Because Opportunity Favors the Prepared

As time passed, more and more players arrived at the training facility one by one.

Under the introduction of Paul Pierce, Goodwin managed to get acquainted with all his teammates.

The rest of the Boston Celtics players also had an impression of Goodwin; after all, he had turned the tide on the stage of the NCAA finals and led his team to the final victory.

"Gather up!" assistant coach Jackson shouted.

All the players stopped what they were doing and ran over to assemble.

Once they were gathered, interim coach John Carroll immediately launched into a pre-training speech.

John Carroll's voice went in one of Goodwin's ears and out the other, making Goodwin feel like he was about to fall asleep.

This feeling was as if he had suddenly returned to his student days in his past life, standing on the playground while the principal droned on and on...

"Alright, now we're heading to physical testing. I want to see exactly how you all spent your offseason!"

As soon as John Carroll finished speaking, the expressions of many players changed—physical testing!

Goodwin, however, didn't hesitate in the slightest and immediately followed the assistant coach to the testing area. He wanted to see how much he had improved; even if it was just a little bit, it would make all his hard training worthwhile.

After the physical tests were over, some were happy while others were worried.

Goodwin checked his physical report immediately. After reading it, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly; not bad, not bad at all, there was progress.

"What on earth were you all doing during the offseason?" John Carroll's angry voice shattered Goodwin's good mood. Goodwin quickly pulled his lips back into a straight line and looked at John Carroll with an expressionless face.

Ever since John Carroll became the coach of the Boston Celtics during the offseason, he had wanted to lead the team to make a big splash. Instead, the first day of training camp gave him a huge surprise.

Aside from Paul Pierce, whose physical report satisfied him, everyone else failed.

It made him want to throttle these guys. What were they doing in the offseason? Eating, drinking, and having fun!

Consequently, John Carroll began to work the entire Boston Celtics roster to the bone.

After the first day of training camp, everyone except Goodwin was miserable.

After training ended, Goodwin returned home, ate a nutritious meal, rested for half an hour, and then continued his unfinished daily training.

By the time his daily training was over, it was already 12 o'clock. Goodwin took a shower and went straight to sleep.

He slept without dreams. The next day, Goodwin woke up as usual and followed the exact same routine: training facility, home, a two-point line.

A week passed just like that. For the entire Boston Celtics squad, it was a miserable week, but the results were very obvious; their bodies were gradually returning to the level of the previous season.

John Carroll was very satisfied with this.

Afterward, John Carroll began to train them on tactics and defense. Basically, every coach had their own set of tactics, like Phil Jackson's triangle offense.

However, Goodwin discovered that whether it was offense or defense, he was never included. Goodwin thought it might just be a coincidence.

But until the arrival of the preseason, Goodwin didn't think so anymore. This was clearly a deliberate attempt to make things difficult for him; it was obvious that he had no intention of using him.

There were four rookies on the Boston Celtics roster this year, including Goodwin, but in the first preseason game, the other three rookies all received plenty of playing time, while he didn't get a single minute.

Goodwin was very unhappy about this, but unfortunately, there was nothing he could do. Who told him he wasn't strong enough yet?

Subsequently, in the second preseason game, Goodwin still didn't receive any playing time.

"Beep!" The moment the whistle blew, Goodwin didn't look back and walked straight toward the player tunnel.

John Carroll's mouth curled up slightly.

Boston Celtics General Manager's office:

"John, I watched the first two preseason games. You played well; it seems you have already taken control of the team," Danny Ainge said, as they had won both of the first two preseason games.

John Carroll waved his hand and said, "It's alright. This year, I will lead the team into the playoffs."

Danny Ainge nodded and then asked, "Then what do you think of this year's rookies?"

"Bell and Dahntay Jones both performed well in the two games and are worth developing. Brandon Hunter had a few too many turnovers in the two games and needs further observation. As for Goodwin, I believe his body isn't ready for the NBA yet. It's better to let him focus on conditioning," John Carroll replied calmly.

Immediately after, Danny Ainge handed a document to John Carroll and said, "What do you think of this trade?"

A trade?

John Carroll quickly picked it up to look.

The Boston Celtics planned to package rookies Jones and Bell and send them to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kendrick Perkins and Marcus Banks.

Kendrick Perkins and Marcus Banks were also rookies this year.

Rookies for rookies? What kind of move was this?

John Carroll was completely bewildered, but he was very savvy and didn't object: "You have more experience than I do. I have no objections."

Danny Ainge smiled and nodded: "I believe that under coach John's leadership, we will be able to make the playoffs again, and perhaps even go further in the postseason."

"Hahahaha, thank you for your trust. I will certainly not let your expectations down."

The preseason continued, and Goodwin still didn't receive any playing time. Paul Pierce had doubts about this and even had a discussion with John Carroll.

"Coach John Carroll, almost everyone on the team has had playing time, except for Goodwin. If you keep this up, the other players will think you're targeting him," Paul Pierce said tactfully.

"Paul, I know Goodwin is your junior and you care about him a lot, but you need to get one thing straight: I'm not targeting him, I'm protecting him. His body isn't ready for the intensity of the NBA yet." John Carroll sneered inwardly; even if Danny Ainge favored him and Paul Pierce pleaded on his behalf, Goodwin wouldn't be getting a single second of playing time.

Paul Pierce: "..."

Not ready for the intensity of the NBA?

Fuck, are you kidding me!

In private, Paul Pierce had played one-on-one with Goodwin, and although Goodwin's physical attributes were just average, they weren't as abysmal as Coach John claimed.

Could it be?

Seeing Coach John insist on this, Paul Pierce didn't say anything else and turned to leave.

Afterward, Paul Pierce walked up to Goodwin and asked, "Goodwin, did you offend Coach John before?"

Goodwin shook his head and said, "Senior Paul, I didn't even know him before, how could I have offended him?"

Hearing Goodwin's response, Paul Pierce felt puzzled as to why Coach John would target Goodwin.

"Senior Paul, even if I don't get any playing time, I will still train hard, because opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared."

Hearing Goodwin's words, Paul Pierce revealed a gratified smile.

"Don't worry, I will definitely take care of this matter!"

"Hahaha, are you afraid that I'll report you to Coach Roy? Don't worry, I won't."

"Fuck, why would I be afraid of Coach Roy?"

"Hahahaha..."

"What are you laughing at, Goodwin? Shut your mouth." Paul Pierce, embarrassed and angry, lunged at him.

"Ahhh..."