The Basketball Court Swordsman

The summer of 2014 was not peaceful for the Pacers.

Lance Stephenson became the first problem that appeared after the Pacers lost Henson.

If Henson is there, Stephenson may choose to sign a long-term contract with the Pacers. But when no one could hold him down, and when he felt that he was already soft in winning the championship, Stephenson chose to leave for more money.

In 3 years, 27.5 million, Stephenson officially joined the Charlotte Hornets, which is in power by Jordan. More than that, other contract renewals for the Pacers are also very difficult.

Originally, Bird wanted to renew Jimmy Butler and Leonard in advance. However, the willingness of these two guys to stay is not strong.

Leonard, under the instigation of his uncle, asked for at least 90 million in five years. There is no doubt that Leonard won the FMVP in the 13-14 season, which gave him inflated capital.

And Jimmy Butler's asking price is also not low. At least 95 million in 5 years, otherwise it will not be considered. Moreover, Jimmy Butler publicly expressed his hope that his career can go further. He believes that he has too few opportunities for the Pacers. In a team with George and Leonard, he has very few opportunities to start.

So in addition to the money issue, Jimmy Butler also has some dissatisfaction with the rotation. Therefore, his departure next summer has almost become a certainty.

In the case of Paul and George's renewal of the maximum salary, the Pacers really can not afford the third maximum salary contract. Especially, when the players are not willing to make concessions.

In the past, Bird could ask Henson to talk to the players and coordinate. But now, Bird can only rely on himself. After losing Henson, he can only manage all aspects of the Pacers by himself.

With the people in the team distracted, Bird has not yet come up with a reliable reinforcement plan. In order to get Chris Paul, the team sent out the 14-year first-round pick early. As for the second round of the draft, Bird has no good goals.

If Henson was there, he would definitely be able to find a baby in the second round rookie. It's just a pity that the guy who can always dig gold now is no longer there.

Of course, Bird has to face not only internal pressure, but also external pressure.

In mid-July, without warning, LeBron James announced on social media that he had decided to leave the Heat and return to Cleveland. There is no doubt that LeBron James' "Decision Two" has become the most explosive news after Henson's retirement this summer.

Leaving the Cavaliers to join the Heat four years ago, James, Wade and Bosh formed the "Big Three". But it is a pity that the three of them worked together for four years and only played in the finals once, without winning a championship. The "culprit" that prevented the Heat from winning is naturally the Pacers led by Henson.

I believe it is precisely for this reason that James will choose to jump out of the contract. Although the Heat tried their best to stay and offered a five-year contract worth $122 million, James still chose to sign a four-year contract worth $88 million with the Cavaliers, and said he hoped to end his career with the Cavaliers.

Although it seems that the combination of Irving + James + Wiggins is not mature enough, Bird is very clear that James will not make casual decisions. The Cavaliers must have a follow-up transaction. He has heard some news that there is a tripartite transaction between the Cavaliers, the 76ers and the Timberwolves. If the deal is finally reached, then Kevin Love will most likely become a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers!

Irving + James + Love, this lineup is enough to bring pressure to the Pacers! This is a team of the Big Three that is younger and more dynamic than the Heat! Without Henson, Bird really didn't know if he could withstand the impact of such a Cleveland Cavaliers.

This summer, Bird really felt what is called internal and external troubles.

Of course, the Eastern Conference is not only the Cavaliers. The Bulls brought in Paul Gasol, the Raptors brought in Louis Williams, New York retained Anthony, the Wizards got the "truth" Pierce... All Eastern teams have launched an arms race, only the Pacers The team is tepid.

As soon as Henson left, everyone seemed to sharpen their knives and prepare to show the Pacers a good look.

At the beginning of August this year, Pacers star Paul George had a terrifying accident. He was nearly seriously injured in a training session before the U.S. men's basketball team participated in the World Cup. He fell to the ground while chasing James Harden and stepped on the support of the basketball hoop.

Fortunately, George only sprained his ankle slightly. If he has a broken leg, the Pacers will lose their top scorer next season.

However, people also found that it seemed that after Henson Joe left, the various auras that hung over the Pacers disappeared in an instant. Now, Pacers players will also make trouble for money, and Pacers players will be frequently injured due to various accidents.

That fascinating dynasty team, as if after a summer, fell off the altar.

But Henson turned a deaf ear to these things. In fact, he really wanted to know the current situation of the Pacers, but he could not read the news. Because he was afraid, he fell into that kind of work environment for an instant.

Therefore, Henson had to use some other things to divert his attention. For example, officially began planning his wedding with An Jiali.

At the beginning, An Jiali and Henson originally wanted to go to Paris or Venice for their wedding. Because these two places are almost the best interpretation of the word "romance".

But after thinking about it, the two finally decided to hold the wedding in Indianapolis. The reason is of course very simple. In this way, it will be more convenient for their relatives and friends to attend the wedding.

"I don't intend to let the media know about this. I just want to get married with my own blessing, and don't want to be disturbed by the media." Sitting in a small rented villa in Brazil, Henson held An Jiali's shoulders. Looking forward to their future.

"I think so too. This is a private party. After all, our wedding is not a show."

"Since the wedding is to be held in Indianapolis, let's go to Venice for our honeymoon. I have never been to Venice. It is said that this is a must-visit tourist attraction for couples."

"Then we can have our own children, Henson!" At this point, An Jiali's eyes were full of hope.

"Yes," Henson put his arm around An Jiali's shoulders harder, "We will have our own children and our own families. Our lives will all change dramatically. If we give birth to a boy, you allow him to fight Basketball?"

"Of course, even a girl can let her play basketball. After all, basketball is our common hobby. As long as he doesn't delay his body because of basketball like you, then he can play whatever he wants."

"I'm afraid we will need a bigger house. After all, it will be more than just our two being alone in the future."

"Henson, do you want to give birth to a basketball team!?" An Jiali hit Henson's arm.

"This is what you said, but not mine."

This carefree couple is lingering together again.

No matter how bad the Pacers are now, it has nothing to do with Henson. His beautiful life has just begun. Henson felt that he had no reason to go back. Go back to the work environment that requires day and night work, intrigue, and worry about this and that.

Isn't it better to be a basketball coach on such days?

Just watching the sunset that was about to sink into the horizon, and don't know why, Henson seemed to suddenly think of his team. Will the walkers begin to sink like this dazzling sun?

For a moment, just a moment, Henson thought he might go back because he couldn't let it go. The Pacers are like the children he cultivated so hard, he can't bear to see his children fall.

However, this "dangerous" thought only appeared for a moment...