One Year Left to Play-Chapter 305 - 102: This Is Not a Multiple-Choice Question

Looking at Zhang Hao’s physical and technical test reports, honestly, when it was previously mentioned about trading Zhang Hao for Sibaros, Del Harris was quite pleased. Although Zhang Hao’s skills might not be as strong as Sibaros’s, his style of play could enhance any team.

Later, as Zhang Hao continued to play well, with his average score stabilizing at 18+, Logo Man approached and said they wanted to use Sibaros and Eddie Jones together as bargaining chips. Del Harris thought it was acceptable since height can’t be trained.

They’re both shooters, and with Zhang Hao, Eddie Jones’s importance diminished.

But eventually, it was Sibaros who stayed, Eddie Jones was sent off, and Divac was also traded...

As a coach, there is the authority to arrange players as starters or substitutes according to personal preferences, to decide a player’s playing time and role. When the displeasure fades, it’s time to communicate thoroughly, and gradually it won’t be an issue.

Logo Man initially planned this way, having confidence in Zhang Hao’s abilities.

However, now, besides being upset about losing Divac, Del Harris evidently has prejudices against Zhang Hao, and this isn’t something that can be improved by mere communication.

He didn’t chat much with Zhang Hao, coldly completed Zhang Hao’s technical test, and left.

"Shooting is decent, athletic ability is decent..."

Del Harris recognizes Zhang Hao’s capabilities; otherwise, he wouldn’t have eagerly followed Logo Man’s arrangement during the game against Brooklyn Nets, encouraging the team to fiercely challenge the Brooklyn Nets.

Despite this, the dissatisfaction was palpable, and Zhang Hao didn’t receive a friendly face.

After Del Harris left, Zhang Hao went to the bathroom to shower, and his face fell... "I knew it, this coach doesn’t like newcomers..."

He recalled reading a memoir about Kobe: during the 98-99 season when Kobe was 20, he made it to the third team, but early in that season, Kobe’s playing time was suppressed to below 30 minutes because Del Harris was reluctant to use him. Ultimately, the relationship was completely broken, and the Lakers fired Del Harris after 12 games, appointing Kurt Rambis as the interim coach. That season, Kobe successfully made it to the third team, beginning a glorious 15-year best team streak.

"Just as expected, treatment similar to that with the Brooklyn Nets is a rare opportunity..."

...

At noon, Jason Williams arrived at the Time Warner Arena. After completing physical tests, he and Zhang Hao, led by Kupchek, went to the hospital for medical examination.

A detailed report would need time to await, yet the doctor evaluated both as very healthy, and both received clearance to play matches.

Having an old teammate to play with right off joining the NBA eased Zhang Hao a lot, and seeing familiar faces right after encountering a new team pacified Jason Williams as well.

Yet, Zhang Hao was truly at ease, whereas for Jason Williams, after a while, he felt he couldn’t stand it.

At the Lakers Training Hall, there are two training sessions at 3 p.m. Zhang Hao and Jason Williams returned to the hall after completing their physical examination at 2 p.m., waiting for training.

Tomorrow, the Lakers will host the Indiana Pacers in a match.

Having relaxed for only an hour, Jason Williams felt anxiety creeping back, went to the lounge, and said to Zhang Hao, who was watching Lakers match videos: "Aix, can you talk to me for a bit?"

Without lifting his head, Zhang Hao replied, "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"

"Do you think we can play basketball as happily here with the Lakers as we did with the Brooklyn Nets?"

"No, there isn’t happy basketball here."

Jason Williams paused for a few seconds and lamented, "Can’t you just lie to me?"

This time, Zhang Hao raised his head, looking at Jason Williams, tilting his head, pondering, then sat upright, saying: "Our team doesn’t have many people on the inside right now. Campbell is a hefty pure center, weighing 127 kilograms. His defensive skills are very impressive. Competing with him for the center position is quite difficult.

At the forward position, there’s Sibaros, he’s our team’s top scorer, capable of playing from the third to fifth positions just like Almon. Both are absolutely starters. But with Divac’s departure, Sibaros’s and Campbell’s playtime is just over 30 minutes. Their large build and excellent skills mean they can’t play full time every quarter. We have the ability to compete for the remaining playing time with others.

Moreover, both you and I have distinct strengths. The Lakers averaged just 40 rebounds per game in the first 15 matches, while opponents grabbed 44.5 rebounds, lagging in offensive boards by 11 to 15. When we previously played against the Lakers with the Brooklyn Nets, the Nets also grabbed more rebounds than the Lakers. This is an area where you can compete.

Divac has gone, leaving an inside shooter; I also have an opportunity, plus I can distribute the ball.

However, playing here definitely won’t be joyful."

Following this analysis, Jason Williams was taken aback.

Despite Zhang Hao being busy with tests this morning, and together getting medical check-ups by noon, spending the afternoon at the training hall, watching videos for only half an hour, Jason Williams still felt like a headless fly, knowing nothing at all while Zhang Hao had already figured everything out!

Jason Williams has spent more time playing, his familiarity with players like Sibaros and Campbell should be longer, yet he hadn’t paid attention to these opponents’ characteristics, nor analyzed aspects like playing time and regular positions of these individuals.