บท 332: Chapter 332: An Olive Branch for Kerr
Coach Zhang spent the entire day at the Western Arena, and after the game, Wade invited him for a late-night snack.
Li Jiajia, Xiao Qi, and Tracy McGrady joined them.
McGrady was also acquainted with Coach Zhang. During the time when McGrady and Yao Ming were teammates, Coach Zhang had interviewed McGrady several times, so they were familiar with each other.
When Coach Zhang arrived at the restaurant, he was surprised, "I've been to Phoenix many times, but I didn't know there was a dumpling restaurant here."
"Hi, Brother Dong!"
The staff at this dumpling restaurant, from the owner to the waiters, were all familiar with Wade.
Wade explained, "In the past two years, Phoenix has become more culturally vibrant, with increasing Chinese elements. Chinese restaurants are also the most popular here."
Wade is considered a hero in Phoenix, and in the past two years, whenever Chinese people came to Phoenix to develop businesses, whether opening restaurants or supermarkets, they received a lot of support. So, it's not surprising to find a dumpling restaurant here.
The waiter, recognizing Wade, informed him, "Brother Dong, Coach Gentry is in the 'Prosperous Flowers' private room."
"He's here for a late-night snack too..."
Wade asked the waiter, "Who's with Coach Gentry?"
"Coach Kerr."
"Oh."
Wade nodded and said to Coach Zhang, "Since Coach Gentry is here, let's join them."
"Young man, I'll have my food delivered to the 'Prosperous Flowers' room."
After Wade spoke, he led Coach Zhang and the others directly to the 'Prosperous Flowers' private room.
...
The private room was occupied by just Coach Gentry and Coach Kerr, and their late-night snack was simple, with only two dishes, two plates of dumplings, and a bottle of white wine on the table.
Seeing Wade, Coach Gentry was a bit surprised, "Brother Dong, what brings you here?"
"Just came for a meal."
Wade greeted Coach Zhang and the others to sit down. Only then did he notice the slightly awkward atmosphere, and he joked, "Drinking heavily with just two dishes?"
Coach Kerr smiled awkwardly, "Not at all. We're just having a late-night snack and chatting casually."
Coach Zhang, with his maturity and composure, also sensed the awkward atmosphere and apologized, "I hope we're not interrupting your conversation."
"No, not at all."
Coach Gentry made room for Wade and the others to sit down.
The 'Prosperous Flowers' private room was spacious, and even with the addition of five more people, it didn't feel crowded. The Suns players often came here for late-night snacks after games, so this room had become almost exclusive to the Suns.
With seven people sitting together, the conversation ranged from basketball to the Spring Festival.
In the past two years, Coach Gentry had been diligently studying Chinese, and his understanding of Chinese culture had deepened.
When the topic turned to some interesting Spring Festival stories, Xiao Bei, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, spoke up, "Brother Dong, I have a question."
"Hmm?"
Wade put down his chopsticks with a smile.
In fact, it was quite impolite for Xiao Bei, as a junior, to interrupt the conversation of her seniors.
Xiao Bei's lack of manners made Coach Zhang feel a bit embarrassed.
However, Wade didn't get upset over such a minor matter. Instead, he asked, "What's your question?"
Unaware that she had already annoyed Coach Zhang, Xiao Bei changed the topic and said, "I hate the Spring Festival the most these days."
"Why is that?"
"Every time during the Spring Festival, my relatives always ask me if I have a partner and when I'll bring someone home. It's so annoying. Do they think I can't find a partner?"
As Xiao Bei spoke, her tone wasn't one of annoyance but rather that of a proud peacock.
Wade said, "I have a way to make your relatives stop worrying about your love life."
"Really?"
Xiao Bei's eyes lit up with anticipation, "Brother Dong, please tell me, what's the solution?"
Wade smiled, "You just need to break your leg. Then, during the Spring Festival, your relatives will only be concerned about your health, not your love life..."
"Brother Dong, you!!!"
Xiao Bei was left speechless by Wade's words. She crossed her arms over her chest, pouted, and tilted her head back in a 'you need to appease me' attitude.
"Hahaha..."
Coach Zhang and the others couldn't help but laugh at Wade's joke. They returned to the previous topic, and Xiao Bei, pretending to be upset, was ignored.
The dishes were served.
Wade picked up his wine glass and said to Coach Kerr, "Shall we have a drink?"
"Sure."
Coach Kerr clinked glasses with Wade and took a small sip.
Not all Americans can quickly adapt to Chinese white wine, and Coach Kerr was no exception.
After finishing the glass, Wade asked with a smile, "Do you have something on your mind?"
"Not really."
Coach Kerr shook his head.
"Hmm..."
Wade paused, then suddenly asked, "Are you planning to become a head coach for a team?"
Coach Kerr's hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly, "Brother Dong, how did you know?"
"It's just a guess."
Wade smiled, "The GMs in the league aren't blind. You've had the skills to be a head coach for a while, and there should be many teams wanting to recruit you."
Coach Kerr fell silent.
Seeing Coach Kerr's silence, Wade continued, "Coach Gentry won't retire in the next few years. Instead of waiting around in the Suns, why not find a suitable team to showcase your coaching abilities?"
Coach Kerr lifted his head and looked at Wade, "Brother Dong, is that what you think?"
"Of course!"
Wade nodded with a smile.
Coach Gentry added, "I think the same. Coach Kerr's abilities are far superior to mine. He can't stay as an assistant coach in the Suns forever."
"No, no."
Coach Kerr quickly waved his hands, "In the past year, I've learned a lot from Coach Gentry and Brother Dong."
Wade asked, "Which teams have offered you a position?"
Coach Kerr counted on his fingers, "The Warriors, Nets, Knicks, Timberwolves..."
"Wow! That many?"
Wade had expected two or three teams, but he was surprised to hear seven or eight from Coach Kerr. He wondered if the league was suddenly facing a shortage of coaches or if these teams believed that the Suns' excellent performance was due to Coach Kerr rather than Coach Gentry.
"We've known each other for years, so we're old friends," Coach Zhang chimed in. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but which team are you planning to join?"
Coach Kerr replied, "I'm still undecided. I'll probably wait until the end of this season before making a decision."
"Wherever you go, I wish you great success!"
Wade raised his glass again and said, "It would be best if you joined a team in the East and led them to the Finals to prove your coaching abilities."
"Hmm, hmm~"
Coach Gentry also nodded, "If you join a team in the West, you won't even have a chance to make it to the Finals."
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