Chapter 2 Hornets

The next day, Tang Tian followed the team to New Orleans for their second game of the season against the Hornets.

Since Chris Paul left, the Hornets had entered a rebuilding phase, and fan attention had plummeted. Fortunately, they successfully drafted Anthony Davis this season, and fans were once again filled with hope for the future.

The team's upcoming game against the Spurs sparked a heated discussion among fans on social media.

"Last time we played the Spurs, AD (Anthony Davis's abbreviation) had 25 points and 11 rebounds. He was full of energy when matched up against Duncan."

"That's why we're still watching this team. AD is our future!"

"Our lineup isn't bad actually. Vasquez and Eric Gordon in the backcourt, Aminu and AD on the front line, Robin Lopez at center, and Ryan Anderson and Austin Rivers on the bench."

"Yeah, our lineup is underrated. Vasquez contributes 14 points and 9 assists every night, and Ryan has 17 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. We'll be back in the playoffs in a few seasons!"

"Should we change coaches? Tim Williams seems to be useless without Paul."

"No, man, Williams is a great coach. His development of AD is obvious. We need to be patient."

"It's a real pity. I was really looking forward to the Paul and AD combination. AD would have been eating lobs all day long."

"We wouldn't be tanking if Paul was on the team, and without tanking, we wouldn't have AD. So, let's forget about Paul. I heard we're changing our name soon, so this is our rebirth, just like our city."

"Yeah, according to insiders, it seems like we're changing the name to the Pelicans."

"Pelicans? What's that?"

"Bro, you must be a shut-in. You need to go out and see the world more, or at least use Google more often. It's our state bird!"

"Yeah, if that's the name, it'll be very popular. They're very beautiful water birds, everyone loves them!"

"Wow, I just searched it, they're really pretty."

"Speaking of which, I think we should try to make an offer for Tang next summer. He had 22 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals against us last game. He can bring defense, three-pointers, and passing. He's exactly the type of small forward we need."

"Tang is the kind of small forward that every team in the league wants, and the key is that he's still so young."

"Dude, your idea is really good. Next summer, Okafor's big contract will be up, and Kaman's contract will be up too. We'll have to find a way to sign free agents to fill the salary floor. We have more than enough cap space, and we will for the next few years too!"

"Hate cannot be expressed enough!"

……

The Hornets fans were very interested in this game, but for the Spurs, it was just an ordinary game in January.

Davis hadn't grown yet, and could only catch lobs and block shots. Gordon's ceiling was obviously lowered after his injury as a short guard, and the other role players weren't very competitive in the West.

However, as a young team, they played very tenaciously at home and stalemated with the Spurs until the fourth quarter.

But in the last quarter, they were completely at a disadvantage in terms of experience and ultimately lost 87-103.

Tang Tian was in a good mood before the game because of the endorsement fee, and he had a strong desire to shoot in the game, and he was in excellent form.

He made 9 three-pointers in the game, scoring 30 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks.

Among them, the score set a new season high and also tied his career single-game scoring record.

After the game, Tang Tian's outstanding performance once again sparked a wave of heated discussion among Hornets fans on social media.

"30 points! He completely blew up Aminu, the difference is too big, really, I can't think of a reason why we wouldn't offer Tang next year!"

"He would be the best helper around AD!"

"Look at the help he's bringing to the Spurs now, he would be our Scottie Pippen!"

"In the future, we will need him to face Durant, face Harden, face those strong small forwards and shooting guards in the West!"

"Dell Demps (Hornets general manager), are you listening? We need Tang! We need the Godfather!"

……

The Hornets' wave of enthusiasm hadn't subsided.

The Spurs flew to Charlotte the next day to face the Bobcats.

Walker's performance has been eye-catching this season. With no major changes to the lineup, the Bobcats are now ninth in the East and have a chance to make the playoffs.

Taking Walker in advance through a sign-and-trade, and using a season to level up Walker, has become the most eye-catching operation in Jordan's career as boss so far.

Walker and the Bobcats have improved significantly in strength, but they are still a bit behind the Spurs.

Walker had 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in this game, but the team still lost 81-101.

Tang Tian continued his good touch, hitting 5 three-pointers and scoring 20 points, 5 assists, 5 steals and 1 block.

After the game, like the Hornets fans, the Bobcats fans also launched a wave of recruitment for Tang Tian on social media.

Moreover, because Walker and Tang Tian won the championship together at UConn, this call was even stronger.

However, Tang Tian didn't pay attention to these things. After the game, he went out for supper with Walker.

"Kemba, you've improved a lot!"

Tang Tian praised Walker as soon as he sat down.

Walker has indeed improved a lot, especially in passing and organization.

Similar to him, because his passing is also a threat, Walker's breakthroughs are also more lethal.

"But you still need to practice your three-pointers. Relying solely on breakthroughs will be heavily targeted at a certain level."

Tang Tian gives Kobe paid advice, but for Walker, his brother, it's completely free.

Walker nodded, listening to everything his good brother said.

"That's it! You won't be worse than that Kyrie guy!"

Tang Tian said, clinking glasses with Walker.

Because Augustine was traded, Walker got more practice last season.

Plus the continuous hard work he had with him during the offseason, if he develops his three-point ability earlier, his development prospects may not be worse than Irving's.

"Tang, come to Charlotte, like we did at Connecticut back then."

Walker said suddenly after nodding.

"I've seen a lot of discussions on social media. If many teams offer the Spurs a poison pill contract, as long as the Spurs don't match it, then where you go is completely up to you."

Walker continued.

Tang Tian glanced at Walker and smiled.

As good brothers, there wasn't much of a problem with Walker asking this.

"And if the Spurs really encounter a poison pill contract, they may not match it. They have never paid a large luxury tax for anyone."

Seeing Tang Tian's expression, Walker added.