One Year Left to Play-Chapter 161 - 51: Changes Among Teammates

Of course, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in the same room; the team arranges it that way, but you can make your own choices.

Zhang Hao entered the room and took out his luggage, but instead of handing it directly to Kenny Anderson, he proactively walked towards room 1204 with his luggage.

Kenny Anderson didn’t insist on carrying it himself, so he led Zhang Hao to the room he booked.

Once they were in 1204 and placed their luggage, Kenny Anderson saw no one else around and said, "We’re going out to have some fun, you stay at the hotel and rest.

You’re only 18, right? You look like you’re fifteen or sixteen... So unfortunate, there’s so much Cuban stuff here every year..."

Being 18 is truly a bittersweet age.

Kenny Anderson’s teasing... there’s really no need to emphasize this, but he did, and Zhang Hao felt quite happy.

It wasn’t the kind of happiness from seeking friendships for benefits and receiving a response, but the genuine joy of making a new friend.

Since he couldn’t go out to party with them, there was no need to wander alone. Going out with teammates is a team activity, but alone... Zhang Hao took out "Positioning Master," to continue studying.

After reading "Positioning Master" for a while, he couldn’t concentrate. He knew it inside out but didn’t know how to approach it from a fresh angle.

Lack of real-world experience, needing time to accumulate.

The transition from high school student to professional player... Zhang Hao originally thought he had adjusted well, but his first time playing an away game made him feel that lonely sensation he felt when he first arrived at Rutherford Town.

He thought he had adjusted, only now realizing he was just used to practicing in Rutherford Town; it felt like growing up at home from birth to adulthood, then leaving for college in another province at eighteen or nineteen.

At first, it’s exciting, but maybe that very night you’ll start missing your old life.

Especially in games, Zhang Hao often recalls dominating California alongside Pierce in high school.

"Is this just like some rookies who aren’t used to the workplace? No, I must adjust my emotions properly; rookies hitting the rookie wall might have a lot of mental issues."

Wanting to find someone to chat with, but thinking about this period, due to age differences, there really hasn’t been anyone to talk to.

In the future, unlike the internet age, when loneliness hits, you can surf online.

Plus, unlike other rookies who start in the NBA at twenty-two or twenty-three, he... "What’s the point of this iron rod?"

Just as Zhang Hao was feeling melancholic, a knock on the door interrupted him.

Opening the door, it was Kevin Edwards, the team’s starting shooting guard.

"Aix, can we chat for a moment?"

"Of course, come in."

Zhang Hao invited Edwards into the room.

Sitting at the small table by the floor-to-ceiling window, Edwards began, "Aix, although we have competition within the team, I don’t want it to affect our relationship. I think we will become great friends.

As time passes, you’ll find our competition is really just about showing the coaching staff the playing style that suits us. For example, I’m better suited to a half-court offense.

Once our team gets better or...

You’ll realize that no one really cares about our so-called competition, so don’t let the ups and downs affect your mindset. You need to know that you not only play fast, but your style will also excel in half-court play..."

Edwards shared his perspectives, while Zhang Hao mainly listened.

Since Edwards entered the NBA, his stats have consistently averaged 14+3+3 each season for seven years. During his time with the Heat, he supported Sherman Douglas, Ronnie Seikaly, Glenn Rice... After joining the Brooklyn Nets, he supported Kenny Anderson, Chales, and partnered with various key players, so he knows how to work with different talents.

Regarding Zhang Hao as a rookie, he also showed care. Unavoidably, he learned from Chales that Zhang Hao had a quiet personality, good at listening, so he chatted freely without feeling awkward.

...

After some chit-chat with Edwards, around 4 p.m., Zhang Hao took a taxi to the address Dale Curry gave, a moderate-sized villa at the urban-rural fringe, arriving right at 5 p.m.

"Aix, you’re here, come in, it’s warm inside..." Dale Curry warmly welcomed Zhang Hao as he got out of the taxi.

"Sanya... that’s my wife, she’s preparing dinner. Stephen, hurry over, your Godfather is here!"

Hearing Dale Curry shouting, Little Curry ran out with a worried look, paused for two seconds, then said, "Godfather, you’re here."

Little Curry could not still understand how this schemer who drinks secretly was trying to take advantage of him?

But there’s no choice, recognition is there, what can he do?

Seeing Little Curry’s reluctance... Zhang Hao felt very amused!

Handing over the gift he bought: "Good boy, here’s a gift for you."

"Thank you... Wow! It’s the limited edition electric LEGO robot! The Plus version too! Godfather, you’re amazing..."

Just a moment ago calling him "Godfather" in a reluctant tone, Little Curry now said it very affectionately. He had wanted this LEGO for so long; his real dad couldn’t bear to buy it.

After all, Dale Curry’s salary is similar to Zhang Hao’s, but Dale Curry has to support his family, while Zhang Hao is free to spend without worries.