NBA: Being criticized for half a year at the beginning

July 7 Rockets Training Center Meeting Room

Tang Yu sat with Chris Webber, the Rockets' transfer scout director, and Brandon Roy, who had just joined as an assistant coach.

Opposite them sat Greg Oden's agent team and Greg Oden.

Rockets GM Chris Webber said: "We are very happy that we can do it together today. I believe that your arrival will make the team stronger."

Webber paused and continued: "But before that, I want to know your current physical condition. How is your injury recovery?"

Oden glanced at his agent, and then confidently replied: "My body has fully recovered, and I am ready for new challenges."

Tang Yu said at this time: "Greg, I have signed Thomas Carter, the best medical doctor, before. I think you should know something about this saint.

And I believe Brandon has more say in Portland's team doctor, right, Brandon?"

For Roy, who has suffered from the veterinary team, he must have more say in Portland's team doctor, and his former teammates' personal experience will definitely convince Oden more.

Roy said: "Greg, I can tell you responsibly that Portland's team doctor team is really not good." Roy's expression was serious. He knew the impact of the team doctor's level on the player's career.

Oden listened to Roy's words and nodded thoughtfully.

Seeing this, Webber quickly struck while the iron was hot: "We not only have the best medical team, but also the most professional coaching team. Coach Tang Yu is a famous tactical master in the league, and he will definitely help you maximize your abilities."

A glimmer of expectation flashed in Oden's eyes. He knew that a good coach was crucial to the growth of players.

"Moreover, our Rockets have a strong championship heritage, which is unmatched by other teams." Webber continued, "Join us, you will have the opportunity to chase the championship ring."

Oden's heart was moved. He knew this was a rare opportunity. After some thought, he decided to join the Rockets.

"I am willing to join the Rockets." Oden said firmly.

Everyone present was relieved. This difficult negotiation was finally successful.

But Oden's agent immediately said: "But as far as I know, the Rockets only have a middle-class contract!"

Tang Yu immediately said: "No, no, no, I think you misunderstood sir, we want to sign Greg with a minimum salary!"

Tang Yu shocked everyone present. He didn't expect that the boss was only willing to give Oden a minimum salary.

"Sir, are you kidding? This is an insult to a No. 1 pick. We can't accept this offer at all!" said Oden's agent.

Tang Yu looked at Oden and said earnestly: "Greg, I believe you know your body best. Coming to the Rockets is your last chance. I hope you will consider it carefully. Our team doesn't need you!"

Chris Webber also said: "Okay, gentlemen, I think you need to think about it. Boss, we can go outside for a cup of coffee!"

The Rockets got up at the same time and walked out of the meeting room.

In the meeting room, the agent said to Oden: "Greg, this offer is too low. Trail Blazers General Manager Larry Miller is willing to offer us an 8 million dollar contract."

Oden was silent. It was too difficult for a 23-year-old No. 1 pick to make his own decision.

The fact that there were still teams willing to offer him a price without playing a single game last season already showed his talent.

Oden sighed, "Huh~ Alec, I've decided to sign with Houston. I can't go back to Portland! We all know Tang Yu's ability. I want to make my own choice!"

Alec stood up and spread his hands. He knew that Oden had made up his mind and could not change his mind.

"Okay! Okay! I know Houston is a good choice. That's no problem. I believe we will get a good contract soon."

Opening the door of the conference room, Tang Yu was gone. Only Webber, the scout director and several others were present.

"Chris, we agree!" Alec said helplessly.

Webber returned to the conference room, "Then let's talk about the specific contract issues. I think a 1+1 team option contract is a good choice, with part of the second year guaranteed!"

Alec wanted to say something but was stopped by Oden.

"I agree! And I will talk to Portland to stop them from matching the offer!"

Oden is a restricted free agent. If Portland matches the offer, it means that Oden will continue to play in Portland.

Webber smiled happily and then stood up.Shake hands with Oden and his agent.

After signing Green and Oden, the Rockets still have two vacancies on the roster.

The next task Tang Yu gave Chris Webber was to sign Carl Landry with all his strength.

Tang Yu wanted to find a center for the last position. Yao Ming and Oden both have great injury risks, and the possibility of both of them getting injured is also very high.

French forward Michael Pietrus was cut by the Suns on July 3, but this outside swingman with excellent defensive ability soon won the favor of many teams.

Among them was the Los Angeles Lakers. After Grant Hill left, the Lakers obviously lacked a reliable No. 3 defender, and Pietrus was the answer they wanted.

Within three days of the Suns cutting Pietrus, no team matched his offer, and the Lakers finally signed him with a minimum salary contract.

Carl Landry accepted a one-year minimum salary offer from the Rockets on July 8, and Landry returned to his familiar Dynasty Arena again.

On July 9, Tang Yu looked through the list of free agents. There were not many players to choose from in the center position.

There were no good players in other positions, and a name quickly came into Tang Yu's sight - undrafted player Jeremy Lin!

But Tang Yu also had some concerns. If he came to the Rockets, Jeremy Lin might not be able to explode like he did in the past.

But Tang Yu didn't have time to think about these anymore. The team also needed a third point guard. If the center couldn't be found, then the point guard was the best choice.

Picked up the phone and called Chris Webber. The new Rockets GM needed some work and good signings to stabilize his position.

Signing a third point guard with a minimum salary was still very easy for Webber.

On July 9, the Rockets officially announced the completion of the signing of Jeremy Lin, a partially guaranteed contract with an annual salary of 870,000.

If Jeremy Lin was cut before Christmas, he would get nothing. For Jeremy Lin, who was not in demand, this was already the best signing.

The Rockets' 15-man roster was finally complete!