At 7 a.m. on the 26th, the Grizzlies players arrived at the airport in advance. Since they were taking a special plane, they did not have to queue up like ordinary passengers.

But even so, the players got up early. After all, everyone had to gather at the FedEx Center before taking the bus to the airport.

The team is arranged this way for safety reasons. If a player is late or has an accident on the way, it will be more than worth the effort. Therefore, as long as you play away, the NBA team basically gathers first and then sets off.

This is the first time Link has played away with the NBA team. For the supporting services of the NBA team, Link feels extremely luxurious.

First of all, the luggage is. When playing in the Development League, no matter how much luggage you bring, you have to take it yourself.

However, when playing away games with NBA teams, you only have to hand over your luggage to the staff and you can leave it alone. When you arrive in the room in the hotel, your luggage will naturally appear in the closet.

Secondly, the jerseys, sneakers and other equipment naturally do not need to be carried by the players themselves. Before traveling over, Rockets player P.J. Tucker always likes to bring a pair of shoes when entering the court, but in fact they were just for decoration. The sneakers used for real games have now been neatly placed in their locker room.

Finally, the team's travel conditions were also very good. Although there was no $60 meal supplement, luxury buses and special planes were not available in the Development League.

This time, Link didn't have to squeeze in economy class with others. The whole plane belonged to Grizzlies players. In Randolph's words, "It's okay if you want to somersault on it."

So, carrying his small carry bag, Link got on the road. When the plane had already left the land of Memphis, Link couldn't believe that he was actually sitting in a chartered flight of the NBA team and was going to play away games!

Speaking of which, the Grizzlies' away game destination this time is quite interesting, and they actually went to Indianapolis.

Link still remembers that he read a basketball novel before traveling over, the protagonist coaching in Indianapolis. In reality, the Pacers also have his good friend Paul George.

Last night, George called to ask if Link would play with the team in Indianapolis the next day. At that time, Link didn't know that he was included in the roster, so he didn't know the answer.

I believe that George will definitely be very surprised to see him today. But then again, this seems to be the first time Link has met his good friend.

※※※

Like the Grizzlies, the Indiana Pacers have been hovering around eighth in the East for a long time. So far, the Pacers have a record of 13 wins and 14 losses. They still have the chance to play in the playoffs, but if you are not careful, you will fall outside the top eight.

Everyone thinks that such a team that has struggled even to enter the playoffs has no combat effectiveness. However, in fact, this kind of team is exactly the one that is most willing to fight. Just try to get the playoffs qualification, who is willing to give up?

Therefore, Pacers coach Jim O'Brien asked the players to prepare early today. The Grizzlies have the same desire, and today's game is destined not to be easy.

However, for the Pacers, the good news is that the Grizzlies have just experienced three consecutive losses, and Rudy Guy has hit less than 40% in two consecutive games. He believes that Granger will win the matchup between Guy and Daniel Granger.

As for the inside, Hibert was able to use his height advantage to curb Gasol Jr. McRoberts and Hansbru, two white power forwards, took turns to fight with Randolph, which should be enough for him to have a pot of fun.

Jim O'Brien's abacus was very loud. He thought the game might be fierce, but the result would not be unexpected.

"Coach." At this moment, Paul George, who was warming up, came to Jim O'Brien.

"What's the matter? George." O'Brien didn't take care of George because he was a lottery show. On the contrary, Jim O'Brien has never trusted George very much. He is not a coach who likes to use rookies.

As the Pacers' key training target, George has not even played for 20 minutes this season, which is enough to reflect O'Brien's attitude towards George.

"I just want to ask, are you guessing that the Grizzlies will send Link to the field?"

"Who do you say? Link?" O'Brien looked at George in surprise, unable to remember who Link was. Does the Grizzlies have such a person?

"It's the one that, Link, who broke the individual score record of the Development League single game some time ago." George continued to add.

"Oh, you talk about him." O'Brien smiled jokingly. If George hadn't mentioned it, he would have forgotten this person. "No matter whether he will play or not, even if he appears, that kind of family will have no impact on the game. Focus on your preparations, George, stop thinking about these messy things."

O'Brien didn't take Link seriously at all. He didn't trust a rookie with the 10th pick, let alone a senior undraft?

※※※

The NBA players' away conditions are indeed very good, but they are also very busy. They just arrived in Indianapolis for only an hour off for lunch. Before Link could enjoy the comfortable room in the five-star hotel, Lionel Hollins led the players to the Consecco Arena.

Link was restless. He didn't know when he would play today and how long he could play. He finally had to meet his old friend George, so he couldn't sit on the bench for 48 minutes. But it didn't seem interesting if he just appeared in garbage time like Haddadi.

Speaking of Haddadi, he did not come with the Grizzlies today because he was kicked out of the roster.

Well, I was squeezed out by Link.

After arriving in the visiting team's locker room, the players changed their equipment while Hollins explained the tactics.

"The Pacers' attack firepower is very strong. Daniel Granger, Darren Collison and Mike Dunleavy are all excellent attackers. Similarly, the Pacers' defense, especially the inside defense, is not weak at all. Roy Hibert is 2.18 meters tall and can get 2.0 blocks per game! If the inside attack is not cautious enough, you will definitely not be able to score! So today, I need you to increase the number of outside shots. Actively look for opportunities outside the three-point line and mid-range. Then on the offensive end, block their shooting space."

Link listened to the tactics seriously while changing his clothes.

"Link!" As if he noticed Link looking at him, Hollins suddenly shouted.

"I'm here, coach."

"Today I will let you rotate and don't be nervous, just follow your performance on the training ground. We need your range and defense, don't let me down."

After Hollins said that, both Link and Sam Young were surprised.

Link didn't expect that he would go directly to the regular rotation, while Sam Young didn't expect that he would be abandoned by Hollins so soon.

"I" Link looked at Hollins' expectant eyes, looked at the friendly smiles of Randolph and others and the No. 0 jersey on his body.

The Grizzlies No. 0, this is the first time Link wore the Grizzlies' official game jersey. The big "0" on his chest is extremely conspicuous.

"I will do my best to complete the task, coach." Link raised his head again. He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

※※※

When the Grizzlies players entered the court one by one, George's eyes were always staring at the opposite half. Finally, at the end of the team, the small forward who was selected by the Pacers in the tenth pick saw his college teammate and friend Link.

"I have said a long time ago that we will meet in the NBA!" George opened his arms and walked towards Link. Although Link had never been a teammate with George, he liked Paul George before traveling over, so he hugged him without hesitation.

"It's been awesome lately, George."

"It's so good, Coach Jim O'Brien has added a lot of playing time to me. Although well, I have to admit, I don't like him very much."

George looked at O'Brien. Some coaches were good at coaching newcomers, while others preferred to use their familiar lineup. Jim O'Brien undoubtedly belonged to the latter.

"Is that so? He asked you to play the third or second position?" Link knew Jim O'Brien. If history had no deviation, this guy would be dismissed if he could not play a few more games. Then Frank Vogel, who was promoted, could be considered George's enlightenment coach in the NBA.

“Section 3.”

"It's a coincidence that I also play No. 3. In this way, we will face each other during rotation time today." Link licked his lips in a very unkind manner. If he could defeat Paul George, the team's status would definitely be more stable!

Compared with Grant Hill during his rookie period, George can be said to be very immature. It is not impossible to defeat George!

Think about it, it is hard for Link to not be popular if he loses the draft and defeats a rookie with the tenth pick.

"Okay, bad ideas make me come over my head." George laughed, thinking Link was having fun with him.
Chapter completed!