After rubbing the back of his head vigorously, Jiang Hao picked up the basketball and left the scene. For him, this was undoubtedly a very frustrating period.

But after years of practicing a calm attitude on the court, he told himself deeply that in order to survive, he must choose to endure many times. In the final analysis, he has not yet reached the point where he is truly at the end of his rope.

………

The next day, Jiang Hao got up at dawn. For some reason, he felt dizzy. After slapping him hard a few times, he walked out of the rental house. In the next few days, the Austin Spurs had no game schedule, so

His plan is to go to the training center to train.

If he has better luck, he will still have the opportunity to play training matches with those first-team players. Don't underestimate playing training matches. Sometimes it can really help Jiang Hao, at least that's what Jiang Hao thinks.

"Jiang, I'm sorry"

Sean rubbed his sleepy eyes and then walked out of the rental house.

Jiang Hao then waved his hand and said it was okay. Sean was good enough to him. This month's rent has been delayed until now, and Sean didn't say anything.

Of course, this is mainly because the two-way contract worth $60,000 signed by the Spurs and him was not paid in one lump sum.

………

"Greg, this is the result of my communication with Kawhi's team. Obviously, Kawhi's injury is not optimistic. It is conservatively estimated that he will not be able to return to the game within three months."

In the conference room on the second floor of the Spurs training facility, general manager RC Buford rubbed his tired temples. During this period, the pace of his life was really fast.

Looking at all the regular seasons of the San Antonio Spurs in the past 20 seasons, when have they encountered such a dilemma at the beginning of this season?

The team's record was poor and the playoffs were in jeopardy. Especially with the overwhelming pressure from public opinion, Buford felt like he was going crazy.

"Man, objectively speaking, Kawhi's absence is only one of the factors for our poor record. The most fundamental problem is the overall aging of the team. Obviously, we still have a lot of work to do next. Rudy's period

The timing was not ideal." Gregg Popovich took a sip of red wine, and the old man also looked tired.

This is probably the saying "It's hard to make a meal without rice". When your team's talent is limited, no matter how you explore it, you will end up getting half the result with twice the effort.

"By the way, how about Derek? You helped select him during the draft."

Buford seemed to remember something and immediately asked.

"He is a good prospect as a top defensive player, but it is obvious that his NBA career has not really begun yet. Before that, he needs to hone in Austin for a longer time."

Popovich is very optimistic about Derrick White, but many years of coaching career have taught him that he should not be anxious about rookies. Sometimes, letting things take their own course can often make people shine.

"Well, you said at the beginning that this kid has the hope to take over Manu's position. In this way, we can form Dejang Tedric's youth combination in the backcourt. So, old man, I think we should

Pay attention to the forward line, especially the small forward position. If Kawhi cannot return to the game within three months and Rudy continues to be unable to perform at his normal level, then there will be no one available at this position."

"By the way, what's the situation with China Jiang? I talked with the head coach of Austin last week. It seems that the guy's condition is very unstable and his performance in the Development League is also average. Maybe he is not suitable for the NBA." Bufo

De shook his head. He felt sorry for Jiang Hao. From a personal perspective, he liked the Chinese boy with a peaceful personality. However, from a team's perspective, he could only let him leave after his contract expired.

"It's up to you. Chinese players can only look forward to something in the inside. Monk (Bartelle) was a pity at the time. As for the Chinese defenders, their physical confrontation and basic skills are not even up to the league average."

Perhaps it touched the memories deep in his heart, Popovich thought of that simple Chinese young man many years ago. He was originally a Chinese player that he was very optimistic about, but unfortunately he had to give up on him for some reasons.

"Okay, Greg, it's time for me to leave. Before that, I wish the team a victory tomorrow night against Memphis. You know, we have lost four games in a row."

Buford then stood up and left the meeting room. He was going to Europe in the afternoon. There was a very good forward player in the Spanish League. He had to go and check it out personally.

…………

The training hall on the first floor seemed a bit empty in the morning. Jiang Hao had been here for more than an hour. Except for Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, there were no other players.

Relatively speaking, Jiang Hao is relatively familiar with Murray and White. First of all, they are all rookies, and secondly, they have played together in Austin, especially White. Jiang Hao has been playing side by side with him for a month.

After Jiang Hao completed his physical training in the weight room, he immediately came to the court. He wanted to practice his shooting, especially three-pointers.

In the NCAA, Jiang Hao's three-point shooting percentage is 322. For a forward player, especially in today's small ball era, this shooting percentage is a bit low.

Jiang Hao once suspected that he was barely selected until the end of the second round in the draft. Maybe it had something to do with this. After all, as a swingman, he still has a certain foundation on the defensive end. If he is on the outside

If his shooting percentage can be improved, he has a chance to become the most popular 3D player in the league.

After more than a month, what made Jiang Hao laugh and cry was that the more he focused on practicing three-pointers, the more miserable his shooting percentage became. The three-point shooting percentage of 296 made Jiang Hao feel like he wanted to cry without tears.

, this is also the main reason why his performance in the Development League is getting worse and worse.

"Dejounte, are you also practicing three-pointers?"

Jiang Hao greeted Murray. This guy seemed to be an enhanced version of himself. He was very talented and excellent on the defensive end, but his shooting was a flaw, especially outside shooting.

However, this guy was able to be selected in the first round. Obviously, as a big point guard, his talents in all aspects are undoubtedly better.

"Jiang, let's have a three-point shooting competition. It will take 2 minutes to see who makes more hits. The bet is to wash the training clothes."

The reason why Murray suddenly wanted to compete with Jiang Hao in three-point shooting was that on the one hand, he felt a little boring and wanted to have fun. On the other hand, he knew something about Jiang Hao's three-point shooting ability. He felt that

You won't lose.

"All right"

Jiang Hao nodded. He couldn't refuse Murray, because this guy's future in the Spurs is guaranteed, and he must show "high emotional intelligence" as much as possible. Besides, even if he loses, it doesn't matter.

But at some point, Popovich's figure appeared in front of the railing outside the conference room on the second floor.
Chapter completed!