2014 was definitely a year that will go down in the history of the NBA. This year, the Pacers became the fourth team in the league to build a three-game championship dynasty after the Celtics, Lakers and Bulls.

The Pacers' 16-0 record in the playoffs also set the best playoff record in NBA history. Prior to that, the most dominant performance in the playoffs was the Millennial Lakers, who won the championship with a 15-1 record in the playoffs. The first three rounds were all swept, except for the 76ers who lost one game in the Finals. And since the first round of the game in that era was a 5-3 system, 15 wins could win the championship.

And there's no doubt that the 16-0 record is more dominant than the "OK" combination of the year. This record will most likely not be repeated in the future. The Pacers will hold this great record that will continue to be remembered by countless people years later.

Of course, 30 consecutive wins, 70+ wins in two consecutive seasons, and 73 wins to break records are countless. In 2014, it belonged to the Indiana Pacers. No one has any team that can compete with them. No, to be exact, this entire era belongs to the Indiana Walkers.

But all these records and incredible data can't overshadow one thing - Henson. Joe announced his retirement at the championship ceremony.

No one thought that this arrogant and arrogant Chinese coach would choose to quit at his peak. You know, Henson is still a few months away from turning 35. To be able to become an NBA head coach at the age of 35 is already considered a young coach. Not to mention, retiring as a head coach at the age of 35.

You know, the Pacers have several players over the age of 35. However, they have no intention of retiring.

But no matter how incredible it was, it just happened. The day after the Finals, Henson confirmed in an interview, "I'm not going to joke about this kind of thing, I'm really retiring." My heart was already fragile, and I didn't want to be the first head coach in NBA history to die suddenly on the sidelines. ”

Against this backdrop, when Henson and the Pacers returned with O'Brien Cup heroes, Indianapolis fans wept in addition to joy. They frantically stretched out their hands as they were intercepted by the security guards, as if trying to seize Henson's last moments with the team.

And when he took the team bus to the gate of the Bankers' Living Arena, Henson was even more shocked. At this time, countless fans had gathered outside the stadium. In addition to cheering, they held the same signs.

There was nothing on the sign except a simple word. But it was this simple sentence that made Henson's eyes ruddy.

"Stay, Henson, please."

On the sign in the hand of every fan, there is such a sentence.

"Look, you can't leave, Henson. The fans here need you, the players here need you, everything needs you here! Seeing this, Vogel got goosebumps. Even Phil. When Jackson retired, no Los Angeles fan would hold up a similar sign.

This kind of scene is really shocking.

For a moment, Henson admitted, he relented. Look at how much these people love themselves. They need themselves, and they worship themselves.

However, looking down at his heart and remembering Anjiali who took care of him in the hospital, Henson instantly calmed down again.

Someday, they will find another "Henson. Coach Joe", that bastard will be like himself, leading the Pacers to the top, and the agent doesn't know about walking on another highway to hoard honor. The wheel of history always moves forward, and both players and coaches can only be ruthlessly crushed by time.

Even if he chooses to stay, how long will he stay? A year? Two years? Decade? Twenty years?

No matter how long it takes, there's always a head. Parting is a matter of time, and Henson is just planning to rest early......

After entering the arena, Henson put the third O'Brien Cup in the history of the Pacers in the glory exhibition room.

When Henson first visited the Pacers' Hall of Glory, it could only be described as empty. Aside from an Eastern Conference trophy, there's not much hard glory to be won here.

Now, however, the Hall of Glory is resplendent in gold. If nothing else, the three O'Brien cups in the middle display case are attractive enough. After all, how many teams in the league can have three O'Brien Cups at the same time? What's more, these three O'Brien Cups are still "serialized".

"It's been a great season, guys. Congratulations, you've put your whole hand together to accomplish something that many people can't do in a lifetime. But we must not be complacent, and we must always be hungry and thirsty. If a professional athlete doesn't even feel thirsty, then he simply don't play. There are never too many titles, but don't think you'll be able to indulge yourself with three consecutive titles. Well, that's it for the season, now ......"

At this point, Henson suddenly lost his voice. According to the process, he should next say to the players, now that the team is officially disbanded, enjoy your vacation.

But this year, Henson couldn't speak. Because if it's disbanded, it's really dissolved. Next season, it will no longer be you who will accompany the group in pre-season camp.

So, Henson shook his head with a smile and said, "Now, enjoy your victory, the season is over, guys." ”

Everyone was reluctant to leave, and they knew that this was the last time Henson would give them an end-of-season summary. If it weren't for the chance to party together at the championship parade in a few days' time, no player would be willing to leave now.

Later in the afternoon, Henson went on a trip to Bird's office. In addition to Bird, there is Vice Chairman Pritchard and two Pacers owners, Stephen and Vivek.

"Thank you, Henson, for making Pacers history shine." As soon as Henson entered the door, Stephen gave him a gentle hug.

"That's what I'm supposed to do, Stephen, isn't that what you're paying me for?"

"Is there really no room for redemption?" Stephen asked again that the change of manager of the team is not child's play in itself. What's more, this time it is the soul of the Pacers who will be replaced.

"There's nothing to undo, I'm just not fit for the job anymore, Stephen."

"You can come and work at a higher level of management."

"Sitting in the office drinking coffee and smoking a cigar? No Stephen, thank you for your kindness. I can't do business and I can't sit still in the office. I still prefer to work on the basketball court, hahahahaha. ”

"In that case, then I can only wish you happiness in the future, and everything goes well. But as Bird once said, the Pacers' door is always open to you if you want. "Stephen. Simon glanced at Bird, and his basketball operations chairman nodded to indicate that it was indeed me.

"Hmm...... Can I come to the Banker's Life Arena for free anytime in the future? Henson made a little joke and tried to calm the mood.

"Free for life, Henson! It's not just you, your family, your friends, your future children, your children...... You can come and watch the game whenever you want. ”

"Wait, I'll take my phone and record your words, so you don't have to pay the bills in the future."

"Hahahahaha."

After laughing, the men began to discuss business. After all, the Pacers' giants are all gathered together for more than just a joke.

First, Simon and Vivek decided to spend a lot of money on this year's championship parade. After all, this year's championship parade is a celebration of three consecutive championships, and it certainly can't be sloppy. Moreover, this championship parade also has the meaning of farewell to Henson, which is very special.

Therefore, the planning of the championship parade requires advice from every big man on the Pacers.

Later, Henson also personally stated in front of these real managers that his replacement could only be Frank. Vogel.

"You can't just go find another bastard, Vogel is from the Pacers, and he deserves this position. Of course, I don't interfere with the team's operations. But I pray that you will give him some time. Bird, don't you believe in the so-called 'rule of three years'? So if Vogel can't get a result in three years, you will change someone else. But now, I hope he gets the opportunity he deserves. ”

The reason why Henson strongly recommends Vogel is not because they have a good personal relationship, but because Vogel is really powerful. And he knows everything about the Pacers more than any other coach.

"Don't worry, Henson, you have my promise. Frank. Vogel also has at least three years to prove himself, unless, within three years, you decide to come back. ”

"You don't have to worry about that, Bird, I'll never come back to bother you." Henson said, touching the bridge of his nose.

Usually when people are lying, they like to touch around......

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the office, I watched the fans struggling to hold on to themselves outside the arena. Henson couldn't imagine what a championship parade would be a few days later.