One Year Left to Play-Chapter 151 - 47: No Game Experience

At the parking lot, Kenny Anderson was ready to drive back home.

Another point guard from the team, Chris Childs, also arrived at the parking lot.

In terms of team dynamics, they were rivals, but personally, they had a good relationship. Kenny Anderson liked having a skilled backup like Chris Childs on the team. They cooperated well on the court, just not together often.

Seeing no one around, Childs chuckled, "Kenny, I didn’t expect you to bet on Aix, thought you’d mend things with Almon."

"I, Kenny, won’t bow down, and I believe Aix will become stronger than them. I’ll be more in sync working with him. Don’t you like teammates with Aix’s play style?"

"Haha, of course I do, but I need teammates’ support more. You’ve got the ability to support others; I need others’ support..."

They chatted briefly before driving off the court.

On the way home, Kenny Anderson thought about what Childs said.

If it weren’t for seeing Zhang Hao’s tests when he joined the team, he’d actually planned to mend relations with Almon Gilliam.

However, Zhang Hao’s test performance made him hesitant, and after the practice games, he decided to bet on Zhang Hao.

Reflecting on the time spent together, Zhang Hao handled things well without being annoying, proactively doing small tasks without seeming like a sycophant. He’s more interested in learning rather than just holding onto the core players.

Stronger than peers, more mature mentally, excellent learning ability, exceptional adaptability... Kenny Anderson truly believes Zhang Hao can make it.

Besides, he didn’t have a good relationship with Almon Gilliam in the first place, forcibly making it good... such thoughts were futile!

Since he’s betting on Zhang Hao, he better help him out. He decided to talk to the coaching staff tomorrow.

...

The next day, after morning team training, Kenny Anderson went to the head coach’s office.

Butch Baird and Randy Whitman were there.

Kenny Anderson was clear about his intention—help Zhang Hao get more opportunities.

He knew Zhang Hao wouldn’t say this himself but desired it inside, so he acted in his stead.

He’d already proven himself, unlike Zhang Hao, who had to tread carefully. He didn’t want Zhang Hao offending the coaching staff, such things needed his intervention.

In a chaotic team for so long, finally having a well-natured, talented teammate like Zhang Hao, who works well with him, he’d cherish like a treasure.

Indeed, hearing Kenny Anderson’s intention, Randy Whitman wasn’t pleased.

No matter if a player’s words are right or not, he dislikes players meddling in coaching affairs.

But Butch Baird’s eyes lit up, not just because of this, but Zhang Hao gaining the strongest player’s recognition in such a short time, which is crucial!

Without mentioning this, Butch Baird smiled, "Kenny, we see Aix’s talent too, don’t worry. We’re ready to develop him; you don’t have to rush. I think Aix isn’t in a hurry either, right?"

The first part was for Kenny Anderson, the latter for Randy Whitman.

Before the two could speak, Butch Baird continued, "As for you, Kenny, your weight issue... I assume you’ll handle it, right?"

Hearing about weight, Kenny Anderson felt a bit guilty. He indeed lacked motivation lately, judging by the complete training situations, besides those five or six teammates, the rest weren’t impressive to him.

Even those five or six... combined, didn’t match Coleman at his best.

Coleman was all-star material, with him Kenny Anderson, they could lead the team to playoffs.

Now...

Kenny Anderson retreated hastily...

Even in lazy times, when it comes to professional integrity, Kenny Anderson cared a lot!

After sending Kenny Anderson away, Randy Whitman told Butch Baird, "Butch, even though Aix was your choice, you can’t be too lenient with him. He’s young, too young. You must make him understand what adult society is like."

"Weren’t you just saying Aix has talent? Don’t worry, leave player upbringing specifics to you, I won’t intervene. I just think Kenny is right; we should provide Aix with a better environment." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Mentioning Zhang Hao, Randy Whitman rarely smiled, which would surprise Zhang Hao if seen, as he’d never seen Randy Whitman smile. Few players on the team had either.

With a rare smile, Randy Whitman quickly reverted to his usual old-fashioned expression.

The team’s situation is in disarray, and as head assistant coach, he was well aware.

Originally, Zheng Hao’s presence as a point was concerning as head assistant—talented, skilled, knowledgeable... but possibly trapped in "knowing too much."

Soon after, Zhang Hao adjusted efficiently.

For such players, Randy Whitman could only call them geniuses.

The last player he worked with, giving Randy Whitman this impression, was Dominique Wilkins in his rookie years.