On October 9, sunlight streamed through the clouds and fell upon the earth. It was the day the Boston Celtics' training camp opened.
However, compared with previous years, this year's camp had been delayed by more than ten days, all to await the return of the team's core player, Goodwin.
Although training camp had yet to officially begin, the players could no longer contain their anticipation for the new season and had all started training ahead of time.
Everyone knew that if they performed poorly on the first day of camp, they would likely be greeted by a storm of criticism from the coaches—or an unforgiving scolding from the team's leader.
Notably, this year's training camp had an unusual addition—assistant coach The Diesel, Shaquille O'Neal.
The legendary superstar who had once dominated the paint and ruled the court now stood before the players in an entirely new role.
At this moment, though, Tony Allen's heart was full of unease, because he had openly "provoked" the big man before.
At the thought, Tony Allen silently prayed, I hope The Diesel, Shaquille O'Neal, is magnanimous enough not to hold it against me.
Carrying such complicated feelings, Tony Allen stepped into the practice facility.
Before The Diesel, Shaquille O'Neal, arrived, Tony Allen temporarily forgot his worries. He chatted and laughed with his teammates, even teasing the two rookies. The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful.
However, the merriment did not last long.
Accompanied by a set of heavy footsteps, The Diesel, Shaquille O'Neal, entered the practice facility right behind Coach Jack.
In that instant, the smile on Tony Allen's face seemed to freeze, and his entire body tensed up.
What unsettled Tony Allen even more was that The Diesel, Shaquille O'Neal, seemed to spot him at a glance and deliberately cast him a meaningful