Tang Tian's appearance drew the attention of a large number of reporters.
After practice ended, he was surrounded by reporters as well.
"Has the team's recent poor form been caused by internal problems?"
"Will the team make any trades next? There are rumors that the team has put Durant on the trading block."
"Are you planning to come out of retirement?"
Faced with a barrage of questions, Tang Tian only picked out a few important ones to answer.
"No, of course I'm not coming back. I'm just here to take a look. You know, I'm still this team's vice president of basketball operations."
"There are absolutely no internal problems with the team. Their shooting touch just hasn't been great, but I believe they'll find their form again soon."
"Durant is untouchable. He has been since the moment he joined the Pelicans, and he always will be."
After answering some of the questions, Tang Tian did not linger at the arena and went straight to the locker room.
Tang Tian's arrival eased the players' frustration considerably.
Though he had already retired, he carried brilliance and glory wherever he went, as if his entire body were glowing.
After greeting the players, Tang Tian pulled Durant into the office next door for a private talk.
"Kevin, I know the fans haven't been saying very nice things about you lately. Don't take those comments too seriously."
Tang Tian began by trying to reassure Durant.
"That's not what you told me."
Durant did not take it in, and he had probably been holding that in for quite some time.
Tang Tian cleared his throat twice.
When he had recruited Durant, he really had said some things to sell him on the idea.
If he had not sweet-talked him, it would not have been