One Year Left to Play-Chapter 103: Advice for Domestic Players

It’s not just because you get a salary of over 200,000 US Dollars that you can squander it. Of course, he could do so, as he has already signed a three-year contract.

But if he really does that, he’d probably end up just like those rookies who fade out of the NBA after one or two years.

Back in the bedroom, Pierce finished breakfast and went back to gaming. This time he came out to accompany Zhang Hao for the draft, but then he’d have to go back and train with his brother.

However, Pierce wasn’t really stalling for time. He complained a lot, but when it comes to training, he’s genuinely dedicated. You can see it from his noticeably slimmer physique.

Zhang Hao found his debit card with a three-figure deposit in his bag. In a while, he was going to the bank to cash cheques and then get a credit card. Of course, the money would need to be saved; a credit card should be paid off after use. That’s how it’s done in the United States. Carrying a large amount of cash around could lead to someone calling the police when you buy something. It was quite a hassle. Last time he sold tickets, the other party was surprised he requested cash; good thing there was a bank next to the Great Western Forum.

Bringing the contract and debit card, Zhang Hao went to the next room and said to Pierce, "Paul, let’s go shopping."

Pierce, without turning his head, replied, "What are two broke guys like us going shopping for? I’m not going. We’re heading back to California tomorrow; then I have to be in San Diego the day after. Let me enjoy my gaming for a little longer."

"Hey, looks like my NBA salary is just for me to spend. This cheque, how much will it convert to? Paul, do you think if stacked, would it be as tall as you?"

"Salary? Cheque!"

Pierce suddenly flipped over from the end of the bed, scrambled over to Zhang Hao and took the cheque Zhang Hao was waving around, looked at it, and was stunned...

Over 210,000 US Dollars!

It’d be hard to stack 100 US Dollar bills as high as him, but perhaps with 10 US Dollar bills it could be done. In the United States, not many people would carry around stacks of hundred-dollar bills; wallets usually have 1, 5, 10, or 20 dollar bills, while large purchases are often done by card.

Pierce seemed to envision stacks of 10 US Dollar bills that pile higher than him...

Shaking his head, Pierce tried to calm himself down.

"My God, you got the money back just like this? Are you crazy? Even though you’ve become an NBA player, you need a rational asset management plan. Too many NBA players go bankrupt after retirement..."

Pierce had a feeling that if he hadn’t come along this time, when they return to Los Angeles, Zhang Hao might very well have gone bankrupt after just earning big.

Being the big brother can be really stressful!

This time, Pierce’s nagging truly surprised Zhang Hao.

Pierce actually knows so much... Wait, this guy has a brother who’s a professional rugby player; understanding these things seems quite natural. An older brother would surely want to spare his younger brother, who also has professional sports potential, from making the same mistakes.

"Paul, here’s the thing..." Zhang Hao interrupted Pierce and began explaining the situation with the NBA confirming it’s going to lockout.

After listening to Zhang Hao, Pierce eased up a bit. He knew something about this, more than Zhang Hao had before, but didn’t realize the situation had escalated this much, thinking it would be resolved smoothly like last year.

Even so, Pierce was still uneasy and continued, "That money, you save it. I’m not spending your money. I will enter the NBA myself someday, and whatever I want, I’ll buy myself."

"Yes, yes, I understand, but since I’m in the NBA now, shouldn’t we at least buy some nice clothes? We should buy a present for Auntie, shouldn’t we?"

"That can be done, wait a second, let me call my brother... Do you think the Brooklyn Nets will cover our phone bill?"

"...I think they will..."

...

Arriving at the bank with the debit card to cash the cheque, Zhang Hao thought the two of them, dressed as poorly as high school students, might be looked down upon in the bank, and planned to use the cheque to make a statement. However, the staff recognized him...

Nationally televised! Ninth pick rookie!

In New York, where the NBA draft was held, many people heard about this Chinese high school student. At least for a short period, many would remember him; though over time, it would fade, as there are always so many new rookies each year.

Entering the bank, the sharp-eyed manager guided Zhang Hao and Pierce to the VIP lounge, and within minutes, they sorted everything out; all they had to do was enjoy coffee and wait.

Ever since the Demon Bird era, in recent years, NBA players turned into high-income earners. Even minimum-salary players, as long as they have guaranteed contracts, earn at least 300,000 US Dollars annually. First-round rookies have had guaranteed contracts since the 1988 collective bargaining agreement. Wherever they go, they’re influential customers for banks... of course, only while the contract lasts or there’s money in the account.

Having sorted the credit card, Zhang Hao and Pierce took a taxi to a shopping mall and bought some items.

Zhang Hao felt money is something external and should be spent when needed, but Pierce firmly opposed Zhang Hao’s rules; thus, the clothes they bought cost only a few hundred US Dollars, and were meant for everyday wear, rather than the type Zhang Hao wanted but couldn’t wear regularly. The gifts they bought weren’t expensive either; they bought a beautiful dress Pierce’s mom had mentioned.

Heading out with lavish spending vibes, they wrapped everything up for just over 1000 US Dollars...

However, having made those purchases, Zhang Hao’s impulse of "I have money, how should I spend it" also calmed down.

Thanks to Pierce, otherwise Zhang Hao would have become a flashy spender in everyone else’s eyes.

Returning to the hotel with several shopping bags, ready to put things away before lunch; this time it wouldn’t be pizza, but a nice meal. For this, Pierce didn’t think Zhang Hao was wasting money; buying unnecessary things is wasteful, but eating, it should be good.