In fact, the Celtics had also invited Finley this summer.
After all, Finley was only 32 years old, and his prime was definitely past, but he still had at least half a tank of gas left in his tank.
After all, in the regular season last season, Finley could still contribute 15.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for the Mavericks.
As a result, Finley asked Collins if he could have the Celtics' number 4 jersey, and if the Celtics could give it to him.
This was because ever since Finley entered the league, whether with the Suns or the Mavericks, he had worn the number 4 jersey, which was the same number as He Xi Meng!
Number 4 was likely Finley's lucky number, which was why he asked.
But the Celtics' number 4? That was He Xi Meng's jersey, and Collins, if he wasn't an idiot, definitely couldn't agree!
"Okay, I understand!"
Finley immediately hung up Collins' call and then called Popovich.
Popovich replied, "Our team's number 4 jersey has always been vacant, come on over!"
Finley was very happy.
Both the Celtics and the Spurs were considered strong contenders for the championship by many media outlets this season.
Joining either team made little difference to Finley; he would be able to secure a starting position.
However, if he could avoid changing his jersey number, he would prefer to continue wearing his lucky number 4 jersey.
As a result, after Finley signed with the Spurs, Popovich regretfully informed him that just before his arrival, the team's management had passed a resolution: In recognition of He Xi Meng's outstanding contributions to the Spurs, the team had decided to retire the number 4 jersey... Therefore, Finley would probably have to choose another jersey related to 4. For example, 14, 40, or 44, all of which contained 4...
Finley was instantly a little stunned, feeling like he had walked into a den of thieves, but he had no evidence.
Popovich produced the management's resolution document. The timing was correct; when Finley was invited to join, the number 4 jersey was indeed vacant and available to Finley. However, the day before Finley joined, the management had held a meeting and decided to retire the number 4 jersey. If anyone was to blame, it could only be Popovich for not informing Finley of this matter on the day of the signing ceremony...
But if he had informed Finley before signing, could Finley have backed out?
In short, the entire affair felt a bit sinister, but Finley couldn't pinpoint the reason.
Could it be that Popovich had been tricking him from the start?
"No, no, no! Coach Popovich is now a top coach in the league, would he use such underhanded tactics for a jersey? I can't think that way..."
Finley struggled internally. After a period of internal conflict, he reluctantly accepted the less than pleasant outcome and ultimately chose the number 40 jersey.
And strangely, he attributed the loss of his lucky number to He Xi Meng!
If He Xi Meng hadn't made so many contributions to the Spurs, the Spurs wouldn't have retired the number 4 jersey. If the Spurs hadn't retired the number 4 jersey, he wouldn't have lost his lucky number...
Well! Finley seemed to be a master of self-hypnosis!
Even when He Xi Meng was chatting with Duncan at mid-court, he could feel the fiery gazes from the Spurs' bench.
"What's going on with Mike? I don't remember offending him," He Xi Meng asked Duncan.
Duncan shook his head. "I'm not too sure either. I only found out that Mike had come to our team from the Mavericks after I recovered from my injury. But I heard Manu say something about Mike wanting to wear your number 4 jersey, and the old man didn't agree. If we have to find a reason, I guess it's this."
"A jersey? It can't be that serious. I used to dream of wearing Jordan's number 23 jersey in my student days!"
"I don't know, it seems some people choose their lucky number as their jersey number. Perhaps number 4 is Mike's lucky number, just like yours."
"No, not like mine. My lucky number is 7."
"Then why did you choose number 4 as your jersey number?"
"Because of a Japanese manga. There was a very powerful player in it, who was both a player and a coach, and he wore number 4."
"Is Japanese basketball that open? Players can actually moonlight as head coaches?"
"In name, of course not, but in practice, he exercised the duties of the head coach."
"Then I understand, it's just like what you're doing now with the Celtics!"
"You idiot, don't talk nonsense! The Celtics' head coach is Kerr, I'm not overstepping my bounds and exercising the duties of the head coach."
"Really? I heard you're their second coach within the Celtics."
"Where did you hear this fake news?"
"I don't remember, everyone's just spreading it around anyway."
"Rumors, pure rumors."
"Haha, I actually don't think it's a bad thing. Your tactical acumen is certainly enough for you to coach a team."
"Coaching a team is a future thing. Right now, I'm just a player, and I just want to play my games well."
"Really?" Duncan looked unconvinced. "Whether anyone else believes it or not, I certainly don't."
Duncan's firm reply left He Xi Meng speechless.
"Speaking of which, how is your injury recovery going?" He Xi Meng changed the subject.
"It's not a big problem, but the old man still wants me to be careful and not push myself too hard."
Hearing this, He Xi Meng smiled. "The old man still doesn't understand you, would you push yourself?"
Duncan stated firmly, "Of course not."
"So, this season, you can slack off with permission?"
Duncan tilted his head and replied, "Since when do I not slack off without permission?"
"You're still so arrogant!" He Xi Meng sincerely gave Duncan a thumbs-up.
"This season, I'm also planning to slack off a bit with the Celtics," He Xi Meng mused.
"What's this? Not mentoring rookies anymore?" Duncan seemed surprised.
"Not anymore, let Vince and Da Yao do it."
"But, people won't believe you when you say that, will they?"
"Who said they would? I'm troubled. Last game, I told Dirk I was planning to play 'health-preserving' basketball, but Dirk couldn't."
Duncan chuckled. "Don't go around broadcasting it to others. No one will believe you."
"What about you?" He Xi Meng asked Duncan.
Duncan answered without hesitation, "I believe you, of course."
"Why?"
"Because we're the same kind of people!"
Duncan's answer left He Xi Meng speechless.
The two chatted for a long time near mid-court, so much so that even Popovich by the sidelines couldn't stand it anymore and loudly called Duncan back to warm up, like calling a naughty child home for dinner...