: Thirty-nine: Getting to know Memphis for the first time

　　 Memphis, the largest city in Tennessee, is also the 17th largest city in the United States. But sitting in the taxi heading to the FedEx Arena, what did Link see?
　　 dilapidated buildings, abandoned high-rise buildings, and patches of bleak-looking open spaces.
　　The scenery outside the car window becomes prosperous only when it is close to the city center.
　　 At first, Memphis was the world's largest cotton producer. But now, under the double blow of industrial transfer and the Great Depression, Memphis has become increasingly dilapidated.
　　 In addition to the severe economic decline, the crime rate has also risen sharply.
　　 At the hotel yesterday, Link checked it out. It turns out that in Memphis, it's true that individuals can get free tickets by turning in their guns, not Jeff Austin's random fabrication or exaggeration.
　　 This is Memphis, a city that once prospered and is now declining.
　　 Sitting in the taxi, Link looked back from the street view outside the window. Although he was a fan in his previous life, the 10-11 season is still too far away from 2019. What's the current situation of the Grizzlies, Link is actually a little rusty.
　　 He took out his mobile phone, checked the list of Grizzlies players, combined with the current situation of Memphis, and instantly smiled bitterly.
The 　　 city label usually becomes the brand of a team, as does the Memphis Grizzlies.
　　 The Grizzlies are a team that everyone is afraid of. The fear of everyone here does not mean that they are invincible, but that all the big-name players have stopped in this city with high crime rate and declining economic development.
　　So that when Pau Gasol learned that he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the first reaction of the Spaniard who played for Memphis for 6 and a half years was not disappointment and reluctance, but excitement.
　　 Now, the Memphis Grizzlies players and the Grizzlies team are simply another epitome of this city.
　　 The players in the Grizzlies team are almost all, they are all abandoned and despised roles.
　　 Mike Conley? The little brother of Oden University.
　　 Little Gasol? It's just a round show. At the beginning, the Lakers put him on the shelves with Chinese player Sun Yue and let the Grizzlies choose.
　　 Zach Randolph? The former members of the Portland Prison team have been soaking in the big, drunken and drunk-dyeing vat in New York for many years. When he came to Memphis, almost everyone thought he was completely finished.
　　 Look at yourself again? One played in college for four years and then failed in the draft. The bottom players who almost couldn't mix in the development league, entered the NBA and were kicked away by the Rockets.
　　 This similar fate made Link suddenly feel a kind of affection for the Grizzlies.
　　 He is the same as the rest of the Grizzlies, they are all abandoned by the world. They were forgotten in this decaying city, and left to develop like rubbish.
　　 But as a traverser, Link knows that everyone on the Grizzlies is the same as himself-they will not admit defeat!
　　 "Link, after signing today, you may not immediately appear in the official game."
　　 Seeing that the FedEx Arena was not far away, Jeff Austin began to talk to Link about matters related to joining the Grizzlies.
　　 "Oh? What do you mean? Do I still have to be sent to the Development League by the Grizzlies?" Link swallowed. If the Grizzlies still need him to play in the Development League, then he would have been happy for so long.
"The development league is not so good. You scored 52 points in the development league, breaking the personal highest scoring record. The development league is of little significance to you. But the Grizzlies are likely to let you in the training game. If your ability is up to the standard, the Grizzlies will let you officially play."
　　 After listening to Austin, Link nodded. Of course he knows that it won't be so easy to gain a foothold in an NBA team as a failed draft pick.
"This is actually a good thing, Link. The Grizzlies are in urgent need of small forwards, so they really want you to play. But because of this, they have to make sure you are eligible to play. With the Rockets, You don’t even practice with the team. Because essentially, you are not in the Rockets’ plan. Unlike Memphis, they need you to play before they can test you first. Seize the opportunity and then make a blockbuster."
　　 Austin’s analysis is well-founded, and Link also accepts this fact.
　　 After all, signing a guaranteed contract requires a minimum of millions of dollars in sales. The Grizzlies boss is not a philanthropist, and these millions of dollars cannot be spent unexplainably.
　　 The money and future are here, want to get it? do it yourself!
　　 A few minutes later, Link finally saw that luxurious modern building, located in Memphis, also the jewel of the city-FedEx Arena.
　　 The situation of FedEx Arena and Memphis doesn't match at all, because this arena is so luxurious. The shape of the entire arena is rectangular, and the outer walls are basically made of glass. The gate of the arena is facing the road, and there are many basketball-like stone piers separating the square outside the arena from the road.
　　 The home stadium of the Blue team is naturally not comparable to this arena. Even compared with the Toyota Center in Houston, the FedEx Arena is not inferior.
　　 "Is this beautiful? Don't underestimate the FedEx Arena. This is the first stadium in the NBA to use a transparent timer. The purpose is to keep the fans behind the rebounds from being blocked."
　　 Jeff Austin is very familiar with FedEx Arena. After all, his big customer Marc Gasol is also a member of the Grizzlies. He and Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace have also known each other, and because of this, Link can contact the Grizzlies so quickly. And the players recommended by Austin, the Grizzlies will also take it seriously.
　　 This is the difference between a well-connected manager and a rookie manager. Otherwise, why do people get millions of commissions a year?
　　 Get out of the car, Link and Austin walked into the arena lobby. The hall is very beautiful, with many beautiful murals and spray paint. In addition to the Grizzlies players on the mural, there are also many famous artists in the history of Memphis.
　　 Link didn't know much about the urban culture of Memphis, but he still recognized "Elvis" on the murals.
　　 I have to say that Memphis inside the arena and outside the arena are completely two worlds.
　　 "Austin, you are finally here. This is Link, right? Welcome, I hope your trip to Memphis is quite enjoyable."
　　 After walking in the arena hall not long after, a black guy with a strong bald head who looked a little old came up and shook hands with Link and Jeff Austin kindly.
"This is the Grizzlies assistant coach Elston Turner, a former professional player with a wealth of experience as an assistant coach. He was an assistant coach for the Trail Blazers from 1996 to 2000 and the Sacramento Kings from 2000 to 2006. In 2006-11 in Houston, he and Yao Ming were old acquaintances. Now, he is in Memphis, assisting this team."
　　 Jeff Austin introduced Link very meticulously, and Link was a little dumbfounded. The black buddy who looked unsightly before him was so capable. From 1996 to the present, he can be regarded as an experienced old coach.
"Hahahaha, all right, Jeff, I know you are rich in intelligence, and all people in this industry are transparent in front of you. Don't show off your extensive basketball knowledge. Link, go to the locker room if you are ready Let’s change your jersey. You warm up at noon and we will take a physical test. In the afternoon, you will most likely be training with the team right away."
　　 "Huh?" Link looked at Austin, then at Turner, "I will practice with the team in the afternoon? But haven't we signed yet?"
"It took a few minutes to sign? Just go to the general manager's office to sign after training in the afternoon. Training is still important. Do you want to play as soon as possible? I have seen your performance in the Development League and Houston. As long as you work hard, I believe Memphis has your place."
　　 "Oh...oh..." Link nodded, and Memphis was really different from Houston.
　　In the Rockets, he brought a lot of reporters to attend the signing ceremony, and Morey still smirked in front of the camera. The result is behind this show? Link did not even have the qualifications to practice with the Rockets.
　　 In Memphis, I started to practice with the team and the signing was simple. Everything was very simple.
　　 Whether a team wants to hype you or want to let you play with peace of mind, the difference between Link can be considered.
　　 Although the signing was not so vigorous, Link felt that he had come to the right place this time. But when he thought of participating in confrontational training in the afternoon, Link was a little nervous. Although he now has the ability of Grant Hill in the 2009-10 season, NBA-level competition is not as simple as beating Joan Brockman.
"By the way, one more thing. What size jersey do you need to wear? Continue to wear size 5? Still want to change one. As long as no one wears it, any number is fine. After all...hahahaha, gray after all The Bears have not retired their jerseys yet. Tell me the numbers so I can prepare them for you."
　　 Facing Elston Turner’s inquiry, Link answered without hesitation.
　　 "No. 0, I want to wear the No. 0 jersey. If possible, thank you."
　　 "Really?" Turner smiled. Of course he also knew the story between Link and Upshaw. At this moment, he found that he had become more and more fond of the Chinese forward.
　　 Link looked around. If all goes well, this will be the place he will fight for in the future.
　　 Then, start from scratch and move forward!
　　The battle begins with the team training this afternoon.