When Li Rui returned to Houston and walked into the office of the T-Chief Center, Hao Ming was on the phone.

"Kevin, I understand what you mean. Of course I respect your power as a head coach, but I hope you can understand the team's operating strategy."

"Yes, I know the stadium belongs to you, but the team has fifteen players, and you can give him a chance."

"No, I'm not putting pressure on you."

Hao Ming's forehead was sweating.

Li Rui sat aside with a calm face.

Ten minutes later, Hao Ming hung up the phone, wiped his sweat before saying, "Kevin was very angry..."

The Kevin he mentioned was not Kevin Martin, the Rockets' No. 1 star, but Kevin McHale, a legendary NBA star and a Boston Celtics legend. He has won three championships in his thirteen years of career. The 32 jerseys he wore are currently hanging over Boston Garden Stadium.

At the end of May this year, the Rockets hired McHale as the team's head coach.

When Li Rui watched football in his previous life, he didn't like this person very much.

McHale is not good at offense, prefers defense, and lacks on-site command ability.

When he first bought the Rockets, Li Rui had seriously considered whether to change the head coach, but when he thought that McHale had just signed the contract and the rash change might damage the team's reputation, he resisted this impulse.

McHale didn't know that he was almost fired, and Li Rui ignored him, so he jumped out on his own initiative.

The cause of this incident was Lin Shuhao. Yesterday, the Rockets and Lin Shuhao reached an agreement and signed a four-year contract, with the amount slightly higher than the basic salary.

For Lin Shuhao, being able to get a long contract is equivalent to gaining a firm foothold in NBA, and he will not have to taste the pain of wandering in the next four years, and he will be very happy.

For the Rockets, they have picked up a treasure of the future. Not to mention the performance of the stadium for the time being, at least the commercial value is reflected.

On the day of signing the contract, several companies in Baodao immediately called to inquire about sponsorship.

The transfer market this year is in full swing, with various large contracts emerging one after another. Only Yazhou pays attention to low-priced contracts for marginal players like Lin Shuhao, and there is basically no splash in the league.

At most, some media said that Huaren Capital bought the Rockets and signed the face of Huaren. This is a sign that Yazhou Capital eroded the magnesium country to play basketball and mess up the NBA. Everyone must be careful about what to do.

On the contrary, the Rockets' reaction was quite fierce, especially McHale. Although Hao Ming had already greeted Lin Shuhao before signing him, McHale expressed strong dissatisfaction.

McHale believes that the Rockets are in the reconstruction stage, and the main lineup is relatively weak, and some powerful substitutes need to join in order to have the possibility of making the playoffs.

At this time, Hao Ming actually signed Lin Shuhao, not only occupying a valuable player position, but also giving him a four-year contract at once, completely locking up the future operating space. This puts commercial value above sports competition, and McHale immediately got angry.

Hao Ming said: "I have explained to him and hope he can take a good look at Lin Shuhao's strength, but he doesn't listen. He said he would not consider Lin Shuhao, or be transferred to the Development League, or benched. There would be no chance for Lin Shuhao to play in his plan."

Li Rui said lightly: "Let him come to the office, I'll tell him."

Lin Shuhao is the player Li Rui is most looking forward to in the new season, and it is also whether the Rockets can become a hit under his rule. It has become popular in Yazhou, attracting the attention of countless basketball fans, and continuing the glorious weapon of Hao Ming and McDie's era. You, McHale, said if you don't want it, don't want it, who do you think you are?

If you are Cardinal Albuck, if you are Heat godfather Pat Riley, if you are Zen master Jackson, if you are Bobo of the Spurs, if you are still a commentator, Li Rui might have pinched his nose and accepted it.

But you're just McHale!

What kind of big-tailed wolf is pretending to be?

Soon, the big-tailed wolf came.

Facing Li Rui, McHale was very gentle and took the initiative to ask hello and shake hands.

Li Rui said straight to the point: "Kevin, please come mainly to talk about Lin Shuhao's issues..."

"Boss, I want to..."

Li Rui waved his hand and interrupted him, "Kevin, I'll notify you now. Or you can give Lin Shuhao enough playing time according to my request, arrange some specific tactics for him, and determine his tactical status in the team. Or, I'll fire you!"

Li Rui was already very polite. What he originally wanted to say was: either listen to me or get out!

McHale didn't expect Li Rui to be so straightforward. Many of the ideas about the team's tactics they prepared were useless, and he was speechless and didn't know what to say.

Li Rui said: "There are more than ten days left before the start of the new season. Although it is a bit hasty, I believe I can find a new head coach. If it really doesn't work, Hao Ming can also beat him. In addition, if you seize the time, you may be able to return to the TV station to be a commentator."

McHale was startled. I haven't answered yet. Why have you thought about my future?

He hurriedly said, "Boss, I mean, Lin Shuhao actually has potential..."

Hao Ming widened his eyes, Damn, you didn’t have this attitude on the phone before!

Li Rui looked at McHale with appreciation and thought it was okay, he was also a person who knew how to look at his face. He chose his job very wisely before work and principles.

McHale said: "I am willing to give Lin Shuhao a chance, but it depends on his performance..." He said while sneaking into Li Rui's face.

Seeing that Li Rui's face was a little calmer, McHale quickly changed the subject: "I will arrange some specific tactics for him and try to let him play it. Give him at least ten... twenty minutes in each game."

Li Rui's face then soothed: "Kevin, it's great if you have this awareness. Lin Shuhao has hidden dangers of injury, so he doesn't need to play too much time. You must give him the chance to perform while ensuring his health. Believe me, if your choice is correct, you will get the reward you deserve."

McHale breathed a sigh of relief and finally saved his work.

Eliminating the hidden dangers in the team, Li Rui rushed back to Los Angeles without stopping.

The Big Six Hollywood held a cocktail party, and Lionsgate Pictures sent an invitation, hoping that Li Rui could attend.

Li Rui was also very interested in meeting the senior executives of the Big Six at the cocktail party.

Tuesday, December 13, although it was not a weekend, the banquet hall of the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles was crowded with people and clothes.

Senior executives of Disney, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal, Paramount, Warner and Sony Columbia were all present. In addition, the second- and third-tier film companies such as the down-and-out aristocrat MGM, the rising star Lions Gate, the new company Peak Entertainment and other second- and third-tier film companies, hundreds of Hollywood authoritative people attended the reception.

It is actually better to say it is a mobilization meeting between all forces in Hollywood, preparing to encircle and suppress a common goal.
Chapter completed!