"This is what we need to work hard on. I know the new tactical system will take time to adapt to, but one thing I require you to do before the start of the season: defense. Compared to talent, this is something where attitude determines the effect."

Stevens' tone was relatively calm before, but when he said this, his tone became serious.

It was obvious that he was using this method to emphasize what he said.

The most direct signal the players could get was that if the offense didn't go well, there might be something to say, but if the defense wasn't good, don't blame him for being impolite.

In the following time, Stevens began his explanation of the defense.

Moreover, what he said was a systematic defense.

From the choice of defensive stance, to the mutual assistance and response between each other, and the defensive choices when dealing with different tactics.

Stevens' defensive tactical system was even more extensive and complex than the offensive system.

He was really a coach who valued defense very much.

"Nikola, I know your defense wasn't good enough last season, but I require you to do well in the new season."

After explaining the tactics, Stevens also said to Jokic alone.

This method was very direct, but it also made his attitude clearer: everyone must do well in defense.

Jokic nodded. He finally completed his muscle gain through a hellish summer, and now he was eager to prove himself on the court.

He might not be a defensive悍将 (hàn jiàng, fierce warrior), but he would never be the one dragging the team's defense down again.

His tough style on the court already showed that he was a very strong person at heart.

After talking about the tactical system, Stevens then announced that the content of the first day's training class was defense.

Just like Tang Tian's initial entry into the NBA, starting with defense, what Stevens did first was to improve the team's defense.

Last season, the Pelicans' defense relied more on individual defensive ability and aggressiveness.

Among the Pelicans' starters, Davis, Ariza, Tang Tian, and Holiday were all absolutely top-level defensive players in the league, and Biyombo and Aminu on the bench were also first-class defenders in the league.

Just relying on ability alone, they played a good defense.

Stevens' system was to make their defense even stronger.

After only one day of training, the players gained more confidence than they had in a season.

Tang Tian felt this change and was a little excited.

He was now a player, different from his previous life as a coach. Even when Williams was coaching, he could only give tactical advice.

It was simply unrealistic for him to use a tactical system for the Pelicans like a coach.

No matter how easy-going the head coach was, he wouldn't let you do that.

This was determined by identity.

But now that Stevens had arrived, this set of tactical systems would really bring about a qualitative change in the Pelicans' strength.

After the training, the players hummed songs and shouted as they walked towards the locker room.

Stevens pulled Davis aside.

"Ad, you have to do more off-ball movement on the offensive end when you're on the court, and take advantage of your big guy's flexibility. On the defensive end, you have to vent your emotions reasonably after a successful defense. That will help the team's morale."

Stevens was giving Davis special training.

Tang Tian hadn't left at this time, and nodded when he heard what Stevens said.

These were some very detailed things, but they would indeed help Davis' performance.

After the players returned to the locker room, they took showers one after another.

After Tang Tian finished his shower and came out of the locker room, he saw Stevens pulling Jokic aside again and chatting.

"You have three-point ability, you need to practice this more. When you get a three-point opportunity during the game, you must be decisive when shooting. Just think of yourself as Ray Allen. As long as you make one or two shots, your opponents won't dare to shrink into the basket again."

Tang Tian continued to nod when he heard this.

He suddenly felt that Stevens was like Popovich thirty years younger, focusing on defense, having a system for offense, and also knowing how to teach students according to their aptitude like he did with Davis and Jokic, making the best use of everything.

What a treasure he had found for the Pelicans.

In the following period of time, under the leadership of Stevens, the players of the Pelicans had high enthusiasm for training.

That state was like being fed chicken soup every day.

Tang Tian saw this change in his eyes.

In the past, as a coach, the teams he coached also had this kind of atmosphere.

But the experience of being a coach and a player was completely different.

As a player, he could really be in this atmosphere and feel the players' excitement about receiving an excellent tactical system.

Whether it was灌鸡汤 (guàn jītāng, pumping people up with motivational words), or dealing with interpersonal relationships, it couldn't compare to one-tenth of this.

He could understand why Stevens in history could train a group of role players from the Celtics into a playoff contender, and he could also understand the changes Popovich brought to the Spurs, and even understand why the Warriors could suddenly increase their strength.

This was the systematic influence brought by a good coach.

GDP was excellent, Tatum Brown and others were very talented, and the Splash Brothers were also gifted, but without Popovich, Stevens, and Kerr, they might not be able to achieve such results.

Good coaches and players complement each other.

Because he used to be a coach, he felt that anyone could be a coach when he became a player. Even after he had a say in the Pelicans, he didn't have any requirements for the coach.

But after really changing to a good coach, he found that the change was much bigger than he expected.

Now, he really felt that the Pelicans would be a dark horse in the new season.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had passed, and it was the beginning of October.

The NBA preseason was less than a week away from starting.

After the Pelicans' training camp for the past half month, the offense hadn't improved much.

Just like Stevens said, a complex tactical system couldn't be accomplished overnight.

But their defense had improved significantly compared to last season.

And as Stevens said, compared to offense, defense requires more aggressiveness.

Of course, the defensive talent of these people was also excellent enough.

Jokic's changes were also gratifying. Although limited by physical condition, it was difficult for him to become a defensive悍将 (hàn jiàng, fierce warrior) like Whiteside.

But with his aggressiveness and the changes brought about by muscle gain in the summer, he was no longer a defensive loophole when defending one-on-one.

Even against guards, he had a certain chance of defensive success.

And the defensive system created by Stevens further protected him well.

Even players like Thomas and Irving could be protected in Stevens' system, let alone Jokic.

In this day's training class, Jokic gave Aminu a big block in defense, and roared excitedly after the block.

Just like his roar, the Pelicans players couldn't wait for the new season!

Chapter 1 No Title