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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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***
On February 11, 2002, after the All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia, sports media once again turned its attention to team trade movements.
Before the All-Star Game, most teams only finalized contracts for their atmosphere-building players.
Major trades typically waited until after the All-Star festivities.
The New York Knicks wanted to trade for a superstar to form another All-Star lineup, but with their current record as the Eastern Conference leader, no one was interested in trading with New York.
Most importantly, there were no big fish on the market.
Too many players were "unavailable for trade."
The Lakers also wanted to bolster their roster, as their backup big men were underperforming, and their outside shooting wasn't as effective as imagined, requiring outside defenders and reliable backup centers.
However, other teams were just enjoying the spectacle.
The Lakers' draft picks might have been slightly more valuable than the Knicks', but overall, they were still lottery tickets.
After circling around, General Manager Kupchak eventually re-signed veteran Brian Shaw.
After the All-Star Game, Lee didn't stay in Philadelphia, a city that didn't welcome him.
He flew back to Manhattan overnight to prepare for his Upper Deck event.
This year's limited-edition "Gold Card" still needed promotion, Ray-Ban had a charity event, and Sports Illustrated had an exclusive interview.
Lee's schedule was already fully booked.
Shaquille O'Neal, who was recovering from injury in Los Angeles, also frequently appeared at sponsor events.
Seeing his younger brother's excellent performance at the All-Star Game, the Big Guy once again offered his sincere blessings:
"I'm very happy to see Kobe receive an MVP-level award!"
"This represents everyone's recognition of him, and Los Angeles fans don't have to worry, I will return to the team very soon!"
AMVP and MVP only differ by one letter, but the prestige is absolutely worlds apart.
ESPN recently started gossiping about the internal conflicts within the Lakers.
Shaquille O'Neal had always been controlling his younger brother, and every time the Lakers lost, he would constantly make sarcastic remarks.
The petty Shaquille O'Neal was clearly bothered by the MVP rankings.
He didn't like his position as the leader being challenged, and he certainly didn't like anyone in the team contradicting him.
Although Phil Jackson lost the Western Conference All-Star Head Coach position again this year, as a Champion Coach, he was more focused on pursuing a championship.
To balance the team's internal relations, the "Kentucky Fried Chicken" old man also tried his best.
Fortunately, the Lakers didn't win the championship, so everyone could still cooperate.
Otherwise, with Shaquille O'Neal's sarcastic taunts towards Kobe, the two would have already "fought."
On the morning of the 11th, Jeff Van Gundy also began his third negotiation with General Manager Grunfeld.
The Knicks had no plans to strengthen their roster, and all the short-term contracts they signed were abandoned.
If they could just hold on for another half-season, the team would be able to acquire a group of Rookies in the draft!
Coupled with the Phoenix Suns' first-round pick likely being a high pick, patiently waiting was the best option.
Once the Rookies matured, the Knicks could still sign them even if their salary cap exploded.
In the future, the salary cap would be maxed out, and the bench would be filled with mid-level contracts, bi-annual exceptions, and veteran minimums.
For a general manager who planned to stay with the team indefinitely, Grunfeld had already made future plans.
Jeff Van Gundy didn't get much rest during the All-Star Weekend.
After arriving at the Tarrytown Training Center, he greeted the staff and then went to the General Manager's office.
General Manager Grunfeld was looking at the scout reports.
March Madness was coming soon, and before the draft, there was also the Chicago Training Camp.
To scout players, preparations naturally had to be made in advance.
The office displayed the NBA's Best Manager trophy, with the remaining space filled with championship photos and player photos.
"Jeff, we don't plan to sign any more players this season. If injuries occur in the second half, increase Lee's playing time."
"According to the current trend, Lee should be able to win a scoring title, and he seems to have a chance at other honors as well."
"Making it to the Eastern Conference Finals will be considered a success, and even the demanding New York fans will be satisfied with this achievement."
General Manager Grunfeld thought the Bald Young Coach wanted to sign his favorite player, Charlie Ward, again.
He certainly knew that this signing was more about the Head Coach wanting to show his authority, but he was not a pushover, nor was he interested in giving up power.
Jeff Van Gundy showed little expression when he heard the other party trying to persuade him.
After sitting down, he looked at the photo of Lee and Grunfeld holding the trophy on the desk and suddenly whispered:
"Ernie, I plan to leave the team. I want to spend more time with my family. I've been under immense pressure all these years, and it's time to rest for a while."
Hearing these words, General Manager Grunfeld was also stunned for a moment, then showed an incredulous expression and whispered:
"Why? We are the Eastern Conference leaders, you can get the highest salary in the NBA in New York, you won a championship here, and the team has the best player in the NBA."
"You are only 40 years old, you can grow with Lee and the team, just like Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan!"
When Phil Jackson was mentioned, Jeff Van Gundy immediately shook his head and didn't say much, reiterating his choice:
"I love New York, I achieved everything here."
"But I'm too tired. I need more time to be with my family. Tom is a good coach, he's ready, and the team's performance won't decline. Lee can hold up the Knicks' floor."
"This is just my personal choice, it has nothing to do with salary!"
Grunfeld looked deeply at the Bald Young Coach.
He had no dark circles under his eyes, his figure was a bit rounder, and he was wearing a sharp black Armani suit.
Grunfeld didn't think the person in front of him looked tired:
"Jeff, I respect your choice. You can calm down a bit more. Mr. Dolan absolutely does not want to lose an excellent coach like you."
After stating his decision, Jeff Van Gundy felt completely relieved, and looking at the serious expression on the other side, he suddenly smiled:
"I have been thinking about this for a long time. Thank you for this experience. I will always love New York."
"ā¦"
After leaving the office, Jeff Van Gundy felt incredibly happy, as if the heavy stone in his heart had disappeared.
At this moment, he only felt freedom.
With a warm smile on his face, Jeff Van Gundy said goodbye to every staff member he met.
When Old Mike, the equipment manager, heard the Bald Young Coach's decision, he subconsciously widened his eyes:
"Why, Jeff? Look at this training facility, and look at the championship banners in the training facility. You've won everything here!"
Jeff Van Gundy's smile grew even brighter.
He put his arm around Old Mike and said with emotion:
"Yes, I've won everything here, and it's time to leave and enter the next stage of my life!"
"ā¦"
On the afternoon of the 11th, while Lee was still participating in a sponsor event, he quickly received calls from the General Manager and the Bald Young Coach.
The former inquired about Assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau's situation, while the latter cheerfully bid farewell:
"Lee, thank you for your support these past few years. In the future, I want to spend more time with my family. It's a pity I can't stay with the team!"
"ā¦"
When Lee returned home that evening, Jeff Van Gundy's cheerful tone still seemed to echo in his ears.
Mike, wearing glasses, was reading the newspaper and listening to the radio on the first floor.
He noticed Lee's strange expression and turned to him, saying:
"You're not money, so you naturally can't make everyone like you. I've worked in Philadelphia for many years, and I don't like opposing teams either."
He almost forgot that Old Mike, who was responsible for his security, was also a Philadelphia fan.
Lee shook his head, took off his coat, and simply said:
"I wasn't concerned about the All-Star Weekend. It's just that there's been a small situation within the team. The Head Coach suddenly resigned."
Picking up the newspaper again, Mike chuckled and nodded in approval, then quipped with a smirk:
"It seems Jeff Van Gundy fired the Knicks! That's a man's decision!"
On tuesday, February 12th, there were no major trades in the NBA, but the sports media went into a frenzy after the Knicks announced Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy's departure.
In the morning, Jeff Van Gundy held his personal press conference, and several mainstream New York Media outlets rushed to the Tarrytown Training Center immediately.
The Bald Young Coach still maintained his famous coaching demeanor, calmly stating during the interview:
"This has been an unforgettable experience. Although I've achieved a lot, the pressure of life has been increasing over the past few years."
"In the future, I hope to spend more time with my family. I want to take a good rest for a while."
New York reporters smelled gossip, and everyone scrambled to hand over microphones, but in the end, the New York Post snatched the opportunity to ask a question:
"Jeff, do you plan to continue coaching in the future? Is your departure from the team related to the management?"
Hearing this question, Jeff Van Gundy pondered for a moment, then didn't give a definitive answer:
"I don't know, I haven't thought that far. My choice to leave is more for life. I need to relax."
"I must emphasize again that I get along very well with the players, management, and all staff members of the team. We are like family!"
"I love New York. I've won everything here. There's no need to over-interpret. This is just my personal choice."
The Bald Young Coach answered a string of questions, and General Manager Grunfeld also expressed regret on behalf of the management:
"Jeff's departure is a significant loss for the team. Parting ways with a Champion Coach is something no one in the team wanted to see."
"The Knicks will always keep their doors open for him, and New York fans will never forget Jeff's contributions. This will always be his home!"
"..."
General Manager Grunfeld was naturally surrounded by the media, constantly speaking pleasantries.
However, his answers made some sports reporters anxious, feeling there was a big story brewing with the Knicks.
The morning's video session was also canceled, and the sports media didn't forget Lee at this time.
Seeing the Knicks players, everyone immediately surrounded them, and a New York Times reporter was the first to ask a question:
"Lee, how do you view Head Coach Van Gundy's departure?"
Everyone handed their recording devices and microphones to Lee, who was wearing a training uniform:
"I only feel regret and surprise. Everyone supports Head Coach Van Gundy."
"However, everyone also respects the Head Coach's choice. Life is greater than basketball, and we all understand the Head Coach's decision to spend time with his family."
Seeing the expression of regret on Lee's face, the sports media surrounding him also nodded slightly.
After all, Jeff Van Gundy is the NBA's unique Champion Coach!
Grant Hill only got the news this morning and was still in a state of confusion.
For him, the Bald Young Coach's decision was too sudden:
"Family is the most important thing, but I still hope Head Coach Van Gundy can continue coaching in the future. Losing him is a loss for the NBA!"
These words resonated with the sports media.
Grant Hill was right.
As the youngest Champion Coach in NBA history, Jeff Van Gundy's coaching career had clearly just begun.
If he were to retire now, it would indeed be a loss for the NBA.
Everyone was looking forward to the Bald Young Coach reaching a thousand wins.
Rookie Pau Gasol was also stunned.
Everything was going well with the team, and they were first in the Eastern Conference, yet the Head Coach resigned?
This move truly confused the Rookies on the Knicks.
Besides expressing shock, everyone was also curious about Jeff Van Gundy's next move.
On the afternoon of the 12th, the news of the Champion Coach leaving the Knicks swept across the NBA!
The New York Media regrettably announced that "Head Coach Van Gundy's era has ended."
Los Angeles fans were the happiest at this moment.
If one word could describe it, it would be "sliding on their knees in the living room."
With the opposing Head Coach gone, the Lakers' chances of winning the championship skyrocketed.
Eastern Conference teams also seemed to see hope of "overthrowing the dominance," and everyone gloated, expressing "regret" in interviews.
TNT's program naturally wouldn't miss this hot topic.
The trio kept up with current events, and after reporters sent back the news, they began discussing the impact of Head Coach Van Gundy's departure in the studio:
"With half the season over, a Head Coach suddenly leaving the team is simply unbelievable!"
"I don't know why this situation occurred with the Knicks, but their record will definitely fluctuate."
Kenny Smith continued to express his shock, while Charles Barkley, next to him, said earnestly with a wide grin:
"I understand Head Coach Van Gundy. Coaching Lee is definitely not a pleasant experience!"
"I've said this before. On the basketball court, Lee is not an easy person to get along with. He likes to control the team, and coaches might even compromise with him."
"All traces of the Ewing era have disappeared. I don't mean anything specific, but from the results, Lee completely cleaned out the team in a few years."
"When we mention Phil Jackson, we think of the Triangle Offense. This offensive philosophy helped Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls win championships."
"But when you mention Head Coach Van Gundy, what do you think of? I only think of Clay Lee. His appearance changed the Knicks."
Ernie Johnson heard this viewpoint and subconsciously retorted:
"You think Lee caused Head Coach Van Gundy's departure? They worked together to win four consecutive championships!"
Charles Barkley had no intention of letting Lee off the hook, continuing to speak seriously to the camera:
"Yes, I think Lee is the root cause. He can win championships without complex tactical systems. Have the Knicks had any special offensive tactics these past few years?"
"Give the ball to Lee, and he can solve the problem. That's why Head Coach Van Gundy left. He doesn't want to adapt to players anymore."
"No famous coach likes to work with players who have strong control!"
Kenny Smith pretended to pull out his phone, let out a long breath, and said with a smile:
"Good news, Chuck, I haven't received any texts from Lee or his agent. You can continue this topic!"
Everyone in the studio burst into laughter.
There had been too many complaints recently.
On the evening of the 12th, the Knicks were scheduled to host the Toronto Raptors.
The Bald Young Coach announced his departure in the morning, but the afternoon practice session saw no changes.
After the tactical session, Lee led everyone in extra shooting practice.
At this time, the entire NBA was engrossed in gossip, and the sports media entered a carnival mode.
Compared to the players, Tom Thibodeau, who became the interim Head Coach, was even more nervous.
The afternoon practice was handled by Assistant Coach Don Chaney and the rest of the coaching staff.
Tom Thibodeau was so nervous he didn't know how to interact with the players.
Entering Jeff Van Gundy's office, Tom Thibodeau suddenly felt a surge of emotion.
This place would now belong to him!
He straightened his suit in front of the mirror, then ran his hand through his sparse hair, taking deep breaths and cheering himself on:
"No problem! I'm the Head Coach, and Lee will lead the team to win the game!"
"..."
....
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