University Preparatory School. However, it's a little far from the city, so it looks a little deserted. Or rather, it's called tranquility.

Henson pulled up in front of a two-story cottage next to a man-made lake, which could be described as "luxurious" compared to his own small house.

It can be clearly seen that in the courtyard in front of the villa, a small basketball court has been built. Next to the basketball court, there is also a swimming pool. Henson shook his head, maybe he should have built a house like that to enjoy himself. At the beginning, the little ghost who was so depressed that he could only live in a rental apartment and watch the live broadcast of the draft on TV would never have imagined that he would one day be able to live in such a mansion.

Henson smiled and rang the doorbell at the mansion gate. Underneath the doorbell is a golden doorway that reads "Matthews".

"Chief, you're here! Come on in, my mom has some snacks for you! "Wesley. Matthews greeted him with a smile, he had been preparing for Henson's arrival for a long time.

This black guy knew very well that if it weren't for this coach, he wouldn't be able to live the life he is today.

When Matthews got closer, Henson deliberately grimaced and made a very serious expression.

"You know what I'm here for, Matthews. Get out, get out of here and get your big contract! The Trailblazer's 5-year 33 million and the Pacers' 3-year 12 million are not the same concept! The Chinese coach said straight to the point.