The No.1 Anti-Fans in Basketball-Chapter 128 - 100 Memphis_2

That person was definitely not the owner of the Grizzlies, because owners generally don’t give opinions, they only need results.

"Logo, he told me you were worth the risk."

Logo referred to "Logo Man" Jerry West, who had served as the general manager of the Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007, and Wallace was his successor.

"He knows me?" Hansen hadn’t expected West to know him, considering West was on the same level as Riley in the league, yet they had no prior interactions.

"He originally predicted that the Cavaliers would be eliminated by the Celtics, so when he found out it was actually the Celtics who got eliminated 1 to 4, he went to watch the game recordings, and then he recognized you."

At this, Hansen looked at Wallace in surprise, as it sounded like Wallace and West were quite close.

Being able to swear in public with Ferry and still maintain a close relationship with a former general manager, Wallace’s interpersonal skills were a bit extraordinary.

However, Wallace’s words did validate the saying: do good deeds without asking about the future.

Had he not played his best in that series of games, he wouldn’t have ended up here.

"There aren’t many who can cause Logo to make a wrong prediction, he said that the innate fearlessness in you is the most invaluable," Hansen felt a bit embarrassed by Wallace’s praise.

Indeed, it seemed that one’s skin needed some time to adapt to a new city before regaining its thickness.

"Tomorrow, let Reggie first take you to the locker room, and in a few days the team will hold a press conference for you guys, afterwards there won’t be much else."

Unlike the previous off-season, Hansen’s capabilities now meant he didn’t need to play in any summer league games.

Hansen nodded, and after seeing off Wallace and Tois, he began contacting Thomas and Carrell.

Now that he was in Memphis, it was time for new endorsements and promotions to catch up.

It was time to officially begin his career with the Grizzlies!

The next day, Tois led Hansen to the current home court of the Grizzlies, FedEx Forum.

Compared to Pyramid Arena, the exterior of FedEx Forum was much more plain.

From an aerial view, it looked like a large disc.

This minimalist design was somewhat fitting with its name.

Like East University, most NBA venues used sponsor names, and FedEx’s headquarters was in Memphis.

This modern arena, capable of seating eighteen thousand spectators, was the largest investment in Memphis City’s history.

Moreover, after its construction, the Grizzlies were its only user.

After all, the Grizzlies had moved from Vancouver, greatly boosting the local economy.

For such a "sponsor," government agencies naturally provided great support.

This wasn’t Hansen’s first visit, but it was his first time observing the arena up close.

Upon reaching the second floor, he felt like he had moved from the countryside to the city.

In comparison, Quicken Loans Arena really did seem too outdated.

Upon entering the locker room, Hansen finally didn’t have that bathhouse feeling anymore.

The black and white color scheme combined with the glass showcase design, and the big TV positioned right in front, was incredibly modern.

Tois led Hansen to his locker, which was located in an inner corner.

That locker originally belonged to Meao, his nameplate was still there.

Judging by the locker room placement, although he was a new recruit, Hansen’s status on the team wasn’t low.

Aside from Randolph and Guy near the locker room entrance, the rest were him and Conley, a bit higher than Mark Gasol.

This starting point was much higher than in Cleveland.

"I’ve heard about some of your experiences in Cleveland, don’t worry, things are different here, the team is young and they want to achieve results," Tois’s words gave Hansen the feeling that a scout had been arranged for him in advance at the Grizzlies.

With him around, many things would become easier.

However, just as Hansen was about to organize his locker, he remembered something.

He hadn’t been traded to the Grizzlies alone; by all accounts, West should have reported today as well.

Just then, Tois’s phone rang.

Tois went out to take a call.

After Hansen finished with his locker, Tois led West to the locker room as well.

It looked like the guy was late.

Hansen hadn’t seen West since the end of the season, and now seeing him again, West was sporting thick dark circles under his eyes and his hair was a mess like straw, looking utterly exhausted.

At the first moment after the Cavaliers lost the game, the "Mommygate" controversy erupted in the media.

Although James had quickly responded to clarify that it was a rumor, West still faced unprecedented cyberbullying.

It could be said that during that period, West was the most tormented person in the league.

Hansen smiled as he walked over and gave West a big, warm hug.

"It’s all in the past," he said gently patting West’s back.

Just as he had said to the media that he could like Swift, even if the rumor was true, there was no law in the world against two single people dating.

Even if the timing wasn’t appropriate, it shouldn’t have been used as a tool to divert attention, bearing such massive cyberbullying.

Moreover, how many NBA players had still played brilliantly in games right after a family member fell ill or passed away? That’s what professional players do.

What Hansen and Tois hadn’t expected was that West would break down and cry on Hansen’s shoulder.

It was a release of suppressed emotions in an instant.

Two days later, the day before the 2010 free agency market opened, the Grizzlies held a press conference for Hansen, West, and Daniel Altun (the 2010 number 28 pick).

Hansen received his Grizzlies No. 77 jersey, while West gave up his No. 13 jersey to revert to the No. 2 jersey he wore during his Supersonic days.

"Hey, keep it low-key at the press conference later," Wallace cautioned Hansen en route to the venue.

The last time Hansen had caused a stir in Cleveland with his "No. 77 speech," it had resounded throughout the year.

Despite Hansen playing a decent series of games, it evidently still didn’t match that statement.

Wallace was genuinely worried that Hansen might make another bold statement.

Considering the pressure he was already under from this trade, it was substantial.

Hansen nodded in understanding.

Upon entering the press conference, Hansen saw a packed room—it was crowded.

This wasn’t because the Grizzlies’ next season was highly anticipated, nor because Hansen had reached All-Star status.

Rather, it was because the trade to acquire him was so unexpected.

Instead of focusing on the new players, the reporters immediately bombarded Wallace with questions.

This was Wallace’s first public appearance since the Hansen trade.

Why make such a trade?

Why abandon Thabeet after only one season of minimal opportunities?

If they were so confident in Hansen, why not strive to select him in the last season?

Hansen couldn’t help but frown listening to these questions. freeweɓnøvel.com

These reporters, dressed in smart business attire, were no different from the netizens spewing nonsense on social media.

Who couldn’t engage in hindsight?

Nevertheless, he soon calmed down.

Perhaps because it was personal, he felt too empathetic; hadn’t these reporters always acted this way?

At least there was no Windhorst in Memphis.

But, there was Carrell.

At that moment, Carrell, now with TNT, was leisurely sitting among the crowd.

He was waiting for a signal from Hansen.

Finally, Hansen coughed, apologizing to the reporters with a modest smile typical of an East University graduate, and tactically picked up the water bottle in front of him.

Seeing this, Carrell gestured and requested to ask a question.

Soon after, Carrell was called upon.

Being a reporter from big networks like ESPN, TNT, meant that the staff was more aware of him.

"We know the Grizzlies have missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. Is your goal to help the team make the playoffs?"

Carrell finished asking, and before Hansen could respond, Wallace was already nodding in satisfaction.

Such a question with a presupposition that aligned perfectly with the team’s goals—this reporter from TNT knew how to play the game.

Hansen put down his water bottle, straightened up, and said with a serious expression,

"No, my goal is to bring a championship to the Grizzlies."