The Basketball Court Swordsman

Chris Paul and David West, no one thought that this offseason farce would end in such a way.

"The Hornets defected collectively and gathered in Indianapolis again!"

"Paul and West joined forces with Indiana, and the Pacers became the biggest winner of the offseason!"

"Wrong choice! The combination of Paul and Griffin vanished!"

Since Henson and Bird held that press conference, it was the Pacers that no one thought of at the beginning that caused a major earthquake in the league. The final decision of Henson and Bird also ended the "farce" that raged the league throughout the offseason.

Regardless of whether the report is positive or negative, whether the reporter does not look good at Paul's final belonging. One thing you must admit is that the Indiana Pacers have not caused such a big discussion and attention for a long time. Because this deal came too unexpectedly.

From David West’s decision to jump out of the contract, to Paul’s public announcement that he wanted to be traded. From the Lakers and the Hornets almost completed the deal, to West and the Celtics are about to sign.

From beginning to end, the transfer of Paul and West seemed to have nothing to do with the Pacers. Coach Henson is confident that he has brought back two rookies from the draft, as if he had no intention of participating in these incidents. His meeting with Paul in New Orleans was also seen more as a routine.

However, just as Paul was infinitely close to Los Angeles and David West was almost about to put on the shirt of the Greens, the Indiana Pacers' intervention ended the "arms race" of the two giants, the Lakers and Celtics.

Paul finally negotiated with the Hornets and landed in Indianapolis. And Paul's good partner, David West, one of the Hornets captain, suddenly decided to accept the Pacers contract.

This sudden wave of "robbery" by the Pacers caught the entire league by surprise. Everyone sees their ambitions clearly, Bird and Henson Joe are not just hoarding rookies, what they want next season is to go further!

So, 5 days before the start of the new NBA season, on December 20, in the training ground of the Conseco Arena. Everyone in the Pacers finally saw Chris Paul!

Paul glanced at Henson as he walked into the training hall and nodded slightly at him. Then walked to his new teammates, ready to say hello to everyone.

He was very happy to be able to see his good brother David West on the training ground. The presence of West also made Paul's unfamiliarity with this place gradually diminished. Of course, Paul is also very much looking forward to the performance of that group of diligent and full of potential young people in the new season.

"I don't need to introduce myself, let's skip the flattery. What I want to say is that I am very happy to be able to play in a new environment. I lost to you twice last season and I know everyone's abilities. So this season, I hope everyone can join me and defeat all other opponents!" Paul walked into the arena without much nonsense, and immediately made everyone nervous.

To win, all Paul wants is to win. Although he is a superstar, as long as you want to win and are willing to work hard for it, getting along with Paul will not be too troublesome.

This is the advantage of the team having a superstar. Now even if Henson doesn't come out in person, Paul will let the little guys tighten the skin.

A few days ago, the state of Paul George and others declined a bit because of the departure of Granger, the old leader, and the state of the dressing room also had some problems. But after Paul appeared, Henson believed that he and West, the experienced captain, could re-stabilize the locker room. What's more, Henson still has the badge that reduces chemical damage caused by the lineup change by 50%.

I believe it won’t take long for the Pacers’ team atmosphere to become as perfect as last season.

After Paul finished speaking, he nodded to everyone. The young players clapped and welcomed Paul's arrival. Subsequently, everyone continued to train, and Paul walked to Henson.

"I knew that I could wait for you here." Henson shook hands with Paul enthusiastically, and the two seemed to be very familiar with each other. "This is Frank Vogel, our defensive coach. This is Stephen Sai. Russ, before you entered the league, he was the acting head coach of the Hornets."

After introducing Paul to his right-hand man, Henson wanted to hear what Paul would say to him.

"You promised me, Henson, the championship. I don't beg you to let me win the championship right away, but I hope to see your determination to win the championship. I'm not kidding, if your team is lazy, there is no The desire and thoughts of winning the championship, I really will not renew your contract. You also don’t want to pay for an All-Star and a potential point guard in exchange for only one year of the right to use me." Paul is straight to the point, because he Know that Henson is also a nonsense person. In fact, this commonality between the two is one of the reasons why Paul has a good impression of Henson.

"Go to the training ground and practice with them, you know, Chris. My lads are definitely the hardest guys in the league! Go warm up, the confrontational training in the afternoon, I don’t want you to get used to ours High intensity." Henson raised his eyebrows and motioned to Paul not to think of the Pacers too simply.

"As you wish, boss!" Paul smiled slightly and stepped onto the court.

Looking at the lively scenes on the court, Henson let out a sigh of relief. After tossing for a whole offseason, this lineup was finally tossed out.

"I can't believe that Chris Paul will actually appear in the training grounds of the Conseco Arena." Vogel also sighed. "But in only 5 days, can Paul really get along with others? "

"Time is really tight, but when your master is a ball master, you don't have to worry about such a problem." Henson confidently puts his hands around his chest, and he is prepared for Paul's arrival.

In the afternoon's confrontational training, Henson tested for the first time the style of play he was preparing to try in the new season.

Paul, George, Green, West and Horford are the starters. Compared to last season, the Pacers have a more traditional lineup. But on closer inspection, it is not so "normal".

First of all, Horford and West both have shooting abilities. Although they can't fly away and eat the cake, but the open shot will definitely be full. Moreover, with two insiders with strong shooting ability at the same time, the Pacers will not be unable to carry out the spatial play because of the disappearance of Granger.

Granger's advantage in playing the fourth position last season was not only his flexibility, but also his shooting ability.

Secondly, George, who is 2.06 meters tall, was placed as a shooting guard, making him very conspicuous. Whether it is defensive or offensive, this tall second position will cause great trouble to the opponent. Bogans of the Bulls last season was tortured to death by George playing the second position. If Henson didn't use George to play the second position last season, it would be impossible for the Pacers to fight the Bulls in a tiebreaker.

So this season, Henson simply put George on the starting lineup. And originally, George was also Henson's key training target.

"Remember, space! Basketball is undoubtedly a game to gain space and squeeze space! As long as we get space, we have a chance to score! This is how we played in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. This season is the same as usual! No, we have to do it Better!" Henson yelled from the sidelines, he wanted to pour the word "space" into the bones of the players.

With Paul on the court, Henson doesn't have to worry about playing fast or slow. This lineup is indeed slower than the fast pace of last season, but it is not slow to the Spurs' level. Paul can lead the team's offense with the most appropriate rhythm and speed.

And Paul, West and Horford all have the ability to accurately hit the ball at the first time, and the defensive counterattack is still the Pacers' strength.

Now it's a little bit slower, but it has little effect on the offense. And if the Pacers want to play a small lineup, Henson can also change.

Thinking of this, Henson set his sights on the players on the bench. Hinrich, Stephenson, Leonard, Yi Jianlian and Anderson. In addition, there are Matthews and Jimmy Butler. Henson's personnel reserves are very sufficient. If you play a small lineup, just a little adjustment can make the Pacers go wild.

Yi Jianlian has the ability to shoot, Anderson can run and jump, these two guys are simply perfect inside benches, and there is no problem with the top small lineup centers. As for those outside players, the defensive resilience is as good as last season. Whether playing fast or steady, the Pacers can handle this season!

"Last season, once the game was forced into a battle, the team played very difficult, such as meeting the Bulls. Or the opponent has a strong inside line, we are very difficult to play, such as double-killing our Griffins, such as Griffin and Little Jordan . But this season, our lineup can change two styles of play, and the inside line is also more solid. The Achilles heel of last season is now gone."

Looking at the players training on the court, Henson smiled triumphantly.

On the court, Paul gave George a pass, but George didn't receive it because he didn't move in time. But Paul didn't lose his temper. Instead, he beckoned George to come to his ear to explain.

"Paul is a good leader. He will reprimand those teammates who don't want to make progress. I respect this attitude. If someone feels wrong, then this kind of person should not play with us." This is when West learned that Paul is about to A word to Henson after joining the Pacers.

Paul just didn't lose his temper with George or others. It seems that he has seen that this team has the same strong competitive spirit as him!

It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, what Paul doesn’t like is being content with the status quo...

On the first day of confrontational training, although the players were still a little rusty with tactical moves and rhythm, overall Henson was still satisfied.

Experienced Paul and West, George, Leonard and Stephenson who are ready to show their strengths in the new season, Green, Matthews and Horford who are steadily improving, "Birdman" and Yi Jianlian who are suitable for the system, yes, And that Jimmy Butler who is full of unknowns...

In 5 days, the regular season is about to begin. With a brand new lineup, Henson is ready to continue last season and the just-ending offseason, and once again surprised the league!