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Glenn Gruward contacted the Kings, and the two sides easily reached a verbal agreement.

Even if they don't send John Thomas, Adelman is ready to cut Jerome James. This big man has a good body and quick feet, but unfortunately his golf quotient is too low.

The king's main tactic is "Princeton", which requires constant sharing of the ball, but Jerome knows nothing about countermeasures and passes, and cannot meet Adelman's requirements. John Thomas is at least better offensively and can be a substitute for Chris Webber at the 4th position.

Boykins' physical examination showed no problems, which surprised the Raptors' trainers.

Boykins is very thin, and his maximum bench press has reached 245 pounds, which is equivalent to 111 kilograms, which is close to pushing two of himself.

In addition, his speed is very fast, with a 3/4 field sprint of 3.12 seconds, and a vertical bounce of 78cm. He can easily touch the basket, but he can't dunk.

165cm playing in the NBA, naturally has its advantages, the management immediately completed the signing with Boykins, not waiting for the preseason, but Glenn did not sign a long-term contract like Yang Rui said, but a two-year minimum salary , second-year team option. Except for Yang Rui, no one in the Raptors thinks Boykins can play well.

The Jazz also agreed to the deal. Jeff Hornacek traded for two and got the Raptors' Alvin Williams and DiBron.

The Jazz's weakness is the perimeter. After adding two players, the new season's lineup can be younger. Sloan is optimistic about Alvin's physical condition, and his height of 196cm is better than Hornacek's 191cm.

Things went well, but when the players were going to have a physical examination, Glenn told Yang Rui some bad news.

"Hornacek declined to come and report, and he intends to announce his retirement this summer."

"What?" Yang Rui was dumbfounded. "Why?"

Butterfly effect, history changed? Isn't this product retired in 2000? The star also won the three-pointer at the weekend.

Yang Rui is optimistic about Hornacek, because he is the most underrated pitcher. Reggie Miller has never won the three-pointer in the All-Star Game, but he has won two. Getting him on the team is a solid three-pointer and a combo guard.

Glenn said with a wry smile: "He talked to me on the phone and said that he was used to staying in Salt Lake City and wanted to spend more time with his family. I hope we can understand him and find other veterans in the free market."

"He's out of his mind, isn't he supposed to stay in the Raptors for a year? Is there a call from him? Let me talk to him..." Yang Rui paused.

Sighed: "No, I'd better go to Salt Lake City."

If Hornacek joins, the team will have five veterans, which are very suitable for the championship in terms of personnel composition. The veterans lead the newcomers.

For this kind of family-friendly man, it is difficult to persuade him on the phone, it is better to come to do ideological work.

"Tom, how about going to Salt Lake City with me? Then go to Los Angeles and play a guest role in Friends." Yang Rui asked with a smile.

"I also cameo? Didn't you want to take Stana to see it?" Thomas asked.

"I answered the email last night, I forgot to mention, the script is that Rachel will be infatuated with a handsome guy, if you go directly to it, everyone will save trouble, and it's a good gimmick, we all play ourselves in the movie, then But Rachel Green."

"Is there a kiss scene? I'm sure I can do it well." Thomas smiled cheaply.

"Your span is too big, isn't it?"

Both of them are not slow-tempered, they often come on a quick trip, go to the airport after booking the air ticket, arrive in Salt Lake City at night, and check into the hotel.

The next day, Yang Rui called Hornacek, bought gifts, and visited alone, while Thomas stayed in the hotel and watched TV.

They were a little scared. If they always acted together and were photographed by reporters, they didn't know what they would say. And Thomas didn't know Hornacek, and there was nothing to talk about when he went to someone's house.

Hornacek and his wife warmly welcomed Yang Rui into the house. The coach came to the door with full sincerity, even if they were young, they did not despise him in the slightest.

"Jerry, I didn't expect you to make a special trip. During the 1998 game, the Knicks always attacked me. I thought you would look down on my defense." Hornacek laughed at himself.

Yang Rui said seriously: "That's because you're in the Jazz. If you were in the Raptors, we wouldn't have to defend. We'd overthrow the league by attacking. You know, I've had my fortune tell me that I'm the best match for Jeff." cooperation, together we will win the championship."

Hornacek's wife, Stacey, was laughing next to her and almost couldn't hold the fruit plate. Coach Van Gundy in New York happened to be called "Jeff", but Yang Rui's tone of voice and seriousness made people want to laugh. nonsense.

Hornacek pointed to his daughter and said with a smile: "But I promised them that I will work in Salt Lake City in the future, and I don't want to break my promise. You see, my daughter is only 6 years old and is about to go to elementary school. I want to be here with her. Give her a parent meeting or something."

The little blond girl looked at Yang Rui curiously, blinking her big eyes. There are few Chinese in Salt Lake City, so she is curious why Yang Rui looks different from others.

Yang Rui resorted to killing her by touching her head. "Hey, Abby, your dad doesn't want to play because he wants to be with you. It is very likely that he will lose a championship ring in his career. It will be a pity in the future. You don't want to see your dad suffer, do you? How about letting him play for another year? Just one year .”

"How do you know my name?" Abby opened her mouth into an O shape.

I wiped it and said it was a slip of the tongue.

Yang Rui took a breath and said seriously, "The fortune teller said so."

The Hornacek couple were a little dizzy. Can such an unreliable guy really lead the team to win the championship? Last season, the Raptors entered the Eastern Conference finals, so it must have been fooled.

Hornacek shook his head and said lightly: "With all due respect, few people believe that the Raptors will win the championship next season. Although you have reached the Eastern Conference Finals this season, the core of next season will still be those players. No big names are willing to join, right? "

Yang Rui smiled and said: "If there are big names willing to join me, I don't want to, because the core of the team must be Carter and McGrady. This will not change. I asked them to practice more three-pointers during the offseason, and they will definitely change next season. Strong. And Jermaine O’Neal, he’s a restricted free agent, he’s got to stay. I’m going to make them a star, as long as they have good role players and make 3s after they attract the defense.”

Hornacek, somewhat persuaded, looked at his wife. He is only 36 years old and can play well. As an NBA player, who wouldn't want to get a championship ring as a commemoration?

Stacey smiled and said, "If you want to give it a try, go for it. Jerry said it all, just for one year."

Hornacek nodded, playing for one more year, the annual salary of 5.2 million is not a small amount, and there is no need to negotiate an agreement to buy it out. As a low-key star with average physical fitness, he has never won a big contract, but he is easy to be satisfied. He feels that there will be no change in his life with a few million more, so he wants to retire.

"I hope the Raptors can really win the championship. After next season, I will retire anyway."

"I bet, by this time next year, you'll be glad you made the choice."

The two shook hands vigorously.