basketball never sleeps

Chapter 166 The Last Jersey
"Enter the Eastern Finals!!"

On the bench, Damon Jones, one of the three most valuable players on the Heat team, let out a howl of excitement.

But the teammates on either side of him didn't behave as usual, and Laettner even slapped him on the back of the head while pulling him back to cover his mouth.

Only then did the little man who was jumpy by nature realize that the atmosphere around him was not right.

"Stand up, lads, stand up, all."

Pat Riley, slapped the players up from behind the seat.

At this moment, the iron-blooded coach, who was thinking about how to kill his opponent, had a rare warmth on his face.

The game ended, but none of the 18345 spectators in the Conseco Arena were willing to leave.

16投11中，27分、2个篮板、2次助攻、3次犯规、2次失误，这是米勒在印第安纳的最后演出。

Because this farewell is probably a farewell forever.

A few months later, the Pacers will make a comeback, but there will be no Reggie Miller in this team.

This will never be the last time Miller will appear in the Conseco Arena, his jersey will undoubtedly be retired here, and he will also enjoy the celebration after entering the Hall of Fame here, just those sharp three-pointers There will be no more balls.

I don't know when the noisy voices on the sidelines of the stadium gradually converged into one word.

"Reg-gie!"

"Reg-gie!"

"Reg-gie!"

The fans who had already hoarse their voices during the game did not take pity on their throats, and the uniform cheers were louder and louder.

18 years ago, Miller was not very popular as soon as he arrived here. At that time, he was just a skinny guy from California with no relatives, friends or acquaintances. Even after the Pacers selected him, local fans protested. Stephen Alford, who led Indiana University to win the championship, was more eligible to be selected, but Miller conquered the fans here bit by bit with his consistent training attitude and endless running positions on the court.

No one in the arena can keep their eyeballs dry.

So did Miller.

Somewhat embarrassed, he wiped away the tears he shed. He raised his head and looked around at the fans, with a happy smile on his face.

After completing the final performance, Mo Wen quietly left the court like a passer-by without disturbing him, stepped aside, and waited for the hug after the game like other Heat players.

Although they won the ball, most of the Heat players, including Mo Wen, did not feel too happy.

Especially the few veterans in the team, they all seem to be preoccupied.

"What a bad night."

Mo Wen, who was leaning on Ao Pang, said with emotion.

Ao Pang raised his eyebrows, and stretched out his big black hand to rub Mo Wen's hair.

"I can understand that you are the executioner's mercy?"

"You're being rude, Shaq."

"Really? I'm just telling you what you did."

···
Miller should be the last star in the league who can have one player without a championship.

Throughout his career, there are many highlights, but also many black spots. He likes to portray himself as a villain. In 99, the name of his autobiography was "I Love Being the Enemy".

He likes to hype himself up, but his devotion and purity to basketball are also visible.

Those who admire and admire Miller are not just because of his three-pointers. In fact, Miller’s three-pointers have not been the most accurate in the league. People are eager to see real fighters on the court. People are eager to see a player who can give everything for a team.

Miller did it all.

So, at this moment, whether you like him or hate others, let go of your prejudices and pay tribute to this man who has dedicated his life to basketball and this city.

In the hug after the game, the faces of other Pacers players were even more sad than Miller.

Especially Artest, this bastard didn't cry, but felt that his soul was drained. It wasn't until Mo Wen walked in front of him that he regained some energy.

"I hate you, bro."

"Just hate?"

"See you next time, I must beat you."

"Oh, good luck to you then."

After a wave of passion, the two punched each other's backs before they coughed and separated.

The same sad Xiao Ao also wanted to arrange a set for Mo Wen, but it was Mo Wen's eyes that stopped his impulse.

All the way to the rightful owner Reggie Miller.

The two looked at each other for two seconds before beginning to embrace.

"Thanks for the trash talk, I love it, asshole!"

"Thank you for your liking too, old man!"

"Don't forget your previous promise!"

"You'll see."

After the hug, Miller patted Mo Wen on the chest twice, and Mo Wen patted Miller on the shoulder twice.

There is not so much talk between opponents.

When the Heat players left the field, Larry Bird took out the microphone and walked to the center of the court with Miller for an interview. The fans' shouts also changed from Miller's name to——

"Fight for another year!"

"Fight for another year!"

"Fight for another year!"

When the reporter asked Miller with the expectation of the fans, Miller just smiled and said firmly

"Not."

He's tired, and he can feel that his presence is less and less helpful to the team.

If the Pacers want to go further, they must metabolize.

Leaving is the last contribution he can make to this team.

With tears in his eyes, Miller patted the "Indiana" on the chest of the jersey for the last time, while pointing his index finger high into the sky with the other hand.

This is the last picture he left for Indiana as a player.

···
In front of the TV, the starting five of the Pistons fell into contemplation as they watched the cut-away images.

"It would be nice if the division was still based on wins. In that case, Indiana's opponent should be us."

Hamilton sighed.

He doesn't like Miller's bad mouth, but Miller was also his idol, and his style of play is actually the Miller he learned from.

"That's good. If we eliminated Reggie for three consecutive years, it would be more difficult for him to accept."

Billups shook his head and sighed.

However, the exclamation of the few people didn't last long, because when they quickly realized their opponents in the Eastern Conference Finals, they unconsciously became serious just thinking about it.

Compared with the Pacers, who have rich experience in winning against them, the Heat's damage and impact on the Pistons are obviously greater.

Ao Pang, who can still force them to play the "Wallace double package", Wade, whose breakthrough ability can compete for the league's top card, and Mo Wen, who recently smashed the Detroit media with 50 points and triple-doubles.

In addition to the slightly shallow bench depth this year, the Pacers' defensive ability is at a [-]-[-] level with the Pistons.

The Heat can solve the problem within 6 games when both scorers in the team are injured one after another. This kind of suppression, even as the defending champion, has no confidence in their hearts.

···
"A key victory sent away a great player"

"30-Point Triple-Double, He Ended Miller's Dream"

"Reggie Miller Says Empty Farewell, Counting the Victims of the Bulls Dynasty"

The Magicians: Miller's Greatness Needs No Proof

"..."

As soon as a whale falls, everything is born, and Miller's farewell has become a carnival for the media.

Fans are lamenting the end of an era because of Miller's retirement, and marveling at the rapid rise of rookies for Mo Wen's another 30+ triple-double.

An obscure news report landed on the desks of general managers of major NBA teams.

"The Last Jersey"

[It is reported that after Miller left the field, the last jersey he wore was not kept, nor was it donated to the team, but was handed over to a player. 】

[But this jersey representing inheritance was not handed over to the Pacers players, but to the man who buried the Pacers and his dreams with his own hands. 】

【And at the subsequent press conference, Miller also praised that man, and changed his attitude that no one looked down on him in the past, expressing his optimism for the future of that man. 】

[We all know Miller's character, so I think there must be more meanings in it that are worth digging into...]

dig deep?Dig deep!

After calling the landlord and then robbing the landlord, and then super doubled, what is the difference between playing the bright card and digging deeper?

The report only read half of it, and the general managers or high-level managers of many teams began to call their contacts to confirm the authenticity of the incident.

Damn, someone is running away!
Whether it's Supersonics general manager Rich Sander, who is still preparing for the tiebreaker with the Spurs; or Isiah Thomas, who is waiting for the "famous coach to arrive" on the garbage dump in New York; The Raptors and Grizzlies who are looking for torches in the north wind, the Eagles, Hornets, and Jazz who are yearning for a qualified boss like they are thirsting for a website...

I'm in a hurry!

No, Bird, where's your face?

You just fell in love with someone after being beaten up by someone?
What shaking M!

Miller has worked hard for the team for 18 years, just retired, the sweat on the floor is not dry, you let him help the team recruit others?
What a scumbag!

It is none other than Mo Wen who only signed a 2+1 contract (the third-year player option) that made so many people anxious.

Because of this contract rule, Mo Wen has the opportunity to jump out of the contract and become a completely free agent after the end of the next season.

Because after less than three seasons, the Heat don’t have Mo Wen’s bird rights, so they can’t renew the contract, but they can apply the early bird clause (players who have been on a team for two years can renew their contract with a 175% increase cap, But at least sign for 2 years) and can't give him a salary that can match his worth.

Mo Wen's current salary is 600% of 175, which is only in the early tens of millions, not as high as the 30-year-old Nash.

Think about it, Mo Wen, who will only be 22 years old next year, has a mature style of play, both offensive and defensive skills, top organizational skills, and his performance in the playoffs is comparable to a super giant. He has a ring, is handsome, and even sits on the Chinese market.

No manager would be confused by this kind of player.

The most important thing is that Mo Wen can still become a completely free agent without paying any price, as long as he has enough salary space to sign.

General managers of each team: Shut up and take my money!

What?Don't become a free agent until the end of the next season, so there's no rush...what the hell!

A completely free person, that is to say, where Mo Wen goes is entirely up to his own will.

At this time, it is not simply a question of salary and money.

The salaries that everyone can give are about the same. If you give too much, like Garnett, the team's salary space will be eaten up. If you can't make signings, there will still be problems in the follow-up.

Then it's just about feelings.

"Damn it, Mo you shouldn't have accepted that jersey. My phone calls have been blown up by those general managers in the past two days."

After some fiddling with others, he hung up Lord Baylor's phone, and Suman looked at Mo Wen tiredly.

"I thought this would happen only after the next season. Unexpectedly, they couldn't bear it before the end of this season."

"I've already communicated with Riley. Let us handle this matter. Don't say anything to the outside world. Before the playoffs, just honestly train at home and in the arena."

Mo Wen nodded helplessly.

At that time, after the press conference, exhausted physically and mentally, it was when the guard was the lowest. Miller approached him, said that he wanted to lose to the championship team, and then handed him the jersey.

Looking at Miller's jersey, he remembered the dungeon he had won against Joe's gang leader before, and accepted it in a daze.

When I turned around and realized something, I was already on the team bus.

So, who says Yankees can't give gifts?
A torn...commemorative jersey made him owe a favor.

"Speaking of which, have you considered which city you want to go to in the future? It's not impossible if you stay in Miami all the time, but I have to remind you that even if you win three consecutive championships, there will be limited improvement in your commercial value."

"Your status has risen too fast now. I don't dare to accept endorsement invitations for you now. I don't think you will become a more terrifying money printing machine than Shaq in two years. However, if you renew your contract... ·."

Human groaned.

"Don't worry, next year will be my last year here. I haven't decided where to go, and I don't know what it will be like after one year, so I'm not in a hurry to see it again." Mo Wen said with certainty.

Baotuan itself is very cheap, let alone finished Baotuan.

His contract can be said to have trading reasons in it, and his status was not high last year, so there are still arguments.

But if you choose to renew the contract with the Heat...
Then wouldn't he be a beggar with a golden rice bowl?
Originally, Mo Wen thought that it would be enough to hand over this matter to Xiuman, but he didn't expect that the telephone communication was just the most basic.

···
"Mo, do you want to come to Toronto to accompany me to go fishing in the off season? Miami is too hot in summer, not suitable for vacation. Our team manager promised to lend me a yacht, which is quite big, and we can call a few girls to come with me... Hey hey hey."

Bosh hugged Mo Wen's shoulders, drawing a big cake with a wretched face.

Mo Wen sighed.

Gouzi, you have changed. Toronto was still northern Myanmar in your description last year. Why has northern Myanmar become a paradise this year.

The transformation was successful, right?
"Not suitable for vacation? The security guard over there told me that you have ten appointments a week. Would you like to explain it first? I also know your girlfriend's phone number. If you can't explain it to me, you can explain it to her."

···
After receiving a large package of signed jerseys, James grabbed Mo Wen's hand with unaffected excitement.

"Have you signed all these jerseys? Thank you so much. How about it? Are you free in summer? I will be the host when I am free. Please go to Cleveland to have fun. Although people always say that we are boring, but I will tell you Said, we still have interesting places and good food.

Our new boss is very rich. This year he even chartered a big yacht for me. When the time comes, we will call Dwyane and CB, and we can go fishing on Lake Erie together. "

The corner of Mo Wen's mouth twitched. Is the team owner in the Great Lakes region a yacht per capita?
And, are you sure, buddy is your grasp?

"Uh... LeBron, Cleveland is less than 300 kilometers from Detroit."

···
At night, Catherine went to Mo Wen for a massage as usual.

"My graduation ceremony will be on June 6, and Ruth will also go back. If you have time then, would you like to go to New York to take a look together? With the school's equipment, we can give you another comprehensive inspection? "

"How many rooms are open? Don't go to three rooms, consider two rooms, and one...you can pack your things now."

"···"

"Go to hell!"

···
"Hey, honey, I'm going to be on vacation in two weeks. Are you going to come to California after rest?" A girl's light and sweet voice came from the other side of the phone.

"California, which city? Sacramento?" Mo Wen raised his eyebrows, and his brain quickly assessed the risk of being caught by the T800 on the spot.

"No, of course I'm going to Los Angeles. The main reason is that my father doesn't want me to go alone, saying that even if there are bodyguards there, it's not very safe..."

Mo Wen breathed a sigh of relief, Los Angeles?Los Angeles is good.

After coming to Laomei, he has traveled to Los Angeles 10 times, and he has never been able to take a good look at Los Santos on the west coast.

"Oh, by the way, an uncle over there said that if I go to Los Angeles, he can lend me a big yacht. Before, my parents only let me play on the small yacht. Huh, this time I want to see if there are any people on the big yacht. What a difference!"

After hearing these words, Mo Wen's smile froze again.

Sterling or Bath?
Sterling's old white man probably wouldn't be able to play with these flowers.

That's the Bass family.

Hey, a snake popped out of that yacht, right?
　Still cultivating immortals...
　　
　
(End of this chapter)