Lionel Hollins officially resigned, and former Butler University Bulldogs coach Brad Stevens took over the coaching spike and became the new Grizzlies coach.

Hollins burst into tears at the press conference, and Stevens also shed tears on the day of Butler University's resignation.

As soon as this news came out, it made the entire basketball world laugh.

"When this very simple news title appeared on my phone screen, it became the most incomprehensible sentence in the world. For half a minute, I didn't understand it at all. Brad Stevens? Which Brad Stevens? I haven't heard of this number in the coaching staff of all NBA teams."

"Brad Stevens? That college coach who is only three years older than Zach Randolph?"

"Stevens is too young, Robert Pera is too young. They join forces to destroy the rising Memphis Grizzlies!"

"This is not the first time that NCAA coaches have entered the NBA, but Rick Pitino and John Calipari have proved that it is difficult for NCAA coaches to succeed in the NBA. These are two completely different basketball worlds."

"I don't know what the Grizzlies' management plans. Hollins did a good job with the Grizzlies. They reached the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years in a row! As a result, the rookie boss brought a rookie coach as soon as he came on stage, which was incredible!"

"It's hard to imagine how a 35-year-old coach who has no NBA coaching experience or professional player experience can make those unyielding young men listen to him. If a coach has no say in the locker room, the team will sooner or later lose control."

"The new boss wants to bring his own people to the team, which is actually understandable. But the people Robert Pera brings are not very reliable."

It was similar to what Link expected. As soon as the news of Stevens joining the Grizzlies was exposed, the sound of being disgusting was overwhelming.

After all, in the original history, when Stevens joined the Celtics, the outside world also reacted like this.

However, the Celtics had basically begun to rebuild at that time, and the Grizzlies are still teams in the Western Conference Finals level. Therefore, Stevens was questioned more than in the original history.

Link had returned to Memphis from Spain at this time. His and Rachel's Spanish golden holiday did not last long. Because they were about to play in the Olympics at the end of July, all national teams also started training camps, and Gasol didn't have much time to play with Link.

Seeing that many people around him were playing in the Olympics, Link was also a little itchy. But there was no way, and he wanted to play for the Chinese team? This was not as simple as giving up his American nationality. If the Chinese Basketball Association did not have a naturalization plan to help Link give the green light all the way, Link would be willing to give up his American nationality and it would be difficult for him to become a Chinese nationality.

After all, China is not an immigrant country, so it is not easy to become a nationality. And when you think about the state of Chinese basketball in recent years, you should not go to this muddy water.

Everyone else is busy with the Olympics, so Link can only work for the Grizzlies.

At the end of June, Link appeared at the signing ceremony between the Grizzlies and rookie players. This year, the Grizzlies used their 27th pick in the first round to win the center Fistus Azeli from Vanderbilt to fill the gap in the inside rotation on the bench.

There is nothing to say about this draft, so of course it is not as amazing as Jimmy Butler's trade last year. But this year's draft is really not very good at the end of the first round. Choose Azeli to add to the thickness of the inside line on the bench, and this idea is at least correct.

There are several good players in the second round pick, such as Green, who will scare the whole league in the future, and Chris Middleton, the tall pitcher in the future. But they may not be able to show their strengths in the Grizzlies, so the Grizzlies did not extend their "devil grab".

Link showed his face at the signing ceremony and helped the Grizzlies promote their popularity. By the way, he also increased the enthusiasm of rookies.

The signing ceremony of a rookie in the final first round is attended by the team's core. He will definitely feel that he is valued and is an important reinforcement for the team. Then this summer will try his best to spur himself.

Speaking of which, Link himself has never participated in the signing ceremony after the draft, and now he is here to attend someone else's

After Azelley's signing ceremony, Link also met Pera and Stevens.

"We're being pushed to the forefront now, guys." Pera sat behind her desk, looking at the negative news about the Grizzlies, frowned.

"To be honest, this is expected." Stevens, who was questioned, was not so irritable and still smiled.

"We have always lived under doubt and are used to it." Link also spread his hands. The Grizzlies have been questioned a lot and don't care about these two more.

"Anyway, you will be under great pressure next season. No, we will be under great pressure! Coach Stevens, I also hope to hear your opinions on strengthening. If we want to sign or trade a certain player, I will discuss with you in advance. Just like the promise, you have a share of the control of this team."

"The team still has a deal?" Link asked knowingly, mainly because he wanted to get some information.

Since the team changed the coach, Link was sure that this was not the only change this summer.

"Well, I'm not afraid to tell you, the entire league is planning a deal now. This summer, things will become crazy. Tomorrow, the trading market and free agent signing market will be opened. At that time, the intensity may not be worse than the playoffs." Pera touched his chin. In order to make the Grizzlies go a step further next year, he must seize all opportunities from tomorrow!

※※※

"I really didn't expect that we would work together in a team." Standing in the training ground of the Federal Express Arena, Stevens chatted with Link beside him with his waist.

"This is fate. This year, I don't have to go to Indianapolis and I can receive your training." Link smiled. He didn't expect that he would join forces with the young coach.

When George introduced him to Stevens, Link was still fantasizing about what it would be like if he played under Stevens.

But it won't take long to make him lose his fantasy.

"Do you know why I'm willing to accept the Grizzlies' contract? Link."

"Because you said you wanted to enter the NBA, I remember you said it last year."

"I do want to enter the NBA, but the Memphis Grizzlies are not my only choice. To be honest, the Boston Celtics have had contact with me, but I finally decided to come here because of you!" After Stevens said that, he turned his head to look at Link.

"I know how good you are. If you are the core of the team building, I have the confidence to lead the team well! I have always wanted to work with a player like you, so when the opportunity comes, I seized it decisively. You, Link, you are the biggest reason why I came here. I will tailor everything for you, and I will take your performance to the next level. And you will take the Grizzlies to a higher position. Since I was training you last year, I was thinking how great it would be to teach you all the time. Now, my dream has come true."

"Haha, you made me embarrassed, Brad." Link waved his hand, but he believed what Stevens said.

Stevens does have the ability to make players better. Thomas, who is 1.75 meters tall, almost got a maximum salary at the Celtics. But what about after leaving Stevens? He is almost out of work.

"I can't wait to start training here as soon as possible. At NCAA, I was unable to get into the final honor. But at NBA Link, look around, there is no honor pennant. But maybe we can decorate this place beautifully?"

"You are the best coach, and I am the best player?" Link smiled. Memphis' basketball history will no longer be dull.
Chapter completed!