The Basketball Court Swordsman

"Are you kidding me? Byrd."

The day after returning to Indianapolis from Philadelphia, Henson went to Bird's office for the first time. Because what Bird said to Henson yesterday made Henson feel unbelievable.

"Do you think I am joking with you like this? We will have a press conference at noon today. At that time, I hope you will be prepared." Byrd stood up, took out a cigar, and ordered Henson. on.

This is their way of celebrating victory.

Henson took a deep breath, then spit out the smoke ring, squinted slightly, and looked at the view of Indianapolis outside the French window behind Byrd's desk.

It has only been a few years since I came here, but the changes that have taken place in myself are too great. From a scout who was about to be fired to the best coach now...

That's right, the best coach!

Bird called yesterday to inform Henson that he has become the league’s coach of the year award this season! This honor is much higher than being selected for the All-Star!

As the first regular season award to be publicized by the league, people have been arguing over the issue of "who will win the award for the best coach" in recent days. After all, this year, a total of three teams and three coaches have achieved the same result of 50 wins and 16 losses. They are the Bulls, Pacers, Spurs, Thibodeau, Popovich and Henson.

Therefore, Henson was indifferent to this matter. Because from the beginning, he never thought that he could win the prize.

Yes, his record is indeed equal to theirs, but the winning principle of this award is not as simple as the record. Every invited sports reporter will participate in the voting, and whoever wins will depend on the result of the voting.

And Henson's relationship with the media... it couldn't be worse. Compared to Thibodeau and the respected Popovich who won last year, Henson believed that no media would choose him, so he really didn't have any expectations for this award.

But sometimes, happiness comes so suddenly.

Perhaps Henson is not as annoying to the media as he thought. Don't journalists like Christine and Sage have a good relationship with him? Doesn't Popovich often abuse the media, but is still respected?

Behind those media who attack Henson every day, there may be a bunch of reporters who support him but are silent. After all, not everyone is so clamoring.

"What's the matter with you?" Byrd saw Henson dangling his cigar in a daze, he couldn't help but patted his shoulder.

"Uh...nothing, it's just... too sudden." Henson returned to his senses and smiled at Bird.

"Too sudden? I thought you were ready for everything at any time?"

"It's true, Bird, but except for this."

The team easily broke through the first round 4-0, and Henson won the best coach, which undoubtedly made Bird a good mood. Become the basketball godfather of Indianapolis? That day seems to be getting closer.

At noon, in the media reception room of the Conseco Arena, Larry Bird, who hasn't appeared in front of the scene for a long time, was in front of all the media, in front of countless cameras and glare flashing lights, personally handed the trophy of the best coach of the year Pass it to Henson.

Speaking of it, it is precisely because of Henson's outstanding team leadership that Bird appears less and less in the public, because reporters are now attracted by Henson. It's a rare occasion to appear on this occasion, and Bird's task is to award Henson.

The Coach of the Year Award is actually called the "Adnor Auerbach Award". The trophy is named after the legendary coach "Cardinal" Auerbach, who led the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships between 1956 and 1966.

It is very peculiar that it was Auerbach who brought Bird to Boston. Auerbach was undoubtedly Bird's mentor and gave him a brilliant career. But now, Bird handed the trophy named after his mentor to a coach who was personally selected by him...

Look, fate is sometimes so wonderful.

Henson received the trophy with both hands. The appearance of the trophy has been seen countless times on the Internet before. It is a little bronze man sitting on the bench and directing the game. However, he never thought at the time that he could personally touch such an honor!

Henson was holding the trophy and facing the camera with a smile on his face. Suddenly, the media reception room was filled with a burst of "clicks".

Henson felt a little dizzy, as if nothing was real. However, after the flash, the trophy of Coach of the Year was still held in his hands.

This is not a dream!

At this moment, the reporters seemed to care about Henson's "half-slaughter" status overnight. He came and brought victory together, that was enough.

"Coach Henson, congratulations! Tell me how you feel at this time!" In fact, it is impossible for anyone to make things difficult for Henson today. Because at this time, most of the local media in Indianapolis. Even if someone has doubts about the results of this award, such doubts will only appear in online news and other local newspapers.

"Excitement, excitement, surprise, and joy. I didn't expect that one day I would be able to hold such an honor. I have to thank Bird and the management for their trust in me, and of course, I have to thank my players. They are very obedient, this It undoubtedly made my job a lot easier."

Henson said the last paragraph for the second time. In an interview with Christine before, he also said the same thing.

It can be seen that Henson is really grateful to the group of boys under his hands. Because he knows very well that coaches and players make each other's achievements. If a good coach lacks good players, he will not succeed either.

The reporters hurriedly took photos, and it is very rare to see Henson smiling so sincerely.

After the brief press conference, Henson hugged Bird and Pritchard again, looking a little incoherent.

"Don't get excited, Henson. This is not your end, nor the end of the Pacers. The next game is to play well, our playoffs have just begun."

Henson nodded, his expression gradually calming down. Yes, this is not my end. Now, it is time to consider opponents in the second round.

But before that... There is no doubt that Henson should choose a hard-won reward for unlocking the achievement of "Getting the Coach of the Year".

On May 10, 2012, 4 days have passed since the Pacers advanced to the second round, and 3 days have passed since Henson Joe's controversial coach of the year won.

Undoubtedly, the news that Henson won the prize caused a big wave in the league.

"Did Popovich compete with Henson Joe now!?"

"This is an absurd award, because the winner is not the best coach."

"Coach Henson Joe became the first person in NBA history to get the best coach by lip service."

But now, no matter how the media attacks Henson, Henson will not care. Because the voting results have shown that most reporters are actually on their side!

A total of 119 sports reporters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada participated in the voting for this year's NBA Coach of the Year award. Henson got 77 first-place votes in one fell swoop, which is undoubtedly an overwhelming advantage.

Therefore, Henson did not care about media abuse, nor did he care about any praise. Instead, he put all his attention on his opponents in the next round.

On May 10th, the Boston Celtics will play the sixth game of the series with the Atlanta Hawks at home. If the Celtics win today, the two old rivals Henson and Rivers will inevitably meet in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Therefore, Henson is very concerned about this game. For the next round of competition, whether the opponent is the Celtics or the Eagles, Henson is very confident.

After getting the best coach, Henson upgraded his "fitness facility" badge, which increased the physical strength and progress rate of all players from 10% to 20%!

Needless to say, the importance of physical strength naturally, and now, all of his players have a 20% improvement speed bonus! Because Leonard is equipped with the "Enhanced Potential Level 2" badge, the progress speed bonus has been superimposed to 40%!

Henson can't help but wonder how strong the Pacers will become next season. But before that, as the physical fitness is more abundant than that of the aging Celtics and Hawks, Henson is equally confident in this season.

As Bird said, the best coach is just the beginning. Victory will continue...