562: Player against the times

"Antetokounmpo signed a 4-year, 100 million early contract extension for the Pacers, and the next faΓ§ade of the league decided where he belonged!"

"Janis. Antetokounmpo: I took a voluntary pay cut and it had nothing to do with the team's bid. ”

"Jeff. Austin: I'm glad Antetokounmpo is staying at Indianapolis and it's the best option for him. ”

During the afternoon training, reporters flocked to the training ground of the Bankers' Living Arena. There's no doubt that they're all drawn to Antetokounmpo's contract extension.

Henson wasn't surprised to see this. After all, Antetokounmpo is now a first-tier star in the league. As one of the Eastern Conference All-Star starters, Antetokounmpo's ability to catch the eye is unquestionable.

But in the evening, doubts began to emerge. The tree is very popular, and Henson has long expected Antetokounmpo's questioning.

There are two main voices of doubt, one is to question Antetokounmpo. This kind of skepticism is the stupidest, because the 22-year-old Antetokounmpo has already shown his potential to the fullest. 100 million in 4 years is used on Antetokounmpo, and it is definitely not a loss.

The other is questioning the management of the Pacers. After all, Antetokounmpo was 6 million less than the top salary, so some people said that it was Henson who deliberately lowered the price of Antetokounmpo after becoming the general manager. He's a guy and Pat. Riley, like a bastard who suppresses the team's heroes for money.

This statement doesn't matter to Henson, after all, he has been used to being hacked.

Neither of these voices of doubt upset Henson. Because Henson cares more about who the next unlucky guy will be to accept Antetokounmpo's wrath than these doubts.

After reviewing the schedule in his head, Henson smiled even more.

Henson's old friend and old rival Greg Henson. Popovich will be the first guy to be forced to eat after Antetokounmpo renews his contract.

Henson believes that in the face of a contract extension and doubts from all over the world, Antetokounmpo will definitely bring his "sincerity" to the San Antonio Spurs.

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On Feb. 10, two days after the Pacers lost to the Cavaliers, Antetokounmpo signed an early contract extension. At the same time, it was also the day before the Pacers played the Spurs.

On the Internet, the Pacers vs Spurs game has become the focus of attention.

There's no doubt that both the Pacers and the Spurs are strong teams this season. The relationship between Henson and Popovich has also been a high-profile topic. What's more, this is the first time the Pacers have met the Spurs this season.

On these foundations, the matchup between Antetokounmpo and Leonard adds a lot of color to this match.

That year, Leonard left Indianapolis for a bigger contract. Antetokounmpo, on the contrary, not only did he stay, but he also took a pay cut.

The two people's completely different choices are talked about by the media. People are already imagining what it will be like when they meet.

"What did Antetoquinbo say to Leonard? It's curious. ”

"Leonard will definitely give it his all because this is his chance to prove himself!"

"I don't know what this match will look like, but I'm sure there will be sparks between Antetokounmpo and Leonard."

Sitting in the office reading the news of the reporters, Henson couldn't help but admire the brains of the reporters. In their writing, Antetokounmpo and Leonard seem to have some deep hatred.

But in reality, the two just made different choices. Leonard chose to join the Spurs in the first place, and it is understandable. From his point of view, joining the Spurs not only fights for greater benefits but also retains the hope of winning the championship, why not?

Henson has no interest in these grievances and grievances made up by reporters. Henson has only two things to expect from this game.

First, look forward to playing Popovich.

Second, expect Antetokounmpo's performance to silence journalists who question him.

100 million in 4 years? Actively reduce prices?

Henson will show the world how good this contract is, and how well he and Antetokounmpo work together.

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The stands at the Bankers' Living Arena are full, and although this game is not broadcast live in the United States, it is no less popular than the game broadcast in the United States.

Before the game, when Henson saw Popovich, he hugged him very enthusiastically. These two eccentric guys can become friends, and they really smell like each other.

"The Pacers have been surprisingly good lately, Henson. It seems that you really have taken that phrase as your life credo. Popovich patted Henson on the shoulder, and the Chinese coach in front of him was very energetic, not at all like a man who almost lost his life to a heart attack.

"The Spurs aren't in bad shape, and you say you don't know if you can beat the Warriors, but in my opinion, you're more than capable of fighting the Warriors. Your 41-13 record has always been underestimated by the media, but I won't underestimate it. ”

"Alright, let's stop praising each other here. I've heard, you renewed your contract with that kid ahead of schedule? Popovich gestured to Antetokounmpo, who was practicing catch-and-shoot shots.

Although Antetokounmpo couldn't shoot accurately, he also shot 890 percent from the field during training.

"Better be careful, Pop. I bet he's going to give you a lot of headaches today. ”

"It's okay, LaMarcus will give him a lot of headaches. I know you've never had a losing streak this season. But today, I'm going to break that record. Okay, don't talk nonsense with you, see you after the game. Popovich waved his hand and turned to leave.

The old man had just walked away when a reporter approached Henson.

In the past, there were only one or two media outlets that could enter the venue to cover the event. But after Xiao Hua came to power, he greatly increased the number of media outlets to maximize business. After all, the NBA has contracts with a number of media outlets. Among them, Tencent has also signed a contract for broadcasting and interviews.

So the reporter who appeared in front of Henson at this time, he was not familiar. The reporter was visibly excited to be interviewed, and he put the microphone next to Henson's mouth, almost poking him in the mouth.

"Coach Henson, as we all know, Antetokounmpo is a player with very clear strengths and weaknesses. Nowadays, not to mention the No. 3 position, even the No. 4 and No. 5 positions require the ability to shoot three-pointers. That's what I'm sure you won't deny. But Antetokounmpo is a 'reverse era' player. Do you think he can really become a superstar in the modern basketball system? Aren't you afraid, 100 million in 4 years will turn into a garbage contract? ”

The reporter's question was poignant, and it was clearly a question of Antetokounmpo's faction.

Seeing that the other party was questioning his player, Henson was instantly less polite. He squinted at the reporter, then shook his head.

"You don't know anything about ball, and when you figure out why Antetokounmpo was able to get $100 million and you can only be on the scene occasionally, you'll interview me." Henson is as blunt as ever, and as stubborn as ever.

Any remarks questioning Antetokounmpo, he does not accept.

Twenty minutes later, the starters from both sides stepped onto the pitch. Today, instead of throwing Antetokounmpo to face Leonard in the No. 3 position, as the reporters had hoped, Henson kept him in the No. 4 position.

What kind of games the reporters want to watch, Henson can't control. He doesn't play to show journalists, but to win.

How can a player who is "against the era" succeed, Henson will take 48 minutes to give the answer.