597 Shelter for the Old and Weak (2/2)
In the Clippers' training hall, Raymond sat on the sidelines, holding a few newspapers in his hand. His face was very blue.
Raymond was very unhappy. They said that he was not worth 25.8 million for three years. Some people even said that he should only be valued at the veteran minimum salary. This was an insult to Raymond!
On the other side, Gray looked depressed as well.
The Clippers announced that they had signed Gray at the veteran's minimum salary, but the news did not attract much attention. They were focused on Raymond.
Gray felt very lost, he hated being neglected. He was formerly ”the Great” who lived up in the clouds, someone who people had high hopes for. Now, he had become a grain of unremarkable sand that no one cared about.
Noel rushed over.
”Noel, how did it go? Did the league approve your return to the court?” Raymond asked.
”The league still has some concerns. They asked me to provide at least half a year's medical reports to prove that there are no new clots in my body, but I only have a one-month medical report,” Noel shrugged helplessly.
”That means you have to wait at least five months before you can play. It will be January of next year by then!” Raymond counted with his fingers.
Noel nodded, ”The team's performance in the first half of the season depends on you. I can wear a suit and cheer for you from the sidelines.”
...
The NBA was giving a press conference at their headquarters in New York.
The NBA spokesperson sat on the podium and answered the reporter's question with a smile. ”Indeed, we received an application from Noel to compete but, for his sake, we asked him to provide a six-month medical report. This way we can be sure he is fully healed and able to play once more.”
”If Noel returns to the court, can he join another team or does he have to return to the Heat?” A reporter asked.
”Noel has been cut by the Heat, so he is now a free agent. Any NBA team can choose to sign him, but without the approval of the league, he can't play.”
The cellphone of one of the reporter shook a bit. He immediately it out. He was surprised.
”The Los Angeles Clippers announced that they have signed a contract with Noel!”
”The Clippers again? They signed Hall, Raymond, and Gray a few days ago. Now even Noel has signed with the Clippers!”
”What are the Clippers doing? Why have they signed on so many retired players? Can they still play?”
The crowd began to mutter.
...
On a sports program, a commentator was talking to the camera lens.
”The management of the Los Angeles Clippers this summer: I can only give them a D grade! They had enough money to renew their contract with Ronny and sign a few players from the free market, but they didn't. Look at who they have chosen!
”Osef, a drug addict who cheated on his own wife; Hall, a disabled player without menisci in his knees; A retired and injured superstar, Raymond; A fragile man with leg discrepancy, Gray. Last but not least, they signed Noel, a person with blood clots.
”In my opinion, this is just bad management. It might be the worst management of the NBA this summer. They have no potential for new stars, they have not recruited ready-made stars, and they have not renewed their key players. Instead, they signed players who have been eliminated by the NBA.
”If you have some money, you can buy a brand new Ford or a second-hand BMW. Instead, you go to the scrapyard and look for a car that cannot be driven! Okay, it is a Porsche, but it's a Porsche which has been scrapped. This is really just too stupid.
”I'm only making an analogy and didn't mean to offend the players. There is one thing that I must say. The current Los Angeles Clippers don't seem like an NBA team, but a shelter for the old and weak!”