One Year Left to Play-Chapter 162 - 51: Changes Among Teammates

As for integrity or whatever... does it matter?

Little Curry feels like he’s just a 7-year-old kid who knows nothing, so it doesn’t matter at all.

When Little Curry called him so affectionately, Zhang Hao once again saw Dale Curry’s face twitch.

His son is going to be led astray! Dale Curry was very worried.

However, Dale Curry was pleased to see his son building a good relationship with young NBA players.

Dale Curry believed Zhang Hao should have no problem making his mark in the NBA; at least, he would be an off-ball shooter like him. Establishing a good relationship with Zhang Hao couldn’t go wrong. In the future, if his sons have a chance to enter the NBA, connections will be important, and Zhang Hao is someone whose network can be cultivated now.

Zhang Hao’s career is just starting, so now is the best time to build a good relationship with him.

As an off-ball shooter, Dale Curry understood well that their style often comes with a long career. Zhang Hao is only 18 now; by the time Little Curry tries to break into the NBA, Zhang Hao might still be at his peak.

Although in the end, they may not be on the same team, or Little Curry might not even get into the NBA... but building a good relationship doesn’t take much effort. Just normal interactions, that’s what old friends are about.

Moreover, Dale Curry already admired Zhang Hao’s talent; as an off-ball shooter, Zhang Hao had most of the prerequisites for success.

While waiting for dinner, Zhang Hao and Dale Curry talked about the game, mainly Dale Curry sharing his experience with Zhang Hao.

"Aix, you don’t actually have to be so eager to show your abilities on the court."

"Uh..."

"Don’t rush, listen to me. I understand your thinking. You want to win the coach’s attention through personal performance, but you don’t seem to realize that the coaching staff already values you highly. Otherwise, as a rookie, why would the tactics always revolve around you?"

"Talent?"

"Yes, right, it’s talent, but there’s another reason I think it’s your uniqueness!

Getting drafted right after high school graduation means you have something that truly impresses the Brooklyn Nets. They value you so much to pick you at that round.

I can see that you bring out your strongest skills, which is your mid-range shot during the game, so you should do better than what your coaches expect.

Your performance now should only meet their expectations. They’ll evaluate for a period and then ask you to take the next step. You can completely outpace their predictions during the game. Their next step is definitely to get you to integrate better with the team.

You need to understand that what we off-ball shooters should focus on is not just how to score. Of course, our goal is to create scoring opportunities, but what we need to do and the final goal aren’t always the same!

As off-ball shooters, the most important thing is to help the team play a smoother offense. Once the whole team’s offense flows, our opportunities will naturally increase because we don’t hold the ball, and defenders’ attention inevitably focuses on the player with the ball.

Don’t narrow your focus; consider the whole situation. Off-ball shooters may not get much attention from fans and the media, but off-ball shooters are never just about shooting; we are one of the most important parts of tactics..."

The dinner was enjoyable, basically Zhang Hao listening and Dale Curry talking.

There was no alcohol; Mrs. Curry’s soup was delicious. After being well-fed, Dale Curry drove Zhang Hao back to the hotel.

Watching Dale Curry’s car drive away, Zhang Hao reflected on the conversation they had. He had a feeling that Dale Curry was using the same methods he planned for Little Curry on him early.

"Didn’t we say we’re brothers? Your son is like my son, yet you use me as a guinea pig?"