Now being traded to Cleveland, he didn’t mind. Actually, because Cleveland is closer to Indiana, he was quite happy, making it more convenient to go home.
As someone who has played in the NBA for a few years and has moved twice, Miller is already accustomed to the business nature of the NBA.
"Tell Yao Ming, the next time we meet in a game, I’ll crush him to prove I’m the better one!" Miller jokingly remarked at the end; he felt a bit down about the trade, but was more optimistic.
But Arenas was different. Gan Guoyang called him three times before he picked up and you could hear the quiver in his voice.
Arenas had a strong personality to begin with; he faced a setback during last year’s draft. His rookie season was great initially, but when the team traded for Van Exel later, Arenas’ role diminished quickly.
By the playoffs, Van Exel completely overshadowed the rookie Arenas.
Arenas was hoping to come back strong in the new season, planning to have an outstanding season.
The result, however, was a trade notification, sending him to the mediocre Knight.
Gan Guoyang kept comforting Arenas, telling him that for the sake of the trade, the team extended his contract to a longer term, so he wouldn’t have to worry about his contract next season.
Moreover, going to Cleveland means you can be the boss, turning the Knight into your team.
"At Glory, this will always be my team. Do you know when I’ll retire? Next season you might not even have much of a role. Cleveland is your territory. I have high hopes for you, Gilbert. I look forward to seeing you become an All-Star, becoming the King of Cleveland. You have the potential, otherwise why would I have chosen you?"
Gan Guoyang’s reassurance made Arenas feel much better.
Despite his unruly, stubborn nature, Arenas respects Gan Guoyang.
In his rookie season, Gan Guoyang led the team, bringing a new team together, where there were no major conflicts, aligning everyone’s interests.
His ways provided a great model for Arenas, who vowed to become a leader player like Ah Gan in the future.
This summer, he plans to work out intensely, making a mark in the next season.
After communicating with both, An Ji stepped forward and said, "You truly are empathetic, Sonny."
Gan Guoyang said, "If I ever cut you, I’d call you too."
An Ji smiled awkwardly, as Gan Guoyang was the only one in the team he feared, and only Gan Guoyang could keep him in check.
Afterward, Gan Guoyang went to meet Yao Ming, who had completed his photo shoot. The two shook hands, as Chinese people are not too accustomed to hugging, preferring to shake hands more.
A large number of media and reporters surrounded them for interviews.
Gan Guoyang saw Zhang Weiping, who is now a reporter and NBA program commentator for CCTV.
He said to Gan Guoyang, "If it weren’t for your encouragement, I’d still be selling beer."
After dealing with all the media reporters, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Yao Ming called home to report the situation, and his parents said they saw it on TV; it was broadcasted nationwide.
Just like last time when Wang Zhizhi participated in the draft, it garnered national attention.
Gan Guoyang also spoke a few words with Yao Ming’s parents, promising to take good care of Yao Ming.
After hanging up, Gan Guoyang said, "It’s getting late, let’s go, I’ll take you somewhere to get acclimated to Las Vegas in advance!"
Yao Ming scratched his head and said, "So late, where are we going?"
"Atlantic City! I’ll take you to see a few of my old friends."