NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 460 The Beginning of Brotherly Basketball (Daily Chapter)

On July 2006, 7, fans following the World Cup in Germany began to look forward to the final, but for those who prefer NBA, the off-season melons are more interesting.

On the other side of the ocean, Chinese fans who stayed up late to watch the games had the most out of this year's World Cup.

In the 1/8 finals, Italy played against Australia, and the "great Italian left-back Grosso" successfully broke the circle.

The passionate shouts of commentator Huang Jianxiang are a classic that will be passed down forever and are worth "memorizing in full."

Football fans in the United States also had a good experience. Li You became the "Emperor of Football" and guided the majority of gamblers!

To some extent, football is more attractive. In the quarter-finals, England lost to Portugal on penalties. Li You predicted that Lampard and Gerrard might lose penalties, and they were confirmed one by one in the end.

In the subsequent 3rd and 4th place finals, Li You not only predicted the results before the game, but even guessed the score, which made the gamblers ecstatic!
Compared with previous broadcasts, ABC Sports' ratings skyrocketed after Li You took over, and no one switched to the Spanish-language channel of ESPN next door anymore.

It turns out that many people who follow the World Cup are gamblers, and it's the same all over the world.
Ever since Li You predicted that the final might go to penalty shootouts, American Cloud fans have been excited again.

"Follow Li You and buy a villa by the sea." In short, the World Cup final suddenly became popular in the United States, but colleagues from the British Sky Sports frequently complained about it and put the blame for the loss on Li You.

The American men's basketball team, who have already flown to Las Vegas for training, are not paying attention to the football match.

Recently, Wade and Anthony both verbally agreed to a five-year, $5 million contract, which made many players envious.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been particularly busy recently. It is not only a training ground for the men's basketball team, but also a competition venue for the summer league.

A large number of fans come to the Thomas and Mack Center and Cox Pavilion to watch games every day. The afternoon game between the Knicks and the Cavaliers even attracted LeBron James and others.

The summer league also has big-name stars. Stoudemire participated in this year's competition and even played for 30 minutes in the last game, announcing his return with excellent physical condition.

It's just that the Suns' record is mediocre, while the Knicks are very strong this year. They won the first two games by a large margin, and the Cavaliers don't seem to be their match.

James, who was sitting in the front row, stood up and applauded from time to time. He had recovered from his fractured ribs and had a confident smile on his face.

Coach Krzyzewski is likely to give him the captaincy, which makes James very happy. On another level, he has regained a point:
"Li You has not achieved this achievement even with the recognition from the Hall of Fame coach!"

Wade, who had just recovered from a concussion, was not interested in such a game. Anthony on the side would tease Chris Paul from time to time. The latter was currently the bag carrier of the three.

"8000 million, LeBron, you won't refuse such a contract!"

Surrounded by several henchmen, Wade spoke with less restraint and tugged at the gold chain around his neck, as if to say, "This is a lot of US dollars."

Anthony, who had a pigtail, didn't wait for James to speak, and immediately took over the conversation, curled his lips, and said meaningfully:

"I know what he's thinking. This guy has been imitating Lee. He doesn't want to sign a long-term contract. He wants to wait until the next collective bargaining agreement."

Paul noticed Rajon Rondo directing traffic on the court, and watched him make a fake pass to assist David Lee for an easy dunk at the basket, and he immediately cheered.

James sat down again and glanced at his friend beside him. He did not deny his plan, but continued to add:

"I've always suggested that you sign a short contract. After the team option expires, we can make flexible choices. Do you want to play in Denver forever?"

Without waiting for Anthony to respond, Wade couldn't help but widen his eyes, revealing a surprised expression and whispered:

"Do you want to leave Cleveland? Don't tell me you really have such a plan?"

Agent Leon Rose has not responded to the calls left for him by the media, and James has not yet given a verbal contract. The Chosen One does have other ideas in his mind.

"I don't want to leave. I want to recruit you to play in Cleveland. What do you think, Chris?"

James turned his head to look at Chris Paul, who was concentrating on the game. The latter did not react much to the question, but just responded casually:
"I still prefer New Orleans. You know, the pace of life here is good."

Paul is destined to stay with the Hornets for the next few years, and he does not want to actively request a trade. After all, head coach Scott and the team management have identified him as the core, and he does not intend to let this trust down.

As a good friend, Wade still hopes that James can sign a long-term contract. After all, an injury may change a player's career:

"I still think it's better to sign a five-year contract. The last year is a player option anyway. If an injury happens, we can still have a lot of money."

Noticing the camera lens, Anthony waved in a friendly manner, and then he seemed to have thought of something and suddenly became jealous. He turned his head and whispered:
"What the hell is this World Cup? I don't know what's so good about it. No one is paying attention to us anymore. These reporters only report on Li's news."

There was a sudden cheer in the arena. Barea, who came off the bench, broke into the basket and scored 2+1. Wade was completely exhausted looking at the leading Knicks.

Paul was still cheering, and James, who noticed his friend was silent, did not continue the conversation. Instead, he made a secret decision in his heart:
"I should also buy some shares in Premier League teams."

On Monday, July 7, the World Cup in Germany came to an end. Italy ended its fate of losing in penalty shootouts in the previous three World Cups, and Zidane ended his career by hitting Materazzi with a headbutt.

Just as Li You predicted, the game ended in a draw in regular time and the overtime also failed to decide the winner. In the penalty shootout, the Italian team won the World Cup 6:4.

Having made a small profit, Li You finally had some time to rest. He put aside his work for the team and went back to Peninsula Manor to bask in the sun with the girls.
As the freeze period is about to end, James, who still has not given a verbal contract, has once again become a hot topic among basketball commentators.

Schwartz, who is active in the free market, praised the signing strategy of LeBron James' team. At the same time, he once again spoke out for his player Paul Pierce:
“Paul is a very competitive guy who has been in Boston his entire career.”

"If the Celtics want to pursue a championship, they must add a second star!"

The Boston Herald has recently stopped reporting on the team's pursuit of Iverson, which seems to officially declare that the deal has fallen through and the 76ers need to find another buyer.

The American men's basketball team likes to bring a new rookie to international competitions. JJ Redick, who was selected by the Magic, was popular all over the United States during his time at Duke. However, he was unable to try out this time due to a back injury.

The news that surprised the crowd that afternoon was that Wade suddenly changed his mind. After agreeing to a long-term contract, he suddenly changed his mind and sought a short-term contract.

Considering LeBron James' previous actions and the relationship between the two, news of their collaboration appeared in reports from major sports media for a while.

Stephen A. Smith, who was originally participating in the Sports Center on Sunday morning, appeared on the show again that night and took the opportunity to follow the hot topics and show off his gossip:

"Nike hopes James can leave Cleveland. He needs to play in a big city like Lee!"

"Wade's decision was also influenced by his good friends. We all know the friendship between the two. There is no doubt that they have begun to discuss the possibility of joining forces."

Dan Patrick looked at his serious partner helplessly. He couldn't comment on this unverifiable news:

"Will Dwyane Wade go to Cleveland? Judging from their playing styles, I think it's hard for them to team up."

"O'Neal is still competitive. Although they lost the Eastern Conference Finals again, Wade still has a chance to win the championship. In terms of record, the Cavaliers are the team in trouble."

Stephen A. Smith shook his head and gave his opinion again as the director showed the scene of Van Gundy's angry command of the team in this year's playoffs:

"I respect coach Jeff Van Gundy. He led the Knicks to four consecutive championships. He is the youngest championship coach in NBA history!"

"But basketball is evolving, and Coach Van Gundy can no longer keep up with the league's changes."

"Being eliminated in the semi-finals for two consecutive years is not a bad result, but we also have to pay attention to one problem: they have never won against the defending champions."

"If the Cavaliers continue to stagnate in the future, maybe LeBron James will choose to leave. Now I hope Dwight Howard can realize his talent and maybe he can change the team's situation."

While secretly exclaiming that it was outrageous, Dan Patrick also felt that there was some truth in what he said, but he rarely got involved in gossip, so he could only cooperate and say:

"No matter who leaves, it's big news. This short contract may change the league's landscape in the future."

"."

On the morning of the next day, Wade also enjoyed the treatment of a protagonist. The sudden change in his contract made people think a lot, but he did not accept any interviews. After all, it is hard to say what will happen in the future.

Carmelo Anthony, unwilling to be lonely, also made a big move for himself in an interview with the Denver Post, and took the initiative to recruit Iverson:
"A lot of people misunderstand Allen Iverson. I went to the Olympics with him and I know exactly what kind of player he is."

“Everyone always laughs at him for never beating Lee, but that’s just a coincidence and the regular season doesn’t say much.”

"I don't mean to disrespect other players. Look at the teammates around Iverson. They are not the championship puzzle. I am willing to join forces with him. We can succeed!"

It was revealed early on that the Nuggets had plans to trade 6 for 1, but the two sides ultimately failed to reach an agreement. This time Anthony took the initiative to send out signals, seemingly with the approval of management.

Iverson, who was out of fashion again, suddenly became popular again. Denver fans seemed to have high hopes for this scoring champion, and everyone began to discuss whether the two would win the championship together.
In the afternoon, a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer confirmed the deal, saying that the 76ers would stop losses in time and sell Iverson to the Nuggets.

The content of the transaction was soon exposed. The Nuggets sent Andre Miller, Reuben Patterson and two 2007 first-round draft picks to the 76ers in exchange for Allen Iverson!
Compared to the previous 6-for-1 trade, the trade was a bit smaller. Iverson was beaten by Li You in the playoffs and his value was devalued. The Eastern Conference couldn't even find a buyer.
As the second major trade of the offseason, the spectators were delighted. Iverson himself has not spoken yet, but his wife Tawanna cried again:
"Allen was abandoned. We have lived in Philadelphia for many years. He gave everything for this city, but in the end, this is the result." "The children need to move, transfer schools, go to a strange city, and make friends again. We don't want to go through this."

"."

On the 12th, the Philadelphia Inquirer truthfully reported the transaction and Tawanna's crying. In the photo, Iverson's eldest daughter also shed tears. The son of Philadelphia eventually left the team.

Iverson's followers thought that the fans would protest and try to keep him, but after the newspapers went on sale in the morning, the city did not react at all and no one sympathized with them.

In a state of excitement, the followers even went to the stadium and shouted "You will regret it!", and were eventually expelled by security personnel. This behavior made the onlookers laugh.

The NBA also announced a message this morning:
“2006~07赛季的工资帽为5313.5万美元，奢侈税额定为6542万美元，中产特例为521.5万美元。”

At 12 noon, the freeze period ends and teams can begin signing free agents and making trades.

The free market is officially open, and the Knicks have completed their previous transactions step by step. The team will form a twin tower lineup in the new season. The New York media once again gave high praise on TV programs:

"Knicks championship!"

The Timberwolves also immediately announced the signing of point guard Mike James for 4 years and $2500 million. The Minnesota sports media also gave high praise to this deal:

"James will now form a formidable backcourt with rookie Randy Foye and veteran Rich Davis!"

"They will help MVP Kevin Garnett win a championship!"

The Spurs also announced their first trade, signing Jacque Vaughn to a minimum salary, a deal that was mocked by the San Antonio Express as not giving the Spurs any face:

"This is terrible, and it doesn't solve the bench problems at all."

The fans of the Cavaliers finally saw the news they had been waiting for for a long time. LeBron James completed the contract extension with the team, a four-year contract, and obtained the player option for the 2010-11 season.

James' team also posted photos of the signing. Head coach Jeff Van Gundy and team owner Dan Gilbert were both present, and the three took a group photo in front of the contract.

Careful fans naturally noticed that Wade also signed a short-term contract, which made many people imagine that there may really be changes in the future.

The Lakers did not disappoint the fans. In addition to the middle-class exception they gave out before, they also welcomed back championship guard Derek Fisher!
After two seasons of hard work, Fish has become a three-time champion guard, surpassing Kobe in the number of championships. Regarding this signing, the Los Angeles Times sang praises for the team:

"Kobe can indeed motivate his teammates on the training ground, but Fisher is the most suitable locker room leader for the team."

"This signing will put the team on the right track. Fisher is a true Laker!"

Fish spent the past two years clinging to the Knicks, and this time he returned to the team, and the fans stopped criticizing him and just thought he was learning techniques.
Not only Fisher, but also Matt Barnes from the Knicks tested the free market, and soon he received offers from the Lakers and Warriors. Although his destination has not been determined yet, there is a high probability that he will leave the team.

Grenzen Wright, who became a free agent, was eventually taken away by the Hawks for 2 million US dollars for two years. The stingy Spurs were only willing to give 750 million, and unfortunately missed the championship center.

As a championship team, the Knicks have a relatively young age structure and their contracts are not overpriced, but during this contract renewal, they were still maliciously overpriced by their opponents.

In the afternoon, at the Tarrytown Training Center, new general manager Donnie Walsh looked at the Bucks' offer with some helplessness.

Gadzuric, 4 years, 2500 million US dollars. The Knicks have not yet decided whether to match this premium contract.

Steve Mills, who was in charge of team operations and administrative management, did not have any suggestions and did not get the position of general manager. The black executive lay low again in the Knicks' business operations, waiting for their opponents to make mistakes.

Glenn Glennwald, assistant general manager, assists in managing basketball operations. Glennwald, a lawyer, did not interfere with the new general manager and treated the offer as if it did not exist.

One of them disappeared with a folder, while the other pushed up his glasses at the desk and continued to stare at the computer.

In the entire office, only Jeff Nix, a veteran who has worked in the team for 15 years, was thinking about the problem, and finally gave a tactful suggestion:
"Maybe we can ask Lee. The team can take on some premium contracts. Dan is doing well. At least he is a qualified rotation player."

Barry Watkins, the team's public relations director, glanced at his colleague and then quietly walked out of the office. This matter was not his responsibility. If there was any trouble in the future, he would not take the blame.
Jeff Nix has spoken out for the team in previous harassment cases and is well-liked by fans and owners.

He used to work in the coaching staff, and although he is currently the assistant to the general manager, he has a high prestige within the organization.

Jeff Nix, wearing Knicks training clothes and with his short brown hair neatly combed, gave his advice and then looked at the new general manager seriously.

His face was as thick as his neck. Noticing that the other party seemed to be waiting for his reply, Donnie Walsh felt a little dissatisfied. He always felt that the person in front of him was challenging his authority:

"I will match this offer. The team must ensure the depth of the squad in the new season."

Donnie Walsh gave the answer directly without consulting Li You. If he compromised, he would become the laughing stock of the entire management the next day.
Without saying anything more, Jeff Nix smiled and nodded, indicating that he also supported the decision.

In fact, he knew that the other side wanted to keep Varejao, but Mark Bartelstein's forced insertion disrupted the original plan. Inefficient newcomers like JR Smith were not originally considered.

On the first day of the official opening of the free market, Donnie Walsh felt that the Knicks had a flaw and that the attitude of the staff there was not right.

The situation was completely different from what was expected. After James Dolan left the office, all the executives in the office suddenly lay down and entered a state of "doing nothing is a good thing."

Fortunately for Donnie Walsh, the team signed a contract with Tayshaun Prince in advance, which is a valuable asset left to him by his predecessor.

It was almost time to get off work, nothing else happened, Donnie Walsh was a little tired, an uncontrolled three-way trade, and a premium match.

The Knicks seem to be developing on their own, and this team is in the shape of Lee Yoo from top to bottom.

Thinking of the previous meeting and his promise to bring back Ray Allen, Donnie Walsh suddenly realized that he spoke too early and would encounter more difficulties in getting the All-Star:
“I hope no one will interfere with my work.”

On July 7, the U.S. men's basketball training camp officially opened, and the 13 players selected for the roster will enter the "knockout round".

That afternoon, the Knicks faced their last opponent in the summer league, and easily defeated the Wizards 85:67, ultimately achieving a 5-0 record and beating the Rockets to win the championship!

This event also has a trophy. Rajon Rondo, David Lee, Steve Novak, Jose Barea and the atmosphere group happily raised their glasses!
Mike Malone experienced what D'Antoni felt in some games, and "hanging up" can indeed win the championship
This is the first time that the Knicks have won the Summer League. In an interview with the New York media, Mike Malone praised the players' performance and gave his own prediction:

"I am proud of the Knicks scouts. The future will prove that we are the biggest winners in this year's draft!"

"Jose is doing well, he will get a contract and he will be a member of the Knicks this season."

Barea, who has not yet officially signed with the team, was very excited when he received the coach's assurance. Unlike Rondo, the first-round pick, he may be abandoned by the team at any time.

During the interview, the little guy was very happy and took the initiative to say:
"I will be the hardest working player on the team. I want to stay with the Knicks. Lee is my idol and I want to play beside him. It's my honor!"

"."

Barea really "wanted to improve" and his blatant boasting made Rondo frown secretly. As an absolutely confident player, he has no interest in being a "suck-up".

Rajon Rondo was somewhat disdainful of the performance of the little Puerto Rican. A bootlicker wants to play in the NBA and stay on a championship team?
The Thomas and Mack Center was still very lively at this time, and the fans were all surrounding David Lee. In these games, the big white man showed his offensive talent and was always able to put the ball into the basket.

David Lee, who was signing autographs for fans, frowned slightly when he noticed Rondo leaving the court with his head held high. He felt very unhappy:

"What's so proud of a rookie carrying a bag?"

Li You, who was about to fly to Los Angeles, had already boarded the booked Gulfstream private jet. He was just joining in the fun at this year's ESPY. These awards no longer had any appeal to him.

As soon as we sat down on the plane, Mark Bartelstein started to curse about the recent troubles:
"Fuck the trade! Fuck the lawsuit! Going to Dallas to play away and getting caught playing with a girl, shit, no wonder Kwame Brown always drops the ball in the playoffs!"

"This guy talks a lot but rarely takes action. He only thinks of me when something goes wrong. How did Michael Jordan choose him in the first place?"

The flight attendant in charge of this flight was a long-legged blonde. Li You had face blindness recently, and everyone looked like the succubus at home to him.

After being kissed, Li You came back to his senses and patted the other's butt, causing the girl to giggle and wink before slowly walking away:

"Hasn't the prosecutor already dropped the case? Don't worry about these little things. Remember to help me keep an eye on the defensive players."

The first trade was not very successful. Although the Knicks cooperated, Mark Bartelstein still felt a little guilty about sending away Varejao and the first round:
"This is my problem. If JR Smith's performance does not meet expectations, I will be responsible for the follow-up work."

Li You leaned back in his seat and nodded, not expecting much from this newbie who was already addicted to Manhattan nightlife:

“Should be able to play the role of a scorer”

(End of this chapter)