One Year Left to Play-Chapter 210 - 70: Popular Rookie!

Zhang Hao, now more experienced, noticed Kenny Anderson got a separate room, so he also asked the front desk to change to a single room with a bigger bed.

Back in his room, he was reading a book—not about basketball, well, sort of related. He was reading a sports medicine book, one of his college majors.

As Zhang Hao was waiting for a call from Henry Thomas, the doorbell rang.

Zhang Hao opened the door to find the only big-shot agent from the company, Henry Thomas, with a very fashionable young man beside him—Alan Houston.

Henry Thomas introduced to Alan Houston, "Alan, this is Aix, a brilliant rookie with shooting talent just like yours."

After a brief introduction, they all entered the room together.

A tailored suit, a beret, and a black fur coat draped over his shoulders... his slender frame matched with a chiseled face...

Zhang Hao recalled the rugged mid-range king from his memories of the Knicks and then looked at the 24-year-old Alan Houston in his prime.

Indeed, time is a butcher's knife! Who would have thought this charming gentleman would look like that after entering the new century?

From the moment he entered Zhang Hao's room, Alan Houston had been sizing him up. He couldn't help but ask, "Aix, are you really 18? You look way too young!"

You're the one who looks young!

Haven't you seen how my teammates are too shy to shower with Old Zhang?

Didn't you see the self-proclaimed macho Jason Williams flee in embarrassment?

Regarding Alan Houston's ignorance, Zhang Hao was patient, smiling, "People always say I look younger than I am. I'm actually quite old."

Black people seem quite forward, as Alan Houston patted Zhang Hao's chest, then squeezed his waist, back, shoulders, thighs...

Alan Houston, while getting handsy with Zhang Hao, said, "So skinny, you're about 10 cm taller than me. Do you weigh as much as I do? You need more training to build resistance; otherwise, your shooting form will easily get distorted."

Looking at Alan Houston's earnest effort to act like a mentor, Zhang Hao thought to himself—ignorant mortals...

Yet he replied, "I know, I'll try to gain weight during the off-season next year."

"Yes, yes, since the new season has already started, gaining weight now would affect your current skills." Alan Houston nodded quickly as he spoke... then realized it wasn't quite right and slowed his nodding.

Having played in the NBA for two years, Alan Houston tried hard to portray a "seasoned" image, something both Zhang Hao and Henry Thomas noticed.

But neither of them pointed it out, Zhang Hao thought he could learn something from Alan Houston in the future and wanted to maintain a good relationship, while Henry Thomas understood Alan Houston's little thoughts. Finally making it to the third season and securing a starting position after training camp, he naturally wanted to showcase his mentor-like demeanor to a rookie from the same company.

After a very brief introduction, Henry Thomas mentioned the next day's work schedule, and then Alan Houston and Henry Thomas left.

...

In the Brooklyn Nets' hotel meeting room.

At three in the afternoon, Randy Whitman arrived on time and was pleased to see all the players had arrived, satisfied with their energy and spirit.

Completely different from last season, full of vitality.

With Coleman last season, there wasn't this kind of atmosphere at all. With a leader like that, how good could the other players be?

As for now, in terms of hard skills, they definitely weren't as strong as when Kenny Anderson, a talent averaging nearly 20+10, and Coleman, an NBA top-tier power forward with 20+10 ability led the team to the playoffs three consecutive years.

Yet, the current team atmosphere made Randy Whitman very satisfied.

The players were in high spirits, knowing that the starting lineup would be announced.

Randy Whitman didn't say much and announced, "Kenny, Greg, Almon, Aix, PJ, you're the starters for tomorrow's game. You can discuss the opening coordination among yourselves, and don't go out unnecessarily.

If the performance isn't good enough, or if this combination doesn't work well, we'll adjust in the future.

Reporters will come in the evening, everyone needs to cooperate with tomorrow's recording work."

Recording work... thinking about this, Zhang Hao felt a bit stressed...