Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 185 Tangsen Clause
Duncan's home in the Bellavi neighborhood of San Antonio.

Just like Duncan's low-key personality on the court, his home is not big either; it's just a very ordinary villa.

"Amy."

Popovich smiled and greeted Amy as she opened the door.

"Greg, Tim isn't home."

Amy ushered Popovich inside, saying with a slightly complaining tone, "He went out with Mike."

During the off-season, he leaves his wife at home and goes out to practice with his trainer.

It's not even July yet.

“I know, I called him, he’ll be back in a bit.”

Popovich contacted Duncan when he arrived.

The Mike that Amy mentioned is Mike Brenga, the Spurs' strength and conditioning coach. He was already working for the Spurs before Amy joined them.

He started as David Robinson's personal trainer.

Just then, Duncan returned.

Covered in sweat.

He sat down and asked Popovich why he had come, saying he couldn't say it over the phone.

"Tim, I want you to go to Los Angeles."

Popovich stated his purpose directly, saying, "Don has opened a million-dollar club in Los Angeles. I suggest you go there and make the most of this offseason to improve yourself."

"million?"

Duncan's attention was clearly on the numbers.

He knew that Tangsen had become the best trainer in the league, but he had only been famous for one season and his tuition was already a million.

Popovich said, "That's right, it's a million, and he only recruits 3 to 4 students, so you might not even be able to go."

Duncan clicked his tongue in amazement.

A million-dollar tuition fee is already outrageous enough, but even if you're willing to pay, you might not be able to go.

"Then let's forget about it," Duncan said.

When it comes to spending money, Duncan is quite frugal. He knows how to invest and make money slowly and steadily, so he entrusts his money to his agent for investment.

Not to mention that he's an inside player, and shoes for inside players don't sell very well.

"Don't bother calculating it."

Popovich had anticipated Duncan's response and immediately said, "Tim, Don is the best trainer. Look at Kwame, he can improve your skills in every way."

From the moment he entered the league, Duncan was known for his all-around game.

With top-tier physical and dynamic talent and mature skills, he would be fully formed upon joining the league.

In his first season, he only managed 21 points and 11 rebounds, yet he showed absolutely no room for improvement.

But is it really without any shortcomings at all?
Popovich doesn't think so.

The media has discussed this extensively, nitpicking and finding some shortcomings.

For example, his free throw shooting isn't top-notch; in three out of five seasons, his free throw percentage was below 70%.

For example, my shooting touch wasn't soft enough, so to compensate for that, I took a lot of layups.

Hollow cores require a good feel, while rubbing boards require a specific angle.

His ball-handling skills aren't top-tier; compared to others, he's not as agile as Garnett.

However, Popovich did not see these issues as real problems.

In his view, Duncan's biggest problem was that he was too well-rounded.

Shaquille O'Neal was an anomaly, a monster with exceptionally strong strengths and exceptionally weak weaknesses.

As for Duncan, even when discussing him among historically great centers, he is the player with the fewest weaknesses.

But precisely because of this, he doesn't have any particular strengths.

In terms of superstar level, Popovich felt that he lacked some output, or rather, top-level hard-solving ability.

Within the Spurs, Popovich hopes to have such a well-rounded player to anchor the team.

But he also hopes Duncan will become stronger.

It needs to be comprehensive, and also have the ability to solve hardware problems.

Training with Tang Sen might allow him to take another step forward.

In that case, Duncan would reach even greater heights.

"Secondly, David is getting older and he may retire at any time. We may need you to take on more responsibility in the paint, so we need you to become stronger."

Everyone knows that David Robinson will retire in the next year or two.

If he retires and there isn't a good center, then Popovich will have no choice but to let Duncan fill the center position.

There are some differences in the playing styles of position 4 and position 5.

"And Tim, next summer is the year of your contract. You should work harder this season and achieve greater honors."

Popovich concluded.

Duncan's contract expires next summer.

This season is a contract year. If he doesn't explode in his contract year, when will he?

Duncan didn't pay much attention to the previous reasons, but he did take the last one to heart.

After thinking for a moment, Duncan said, "Greg, like you said, he's only recruiting three people, and he's in Los Angeles, so Kobe will definitely go, and there's also Tracy and Kwame."

"Won't he end up hiring whoever pays the most? Wouldn't a million dollars not be enough?"

Duncan was already feeling the pinch at one million; any more and it would hurt his wallet.

Greg breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's alright, you only need to contribute one million, the team will take care of the rest."

Duncan kept a straight face, but the smile in his eyes was much more obvious.

However, he asked worriedly, "Greg, isn't this against the rules?"

The team helps the players pay part of their training expenses, which is essentially a way of paying the players' salaries.

Although it wasn't given directly to the player, it was given to Tang Sen, so the nature of the matter seems the same.

Popovich was taken aback.

Duncan hadn't mentioned it; he really hadn't thought of that part.

The key point is that there was no precedent for this before.

Because there isn't a single trainer good enough that a team would be willing to pay for their players' training.

"It should be... fine, the Magic have been doing this all season."

The Magic did not sign Townsend, but they entrusted half of the team's training to Townsend, and the team continued to pay for his services.

The league didn't say anything.

"Don't worry, it's okay. You just need to prepare for going to Los Angeles."

Popovich gave a wink to the people upstairs.

The two of you just got married last year and are still newlyweds. You went to Los Angeles to train. Don't let your wife have any objections.

After leaving Duncan's house, Popovich did not hesitate and immediately contacted Tang Sen.

He said he wanted Duncan to train in Los Angeles.

Tang Sen was a little surprised when he received the call.

Duncan?

Does such a well-rounded superstar need further training to improve?
In Tang Sen's memory, Duncan had almost no technical flaws.

It's not that we're pushing money away, but we're afraid that if Duncan comes, things won't improve and we'll ruin our own reputation.

Thinking of this, Tang Sen said, "Greg, there are many players who have signed up, but my energy is limited, and I can only recruit 3 players, so..."

Tang Sen didn't finish his sentence, but the subtext was that he wanted to raise prices.

Popovich spoke with unusual generosity, saying, "Don, the cost is not a problem."

Even if the Spurs are poor, can't they afford a mere one or two million dollars for training?
On the other end of the phone, Tang Sen quickly recalled Duncan's situation and understood Popovich's thoughts.

It's highly likely that he wants Duncan to further improve his skills.

It is not impossible.

For a star player of Duncan's caliber, improving his skills and increasing his average by two or three points per game would already be a huge step forward.

"can."

Tang Sen nodded, then stopped beating around the bush and said, "Greg, I'll be frank with you then. If you want Tim to come over, you'll have to pay at least three million!"

"How many?"

Popovich almost thought he had misheard.

Weren't we in the million-dollar club before?

Tang Sen said that there were many players registered, so bidding wars were understandable.

But how did it suddenly increase so much?

Popovich wants to take back what he said earlier.

I was careless; I really shouldn't have tried to show off.

Tang Sen sensed Popovich's embarrassment, chuckled inwardly, and said, "Greg, my energy is limited. Recruiting too many students would be irresponsible to them, so I can only train whoever offers the highest price. I hope you can understand."

"I understand, I understand," Popovich said quickly, trying to understand.

If he can earn three million, then there's no reason why Tang Sen should only earn one million.

The problem is, it's only been a few days, how come the price has increased so quickly all at once?

"Tang, is it Portland?" Popovich asked again.

It must be that rich guy from the Trail Blazers.

Tang Sen nodded secretly.

Popovich is indeed clever enough.

He was indeed a pioneer.

Just yesterday, on Kobe's first day of training with me, the Trail Blazers contacted me.

First, they offered to hire me as the head trainer for the Trail Blazers, and I could name my own salary.

Tang Sen was actually a little tempted.

Everyone knows that Paul Allen of the Portland Trail Blazers is rich and arrogant.

The problem is that the Trail Blazers have too many problematic players; the media jokingly calls them the "Trail Blazers Prison Team." Managing a team like that is very troublesome.

The Magic's training has been very effective, which is also related to Brown and his teammates' high level of self-discipline.

If I were to join the Trail Blazers, I reckon there's a good chance I'd ruin my reputation.

In this respect, New York is no pushover either, but they are still better than the Trail Blazers.

Since the Knicks had already offered a good deal, Tangsen simply rejected the Trail Blazers.

Then Trail Blazers general manager Bob Whitsett proposed sending Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudemire to Los Angeles for training.

It was they who raised the price to three million.

And that's all, Dolan hasn't even made a move yet.

Tangsen became the Knicks' head trainer.

But during the regular season, when everyone is busy with games, there isn't enough time to calm down and improve their skills.

It has to be during the off-season.

When Dolan left New York, he told himself that he should reserve a place for Allan Houston in the million-dollar club.

Allan Houston needs to be given a proper boost.

"Tang, I might need to discuss this with Tim. We'll get back to you later."

Popovich hung up the phone somewhat embarrassed.

Then I started cursing in my mind.

So what if you have money? I hope you never win a championship in your lifetime.

Popovich was not willing to accept this.

He didn't raise the price.

Because it's useless.

For the Spurs, spending one or two million is not something they would spend without batting an eye.

But for a billionaire like Paul Allen, it's really nothing.

So even if they raise their price, the Trail Blazers can immediately offer an even higher price.

They've already paid out over 80 million yuan a year in salary, so what's this little bit of money?

If Tang Sen hadn't only recruited three players, he might have brought the entire team over for Tang Sen to train.

Popovich was very unhappy.

With David Robinson retiring soon, the Spurs' championship window is down to just one or two years.

If we don't help Duncan improve his skills, we might even lose a championship.

But I have no money.

Tang Sen trains whoever pays him the most, which is perfectly acceptable.

Then...

A thought suddenly popped into Popovich's mind.

This is nothing but vicious competition!
As Duncan said before, the team paying for the players' training expenses is just a way to increase the players' income.

That's against the rules!

Since they can't have it themselves, they can't let the Trail Blazers have it easy either.

It needs to be reported.

But the next moment, Popovich immediately abandoned this idea.

If a report is filed and the league intervenes, it's equivalent to reducing Tang Sen's income.

If Townsend finds out, Spurs players can forget about training with him in the future.

Humans are trainers, and they can work for decades to come. I can't do something that would make others jealous.

If I don't do it, how can I compete with these rich bosses?

Popovich scratched his thinning hair hard, feeling a sharp pain in his testicles.

Pitt, too, how come he's so poor?

Popovich even made a subtle comment.

The football market officially opened on July 1st.

Los Angeles International Airport.

"This way!"

Tang Sen waved from afar and called out.

In the distance, Vince Carter was surrounded by people, signing autographs as he walked.

After quickly signing autographs for the last young couple, Carter hurried over and gave Tang Sen a big hug.

"Tang, it's been a long time."

Carter looked excited.

Tang Sen felt his feet leave the ground.

This bastard...

"It didn't take long."

On March 10th, the Magic also played a game against the Raptors.

More and more passengers gathered around.

Carter was the All-Star vote leader every year; his popularity in the United States was undeniable.

After driving away from the airport and exchanging a few casual words, Carter suddenly said, "Don, has the club's training fee increased to three million? Don't worry, just go with the latest price. It's okay, I've made a lot of money."

Carter's earning power is top-tier in the league; he doesn't care about a million or three million.

Tang Sen was taken aback and asked curiously, "How do you know it's three million?"

Tang Sen didn't disclose this price to anyone.

“The newspaper? I read the Los Angeles Times on the plane, didn’t you?” Carter asked curiously.

Tang Sen shook his head, he really hadn't noticed.

"It's him?"

Tang Sen frowned, hearing from Carter that it was Clippers owner Sterling.

When this guy was interviewed by reporters, he disdainfully said that Tang Sen's so-called million-dollar club was just a publicity stunt.

They say Tang Sen is asking for an exorbitant price and it's not worth it at all.

Then he revealed that Tang Sen was now asking for three million.

That means one million a month.

Tang Sen cursed under his breath, realizing where the problem lay.

Two days ago, Elgin Baylor contacted me. He knew I was in Los Angeles and wanted to send Brand over to train with him.

Then Tang Sen said there were no more spots available and the fees had increased to three million.

The Clippers have given up.

This is probably why Sterling gave an interview to complain about his high fees.

"Fake."

Tang Sen cursed under his breath.

This guy can't stand seeing himself do well, so he's sabotaging his own efforts.

Tang Sen had long known that the team's payment of training expenses for the players was somewhat against regulations.

But they did it before with the Magic.

Since the league hasn't said anything, let's just continue.

Tang Sen's call for a million-dollar club was partly motivated by the desire to have the team contribute some of the funds.

The team has plenty of money.

Originally, it was done secretly, and no one would have made a fuss about it.

As a result, he ran into a bastard like Sterling, who actually leaked the information.

Aren't you afraid of being blocked by someone else?

After dropping Carter off at the hotel, Tang Sen specifically asked for a newspaper to read.

Just as Carter had predicted.

That's trouble.

Given the influence of the Los Angeles Times, the league probably won't pretend to be naive anymore.

Sure enough, on the second day after the start of the game, the league responded quickly by issuing a supplementary rule on violations.

Teams are strictly prohibited from indirectly increasing players' income by paying training fees.

Those who violate the rules will be severely punished.

Perhaps knowing that the targets of the punishment are wealthy teams, the league is no longer fining them money, but instead penalizing them with draft picks.

Granic, who announced the regulation to reporters, also addressed Townsend remotely.

He said this was not the league specifically targeting Tang Sen, and he and Stern were very happy that the league had such an excellent trainer as Tang Sen.

However, he believes that this method of having the team pay for training fees is malicious competition and unfair to many players.

In the end, he jokingly said that if Tang Sen had no objections, he thought the clause could be named the Tang Sen Clause.

Tang Sen certainly had objections.

In Tangsen's view, Granic's so-called fairness was utter nonsense.

If the team can't afford it, then only wealthy star players can afford the training fees.

Is that fair to the players?
So some teams are affected, but the ones most affected are definitely themselves.

At least six million less in revenue.

No.

The news has been leaked, and everyone knows about it.

If we back down now, wouldn't people think we can't even earn three million in training fees?

Grover's million-dollar annual salary is the ceiling for ordinary trainers, so I have to raise that ceiling even higher.

So I won't worry about the future, but this year, it has to be three million, not a penny less.

(End of this chapter)