Dragging his suitcase out of Phoenix International Airport, Chen Yu was hit by a wave of heat that felt surprisingly nostalgic.
It was hot in Japan and South Korea, too, but being by the sea, it was a humid, muggy heat.
In Phoenix's desert climate, however, one deep breath was enough to feel the dryness in your nostrils.
"Over here." Not far away, a sunglasses-wearing Brian was already waving.
Then, as always, he bustled forward to take the suitcase.
Chen Yu joked, "You're practically my full-time chauffeur at this point."
Brian rolled his eyes, then said with a serious expression, "I'm showing you respect. Look at all 29 teams in the league—no, it'll be 30 teams soon. Out of all of them, which team doctor gets this kind of treatment from their general manager?"
Back in early May, the league had officially approved the Hornets' application to move from Charlotte to New Orleans.
At the same time, Stern promised Charlotte City that a brand-new team would be established there.
