One Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty-Two: How Could It Be Possible to Lose?

Will Link really leave? Don't worry, that guy is reluctant to leave. If you still have the ability to score 83 points in a game, win 33 consecutive and 75 wins in a season, and earn an annual salary of 50 million, will you still leave? "

"According to insiders: Link is already negotiating a new contract with the Grizzlies."

"The invincible Michael Jordan came back twice. Guys like them can't stand loneliness. The same goes for Link. He can't leave."

After the regular season of the 19-20 season, in addition to previewing the new year's playoffs, the major media are also discussing the issue of Link's stay.

Although Link said in October last year that this would be his last season, no one expected that Link would still be in such good shape this year.

Overall, Link is still in his prime.

Both physical and competitive conditions are excellent.

Are there any stars in NBA history who were in their prime but chose to retire? There are indeed some, but their situations are slightly different from Link's.

Jordan chose to retire mainly because his father's departure was a huge blow to him.

Strictly speaking, Yao Ming also chose to retire at his peak, but he had to choose to compromise because he was troubled by injuries.

Brandon Roy and others also fall into this category. Even Rose almost followed their old path.

But Link is different. He has neither injuries nor other external reasons that force him to retire.

Therefore, many people think that Link may have changed his mind.

A star who is in his prime, still at his peak, and can still earn US$50 million a season, has no reason to retire at all!

There has never been such an example in NBA history.

Therefore, Link, who has obviously announced his retirement, is still considered the biggest player in this summer's free agent market.

Even if he just re-signs with the Grizzlies, it is definitely big news!

Many fans actually hope that this conjecture can become a reality. Link's 10-year career is actually not too short. After all, the average NBA career length is only 4.8 years.

Basically the rookie contract ends,

Many people will have to pack up and leave.

Link's 10 years were far above the average.

But is 10 years really a long time? Compared with those legends, it is indeed not long.

Kobe's career lasted 20 years. Although Wade had his meniscus removed in college, he still played for 16 years. Allen Iverson was one of the earliest players of the 1996 generation to retire from the stage of history, but his career only lasted 14 years.

Not to mention the old monster like Carter who has been playing for 22 years and is still fighting for a championship team.

No one wants to part with Link, and everyone hopes that Link can stay and continue his legend.

Although what he has achieved is already terrible, people firmly believe that Link can still go further.

Therefore, many people are willing to believe the news that Link will not retire.

If Link suddenly disappeared like this during his prime, many fans would not even be able to find an idol who could replace Link.

Many people will not be able to accept this fact.

However, Link has not responded to the recent rumors.

Some people think that Link has acquiesced, while others think that Link only wants to seriously prepare for the playoffs.

But everyone was wrong.

The day after the regular season ended, Link took his family to Oklahoma City.

He didn't have time to read the relevant news, let alone respond.

※※※

At the end of April, although the temperature is not yet that high, you can already vaguely smell the feverish breath of summer.

Link loves summer because it always means a lot to him.

He became a professional player in the hot summer, when he signed his first multi-year contract with the Grizzlies. He tasted the championship for the first time in the summer, he married his current wife in the summer, and welcomed the birth of his child in the summer...

Summer always brings back many memories for Link. And most of these memories are good.

"Dad, where is this place?" Lin Ling, who was holding Link's hand, looked around curiously. On the broad green land, rows of neat crosses caught the little girl's attention.

"This is the place where the dead rest." Link looked at his daughter and replied with a smile.

"What is a dead person?"

"That's...people who have gone to places far, far away."

"A far, far away place, farther than when dad goes to play away games?"

"Of course, it's much further than that."

Link brought his family to Oklahoma just to see his old friends on the tenth anniversary.

That old friend who has gone far away.

Of course, Link didn't make the atmosphere too heavy. Every time he met Upshaw, Link didn't want to make the atmosphere heavy.

Upshaw is a symbol of positivity and optimism; sadness and despondency are not his style.

When he reached a simple tombstone, Link stopped in his tracks.

Unconsciously, it was already 10 years ago that Upshaw left.

Even the tombstones have become much older.

Ten years later, who still remembers that a G League player who once struggled for his dream was buried here?

Ten years later, who still remembers the guy who gave his life on the basketball court?

Ten years later, who still really remembers the words engraved on the Link series of sneakers and what they mean?

Link didn't know the answer, he didn't know who still remembered.

But at least he never forgot.

"Let's go and enjoy the shade under the big tree over there." Seeing Link squatting in front of the tombstone, Rachel held her daughter's hand and pointed to a big tree not far away.

She knew that Link needed some time alone with his old friend.

Looking at his wife and daughter chasing each other, Link had a happy smile on his face.

"See? The kid is three years old. In the blink of an eye, man, in the blink of an eye...if that hadn't happened, there would have been a child...well, probably the same as, He would be a stubborn donkey.”

"By the way, my sister is getting married in July. The guy is nice and runs a restaurant in Texas. The most important thing is that he is very good to his mother and sister. I will attend the wedding, and when the time comes, I will take my place and give my sister a hand. Leave it to the lucky guy. Don't worry, man, they will be fine in the past ten years, in the next ten years, and in the rest of their lives after ten years."

"Ten years...yeah, ten years, damn it. Have you rested enough? I'm exhausted. So, I decided to retire after playing this season! Unexpectedly, one day, 'retirement' ’ That word also comes to my lips.”

"Don't worry, I haven't planned to retire yet. After I retire, I won't be drunk all day long. I just want to change my life. I plan to go into business with Kobe and Iguodala, and I will go to China to play basketball Training camp. If possible, I would also like to fight in the UFC. Hahahaha, let’s forget about this one, why are you seeking death?”

"So, I came here just to see it for the last time. Don't get me wrong, I mean, to see it for the last time as a professional player. When I have time to meet next time, I will no longer be a professional player. . The identity we have carried for ten years, the name we are proud of, it’s time to let it go. That’s right, Zeke. Take a good rest, professional basketball, and let those brats play now. By the way, Speaking of imps, that Zion Williamson is really exaggerated, weighing 129 kilograms. If you see him, you will definitely be so scared that you can’t walk..."

Link said, paused.

He was holding something back in his mind, but suddenly couldn't say it out.

Finally, Link sat on the grass that was not clean, looked at the summer sky, and remembered the first time he went to Upshaw's house ten years ago.

"Our basketball story is over, Zeke, it's over."

Link suddenly felt a sore nose. He found that saying it was over to Upshaw was actually more difficult than saying it was over to a bunch of reporters and fans in October last year.

"Of course, we still have a short way to go. Lose? How could we lose? I will let Michael Jordan hand the championship trophy to me with his own hands! Let's go together, let us give these ten years, A perfect ending.”

After Link finished speaking, he stood up, turned his back to his wife and daughter, and gently rubbed his eyes.

The sun was a little dazzling, and even the air he breathed seemed a little hot.

The feverish smell of summer is becoming more and more obvious.

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