Chapter 418 T-Mac joins the Spurs

Time flew by, and it was already late March. The playoffs were fast approaching.

The Spurs flew to Washington for their second game of the season against the Wizards.

However, in addition to the game, they also had a task: to visit the White House.

It was an NBA tradition that the champion would get a chance to be received by the President every year.

This year was no exception.

The team members, coaching staff, and general manager Buford were all on the invitation list.

They arrived in Washington a day early and took a bus to the White House early the next morning.

After more than an hour's drive, they could see the iconic dome of the White House.

Tang Tian had been to the White House many times in his previous life, and it was very familiar to him.

The bus drove in from the South Gate, and after parking inside, the players got off the bus one after another.

"This is the South Lawn, where the President usually takes photos with important guests."

There were people to guide them when they got off the bus, and someone at the front was giving explanations.

The reception was just a process; the more important thing was the tour.

Except for some areas that are not open to the public, the White House is actually a very well-known tourist attraction.

Some American action movies, like *White House Down* and *Olympus Has Fallen*, were filmed using this background.

"The trees here are all planted by the President or the First Lady. That magnolia tree was planted by President Andrew Jackson more than a hundred years ago to commemorate his deceased wife."

As the only executive residence of the American president for hundreds of years, there are always many stories here.

Most of the players' attention was on the magnolia tree that the commentator was talking about.

At this time, Tang Tian vaguely heard Popovich and Buford communicating behind him, and the content of the communication was vaguely related to the signing.

At this time, the trade deadline and the buyout deadline were all over, so were they still changing the lineup?

"We need him to play LeBron's role in training. LeBron has developed some shooting ability this season, and he is the most suitable candidate."

"Okay, I got it. I will contact T-Mac's team."

Tang Tian deliberately slowed down a bit, but he only heard the last two sentences of their communication clearly.

At this time, they had already passed through the national floor staircase full of oil paintings and arrived at the East Room where the President was going to receive them.

"The East Room is the largest reception room in the National Building. It has housed the remains of seven presidents and hosted the weddings of many presidents' daughters. President Roosevelt watched Japanese sumo performances here, and President Kennedy enjoyed beautiful performances here..."

The staff was still introducing, but Tang Tian was recalling some things at this time.

In his previous life, McGrady did sign with the Spurs this season.

Outside fans felt that McGrady wanted to win a championship ring before retiring. After all, he had been playing for the CBA Qingdao team last season.

But judging from the communication between Popovich and Buford, the Spurs signed McGrady to play the role of LeBron.

Speaking of which, it was quite appropriate.

The current McGrady weighed a lot more than he did during his peak, but his shooting was still there, and he was quite useful in training games.

And to be honest, he and Green were both biased towards the shooting guard position, and besides Leonard, no one at the small forward position could match up with James.

After receiving President Obama's reception, taking a group photo at the South Lawn entrance introduced by the staff, and giving away jerseys, the Spurs' trip to the White House was almost over.

And the day after the team finished their game with the Wizards and returned to San Antonio, the Spurs officially announced a piece of news.

The team cut James Anderson and reached a one-year veteran minimum salary contract with McGrady.

"T-Mac hitched a ride on the Spurs' bandwagon? He is the only scoring champion in the NBA who has never made it past the first round of the playoffs."

"T-Mac hasn't played in the playoffs since the 2008 playoffs against the Jazz. The purpose of this signing is still unclear."

"T-Mac will be eligible to play in the playoffs because he was not on any team's roster this season and was not cut before March 1st."

…

After this news broke, the reaction in the United States was relatively calm, but the fans in China instantly exploded.

You must know that McGrady had just finished his CBA season and was at the peak of his popularity in China.

"I'm fucking crying, is McGrady finally going to get a championship ring?"

"This time, he's not just breaking through the first round, he's going all the way to the top of his life!"

"You're so horny, bro! But I like it!"

"Is McGrady the only superstar who has assisted two Chinese players? The last one was Yao, and this time it's Tang Tian."

"And this signing is really interesting. Do you guys remember McGrady's 35 seconds and 13 points! That was against the Spurs!"

"In order to never have to experience the scene of 35 seconds and 13 points again, we decided to sign McGrady! (≧∇≦)ﾉ"

"No matter what, the Spurs are the defending champions, and they are currently the number one in the league. McGrady really has a chance to get his championship ring this time!"

"I'm really looking forward to that scene. Tang Tian, keep up the good work. You are our present, but McGrady is our youth. I hope you can make our youth have no regrets!"

…

On the third day after the Spurs announced the signing, McGrady reported to the Spurs.

He really looked a little fat. In the late stages of his career, "Fat Mac" was indeed well-deserved.

"35 seconds and 13 points."

Ginobili didn't call McGrady's name when he came up, but directly greeted him with 35 seconds and 13 points.

McGrady laughed and then hugged Ginobili.

Parker and Diaw also went up to say hello.

They all had intersections with McGrady's career.

"Hey, Tang."

After McGrady greeted them, he took the initiative to come to Tang Tian.

"Yao told me that I must have a good relationship with you, so that next time he invites you to dinner, he can let me bring a message."

McGrady said as soon as he came up.

Tang Tian smiled, got up, shook hands with McGrady, and bumped shoulders.

McGrady's words were trying to get close, but they shouldn't be false.

He and Yao Ming hadn't met yet, and having a new teammate like McGrady to connect them would indeed be much more convenient.

McGrady used the locker that Anderson used before, which was quite close to Tang Tian's position.

Not long after sitting down, he used his legs to slide the chair next to Tang Tian.

"Manu just said that you practice extra every night?" McGrady asked.

Tang Tian nodded. He was now completely used to practicing extra at night, and he would even feel uncomfortable if he didn't.

"That's good. I need to recover my physical strength now, so we can do it together then."

McGrady was inviting Tang Tian to train together.

Tang Tian nodded with a smile, his eyes unconsciously glancing towards Diaw.

Speaking of which, Diaw was also a fat man when he first came. Now Fat Mac was going to train with him too. He was really destined to be with fat men.