Is it inevitable that Hector deserves his new signature contract but a lifetime contract? He should not have the qualifications. Unlike Lebron or Durant, he was never an MVP or NBA champion. The sporting aspect cannot be the only factor.
That's why nobody initially understood, but when Hector's sporting possessions were revealed, it became logical. This is not a minor contract. Since Lebron's retirement, he is probably the wealthiest of the NBA players.
Harrison Barnes talks about it in J.J. Reddick's podcast.
"Hector is a discreet person. When he was a rookie, I never saw him drive a car. He would run from his house to the training room. He still does it now. I've seen him grow up, but he hasn't grown. He's still the same. »
"During the holidays, he is never in the United States. After his retirement, he will return to Mexico if his twins are not home. He is very attached to his house. »
"He became a leader while keeping that discretion. He has never been inclined to power or control. He's the kind of person who wants to do the right things. Distinctions or records are not his source of motivation. »
"In his second season, when he told me he wanted to reach 90% at free throws, I thought he was crazy. But he is a realist and knows what he is capable of more than anyone else. He listens to everyone. Even rookies can advise him, and he makes everyone progress. The future of our team is in good hands. »
That was before the start of the regular season. And he was right. After signing his shoe deal, he did not relax the pressure with 32 points and 17 rebounds with ten offensive rebounds.
He was interviewed at the end of the game.
"I'm in good shape right now. I had the space to be aggressive on the rebound and did well. We won the game. That's all that matters, right? »
The Bulls didn't have the weapons to defeat him, but the next opponent was awkward. Several teams have rebuilt their rosters, and one of the best is the Indiana Pacers. With a Haliburton-Sabonis duo, All-Stars, and Mathurin, they are a strong team in the Eastern Conference.
There are days when it's not the right day. This is the case with Hector today. It has become rare for Hector to finish a game with less than 50% in field goals. Even 60% is low for him. Fortunately, the Kings collective is solid because Hector's 11 points did not weigh heavy.
But his activity in defense was rewarded with a five-by-five. 11 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks. Unlike his previous seasons, he becomes a high-level protective rim. It is not the best, but impossible to get it out of the top 10 in this area.
It is partly thanks to this that he is double DPOY and goes for the treble. The victories follow one another for Sacramento, led by a transcendent Hector. It's too early to name an MVP, but Hector is campaigning for the trophy.
His stats so far speak for themselves. In 12 games, 3 are 20-rebound games, and he did not perform games below 15 rebounds outside the game against the Pacers.
With 28.1 points, 15.58 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.6 steals, and 2.1 blocks impossible not to be visible. It's too much to go unnoticed. He is not alone, as Ja Morant, Zion, and Barrett are making a great start to the season. Not to mention old monsters like Giannis, who is always hungry, and Jokic.
SGA and Doncic are also serious contenders, but Hector and Giannis win the first players of the month.
The Kings are atop the Western Conference with 10 wins and 2 losses. But it's time to face an awkward opponent in a game that counts for the NBA Cup. A friend of Hector's arrived in Sacramento to challenge the Kings.
His team is in third place in the Western Conference, and the winner will likely qualify to go to Las Vegas.
The Memphis Grizzlies are here.