Chapter 126: He Must Think So
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Ron Adams looked a little surprised.
"Liam, may I ask why you want me as your assistant coach?"
Of course, it was because you helped the Warriors establish a defensive system perfectly suited for the small-ball era…
Liam smiled and said, "Coach Nelson recommended you. He said you're one of the most underrated coaches. If Tom Thibodeau is the best defensive coach, then you're the most suitable defensive coach for offensive teams."
"Oh? Does Coach Nelson think that highly of me? I've never worked with him…" Ron Adams replied with some surprise.
Though Nelson never won a championship, he held the NBA record for coaching wins and was the only person to win Coach of the Year three times. Ron Adams respected him a great deal.
"Absolutely. His biggest regret is not having you as his defensive coach. He believes that's one of the main reasons he never won a coaching championship," Liam added, without missing a beat.
No one knew if Nelson really thought that way, but Liam was offering $4 million a year, so he probably did.
Ron Adams didn't completely believe it, but everyone appreciates being recognized. With a half-smile, he looked at Liam.
"Coach G, I'm currently the assistant coach for the Thunder, and I enjoy working with Coach Brooks. I have no reason to accept your offer."
Liam was prepared for this and smiled slightly.
"Mr. Adams, as you know, I'm not only the head coach of the Warriors but also the owner. If you join my coaching staff, I'll offer you a high-level contract that could last... up to eight years!"
Ron Adams looked surprised. "Eight years?"
"Yes, eight years! I know moving is tough, but Oakland is a very livable city with much better infrastructure than Oklahoma. The Warriors are entering a rebuilding phase, and we truly need your help to build a defensive system for the team," Liam said sincerely.
Ron Adams frowned slightly, lost in thought. Liam didn't push further, waiting patiently for his decision. He dared to offer such generous terms because he had great confidence in Ron Adams' abilities.
In Liam's previous life, Ron Adams joined the Warriors in 2015 as the team's defensive assistant coach, helping them build a solid defensive system. Even in the 2020-2021 season, when Curry was the sole offensive star and their offense nearly collapsed, the defense remained among the best in the league—due in no small part to Adams.
Now, he wanted to bring this little-known but extremely capable coach to Oakland ahead of time so the Warriors could overcome their defensive woes sooner.
Liam didn't have to wait long. After a brief moment, Ron Adams nodded.
"Alright, I'll join the Warriors coaching staff. I just need to handle the contract termination fee with the Thunder…"
"I'll take care of that!" Liam said happily.
Ron Adams smiled in satisfaction. "I'll head to Oakland as soon as possible."
Liam stood up, relieved.
"Mr. Adams, I'll contact the Thunder right away. Training camp isn't far off, so the Warriors' defense will be in your hands."
Liam knew his strengths well. Though he had a solid foundation built by his predecessor and had gained a lot of tactical knowledge over the last three years, his expertise was still more offensively inclined. While he understood the general trends in defense over the next decade, he wanted a professional to handle the details.
When coaching the Bulldogs, he could rely on Stevens for the team's defensive work. But with the Warriors, their current defensive assistants weren't up to par, and Liam found this unacceptable.
Now, with Ron Adams on board, it was only a matter of time before the Warriors' defensive issues were resolved. Liam felt as if a weight had been lifted. If Ron Adams had declined, he truly didn't know who else to turn to.
Ron Adams also stood to see him off and gave him a playful wink.
"Liam, you're the boss now—just call me Ron."
They exchanged a look and laughed together.
…
September 30, Oakland, California.
The coastal climate kept the city's temperature mild year-round. However, Oakland was often shrouded in clouds and mist in the summer and felt damp and cold in winter. Only spring and fall were warm and sunny, making it more comfortable.
When the alarm rang, Liam got up promptly, opened the curtains, and stretched.
He hadn't stayed up late the night before, going to bed early. After a full nine hours of sleep, he felt refreshed.
Leaving his bedroom, Liam headed downstairs. Tina, his housekeeper, had already prepared breakfast.
He sat at the dining table, cutting his bacon leisurely, while Tina went to the wardrobe to help him choose a suit.
Today marked the beginning of the Warriors' preseason training camp and the start of their 2009-2010 season.
As head coach, Liam would soon be very busy. He made the most of his last chance to enjoy a quiet morning.
After breakfast, he put on the carefully chosen dark black suit Tina had picked and stepped outside.
Recently, Liam had contacted a realtor and purchased a mansion in the Glenview neighborhood for $1.9 million. However, unsatisfied with the interior decor, he decided to start from scratch. Currently, he was still living in Mark's house.
Opening the garage, he started the Porsche 911 and drove off.
Mark Baum had bought this car and kept it as a backup in Oakland, but he had never driven it. Instead, it had become Liam's go-to transportation.
Glenview was just 10 kilometers from Oracle Center. Liam drove quickly and arrived halfway there in no time.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed two familiar figures.
On the side of the road, Curry and Butler were jogging steadily side by side.
Liam drove slowly toward them, rolled down his window, and called out, "What are you two up to?"
Curry and Butler, recognizing Liam, quickly greeted him without slowing down.
"What a coincidence, boss… Jimmy and I are getting an early run in to warm up while the weather's still nice," Curry replied.
Both players lived in an apartment provided by the Warriors. It had two bedrooms and a living room—not very big, but only 5 kilometers from Oracle Center. Any player could apply to live there.
In general, only rookies and undrafted players chose to live in team apartments and moved out after signing a major contract.
Liam gave them a thumbs-up before hitting the gas and driving off with a roar.
Arriving at Oracle Arena, he parked his car, checked his phone, and walked into the Oracle Center.
End of this chapter
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