Forty-Four: Selected for the Big List

Link actually has no special concept of the end of December. For him, this is just an ordinary month.

But for the American people, the end of December is anything but ordinary. Christmas is approaching, and everyone is immersed in a strong festive atmosphere. Even Memphis, a city already in decline, is decorated with colorful Christmas decorations.

And Link's only participation in Christmas is that he often buys Christmas discounted games on STEAM before crossing over.

But at this time, looking at the colorful street scene, Link was also wrapped in a strong festive atmosphere. In fact, if you want to feel the festive atmosphere, a very important indicator is the holiday. As a "born and raised" Chinese, as long as there is a holiday, it means that the festival is coming.

Coincidentally, this Christmas, the Grizzlies also have a holiday, and the holiday time is not short.

Since the Dec. 21 loss to the Nets, the Grizzlies have had four days off. On the 22nd and 23rd, the Grizzlies did not play, and on Christmas Eve on the 24th, the entire NBA was off. The Christmas game on the 25th has nothing to do with a team like the Grizzlies without a superstar.

The Memphis Grizzlies won't be back on the road until Dec. 26.

Although there were 4 days of no games, the team still had to train on the 22nd and 23rd. Christmas Eve rest all day, Christmas morning, the team also has to train.

But even so, 4 days without playing games is a luxury enough for the players. Therefore, when he came to the training hall today, Link saw the happy smiles on his teammates' faces, as if yesterday's defeat had been forgotten.

"Link, come over here, I'll introduce you to someone." The training has not yet officially started, and everyone is still warming up freely. Hollins walked over to Link and waved at him.

So Link was brought before a black man in a Grizzlies uniform.

"He's our shooting coach Marcus Weir. If you want to practice extra, call him anytime."

Link did not expect that Hollins actually found a trainer for himself. It is also a ten-day short contract, and Link did not train with the team at all when he was with the Rockets. On the Grizzlies side, he even has a special trainer for him. Moreover, it is the kind that can be accompanied by him at any time even after training.

Although Memphis is not as prosperous as Houston, from the first day in Memphis, Link could feel the warmth here.

The smile of assistant coach Elston Turner, the sincerity of general manager Chris Wallace and the equal treatment of Hollins made Link almost forget that he was just a "temporary worker".

"Hello Link, although I am a shooting coach, the things I can guide are quite comprehensive. I will try my best to satisfy your demands in the future. To be honest, I am still a bachelor, without a wife and children. So , it's okay to accompany you to practice." The trainer who called Will shook hands with Link politely, which made Link a little uncomfortable.

As a bottom player, in the G League, it is impossible for players to have any special trainers. Those well-known personal trainers, they can't afford it either. Now that there is such a good treatment suddenly, it really feels like living in a dream.

"Come on Link, and then, be ready for me anytime!"

After saying this, Hollins returned to the office. Link looked at the little white bar and the trainer in front of him, his progress might be faster than expected!

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After today's practice, Link and Randolph went to dinner. Link has been Randolph's little brother since the first day of training. "Big Black Bear" seems to like Link very much. Although Link is always polite off the court, his ruthlessness on the court,

Really like an angry grizzly.

And Randolph likes this kind of player who is willing to play hard.

After dinner, Link received a call from his "parents".

Speaking of which, Link has never met his "parents" after traveling for so long. Although Link has no feelings for the second old man, Link is also very grateful for their kindness to him.

After all, the former Link was someone who lacked family love. He grew up so much, mostly on his own.

Still, Link was a little overwhelmed when he heard that his parents were going to spend Christmas with him in Memphis.

"Uh... If it's inconvenient, don't come. Anyway, we're going to play away on the 26th, and I'll be leaving early the next day after Christmas, so I can't accompany you." When his parents meet, Link is always nervous. After all, the sudden addition of a pair of strangers' parents was a strange feeling.

"What are you talking about? Your dad and I have already bought tickets! How long has it been since our family was reunited? We haven't seen you since you played in Oklahoma! Christmas, whatever it takes to be together."

Like most Chinese parents, Link's mother nags. Although Link was born in the United States, his parents grew up in China and immigrated to the United States. Therefore, both parents still retain many Chinese characteristics.

For example, the concept of home is very important.

Link had no reason to reject his parents, so he gritted his teeth and agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Link covered his head with his hands. He may be the first son ever to have a headache because his parents are coming to celebrate with him.

※※※

Memphis is a very pleasant city, which is one of the few advantages it has over other places. Not too hot in summer and not too cold in Memphis in winter. Even now in December, the average daily low temperature in Memphis is 2°C. The average daily high temperature even reached 11°C.

As such, snowy scenes are uncommon in Memphis. The lack of snow on Christmas Day makes the holiday look nothing like it does on TV.

Link got up early in the morning and packed the rental house. Jeff Austin helped Link find this two-story building. And according to the terms of the contract, until Link signed a guaranteed contract with the Grizzlies, the rent had been paid by Austin out of his own pocket.

After training in the afternoon, Link bought a Christmas tree and put it at the entrance, and then ordered a bunch of takeout.

Looking at the table full of food and the well-decorated room, Link also felt a little Christmas.

At seven in the evening, Link drove a Mercedes-Benz to Memphis International Airport. Randolph lent him the car. According to Randolph, "You can drive as long as you want, anyway, I'm not fit for a sedan."

After seeing his parents, Link was still not used to it. His mother was an ordinary Chinese woman, dressed moderately, without heavy make-up, and seemed to be very gentle.

Link's father, on the other hand, has a mustache, and his hair is messy and unstyled. He didn't say much, and only asked if Link was doing well, and then he didn't ask any more questions. The love of a father is different from that of a mother. They do not like to show their love, but bury it in their hearts.

As soon as they got home, the two parents took out a bunch of things for Link from their bags.

"We brought you a lot of things, now, your favorite broad-flavored sausage, bought from someone in China. There is also Laoganma's hot sauce, which is very expensive in the United States. So, I directly asked someone to help me. I brought a box. By the way, your dad and I also bought some clothes for you, so you can save some money. I heard that the law and order in Memphis is not good, so you should bring less money with you when you go out. "

There are no fancy gift boxes or particularly valuable items. Looking at the old godmother and the wide-flavored sausage on the table, Link smiled.

This Christmas can be said to be very socialist.

Even so, Link still felt very warm. In that divorced family, he had hardly received any gifts from his parents. Today's Chinese-style Christmas can be regarded as making up for Link's regret.

Just then, Link's phone rang. The name on the caller ID was Coach, which meant the call was from Lionel Hollins.

"Hello Link, Merry Christmas!" As soon as the call was connected, Hollins' enthusiastic voice jumped out.

Seeing that it was the team coach and his son calling, Link's parents didn't bother talking anymore.

"Merry Christmas, Coach, what's up?"

"It's nothing, just let you know, don't be late for the flight at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."

"The nine o'clock flight?"

"That's right, you're on the roster, Link. I'll play you in the Indianapolis game tomorrow! If I can, this is my Christmas present to you, hahahaha."

Hearing Hollins' laughter and looking at the parents in front of him, Link suddenly felt.

This might be the happiest Christmas he's ever had.