NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 397 Extravagant Hopes and Experiments (Daily Chapter)

Stoudemire's agent, Jeff Schwartz, was even more active during the playoffs.

The 41-year-old Schwartz likes navy blue formal suits and always maintains a sophisticated and capable short-haired image in front of the media.

His previous experience as a judicial assistant to a federal bankruptcy judge in Los Angeles and as a lawyer in the commercial litigation department made him look confident.

In 92, Schwartz started his sports management career. In the 2000 Tennis Magazine selection, he was named the 15th most influential person in tennis.

In 2002, Schwartz founded Excel Sports Management, a full-service basketball management and marketing company that has grown rapidly in recent years!

As a basketball agent, what Schwartz currently lacks is a superstar who can handle it. He urgently needs a success story.

The development of the NBA will drive the rise of different brokerage companies.

In the 90s, David Falk already won money with Michael Jordan;
In 2000, Mark Bartelstein's Priority Sports sports agency started a crazy harvest journey in the basketball field relying on Li Youye.

Unlike the early NBA, players' salaries are getting higher and higher. Naturally, agencies will not give up on such a market, and aspiring players have already started competing off the court.

The Goodwin brothers secured LeBron James, and in just two seasons, they had already made a lot of money!

With endorsement contracts worth more than 1 million US dollars, the agent naturally received considerable returns.

In order to build the company's name, Schwartz has been encouraging Stoudemire to fight for the starting position.

A true superstar will never serve as a substitute. No matter how high his tactical status is, he will always be the starter, which means more attention.

What makes Schwartz depressed is that the Knicks' meritorious basketball atmosphere is too strong!

Role players like Kurt Thomas simply outnumbered Stoudemire. If it weren't for the injuries to the Knicks, Schwartz felt that his players would never make it.

Fortunately, opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared. As Duncan and Gasol both entered the injured list after the end of G2, Swartz felt that their opportunity had come.

On Friday, June 6th, both the Knicks and Spurs flew to San Antonio.

Tomorrow night will usher in G3 of the Finals. Spurs fans feel that this situation seems familiar. They have encountered a stage of life and death.
Schwartz, who was still in Manhattan, once again shouted for his players.

Without being interviewed by the New York media, Swartz came to the door. He just left the Tarrytown Training Center in the morning and took the initiative to reveal the news to the reporters:

"Don't worry about injuries. Amare, who has entered the starting lineup, can take care of the Spurs' inside line!"

"He's a beast and no one in the league can stop him."

"In many cases, offense is the best defense. Amare is indeed not the next Kevin Garnett. In my opinion, his offensive talent far exceeds that of the MVP!"

The New York Post reporter has heard this kind of boast more than once. In fact, everyone is not worried about the finals, but is more concerned about Stoudemire's fate:
"Jeff, we are old friends. Have you and Greenfield reached an agreement?"

"Will we see Stoudemire in Madison Square Garden next season?"

Schwartz smiled when he heard the question, but did not give an affirmative answer:

"After three seasons, I think New York fans have a clear understanding of Amare's talent."

"Our first choice will always be the Knicks. No one will refuse to play on a championship team, let alone next year's team option."

"But I still have to say something for my player. He needs a starting position, more playing time and more shots."

"These are reasonable requests because Amare can help the team!"

"Continuing to serve as a substitute will only waste his talent. In my opinion, Amare is an MVP-level player. After his rookie season, he will enter a period of rapid growth."

"."

The New York media were a little disappointed when they failed to get a more definite answer.

As for Stoudemire, everyone still hopes that the rookie they selected can always play for New York.

But if there is a problem within the team, the media and fans will have the same view:
"Trade as soon as possible to get talent that is better suited for the Knicks!"

The number of shots a team has is limited, and fans hope to see Li You take 24+ shots in a game, which would take up nearly 1/3 of the shots.

The number of shots left for other players is limited. Considering that Hill and Artest will return next season, the ball is already somewhat insufficient.

Schwartz certainly knows this, he just wants to bring his players to a team that is more suitable.

The new team must be able to compete in the playoffs, and the coaching staff needs to commit to unlimited firing rights.

Play perfect data in the last year of his rookie contract, and finally use this beautiful Excel to get a maximum salary contract. If possible, it would be even better to win an MVP.

Looking at the sports reporters talking in low voices in front of him, Schwartz once again showed a confident look:
"Believe me, Amare will explode in the G3 game, and he has already begun to fulfill his talent!"

"."

Mark Bartelstein is somewhat dissatisfied with Excel Sports. The other party's poaching behavior in the Knicks has affected his interests.

Schwartz not only wants to turn Stoudemire into an MVP-level player, but also wants to recruit role players.

At the same time, the other party also provides packaging services to the Knicks. As long as Grunfield asks, Excel Sports will try its best to meet the demand and actively pimp and recommend players.

There is still a slight gap between this kind of service and traditional basketball agency companies, but Mark Bartelstein knows that as long as it develops smoothly, Schwartz will definitely succeed.

On the night of the 10th, Li You, who returned to the hotel, listened to the complaints of his old friends and also joked:
“The package is good and if you have players that meet the needs of the team, Glenfield wouldn’t mind working with you.”

Bartelstein, who was still in the Chicago office, looked at the list on the computer and was speechless for a while. He tried to say to Li You on the phone:
"If the Knicks choose to trade, you appear to be missing a potential big man."

"Whether Kwame Brown meets your requirements, you know, he just suffered injuries this year."

"Well, I've communicated with him. In fact, he doesn't want to play with the Wizards anymore. Even if the management offers a good contract, Brown insists on leaving Washington."

Li You almost forgot about this little transparency, but after hearing such a recommendation, he could only cough lightly and politely refuse:
"Brown's rebounding is too poor and he is not suitable for a championship team."

"But I think he can go to Los Angeles to play. The Lakers are in a rebuilding period and they should be hungry for a good big man."

"I think Brown also fell in love with that city, you know, playing in Los Angeles, there's a lot more attention, and at the same time, they're very generous."

Mark Bartelstein felt a little regretful at first, and then felt that Li You was right.

Los Angeles is a great place, and you can get extra attention by playing there. If it works well, Kwame Brown has no reason to refuse:
"This is indeed a good idea. I need to communicate with Brown. He should like Los Angeles."

"Lee, Glenfield seems to be in trouble. When we met at the end of last month, he lost a lot of weight. Maybe there is something wrong with your management."

Listening to the news on the phone, Li You had a question mark on his face. James Dolan had no chance to interfere with the team this season and had been fighting with the city hall.

The curly-haired boss doesn’t fix things, the team has an excellent record, everything is in order internally, and there’s nothing to worry about at all:

"Maybe he just has a stomach flu, and losing weight wouldn't be a bad thing!"

"."

On the morning of June 6, Bloomberg suddenly broke the news:
"MSG executive alleges sexual harassment at the hands of General Manager Grunfeld."

The relevant reports were very brief, stating only that the harassment began during the Knicks' trip to China for a preseason game.

This news quickly swept New York, and reporters from the media rushed to the Tarrytown Training Center to try to interview the person involved.

Of course, the Knicks refused to be interviewed. Sexual harassment is not a trivial matter, and it will affect MSG's image.

In the afternoon, James Dolan, who stayed in Manhattan, was interviewed angrily and said very firmly:
"This is naked slander! Bloomberg's news is a complete fabrication."

"The West End Stadium project has embarrassed some people and they are taking revenge on the Dolan family. We will not compromise!"

Everyone on the Knicks team in San Antonio was a little confused when they saw the news:

"Did this happen during the summer league in China?"

Once sexual harassment is involved, not only the Knicks, but also the NBA will also intervene.

Although the news has not yet been confirmed, the sports media are also following suit and want to interview the players as soon as possible.

Li You didn't pay attention at first, until Ewing awkwardly revealed something to him:

"Not only administrative staff were involved, but girls from the cheerleading team also participated in the party."

The gorilla also had an embarrassed look on his face. Although both parties were consensual at the time, now he is not sure whether anyone will come forward to expose him.

You must know that the heat of Kobe Bryant's illegal invasion case has just passed. As a result, the Knicks have another sexual harassment case. David Stern must not feel good about it.

After hearing Ewing's story, Li You recalled the arrangements for the trip to China.

In order to ensure an authentic game, the girls from the cheerleading team did accompany them, and relevant administrative staff also participated in the pre-season games.

The Knicks, who had warmed up in advance, did not accept interviews at this time. Li You looked at Ewing, who looked ugly and looked worried, and could only comfort him and said:
"It's been more than half a year. It makes no sense that someone would come forward and accuse you at this time."

Ewing shook his head. Although the gorilla was fat as a ball, his brain was not filled with fat:
"You have underestimated the media reporters. This matter will escalate quickly, and there is a high probability that it will even affect you."

"If nothing else happens, these sports media will still settle old scores. In short, some people want to see relevant news, and some people will report it desperately."

Li You knew that what Ewing was talking about was the media digging into Michael Jordan's affair after his affair, but he was a single man and didn't care about such reports at all.

Most of the Knicks players are following suit. Gasol will still start tonight, but he won't have too much playing time.

D'Antoni is still not sure whether Duncan will continue to play tonight. The Spurs have done a very good job of keeping it secret, but the coaching staff can also guess the opponent's game strategy.

The G2 Knicks role players performed well, forcing the Spurs to change their defensive formation from time to time. There is a high probability that Li You will encounter crazy double-teaming by the opponent in the first half. At this time, what everyone has to do is to complete 4-on-3 and seize the open opportunity.

Gasol, who is moving his body, is receiving instructions from assistant coach Mike Malone:
"If you feel discomfort in your foot, just get to the foul line more and catch the ball."

"When our wings get opportunities, they must pass the ball decisively. The opponent's rotation speed is very fast. When we return to the home court, the referee will take care of them."

Gasol has long been familiar with such tactical arrangements, but he is also very clear about the abilities of his teammates:

"If we don't capitalize on those open looks, do we have to stick with the same playbook?"

Mike Malone naturally knows what Gasol is referring to, and the shooting of Laga Bell and Prince is sometimes unreliable.

Once the iron is struck, players will instinctively attack the basket, and the Spurs will definitely keep Duncan under the basket. In addition to taking care of the foot injury, more importantly, they believe in Duncan's ability to protect the frame.

This is a game of choice. Popovich failed in the first two games.

"We are the leading side. Trust each other and don't put too much pressure on yourself. The Spurs are more nervous than us."

Mike Malone looked at Raja Bell who was still actively warming up outside the three-point line and responded in a low voice. He missed Artest and Hill a little, and it was actually a better choice to forcefully drive to the basket and take free throws.

On the night of the 11th, as the Spurs officially confirmed that Tim Duncan would continue to start, San Antonio fans were completely relieved.

If I lost my thigh, I would probably lose tonight.

The game officially started at 20 o'clock. There was still an hour before the game, and the SBC Center Arena became lively.

Popovich has been very quiet these past two days and has not disclosed much information to the media. Spurs players rarely give interviews.

Before the game, when Duncan entered the stadium, he was surrounded by sports media before entering the player tunnel:
"Duncan, we have lost two consecutive games by big margins. Will the team make adjustments tonight?"

Wearing a large white shirt, Duncan looked very light on his feet and very confident when answering questions:
"No, we will stick to the previous game strategy. I like everyone's performance in G2."

"."

Duncan didn't say much, but most reporters confirmed that the Spurs' injury information was likely a smokescreen.

Before the game started, ABC, as the broadcaster, also began to play some interviews to the audience in front of the TV.

When the audience in front of the TV saw the footage of Popovich, they all felt that the reputation of the best coach was not in vain.

"How good the Knicks are, no one knows them better than we do!"

“The game of basketball is all about putting the ball in the hoop, and Lee made it easy.”

"Prior to this, Lee scored 4+ points 50 times in the Finals, which helped them easily defeat the Lakers."

"I admire Lee very much, but the basketball game belongs to five people. If he scores 5 points against the Spurs, it means our chance is here."

"The Spurs are completely different from most teams in the league. We have a selfless leader. I hope everyone can trust Duncan and he will bring a championship to this city!"

Popovich's eyes were red when he said these words in front of the camera. Maybe it was because of his outstanding acting skills, or maybe he was recalling the experience of almost being dismissed from get out of class.

The relationship between Duncan and Popovich is very good, and the head coach’s true feelings also moved the fans in front of the TV. Maybe this is pure basketball in San Antonio.
At the end of the G2 game, Li You scored 5+ points in the finals for the fifth time in his career, once again breaking his own record.

Naturally, the major sports media have been reporting wildly in the past two days, and Popovich's prediction has also become a hot topic among many fans.

2 people poured into the SBC Center Arena. For Spurs fans, tonight is a life and death battle. They must contribute their energy to the home team!
After the game started at 20 o'clock, the shouting could not stop. The fans burst out with great enthusiasm and kept shouting loudly for the Spurs.

It's just the content of the game that scares the fans, the Spurs are so tough!
Fortunately, as the game time passed, the Knicks did not seize the open opportunity. Before the end of the half, Laga Bell lacked confidence and frequently returned the ball to Li You.

The empty bottom corner failed to shoot in time, which also made the Knicks' offensive rhythm slower and slower.

The Spurs, who were struggling outside the three-point line, worked hard on the defensive end. As long as they returned the ball, they waited for Li You to be surrounded by two people.

The alternately rising score made the Spurs players even more nervous. Fortunately, Parker's two-point pick-and-roll tonight finally picked up.

Before halftime, Brent Barry, who came on as a substitute, hit a valuable three-pointer in the right corner!
"what!"

The Spurs fans at the scene screamed, and many people felt like they were going to lose the game at any time.

At 52:53, the Spurs ended the half with a one-point advantage.

Stewart Scott was wearing a formal suit, adjusted his glasses, and interviewed Popovich immediately.

The huge noise in the arena made the sideline reporter subconsciously raise his voice:
"Are the coaching staff satisfied with the Spurs' performance in the first half?"

Popovich shouted until his voice became hoarse. This game was heart-wrenching to watch, but at this time he could only boast X confidently:

"Everyone perfectly executed the game strategy formulated before the game. It was a perfect half for us!"

The three GDP players performed stably, scoring 38 points together and performing very efficiently.

The Spurs played impeccably in the half except for 8 of 2 from beyond the arc.

In the Knicks locker room, Stoudemire was particularly excited. As he expected, he got more opportunities.

13 of 7 in the half, 4 of 2 free throws, 16 points, 5 rebounds and 1 turnover. With these data, Stoudemire has become the team's second scoring point.

When outside pitchers hesitated, the Knicks, who replaced Stoudemire, entered a solo mode.

Li You gave the ball to Stoudemire, who would only share the ball when he had to.

Considering the performance of 11 of 3 from beyond the three-point line in the half, the coaching staff acquiesced to Stoudemire's offensive choice.

Although he encountered strict defense from his opponents, Li You's data was not affected much.

12中7，三分线外3中1，罚球4中4，19分4篮板4助攻1抢断。

Realizing that Raja Bell had become less confident, before going on the stage, Li You encouraged him again:
"We need to speed up and if we can't make the shot, rebound it."

"The game of basketball is actually very simple. If you can't make a shot, grab it. Don't be too cautious in front of your opponents. This will only make them punish you."

Laga Bell nodded quickly. If it was the regular season, he would not have any psychological burden. It was just the stage of the finals that still affected his mental state.

After the start of the second half, both sides still failed to find a shooting touch from outside the three-point line.

It was not until the end of the third quarter that Bowen and Horry, who was 3 for 4 in the half, finally seized the open opportunity.

The turning point of the game came in the second half of the fourth quarter. With 4 minutes and 3 seconds left in the game, Kurt Thomas was forced to leave the game with 21 fouls.

Duncan's low attack was rewarded, but two missed free throws made the Spurs fans at the scene feel half cold.

Stoudemire, who had just come on as a substitute, was rebounded by Duncan on his head, and then Horry hit a three-pointer from the right corner.

Horry, who had been possessed by the blacksmith before, seemed to have opened up the second line of Ren and Du, and then made consecutive three-pointers from the left wing.

Three consecutive three-pointers finally allowed the Spurs to widen the point difference to 5 points.

Popovich couldn't wait to rush to the court to cooperate with his teammates to double-team Li You. Although Stoudemire was still scoring, Ginobili's free throw allowed the Spurs to escape.

As Li Youqiang missed a three-pointer at the last moment, the score was fixed at 102:105.

The SBC Center Arena was completely boiling. The moment the game ended, Duncan hugged Horry excitedly and shouted happily:
"We win! You are our hero tonight."

In a single quarter, he made 5 of 4, 4 of 3 from beyond the three-point line, and 2 of 2 free throws. When Parker misfired, Horry's 13 points saved the team.

Stoudemire was a little disappointed. He obviously played well, but the team lost.
D'Antoni shook hands with Popovich in front of the technical stage. The two did not communicate much. After all, no one likes to see the winner's smiling face.

On both sides of the player tunnel, Spurs fans saw Li You walking over with a calm expression, and they all started cheering:

"Scumbag!"

Perhaps the news that Scarlett and Kim were pregnant at the same time was unearthed by the deliberate media, and Spurs fans began to attack Li You's personal life.

Although it was a bit regretful to lose, it was even more regrettable for the Knicks that they failed to sweep their opponents and once again achieved 16:0.

Spurs fans were obviously overjoyed. When Li You and his teammates got on the bus and prepared to return to the hotel, they were even besieged by the fans.

Li You was the last to get on the bus and sat with the coaching staff in front.

For games where shots are missed, D'Antoni actually has a plan, but he has to take some risks.

As soon as he sat down, Li You heard the mustache beside him whisper:
"I definitely made the wrong choice tonight and maybe I should have considered playing Derrick longer."

"Lee, what do you think about lowering the height of the lineup?"

After trying it for a season, D'Antoni still wants to try his crazy experiment on a bigger stage.

The coaching staff didn't say anything. After all, this was the finals. If they lost another game, the New York media, who were used to winning, might "rip them apart."

Looking at Mustache's expectant eyes, Li You smiled, with a different emotion in his heart:

"You are the BOSS, you have the final say on tactics, and I will fully support you!"

The bus is still squirming. The Spurs fans surrounding it don’t know yet that the Knicks plan to “experiment.” Many fans are still enjoying the victory:

"Knicks get out of San Antonio!"

"."

(End of this chapter)