581 An Entire Team of Training Partners (1/2)
”Wood's mansion is in front. Back when he first came to L.A., he spent 8.5 million dollars on this mansion. He said that he wanted to play on the Clippers until he retired so he could help the Clippers win the championship. It's a pity that since the inception of the 'Three Giants,' we were cursed. Someone was always injured,” Cassel said in a melancholic manner. ”However, the value of Wood's mansion has risen. I heard that it's at least 11 million dollars now.”
Dai Li nodded and said, ”The neighborhood is nice. It looks like 'Mr. Youngest MVP Ever' is enjoying his life. I hope this sort of peaceful life hasn't dulled his fighting spirit.”
Cassel seemed like he wanted to say something but he hesitated. In the end, he opened his mouth and asked, ”Coach Li, do you really plan to use Wood again?”
”Of course. His pay for next season is 34.5 million dollars. If the club is paying him that much money, we need him to play so we can make it back,” Dai Li answered.
”Wood is no longer the same player that was the youngest MVP in history. He has only played 20 games in the last three seasons. He even played some of those games as a substitute. His average points per game went from 25 points to five points. His average assists went from eight to 1.2 per game. More importantly, his shooting percentage dropped significantly. Before this injury, his three-pointer percentage had dropped to a measly 16.7%,” Cassel said.
”Wood was never good at three-pointers. At his peak, his three-point percentage did not exceed 35%. For a forward, that was a passable standard. His breakthroughs were really amazing. Not only was he able to score points, but he also hurt his opponent. As a point guard, he has the ability to control the rhythm of the game. That is exactly what we need,” Dai Li said.
”But he got injured because his style of play relied on breaking through the defense. His body broke down because he kept attacking the paint and getting into physical altercations. He could not play for long,” Cassel said, shaking his head.
”Unless he has the world's greatest fitness coach!” Dai Li stated.
Cassel was slightly stunned. Of course, he knew that Dai Li meant Dai Li himself. Cassel also had to admit Dai Li was the best, but he did not believe that Wood could return to his prime.
The two of them reached Wood's mansion, Wood also welcomed Dai Li warmly.
Since becoming the head coach, Dai Li noticed that Wood constantly came to the Staples Center to cheer for the team despite being injured. Of course, he did it to show his face, so that the sponsors would not trouble him.
”How is your recovery?” Dai Li asked.
”If I want to completely recover, I still need at least one to two months. However, I will definitely make it to pre-season training,” Wood answered. He looked a little suspicious.
”Really?” Dai Li smiled. He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and read it aloud. ”23 February 2009, right wrist injury; 11 March 2010, left wrist sprain; 26 November 2010, neck injury; 10 January 2012, left big toe sprain; 14 January 2012, another left big toe sprain; sixth of February, back spasms; 14 March 2012, groin sprain; 10 April 2012, right ankle sprain; 28 April 2012, torn knee anterior cruciate ligament; 1 November 2014, ankle sprain on both legs; 15 November 2014, left leg sprain; 22 November 2013, knee meniscus tear; 24 February 2015, another knee meniscus tear; 29 September 2015, left eyelid fracture; third of April 2016, third left knee meniscus tear…”
Dai Li kept going one-by-one. It was a list of all of Wood's recent injuries. From the first sprain to the much more severe meniscus tear.
Wood's face darkened as he listened. Finally, he could not take it anymore and interrupted Dai Li, ”Coach Li, what's the point of you reading these?”
”Wood, you've experienced so many serious injuries that you're worried that if you came back you won't be able to play like you used to, right?” Dai Li said as he put away that piece of paper.
Wood remained silent. Dai Li continued. ”In truth, I consulted your doctor before I came here. He told me that you have the knee of a fifty-year-old.”
”He told you that? Damn it, that's private. How could he leak that information to you!” Wood was infuriated.
”Don't forget that the NBA has rules. Players are prohibited from hiding injuries from their teams. You signed an agreement related to that, so your doctor telling us your situation isn't a breach of your privacy. If he had tried to hide it, the club could have sued him,” Dai Li said as he spread out his hands.
Wood sighed as if he had just aged a few years. He said, ”Alright, I admit my situation is pretty bad. If I did recover, it would be impossible for me to play like before. What do you plan to do? Do you plan to buy me out or trade me away? My contract this season will make it hard to find any takers. I can tell you in advance that I will want a full buyout of 34.5 million dollars. I will not take a single cent less!”
To Wood, there was no way they would continue to use him. They would not give him a chance. Faced with a 34.5 million dollar buyout, it was likely the team would look for a trade or just buy him out.
”The club has no plans to trade you or buy you out,” Dai Li said, smiling. He shook his head and said, ”Next season, we need a starting point guard as the core of the team, to control the rhythm of the game.”