NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 403: Meritorious Basketball (Daily Chapter)
On the morning of July 2005, 7, a large number of media gathered at Police Plaza in Lower Manhattan.

As the headquarters of the New York City Police Department, it became especially lively today to honor heroic police officers.

The auditorium of the police headquarters was already filled with police officers. Old Chief Ray Kelly, wearing a black formal suit, was chatting with Li You in the corner. The commendation ceremony had not yet begun, and their hero was still on the way.

This heroic police officer was injured while chasing a drug suspect in the Bronx. At the time, the Southern District U.S. Attorney's Violent Crimes Division was in charge of the case.

The drug suspect fled to Brownsville in the far south of Texas. Coincidentally, the black police officer happened to encounter him while on vacation.
A fierce gun battle broke out between the two sides. When the black police officer Patrick Caprice emptied his magazine, he was also injured in his left arm, abdomen, and chest.

If the bulletproof vest had not blocked a bullet, the black police officer would have died on the spot.

As the director of the Violent Crimes Division, Jin has been cooperating with the New York Police Department. The previous failure in arrest led to this accident. In order not to chill the police officers, he naturally had to greet him.

"It had a bad impact when Caprice's partner left him, but we all understand the choice."

"New York police officers are shot and killed every year, and that's not their job."

Kelly, the old director, had a shaved forehead and said this with a frown. The deep wrinkles on his face made him look even older.

"."

"The body armor has done a great job, Mr. Kelly. I will increase my support for the police department's equipment."

Jin on the side was wearing dark blue business attire, with some baggy trousers covering his swollen waist. He nodded in approval, and then made a guarantee:
"We have always tried our best to avoid such accidents. Caprice is a hero and will compensate for the injuries he suffered."

The two black boys with curly hair are die-hard fans of Li You. After the sadness passed, they hugged their idol and never let go.

Mark Bartelstein reminded Li You that flaunting wealth will lead to disgust among fans.

Not far from the New York Police Department headquarters are the headquarters of several newspapers. The commendation meeting in the morning was quickly reported by many media.

What makes him feel gratified is that his community is relatively safe and he can always see the NYPD at night.

Facing media reporters, the black woman held Li You and cried very sadly, constantly saying words of thanks.

Old Chief Kelly first delivered a touching speech, and then the black police officer Caprice was sworn in as a police detective in the presence of everyone.

Jin shook his head, looked at Li You who was surrounded by four children in the audience, and said calmly:
"Prosecutor Charles agreed to my application. I may be responsible for more financial cases in the future. This is what I am good at."

Heroes are taken care of, children's idols donate generously, and ordinary citizens like to see news like this.

Due to pay cuts for police officers in recent years, recovery after injury costs a lot of dollars, which can completely drain a family's savings.

"My personal foundation is responsible for all of his medical expenses. The hero deserves the best treatment, including his subsequent rehabilitation, and the New York Police Department does not have to worry."

"Bless you, I heard it's a boy?"

Caprice's black wife is an ordinary woman who is a bit stout. There is nothing special about her except that she has a louder voice.

"Thank you Lee, we can't thank you enough for saving our family."

"Keeping calm under pressure and charging under fire, Caprice showed us the heroic qualities of a New York police officer!"

"."

Caprice, who has limited mobility, had tears in his eyes. His wife and four children in the audience also burst into tears. The applause in the auditorium was even warmer.

"."

Li You in the back was also wearing a black formal suit. He looked at more and more police officers gathering in the auditorium and whispered:

The unlucky child suffered the iron fist of his mother's justice. There were more and more people in the auditorium. Li You shrugged his shoulders and simply responded to the people who were gloating about his misfortune:

Osgood sent his blessings with a smile, and Jin chuckled and shook his head:
"It's not clear yet, we don't care about gender."

The reporter from the New York Times almost laughed out loud. They were old acquaintances with Li You. They straightened up and immediately joked in a low voice:
"Don't worry, Li, such news won't appear in the newspapers tomorrow, but you should also consider your real girlfriend."

Looking at Jin who kept clapping his hands, Osgood said with some regret:

Soon a reporter from the New York Times interviewed two little guys:
"Your father is a hero in New York. We are proud of you. When you grow up, do you also want to be a glorious New York police officer?"

In order to fulfill the wishes of the hero's family, Li You also came to be the mascot today.

The fat black boy first looked up at Li You, then facing the reporter who was squatting down, he mustered up the courage to say loudly:

The white deputy inspector, with his hair slicked back, looked at the touching scene in the audience and wiped the corners of his eyes deliberately.

When it was close to 9 o'clock, Jin straightened his ponytail and quietly pulled Li You, and soon the auditorium burst into cheers and thunderous applause.

"No, I want to play basketball. I want to be a big star like Li, make more money, and have more girlfriends."

Li You, who was rubbing his head, could only smile in embarrassment. The black woman was almost angry to death because of her son. He hit him with a big neck and beat the little fat man until he pursed his lips and became silent.

"Wexler, do you plan to leave the crime branch in the future? We have worked well together over the past few years."

Patrick Caprice, dressed in a police uniform, staggered onto the stage, and the police officers and media below shouted loudly.

"I don't think people are interested in my personal life. After all, I'm just an ordinary basketball player."

Although Li You had said this several times, Old Kelly still had a smile on his face after hearing this:

Li You could only hug the excited family member to express his comfort, and soon the New York media came forward to interview and take photos.

There are 12 branches in the Bronx, and Jin will receive some care every time he goes there. Overall, the investment over the years has not been lost.

Li You secretly rolled his eyes. Every year he donated money to the fire department and police department, but this money did not improve the grassroots personnel much.

Constables were promoted, and Crime Task Force chief Michael Osgood was promoted to deputy inspector.

"Lee, our Patrol Service would appreciate your support, you are a true New Yorker!"

If most fans knew that Li You bought the Peninsula Manor in Greenwich for the full price, it is estimated that many people would lose their fans.

Basketball players can live well, but not too well.
Today happens to be Friday, and there will also be a holiday on Independence Day on the 4th. On the way home at noon, Li You hugged Jin in the car and suggested:

"Why don't you go back to Greenwich directly? The air is better there."

Jin, who took off his coat and wore a blue shirt, thought about it for a while but still shook his head and refused:

"Stay in Manhattan. Aren't you going to the Tarrytown Training Center in the next few days? This way the distance is closer."

Old Mike, who was driving in front, glanced at the rearview mirror and suggested in a deep voice:

"There have been more reporters taking pictures recently, so going to Peninsula Manor is a better choice."

Thanks to Scarlett's belly shopping with her mother in Los Angeles, more people began to pay attention to Li You's private life.

Holding the girl in his arms tightly, Li You felt that this was not a big deal and said obediently:

"Then stay in Manhattan and just change the chef in the next few days."

A new family member will be welcomed in October. Jin is looking forward to her future life.

On the afternoon of the 1st, James Dolan temporarily assumed the role of general manager and announced the official signing of No. 30 rookie David Lee.

Perhaps it was the first time that he had participated in the entire selection of a player. The Curly Boss invited many media to come to the Tarrytown Training Center to witness it.

David Lee, who has curly hair, was obviously shocked and didn't understand why he was so valued by his boss.

Although he is a second-generation rich man, this does not add points to his basketball prowess, and is even a minus in the eyes of some teams.

The holiday is coming soon, and the Knicks training camp will start next Wednesday. From the 15th to the 19th, 19 players will go to the summer league in Minneapolis.

The Knicks will then play five games against the Rockets, Raptors, Pacers, Bucks and Timberwolves.

The media gathered at the Tarrytown Training Center. In addition to witnessing David Lee, they were more concerned about the news that Artest would also play with the team in the summer league.

TNT believes Artest's addition will make this year's summer league more interesting.

Many fun fans even bet on the Internet whether Artest will still strike hard when faced with provocation.
In the media room, David Lee was a little nervous, and James Dolan almost blew him away:
"There is no need to doubt my professional vision. When Kurt's condition declines, David will take on this responsibility." "Of course I know this about the transition between old and new. This is why I chose David. Our core is still young. He can grow with the team."

James Dolan, who was wearing a Knicks championship T-shirt, tried to look professional, but just after he said these words, a reporter quickly asked:
"We don't know David Lee's strength, maybe we can look at his performance in the summer league."

"But what I want to ask is, is the Knicks biased?"

The Knicks are often complained about being "too white", not just by the players, but also by the cheerleaders.

In addition, most of the management are white, which is why the New York Daily News reporter asked the question.

Hearing that the other party was planning to slap the hat on him again, James Dolan immediately said angrily:

"We only focus on the quality of the players, who cares about skin color?"

"If you think this is bias, who would be better than David with the 30th pick?"

David Lee couldn't get a word in, so he could only smile politely, but he felt more and more confused. He always felt that he was getting special treatment.
Fortunately, the New York Post reporter did not embarrass him and asked David Lee a friendly question:

"David, joining the Knicks, will soon play with Lee. What are your expectations for your rookie season?"

David Lee knew that there was a high probability that he would "sit through the bench", but when he answered the question, he immediately turned into a "dog licker":
"I'm very excited to play with the best player in history. This is a dream come true for me."

"I will train hard and try to get more playing time. The Knicks are the defending champions and I still have a lot to learn."

"It is my goal to enter the rotation in the new season, and I will do my best to help the team!"

James Dolan seemed very satisfied with these words and immediately added:
"I see potential in David and there is no doubt he will be a great addition to Lee."

Facing the questioning looks of many reporters, David Lee had a forced smile on his face, and his whole body felt numb. He was just a late-round pick, how could he become the big boss's heart?
Julos Sloka, whom the Knicks selected with the 60th overall pick, will not be able to land in the NBA next season, and the Slovenian big man has not attracted any attention.

On Saturday, July 7nd, the first weekend, the Los Angeles Times broke the news that Kobe was training hard with rookies Bynum and Vaughn Weaver:
"At 7 o'clock in the morning, what we saw in the Lakers training facility was Kobe Bryant, who was sweating profusely."

"There is no doubt that Kobe took on the responsibility of a leader during the offseason and helped the team start training camp early!"

"Kobe is very satisfied with this year's draft. He promised the fans that the Lakers will return to the Finals in the new season."

Yahoo Sports also joined in the fun and confirmed that Kobe has fully recovered from his injury.

Lakers fans were naturally ecstatic when they saw such news. Everyone likes good kids who train hard!
Most teams have to prepare for the summer league and will not start training until next week at the earliest, but Kobe has been practicing for more than a month. This performance impressed Los Angeles fans.

However, the New Yorkers who like to have fun quickly let everyone on the West Coast break their defenses. The comments below the relevant news made the sports commentators happy:

“Offseason champion—Los Angeles Lakers!”

“Offseason FMVP—Kobe Bryant.”

ESPN, as always, dislikes Kobe and began to tease the training guru on Sunday:
"This is really good news for the Lakers. Maybe they can save a salary and Kobe can consider part-time training."

"."

Newcomers Bynum and Weaver also have difficulties, saying that getting attention is a good thing, but Kobe's training mode is unbearable.

Caron Butler, who has been involved in trade rumors all season, is also training with Kobe, and they didn't rest on Sunday.

When I arrived at the training ground early in the morning, I was blocked by the Los Angeles media.

Every trade rumor has its own story. When Caron Butler heard the other party ask again where he wanted to play, he said impatiently:
"I'm fed up with these trade rumors. If I could choose, I'd like to play with Lee!"

"We both came from the University of Connecticut, and Coach Calhoun's basketball philosophy has always guided us. This is the best choice."

"But business is business, and I don't know where I'll be in the future."

Some reporters had just walked through the parking lot in front of Xilianguan. When they heard these words, they immediately asked curiously:
"Why not play with Kobe? This season you are the Lakers' No. 2 scorer. In the new season you have a big man with outstanding talent like Bynum."

Looking at the "Toyota Sports Center" sign, Caron Butler interrupted the other party:

"Kobe is great and he loves basketball very much, but we all know that playing with Lee has a better chance of winning the championship."

"Stop asking these silly questions. The truth is, I can't decide my future."

"."

After completing training in the afternoon, Kobe was a little tired. The advantage of playing in Los Angeles is that he can get more attention, but sometimes this is also a bad thing.

Before he reached the parking lot, Kobe was surrounded by reporters, and some of them became megaphones, repeating Caron Butler's words with added embarrassment.

"?"

Kobe felt angry when he heard this. He invited Butler to train with him, which was sending a signal to the management and taking care of his younger brother.

He never expected to be "betrayed" on the spot. Kobe's face turned even darker and he ended the interview hastily:
"I've won championships, and I know very well that championships don't mean everything."

"I enjoy the process of leading the team and pursuing the championship together with my teammates!"

"."

Although the Lakers fished early, most sports media still liked to report the news.

Many people also expect the Lakers and Knicks to continue to meet in the finals. The Spurs team is really not popular.

Kobe Bryant is trying to retain Caron Butler, and he is quite satisfied with the team's current lineup.

Since the players union has not been able to reach an agreement with the NBA, free agent signing day is likely to be set at the end of the month.

Currently in the midst of a freeze period, agents and general managers of various teams have begun looking for players.

On the morning of Monday, Independence Day, the 4th, Li You also met Glenfield, who had lost a lot of weight, at his home on 82nd Street.

Since Bloomberg broke the news, the matter has intensified, with the executives involved ultimately choosing to take the Knicks general manager to court.

The championship satisfies the fans, but fans and enthusiasts will not let go of such hot news.

After the newspaper broke the news that the two parties had never reached a settlement and that Grunfield was likely to be suspended, many people became excited again.
There is an achievement room in Li You's home where trophies are placed. Small trophies such as best of the week, best of the month, and individual leader are crowded in the cabinet.

What stood out were the seven golden trophies and numerous group photos. Looking at these honors, Glenfield sighed secretly.

With a haggard face and a beard, Li You looked at his old partner who remained silent and couldn't help but comfort him:

"Maybe things can turn around."

Grunfield seemed to have heard too many words of comfort. He turned around and interrupted loudly:
"Even if there is a settlement and James Dolan chooses to pay a large sum of dollars, my career is over."

"No one will hire me again. This is the NBA. Players can make mistakes, but the team will not have a tainted manager."

"Lee, did you get a call from Kurt? His agent took a chance and our owner agreed to a contract extension and he will sign another four-year contract."

According to the earliest plan, 33-year-old Kurt Thomas would not get a big contract. Glenfield knew that after years of consumption, this meritorious veteran would most likely start to decline.
Li You also knows that if he wants to maintain the vitality and competitiveness of the team, Kurt should be allowed to give back to other teams.

Just thinking about the content of the phone call he received from the six-time championship veteran at the weekend, Li You couldn't say "no":
"I know that this is most likely the last big contract of Kurt's career. This is indeed the reward he deserves."

Grunfield was a little regretful for not being able to "clean up" the veterans as planned. He looked at those shining golden trophies and whispered:
"High salaries and declining vitality year by year will eventually crush a team."

Li You naturally knows this. As many role players renew their contracts and the salary cap is completely locked, competitiveness will also decrease:
"Getting a big contract is a good thing. As long as the team is willing to spend money, I have no reason to object."

When you become the GOAT, you have to give back to your old brothers. Kurt Thomas can shout to everyone with a clear conscience:
"I worked for the Knicks! I bled for the Knicks"

"."

On Tuesday, July 7, the Knicks took the lead in letting out the news that they had reached a contract extension agreement with the team's meritorious player Kurt Thomas.

The New York media gave unanimous praise to James Dolan, who wielded a beautiful sword, and even had a column to praise him:

"Perhaps we have all overlooked the excellent management of the Dolan family."

(End of this chapter)