Memphis, the largest city in Tennessee and the 17th largest city in the United States. But what did Link see in a taxi to the FedEx Arena?

Dilapidated buildings, abandoned tall buildings, and patches of seemingly desolate clearings.

Only when you get close to the city center can the scenery outside the car window gradually become prosperous.

At first, Memphis was the world's largest cotton production site. But now, under the double blow of industrial transfer and the Great Depression, Memphis has become increasingly deteriorating.

In addition to the serious economic decline, the crime rate has also increased sharply.

Yesterday, Link checked it out. It turned out that in Memphis, it was true that individuals could get free tickets by handing over guns, not Jeff Austin's random fabrication or exaggeration of facts.

This is Memphis, a city that once flourished but now declining.

Sitting in a taxi, Link took back the street view outside the window. Although he was a fan in his previous life, the 10-11 season was still too far away from 2019. Link is actually a little unfamiliar with what the Grizzlies are like now.

He took out his cell phone, checked the Grizzlies' roster, and then combined with the current situation of Memphis, he instantly smiled bitterly.

The city’s label will usually become a team’s mark, and so will the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies are a team that everyone is afraid of. The fear of people here does not mean that they are invincible, but that all big-name players are about to stop in this city with high crime rates and economic development.

So much so that after Paul Gasol learned that he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Spaniard, who had played for 6 and a half years in Memphis, his first reaction was not to be disappointed and reluctant, but to be excited.

Nowadays, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Grizzlies are simply another microcosm of this city.

Almost all of the players in the Grizzlies are abandoned and despised.

Mike Conley Oden's younger brother in college.

Gasol Jr. is just a pick in this round. At the beginning, the Lakers put him on the shelves with Chinese player Sun Yue and let the Grizzlies choose.

Zach Randolph, the backbone of the Portland prison team, was soaked in the lit and savory dyeing vat in New York for many years. When he came to Memphis, almost everyone thought he was completely finished.

Let’s look at myself again? A low-level player who played in college for four years, participated in the draft and was almost unable to make it in the Development League, and was kicked away by the Rockets after entering the NBA.

This similar fate made Link suddenly feel intimate towards the Grizzlies.

He is the same as the rest of the Grizzlies, both of whom were abandoned by the world. They were forgotten in this decaying city and allowed to develop as garbage.

But as a time traveler, Link knew very well that the rest of the Grizzlies were just like him and they were not willing to give in!

"Link, after signing today, you may not be able to play in the official game right away."

Seeing that it was not far from the FedEx Arena, Jeff Austin began to explain to Link about joining the Grizzlies.

"Oh? What does it mean? Do I still want to be transferred to the Development League by the Grizzlies first?" Link swallowed. If the Grizzlies still needed him to play in the Development League, he would have been in vain for so long.

"The Development League is not that you scored 52 points in the Development League, breaking the personal highest scoring record. The Development League is no longer meaningful to you. But the Grizzlies are likely to let you play in the training game first. If your ability meets the standards, the Grizzlies will let you make an official appearance."

After hearing Austin say this, Link nodded. Of course he knew that it would not be so easy to gain a foothold in the NBA team as a undrafter.

"This is actually a good thing. Link. The Grizzlies are in urgent need of small forwards now, so they actually want you to play. But because of this, they have to make sure you are qualified to play. On the Rockets, you don't even practice with the team. Because in essence, you are not in the Rockets' plan at all. Memphis is different. They need you to play before they test you first. Seize the opportunity and make a big splash."

Austin's analysis is reasonable and Link accepts this fact.

After all, signing a guaranteed contract is at least a million dollars. The Grizzlies owner is not a philanthropist, and these millions of dollars must not be spent inexplicably.

I have both money and future here. Want to take it? Do it yourself!

A few minutes later, Link finally saw the luxurious modern building, located in Memphis, and the city's pearl FedEx Arena.

The situation of FedEx Stadium and Memphis is not at all aligned, because this Stadium is too luxurious. The entire Stadium is rectangular in shape, and the exterior walls are basically made of glass. The gate of the Stadium is opposite the road, and there are many basketball-like stone piers that separate the square outside the Stadium from the road.

The Blues' home court is naturally not comparable to this stadium. Even compared with the Toyota Center in Houston, the FedEx stadium is no less than that.

"Isn't this beautiful here? Don't underestimate the FedEx Arena. This is the first court in the NBA to use transparent timers, with the purpose of keeping the fans sitting behind the rebound from being blocked."

Jeff Austin is very familiar with FedEx Stadium. After all, his big client Mark Gasol is also a member of the Grizzlies. He has also known Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace. Because of this, Link can contact the Grizzlies so quickly. Moreover, the Grizzlies will also attach great importance to the players recommended by Austin.

This is the difference between a manager with a connection and a rookie manager. Otherwise, why do people get a commission of several million a year?

After getting off the car, Link and Austin walked into the hall hall. The hall was very beautiful, with many beautiful murals and spray paints. In addition to the Grizzlies players, there are many famous artists in Memphis history.

Link knew little about Memphis’ urban culture, but he still recognized Elvis on the murals.

I have to say that Memphis inside and outside the arena are completely different worlds.

"Austin, you're finally here. This is Link, right? Welcome, I hope your trip to Memphis is quite pleasant."

Not long after walking in the hall hall, a strong bald man who looked a little older came up and shook hands affectionately with Link and Jeff Austin.

"This is the Grizzlies' assistant coach Elston Turner, a former professional player, has rich experience in assistant coaching. He worked as an assistant coach for the Trail Blazers for 96-00 years, and was at the Sacramento Kings from 2006-06 years. He and Yao Ming were old acquaintances in Houston from 2006-11 years. Now he is in Memphis, assisting the team forward."

Jeff Austin introduced Link very carefully, and Link was also a little stunned. The dark guy who looked unpretentious in front of him was so capable. From 1996 to now, he is still an experienced old coach.

"Hahahaha, OK OK Jeff, I know you have a lot of information. All people in this industry are transparent in front of you. Don't show off your extensive basketball knowledge. Link, if you are ready, go to the locker room to change your jerseys. You warm up first at noon, and we will do physical tests first. In the afternoon, you will likely be able to practice with the team immediately."

"Ah?" Link looked at Austin and then at Turner, "I will practice with the team in the afternoon? But haven't we signed yet?"

"How many minutes does it take to sign a contract? After practicing football in the afternoon, you can go to the general manager's office to sign. Training is more important, and you want to play the game as soon as possible, right? I have seen your performance in the Development League and Houston. As long as you are willing to work hard, I believe Memphis has your place."

"Oh," Link nodded. Memphis was indeed different from Houston.

At the Rockets, he found a lot of reporters to attend the signing ceremony, and Morey kept smirking in front of the camera. What happened behind this show? Link was not even qualified to practice with the Rockets.

In Memphis, I started practicing with the team and signed the contract in a simple way, everything was very simple.

Whether a team wants to hype you or want to let you play safely, Link has a deep understanding of the difference between this.

Although the signing was not that exciting, Link felt that he had really come to the right place this time. However, when he thought of participating in confrontational training in the afternoon, Link was really a little nervous. Although he now has the ability of Grant Hill in the 2009-10 season, the competition at the NBA level is not as simple as beating Joan Brockman.

"By the way, there is one more thing. What number do you need to wear? Do you continue to wear No. 5? Still want to change one. As long as no one wears it, any number is OK. After all, hahahaha, after all, the Grizzlies have not retired jerseys yet. Tell me the number and I can let the team prepare for you."

Faced with Elston Turner's inquiry, Link answered without hesitation.

"No. 0, I want to wear No. 0 jersey. Thank you if you can."

"Is that?" Turner smiled. Of course, he also knew the story between Link and Upshaw. At this moment, he found that he was becoming more and more fond of the Chinese striker.

Link looked around and if everything went well, this would be the place for him to fight in the future.

Then, start from scratch and move forward bravely!
Chapter completed!