Of course, they called it a post-up sparring session.
But Kobe's main reason for coming over was still to get to know Blake Su.
As it happened, though, Blake Su already had plans today. Curry had invited him over to his house to hang out.
So, inside the Suns' training facility, Blake Su took the basketball from Kobe's hands and smiled.
"We can spar any day. Why don't we relax today and come hang out at Curry's place with us?
"He has a basketball court at home too.
"If we really want to, we can always spar there."
"Uh..."
Kobe thought about it. Since he had not come solely to spar with Blake Su in the first place, hanging out for a while sounded fine too, so he gladly agreed.
And so, Blake Su, Steve Nash, Carter, George, and Kobe headed to Curry's house together.
Of course, Goran Dragić, Frye, and several other Suns players had also been invited. They just did not go with Blake Su's group.
At 10 a.m., everyone arrived at an upscale villa district in Phoenix and entered Curry's home.
Curry might only be making a few million a year right now, but make no mistake, he was very much a "rich second generation." His father, Dell Curry, had also been an NBA player and had earned quite a bit over his career.
So, once it was confirmed that Curry would be settled in Phoenix for the next few years, his father decisively bought him a villa.
It was worth 18 million dollars and covered roughly 2,400 square meters.
In 2011, an 18-million-dollar villa was no small price. At present, Curry usually only stayed there during the offseason.
"Come on, come on!"
"Make yourselves at home!"
Curry smiled and gestured toward the massive villa. He had arranged for people to set things up in advance, so there were fruits, drinks, and snacks everywhere. The whole place felt like a huge outdoor party.
"Go, go, go!"
George was the first to charge off, wandering around to look and explore. Steve Nash, Carter, Goran Dragić, and the others followed him around as well.
"Come on, Blake, Kobe. I'll show you around!"
Curry led the two of them through the villa.
For Kobe, who owned villas even bigger than this, he was mostly just appreciating the place and taking a look around.
But for Blake Su, it was better before he started looking. Once he did, he was genuinely stunned. This was his first time seeing such a massive villa in person.
Outside the villa was a parking area that could fit at least six cars. Beside it stood the main building. The grounds were filled with lush plants, flowers, and greenery.
There was a swimming pool in the center of the estate, and the terrace beside it had a full barbecue setup.
The villa also had several smaller terraces for relaxing. There was even a half-court basketball court specifically for Curry's daily training.
That was just the exterior.
Inside the villa, there was everything one could ask for: a bar, a game room, a karaoke room, and more. Naturally, it also had the basics, like a large living room, bedrooms, and everything else.
In short, two words summed it up.
Pure luxury.
After walking around with Curry and experiencing just how lavish the villa was, Blake Su suddenly felt that his own little villa was not so appealing anymore.
A powerful urge to buy a villa rose in his heart. He wished he could get one right then and there.
At the same time, another thought crossed Blake Su's mind.
Being a "rich second generation" really was nice.
...
After touring the villa, it was time to enjoy themselves.
Frye and Carter were singing in the karaoke room. Steve Nash was playing a soccer video game. Curry and his fiancée, Ayesha, were preparing food together.
Kobe, Goran Dragić, and George called Blake Su over to play pool.
Pool?
Blake Su shook his head and laughed. "I don't know how to play."
"Come on!"
"What's so hard about it? Just hit it hard and hope for the best. We're only messing around."
Kobe laughed and tossed him a cue.
Blake Su shrugged and thought, fine, then I'll just mess around.
But then...
"Hey, Blake, you can't even make that shot?"
"Damn, that was a free shot into the middle pocket and you still missed? My God, you're unbelievably bad at this."
"No, seriously. How can someone who's a genius on the basketball court be this terrible at pool? I honestly can't wrap my head around it."
"Hahaha, I never thought there'd be something I'm better at than Blake Su. And not just better, way better."
"..."
Blake Su was bad at pool.
Truly bad.
But they had agreed to just mess around, yet he was getting roasted so hard he was almost questioning his life. Meanwhile, Kobe, George, and the others were having the time of their lives.
Even Curry, who came over after hearing the commotion, played much better than Blake Su.
George, Curry, and the others, who could not beat him on the basketball court but had finally found their moment at the pool table, discovered Blake Su's weakness and mocked him without mercy.
It felt unbelievably satisfying.
"Tch."
Blake Su grumbled and began taking pool seriously, hoping to make a comeback. But he really did not seem to have any feel for the game.
He just could not do it.
"Hah."
With a light sigh, Blake Su fearlessly let them laugh at him and thought, as long as you guys are happy. Once we get back to the court, I'll just take it out on the ball.
Of course, it was all just for fun. None of the teasing was meant to be taken seriously.
Before long, Curry and Ayesha made several delicious dishes together. Of course, they also ordered some food from a hotel. In any case, the spread was abundant.
Everyone enjoyed a cheerful lunch together, eating, chatting, and laughing in a warm atmosphere.
George even secretly told Blake Su that Kobe Bryant, who had come as a guest, fit in perfectly with them. If he could come to the Suns, the championship would be guaranteed.
Blake Su smiled awkwardly and did not answer.
Inwardly, he thought, even one peanut would have kept you from getting this drunk.
In the afternoon, after everyone had eaten and rested, they relaxed on the largest terrace behind the villa. A faint breeze blew as they looked out at the distant sea and part of the Phoenix cityscape.
Honestly, it was comfortable and relaxing.
After resting for a while, a group of basketball players gathered together in the afternoon, and naturally, basketball was unavoidable.
As a result, Blake Su, who had been mercilessly mocked at the pool table in the morning, gritted his teeth and first crushed George, then Carter, then Curry, beating them one after another.
He took back every bit of his "humiliation."
Even Kobe, in a one-on-one post-up sparring session, could not beat Blake Su, who had the clear advantage in height and shooting. Blake Su still defeated Kobe, the "best player in the league."
"Tsk, tsk..."
Curry clicked his tongue and said, "Nothing we can do about it. When it comes to basketball, Blake Su's 'monster' talent really is ridiculously strong."
"Hey!"
Just as Curry was speaking, George shouted and jogged over excitedly.
"The top ten plays from this year's All-Star Game are out! Everyone, come to the living room and watch!"