In late September, the Spurs announced a 20-man roster for training camp for the new season, and Zhang Xiaotian was on the list.

That is, he will have to beat at least five competitors before the regular season starts.

Summer League teammates, except for three with contracts, only one appeared on the squad with him, and it was Tyler Wickerson, who was a little surprising.

There are also figures on the roster who have been in the NBA arena in the past, such as Eddie Curry Jr., but now have to work for the last of the Spurs' 15 official spots like Zhang Xiaotian.

Zhang Xiaotian went very early, and the gymnasium had not yet opened when he arrived.

Soon the staff came over, and the players on the list also came one after another.

Some familiar faces appeared in front of him in the live broadcast, Zhang Xiaotian was a little excited, and he didn't know how to go over to say hello, so he had to do warm-up exercises seriously on the sidelines.

There are others like him, some who don't know what to do.

Such as Wesley Witherspoon, who was undrafted this year, and Derrick Brown and Josh Powell, who are on the edge of the NBA.

But there are also new faces who are already starting to integrate into the group, and Nando De Colo, who has just arrived from Europe, has been chatting with the old players because of the presence of French fellows Tony Parker and Burrece Dior.

Tyler Wickerson also got around James Anderson and others, who played in the summer league together, and Zhang Xiaotian had a general relationship with them, just saying hello.

Kawhi Leonard, who was standing next to several big brothers of the team, suddenly beckoned to Zhang Xiaotian, because Leonard was called by several main players of the team when he came over, and Zhang Xiaotian only nodded to him before.

He was worried about how to get to know the boss of the team, and immediately walked over quickly.

"This is Zhang, we played summer league together." Leonard spoke, and then fell silent.

Zhang Xiaotian was a little embarrassed, how should the introducer introduce the group of bosses around him first, although he knows the name, but he can say hello by the way.

However, Leonard doesn't like to talk, so it's good to be able to introduce him.

"Hello everyone, I'm Zhang Xiaotian, I mainly play the second and third positions, and I'm very happy to participate in the Spurs training camp." Zhang Xiaotian was a little nervous, his expression was slightly stiff, and he introduced himself in a decent manner.

Duncan grimaced and glared, "You're the one who made the limelight in the summer league, come here and warm up, don't you want the old man to notice." ”

Zhang Xiaotian didn't expect the other party to say this, and it was difficult to answer for a while.

Ginobili next to him couldn't help laughing, "Don't be afraid, young man, Tim is an unserious old guy, don't worry about him bullying newcomers if you mess with me." ”

Several of them all knew Leonard's character, and this kid would take the initiative to introduce people, he must have agreed with Zhang Xiaotian, and they were also slightly curious.

Duncan immediately smiled evilly, he only joked with the rookie when he was in a good mood.

"It's good to be in the limelight, Kehuai, this kid originally wanted to be in the limelight, but he was escorted back by the old man, haha...... Now for the formal Q&A, who is your favorite player in the league. ”

"I just like Tim and the Spurs watch the games." Zhang Xiaotian said with an honest look.

He's not a stupid boy and certainly doesn't talk nonsense, but he also really likes Tim Duncan.

"I can't see it......" Duncan pinched his chin and made a serious expression as he glanced at Ginobili, "What about the one next to me." ”

"I also like Boss Manu, when he led the team to win the Olympic championship, it was really exciting."

"The lad has taste." Ginobili laughed, "But aren't you worried about Tim hitting someone?" ”

After Zhang Xiaotian blurted out, he realized that when Ginobili was in the limelight at that Games, Duncan was a tragic demon king who was defeated by the brave, and he immediately blushed.

Duncan, of course, would not be angry like this, he pretended to snort, just saw Parker greeting his fellow French people everywhere, pointed and asked, "What about that one, and the rest of the team, you won't say you like them all, cunning boy." ”

Zhang Xiaotian said innocently: "I am from San Antonio, I have supported the Spurs since I was a child, of course I like the seniors of the team, but I like you two very much." ”

"Okay, go get ready." Duncan stopped joking and said, "Every coach likes players who work hard, and the boy is optimistic about you, and we also believe that you are capable and do a good job." ”

Duncan didn't know Zhang Xiaotian, and he was willing to say so much because of Leonard.

Duncan is no longer young, and years of playing have given him a deep affection for the team, and he is willing to take care of the team's ability and opportunity to support the Spurs' future young people.

"Gentlemen, summer is over."

When the allotted time arrived, Spurs head coach Greg Popovich appeared in front of everyone with the coaching staff, and the first session of training camp began.

The first day of training was not very intense, and the team mainly had to find out the physical condition of the players.

But for each training program, the coach's requirements are meticulous.

Some of the players were obviously a little relaxed in the summer and a little tired from the start of training, but most of the players were professional and did a great job in every training session.

Zhang Xiaotian works hard, and only by trying his best can he really stand on the NBA arena.

Towards the end of the morning's training, the last person on the list was late.

Head coach Popovich's face was frosty, but Stephen Jackson didn't seem to feel it, "Hey, old man, I just delayed something, I didn't mean to be late, don't worry, I'm in good shape this summer." ”

Stephen Jackson spent time with the Spurs as a rookie and won championships with the team.

He was traded to the Spurs last season and is familiar with the team, but Popovich, who is very disciplined, doesn't like his personality.

Popovich didn't even look at him, "Call me coach or sir, go to training." ”

"The old man likes to pull his face, but as long as you meet his requirements, he is not terrible, and he can even joke casually, but if you challenge his authority, it will be a big trouble."

On the other side of the field, Duncan taught a few newcomers in a serious manner.

Popovich glanced at this side, and Duncan continued training as if nothing had happened.

At 36 years old, Duncan is not as silent as he was when he was younger.

On the first day of the training camp, with tension and freshness, Zhang Xiaotian lived a very fulfilling life.