NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 462 Financial Reasons (Daily Chapter)
On Thursday, July 2006, 7, the Seattle Seahawks announced that they would hold a formal press conference at 20 p.m.

During the All-Star Weekend, major shareholder Howard Schultz complained to the media that the team had lost $5 million in the past five years. Considering the previous rumors, the content of the press conference can be imagined.

Since Mark Cuban, on behalf of many owners, publicly stated on Monday that buyers must refuse to trade if they want to successfully acquire the SuperSonics, news about the SuperSonics changing owners has been coming out.

But when this moment really came, Seattle fans were a little panicked. Maybe what Howard Schultz said was true. The stadium was not completed and the team really had to move!

Sports media gathered in Seattle. At the press conference, the spokesperson did not hesitate to get straight to the point and announced the news in a serious manner:
"We have signed a purchase agreement to sell the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics and the WNBA's Seattle Storm for $3.5 million."

"We have enjoyed the opportunity to run both teams over the past 5 seasons and are proud of what we have achieved both on and off the pitch!"

“Since the majority of Seattle basketball club investors live and work in the Seattle community, the decision to sell these teams was difficult for us.”

“As you all know, over the past two years we have worked with local and state officials to find a solution to the arena issue.”

“But we ultimately failed and perhaps the new group has a better chance of achieving the remaining goals.”

"."

At the Seattle Center, local sports reporters gathered here couldn't help but show a hint of surprise on their faces when they heard the news.

Especially when they saw the background of their new boss, they all felt uneasy:
"Dorchester Capital, a private investment company, is led by Chairman Clayton Bennett and is jointly formed by several executives of Chesapeake Energy."

The opponent's base is in Oklahoma, and this city once tried to retain the Hornets. Now that the SuperSonics have taken over, it may only be a matter of time before they move.

Most of the local media reporters working in the sports industry have settled in Seattle. If the team leaves the city, it will be a disaster for them as they will no longer be able to get first-hand information.

The press conference was still going on. After expressing gratitude, major shareholder Howard Schultz also took the stage to speak and at the same time made a comforting statement:
"We are committed to keeping the team in this city. Next season, the SuperSonics and Storm will still be in Seattle."

The meaning of this statement is very clear. If the new stadium is not completed, the team will most likely move. Before that, it will be a buffer period.

After all, after the move, the team management will also make a choice. Bennett will spend a few years cleaning up the team and then leave with a brand new Supersonics team.

Bennett appeared in front of everyone in a black suit. He had a straight nose and deep eye sockets. His short black hair and broad figure made him look a little strong:

“We are excited for the opportunity to combine our passion for professional basketball and our ability to build successful business enterprises!”

"We are grateful to BCOS, they love this city, the Sonics and the Storm."

"We are excited for the opportunity to lead a professional sports organization that has reached the pinnacle of success in both the NBA and WNBA."

Bennett did not make any promises. After a brief speech, the new boss began to answer questions from reporters on the scene with a smile.

TNT reporters don't care about the boss change. For them, everyone is more concerned about the trade issue:
"Mr. Bennett, will the SuperSonics have major personnel changes in the new season? There have been a lot of trade rumors recently."

Purchasing a team requires not only the league's approval, but also the approval of the owners of each team. Although Bennett doesn't like Cuban's big mouth, he did agree to the request:
"No, we are very satisfied with the current team's lineup, and the core players are not for sale."

"We will not trade the future of the team, and Seattle fans can continue to enjoy a high level of competition in the new season."

After hearing the affirmative answer, the ESPN reporter did not ask any more questions, and the spectators could rest assured that there would be no "Brother Basketball" next season.

The press conference continued. Bennett briefly answered questions and then stepped down to rest. Looking at the listless team staff, he felt no emotion in his heart.

If we can get local support, then staying here is not a bad idea, but if the stadium project cannot move forward, then Oklahoma City will be the team's real home.

TNT will air a one-hour special in the evening, featuring a conversation with Charles Barkley.

This big mouth announced that he was going to run for governor. He did not discuss whether this was true or not, but the public was willing to know the information.

Ernie Johnson continues to serve as the host, and the two of them talk about more than just basketball. Some political statements are just for fun.

But when asked if he wanted to own a team, Barkley gave an unexpected answer. He did not cooperate with Magic Johnson in promoting his desire to co-own a team as he had done before:
"I don't want to cause trouble for myself. In fact, my work in the media over the years has made me realize the limits of my abilities."

"I'm a pretty good basketball player. I've won MVPs, but I don't have any championships. But we all know that I'm better than most players in the league."

"But that doesn't mean I'm a businessman. I'm not Michael Jordan, who was obsessed with owning a team, but I'm not like that."

Seeing his partner admit defeat in other areas for the first time, Ernie Johnson continued to ask curiously:

"You don't think you're suitable to be a team owner?"

As if thinking of the news a few days ago, Charles Barkley nodded seriously, did not deny it, and even gave an example:

"Michael Jordan, this guy was a great player when he played, but he was not cut out to own a team."

"As soon as he got a stake in the Bobcats, he appointed his good friend Fred Whitfield as team president."

"I don't want to question whether this appointment is appropriate, but I know that they failed with the Wizards. It turns out that Michael Dunk is not suitable for running the team. He should stop meddling in other people's business."

Michael Jordan's outrageous moves can actually be attributed to black people helping black people, but most basketball commentators are not optimistic about them. This year's draft is the best example.

Even though more than half a month has passed, many people still can't believe that the Bobcats chose Morrison. This move is really confusing.

Ernie Johnson has criticized his friend on the show more than once. Knowing that Michael Dunk is not very smart, he took the initiative to change the sensitive topic:
"Let's talk about Lee. In the long history of the NBA, perhaps only Bill Russell was as successful as him. Do you think he will continue to win? I mean surpassing Russell's achievements."

The SuperSonics changed hands, and the Knicks hadn't finalized their chips yet, and the deal was ruined. Charles Barkley also felt gloating, and grinned again:

"Lee will still win the championship, but in a few years, it will be the era of young people. This is a cycle, and I know how it feels to age physically."

"That's why I don't like him to get involved in deals, because Lee will get old, he won't stay young forever, and he will run into difficulties."

"Young players will replace him, and then the only ones who can help him are his old friends!"

"That's why Michael Dunk insisted on keeping Pippen and those teammates. Only these people are willing to fight with him."

This answer was also unexpected. I thought it would be ridiculed, but Barkley gave his own experience as a person who has experienced it.

Looking at the suddenly silent Barkley, Ernie Johnson knew that he was probably regretting his decision to play for the Rockets:

"You don't think the Knicks' recent trade is good? In the past, you have always emphasized the quality of the players. With four All-Stars, I don't think anyone would give up on forming such a luxurious lineup."

Charles Barkley shook his head again and then gave his own advice:

"Basketball is not about piling up stars. The Knicks have good chemistry. All they have to do is maintain their lineup instead of seeking changes."

"If the Knicks had not chosen to trade the veteran, perhaps the Lakers would not have won the championship."

"."

On Friday the 21st, as the NBA announced that the Sonics, which were being sold off, would officially change hands in October, the New York crowd all quieted down and there was no deal.

But there is never a lack of fun in New York. In the Attorney General's election, as the advertisements were released, the two sides started to quarrel again.

Those who follow Wall Street can also find some fun. A lady lost her job at Lehman Brothers.

It was originally a small matter, but the reason for her dismissal was that she publicly opposed "inappropriate, racist and discriminatory remarks about African Americans." Translated, "She thought she was not discriminatory, but her tone at work was a little harsh, and then she was collectively complained by black employees and lost her job."
If you pay attention to New York news often, you will find endless fun. This fast-paced metropolis is about to enter a state of chaos.

The Hollywood enthusiasts did see an inconspicuous piece of news: the well-known producer Avi Arad sold 350 million shares of Marvel stock, leaving only 100 million shares.

Since it was internal information, the report was rather vague. We only knew that Li You took over this part of the shares and spent approximately 6500 million US dollars.

The ridiculous Iron Man has not started filming yet. Marvel fans noticed that this seemed to be an internal conflict within the company. They were all discouraged for a while. This unfortunate company will go bankrupt sooner or later!

In the Wall Street financial district, not far from the Twin Towers which have already begun reconstruction, Thomson today invited Ax Capital to share its experience.

In the huge conference room, many people were holding laptops or computers and watching the speaker in front of them. Thomson's financial business was planning to transform and ultimately targeted hedge funds.

After sharing how to build a team and fund strategy, Bobby Akers, who was wearing a dark gray suit in front of everyone, smiled and took the initiative to joke:
"I know what you're thinking. The Wall Street Journal called us financial scavengers and said some hedge funds were influencing the market, and I never disputed that."

"These accusations never occurred to us that we are all the same and that we are all for the benefit of investors in the end."

"The metaphor of scavengers is a very inappropriate one. I prefer to call our hedge funds the immune cells of the financial system, and those bad assets will be eliminated."

“Perhaps one day Ax Capital will become the metronome of the market. Pursuing win-win situations is the best choice.”

Applause gradually broke out in the conference room. It only took 6 years to manage assets of more than 100 billion. Out of respect for the US dollar, the applause became more and more enthusiastic.

Li You, who was sitting in the front row and wearing a black casual suit, also quacked, while Bobby's wife Laura beside him was laughing happily.

Thomson was not the first to invite them, and years of hard work finally paid off.

Most of Axe Capital's shareholders were sent away on a plane that year. As the second largest shareholder, Li You would not interfere with the company's operations. In recent years, Bobby has become a well-known figure in the financial circle.

"We should go to England to get some tailor-made suits and dress more respectably."

Laura, wearing a beige suit, whispered in Li You's ear, perhaps because their neighbor Amaranth was about to go bankrupt and Ax Capital would expand again, so this good wife was particularly happy today.

Noticing that the other party's chairman of the board, David Thompson, stood up and greeted with a smile, Li You also smiled and whispered:

"They are showing respect for strength and the dollar"

Although it was difficult for both parties to cooperate, it did not stop Thomson from giving a warm welcome. When it was almost lunch time, many employees also joined in the lunch and even shouted when they saw Li You.

Although the salary here is not low, if you want to have a good viewing experience at Madison Square Garden, your wallet is still unable to afford the front row tickets.

When everyone was about to leave for lunch, a black employee in a gray casual suit jacket squeezed to the front and shouted hurriedly:

"Lee, my son is a basketball genius and we want to go to camp at NYU!"

Hook divided the training camp into two parts this year. The training location for children under 15 years old is not at New York University. The person who recommended his son was obviously rejected by the staff.

The difference between the two training camps lies in the exposure. The children are too young and the competition is not intense.

Li You stopped and noticed the anxious black father. Although he had heard this kind of sales talk too many times, he still said politely:
"The age limit is to ensure the little ones' self-confidence. I don't recommend you do this. Of course, if you insist, you can tell me his name now."

"We will send out a special invitation, but he won't get any special treatment in the training camp."

The black employee didn't care about the surprised looks of his colleagues around him, and took this opportunity to introduce himself:

"Lee, thank you so much! My son is truly a genius, his name is Kyrie Irving."

Li You showed a hint of surprise and looked at the well-dressed black father in front of him, unsure if this name was the future star player:

"I remember that, I wish him good luck!"

Bobby, who was hugging Laura, also glanced at the black employee who was celebrating with his fist pump. He could understand the other person's emotions. When everyone left and entered the elevator, he sighed:
"Maybe this is the feeling of chasing a dream. I haven't felt it for a long time."

Li You felt that the other party was "crushing his son's basketball dream", but seeing Bobby hugging Laura with a satisfied look, he couldn't help but joked:
"You want to surpass Bridgewater, don't you? Now you're far behind."

The staff of Ax Capital all around also laughed. 06 was indeed a wonderful year for them.

The natural gas market is making huge profits, and even under Spitzer's attention, you can still "pick up money". There is nothing better than this!

During the off-season in recent years, it was difficult for sports reporters to find Lee Woo. This year, apart from an appearance at the ESPY Awards, he disappeared again.

On the contrary, the sports media in the neighboring UK have assured that Li You will appear in Manchester in August, and the Carrington Youth Training Center has received funds for the construction of training facilities.

On Saturday, the 22nd, the New York Times suddenly reported a news that Artest fainted in a nightclub in downtown Manhattan and was carried to the hospital by his followers.

This news immediately stunned New York fans. Artest, who was as strong as an ox, had heart problems? Was he sure he wasn't fainted from excitement?
The Knicks issued an official announcement in the afternoon, without saying too much, but announced the cause of the fainting to the outside world:
“The blood clots affected the body.”

Many basketball critics began to shout that the Knicks were exploiting the players' bodies, and conspiracy theorists even attributed the fainting to "technological drugs".
This weekend, Alonzo Mourning hosted a charity basketball game in Miami, and Gary Payton also appeared at the American Airlines Arena as a guest.

On Saturday night, before the basketball game, Payton, who was interviewed by the Palm Beach Post, did not follow the gossip. The veteran seemed to be trying to curry favor with the team and said meaningfully:

“I do want to do it again with my teammates, but I’m not going to turn down recruiting either.”

"At this point in my career, I understand that I should change my role. I can do everything the team requires. Now my only goal is to win the championship!"

After saying this in a shrill voice, Payton's face gradually revealed a resolute expression, as if he had made a great sacrifice.

Mourning did not interrupt his teammates' interviews. The loss in this year's Eastern Conference Finals made him feel particularly powerless. He really didn't want to compete for the championship, but he felt powerless when participating in the game process.

Miami fans have some peculiar characteristics. They are absolutely good at watching the fun and acting as the atmosphere group. The charity game was very popular, and the shouts in the stadium were endless.

Payton did not play on the court. He sat in the front row and quietly felt the atmosphere. Thinking of the fans who left early during the playoffs, he suddenly felt sad.

O'Neal was very considerate and played for a few minutes. When he returned to the bench, he noticed that Payton looked constipated and immediately joked in a deep voice:

"If you don't exercise, be careful Pat Riley will cause trouble for you when training camp starts!"

"This guy is really strict. I now understand why the Lakers were successful back then."

Looking at his old teammate who was shaking his head, Payton did not lie. He stared at the noobs fighting each other on the court and said in a muffled voice:

"I don't care about the training requirements, I just want to win a championship."

The thinner O'Neal shrugged his shoulders. This is a very high requirement. Even a superman like him only won one championship and MVP:

"If you want to keep playing, there will always be a place for you as long as I'm with the Heat."

Hearing O'Neal's comfort, Payton just nodded. Looking at the fans participating in the event in the stadium, his mood became more and more complicated. The recruitment he expected might never come.

The Heat have not made any big moves in the free market. Pat Riley seems to have lost interest after the loss. In previous years, they would have started training camp, but now there is no news.

Payton, who still hadn't decided whether to continue playing next year, was getting more and more confused. He still couldn't bring himself to win the championship. When he thought of Li You's smiling face, he couldn't help but muttered in a low voice:
"Why did it become like this?"

(End of this chapter)