Check out my new fanfics.
Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
Please give it a go š
***
On May 27, 2004, Madison Square Garden became lively again with the evening's draft lottery.
Because the Cavaliers were ranked last in the NBA, they had a 25% chance of getting the first pick in this lottery!
After arriving in Manhattan, Cavaliers General Manager Jim Paxson and Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy couldn't stop smiling.
Their first overall pick was practically guaranteed.
LeBron James, who came with the team management, was also very happy.
Although he didn't get Rookie of the Year, his all-around stats still earned him universal praise.
It wasn't that they couldn't win games, but rather that there was no need to!
Look at the unfortunate Orlando Magic.
They almost made the playoffs but ended up with injuries to Houston and Tracy McGrady.
Many sports media outlets were gossiping about the Magic needing to rebuild next season, while the Cavaliers completed their rebuild in just one season.
This is the correct strategy for a team aiming for a championship!
Before the lottery began that evening, Jeff Van Gundy smiled and confidently stated during an interview:
"I believe the Cavaliers will definitely get a good pick. We are fully prepared!"
"Next season, our goal is to make the playoffs. I believe that with increased game experience, LeBron will eventually fulfill his potential."
"Yes, we plan to draft another big man. The Cavaliers will become a strong Defense team, establishing our team culture, which will help us win the o'brien cup!"
His sharp black suit and prominent red tie made the powerful Jeff Van Gundy look spirited.
The surrounding sports reporters didn't doubt the Champion Coach's words.
The Cavaliers had LeBron James on the perimeter, and after adding a big man to the interior, Zydrunas Ilgauskas could lead the bench unit.
The remaining positions only needed some role players to complete the rebuild, achieve 40 wins, and very likely make the playoffs.
Therefore, Jeff Van Gundy's words were not an exaggeration.
The Cavaliers were indeed steadily getting back on track.
In the Madison Square Garden, many reporters surrounded the Cavaliers, and quite a few also surrounded the management of the new Bobcats.
The current owner of the Bobcats is Robert Johnson, a famous African-American billionaire.
After some negotiation with the NBA, this newly established team would receive the fourth pick in this draft.
The original Charlotte Hornets applied to the NBA for relocation mainly because the team owner was involved in multiple sexual assault scandals.
After the cases were broadcast nationwide, local fans' acceptance of the team further declined.
Coupled with ticket sales that couldn't compete with the NCAA, running away was the best option.
Robert Johnson, the Black Entertainment Television billionaire, spent $300 million to establish the team.
With strong support from the local municipality, a new Charlotte Coliseumwith a capacity of 20,000 people was also officially completed last year.
Bickerstaff is currently the General Manager of the Bobcats and also serves as the Head Coach.
Many sports reporters surrounded Bickerstaff, and many actively asked questions:
"Bernie, will you use your draft pick to select a player from the New York Knicks?"
Bickerstaff showed a determined attitude and said bluntly:
"Of course, we all know the strength of a Champion team. They have an excellent rotation!"
"I will use my draft pick to select a player from the New York Knicks. I think this is a win-win move."
"Players coming to the Bobcats will get more playing time, and the New York Knicks will also gain a trade exception."
Pushing up his glasses, Bickerstaff finished speaking with an expression that suggested he was helping the New York Knicks alleviate their burden.
Many sports reporters were gloating; everyone knew this was taking advantage of the situation, but seeing the New York Knicks in trouble made many people feel relieved.
Even before the lottery began, Bickerstaff had publicly stated to the media that he would draft a New York Knicks player.
The New York Media, though displeased, could do nothing about it.
This year, the New York Knicks' draft picks were destined to be the 29th and 59th.
General Manager Grunfeld initially didn't want to bother with the other party, but after being provoked for so long, he also got a bit angry.
Before the lottery began, Grunfeld, in an interview, adopted a stance of supporting the NBA, saying some pleasant words:
"Playing for the Bobcats? We respect the players' choices and express our support for the NBA."
"Mr. Bickerstaff made a very good point: our players are indeed strong, and he has good judgment."
"Clay Lee just brought back a trophy from Detroit, and perhaps this year we will win another O'brien cup. Good luck to the Bobcats. I hope we can meet in the playoffs next season."
Grunfeld, with his belly protruding, glanced in Bickerstaff's direction, then smiled and waved as he left.
He didn't like the other party trying to piggyback on the team's popularity at all.
LeBron James, who was already preparing to sit in the Cavaliers' section, looked at the New York Knicks management with an envious expression.
Before entering the NBA, sports reporters swarmed around him, but after joining the Cavaliers, the hot news always revolved around New York.
"Don't be nervous, LeBron. Just as we predicted, the first pick is definitely ours!"
"All you have to do is smile for the cameras!"
Jeff Van Gundy calmed the somewhat nervous LeBron James.
He wanted the first pick too much.
He hoped to welcome a teammate with immense talent:
"I know, Coach! It's just, thinking about the 25% chance, I'm still a bit worried. Next season, I don't want to lose anymore."
Adjusting his white suit, LeBron James quietly voiced his concern.
Jeff Van Gundy and Paxson laughed, completely unconcerned.
Representatives from each team took their seats, and LeBron James displayed a composed smile for the cameras.
As the Chicago Bulls were announced to have the third pick and the Clippers the second, LeBron James's heart pounded faster.
Soon, he heard the exciting news:
"First pick, Cleveland Cavaliers!"
Suppressing the urge to pump his fist in celebration, and seeing Jeff Van Gundy's triumphant smile, LeBron James took a deep breath, constantly nodding to the surrounding teams in acknowledgment:
"Thank God! We're so lucky!"
After the lottery ended, LeBron James, walking off the stage, was quickly surrounded by sports reporters.
With two first overall picks joining forces, the Cavaliers' future looked promising:
"LeBron, which player do you think the Cavaliers will draft this year?"
"Will the Cavaliers make the playoffs next season?"
Although he couldn't decide which player the team would draft, LeBron James knew the Cavaliers would definitely choose an excellent big man:
"I don't know, but I can't wait to get into training. I trust the team's choice, and the Cavaliers will make the playoffs next season!"
LeBron James smiled happily.
These were his heartfelt words, and he was full of anticipation for the future.
On May 28th, on the 56th floor of the Manhattan TP Building, only Lee and Ivanka were in the large room.
After the butler brought breakfast, the girl, who had been lying in bed, reluctantly went to the bathroom.
After taking a cold shower, Lee, bare-chested, looked at the sumptuous breakfast and couldn't help but ask curiously:
"My dear, why haven't I seen your brother? Today is already Friday."
After graduating, Ivanka returned home and had been entertaining her friends at Peninsula Manor recently, occasionally attending parties hosted by Georgina.
Unlike her brother, whose life was controlled by their domineering father immediately after graduation, she would also enter the family business, but that was to claim her share of the wealth.
Ivanka, with her golden hair already pinned up and wearing a bathrobe, was eating bread heartily.
After taking a sip of juice, she replied:
"He's been obsessed with bartending lately and hasn't gone to work or come home."
Ivanka was a bit displeased that her less-than-ambitious brother was being suppressed by their stepmother, but this wouldn't affect her good mood. She proactively offered a muffin, saying with a giggle:
"Try the improved muffins. They're not as sweet. Let's go visit Auntie this weekend!"
Lee nodded as he ate the muffin.
The other party had helped with the loan, so it was only natural to show appreciation.
Thinking of the recent actions of that TV star, he lowered his voice and asked:
"Will your brother become the president of TP Mortgage LLC? That's not a good position."
"The real estate market is still good, but mortgage financial services may not necessarily succeed."
Ivanka frowned slightly.
She thought this was a good position, but it involved some financial business, and she wasn't too clear about it.
Actively leaning into Lee's arms, not caring about her fallen bathrobe, Ivanka wrapped her arms around him and whispered in his ear, asking seriously:
"If he's not responsible for this business, then he can only go to the new apartment project, and we might encounter more trouble."
After a quiet explanation, Lee understood that the apartment project might have discrepancies between its promotion and actual sales.
If homeowners discovered issues, it would definitely become troublesome.
Ivanka quietly explained that she would most likely become the head of this project in the future.
According to the plan, this would be the internal starting point for her and her brother.
The slipperiness in his arms didn't affect Lee.
While playing with her softness, and taking advantage of her quickening breath, he suggested enticingly:
"This is a good project, trust me. Even if you encounter some legal issues, you don't need to ask your father for help. Melinda can help you sort them out."
"Hmm, I'll pay the lawyer fees for you then. In short, I'll definitely ensure you receive good reviews within the group."
Ivanka kissed Lee hard and became happy again, her soft body turning red as it began to deform.
Noticing it was still before 8 AM, Ivanka looked at Lee, who was leaning over with his head down, and couldn't help but giggle:
"Ha! I want breakfast!"
On the morning of the 28th, TNT reviewed the Western Conference Finals Game 4, which was broadcast last night.
85:92. With Sam Cassell injured, the Timberwolves ultimately lost the game in regret.
The series score is now 1:3, with the Lakers already at match point.
The fourth battle is coming, and the Los Angeles sports media has started to predict.
In this game, the new MVP performed exceptionally, shooting 12 of 24 from the field, 1 of 2 from beyond the arc, and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line, tallying a near triple-double of 28 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 4 turnovers!
Champion Guard Sprewell shot 4 of 18, scoring only 12 points, while Szczerbiak, coming off the bench, shot 6 of 15, scoring 19 points, the second-highest on the team.
Although they lost, Kevin Garnett's fans could still shout:
"The Timberwolves lost, but Kevin Garnett didn't!"
The Lakers' veterans performed mediocrely.
Karl Malone shot 5 of 18, scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
Also a near triple-double, Karl Malone's performance was passable, but Gary Payton shot 2 of 6, only scoring 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists.
This performance was no different from a role player.
He had lost the grace of an All-Star guard.
However, a win is a win.
Kobe, who scored the highest points in the game, spoke up for his elder teammates after the game:
"Stats are meaningless. I don't know why the NBA has so-called 'stats experts'."
"Karl's shooting percentage was indeed less than 30%, but we won, and that's what's most important. Stats can't reflect the contribution of veterans to the team."
"I never play for stats. I only care about winning and championships. You can evaluate me however you want. I will continue to shoot in the upcoming Finals."
"I am the best shooting guard in the league, and my job is to score!"
Playing 41 minutes, shooting 10 of 24 from the field, 2 of 8 from beyond the arc, and 9 of 10 from the free-throw line, he tallied 31 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 4 turnovers.
Kobe, who scored the highest points in the game, had a serious expression during his interview, mocking ESPN's show.
This was definitely not jealousy.
Stats experts Hollinger and Stephen A. Smith had been hyping up Clay Lee every day recently, almost to the point of calling him the greatest in history.
Kobe also watched the show, and as a result, he became an example of being overrated.
His post-game counterattack was just because he was annoyed by the media consuming him.
With a defensive rating of 178th per hundred possessions, he was ultimately selected for the All-Defensive Team.
As the Finals approached, ESPN found various ways to mock Kobe.
Fortunately, although Kobe's stats were not efficient, they were still much better than those of star players like Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady, so his die-hard fans weren't too affected.
Since there was no game tonight, the TNT trio discussed Finals-related matters in advance, also touching upon Kobe's remarks:
"I think Kobe Bryant's words have some truth. Stats indeed cannot fully reflect a player's role."
"In my opinion, the Lakers are currently hitting their stride. Their form is getting better and better!"
Kenny Smith, as always, spoke favorably of the players.
He looked at the technical statistics in his hand and added with a smile:
"Shaquille O'Neal shot 6 of 10 last night, 7 of 15 from the free-throw line, tallying 19 points, 19 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 blocks, and 1 turnover. Although he took fewer shots, no one who watched the game would question his influence."
Charles Barkley glanced at his partner.
Although he also disliked how the neighboring channel kept hyping up Lee, almost becoming a sycophant, he did have a different answer regarding the stats issue:
"Of course, stats are meaningful. The simplest example is Tracy McGrady's average of 28 points per game this season, with a shooting percentage just over 40%. In my opinion, he's an inefficient scorer."
"No matter what he wants to say, it doesn't change that fact."
"Similarly, Kobe Bryant is the same. He can't produce stats like Clay Lee's, and the reason is simple: his individual skill is insufficient."
"Kobe's idol is Michael Jordan, but he can't play like Michael Jordan. Stats are meaningful. They tell us the gap between Kobe and Lee and Jordan."
"This is why the Lakers are Shaquille O'Neal's team because we all know that O'Neal is the stronger player. Except for free throws, his stats lead all big men."
Ernie Johnson didn't want to hear the two argue and proactively brought up other topics:
"After an excellent performance, Gary Payton seems to have lost his way again. What do you think about the veteran's form?"
Although he had previously been making excuses for the veteran, Charles Barkley shook his head at this point and said seriously:
"I have to admit, my previous opinion was wrong. Gary Payton has declined. His body can no longer support his performance."
"Stats don't lie. Entering the playoffs, if his stats were under another name, we might all think he's a bench player."
"If the Lakers reach the Finals again, they will face an extremely serious challenge. Perhaps, putting Derek Fisher back in the starting lineup is the correct choice."
In Game 4, Derek Fisher shot 7 of 13, coming off the bench and efficiently scoring 15 points.
Some commentators were calling for Derek Fisher to return to the starting lineup, but Phil Jackson didn't do so, consistently supporting the veteran instead.
Kenny Smith recalled some gossip about the Lakers and added at this point:
"Perhaps there were some issues in the locker room, and Head Coach Phil Jackson had no choice but to start Gary Payton."
"But I think even if they face the Knicks, Derek Fisher won't be able to solve some problems. On the contrary, Gary Payton's rich experience might be helpful."
The trio discussed for a while, still holding some expectations for the veterans, after all, last season, Karl Malone and Gary Payton's basic stats were very good.
On May 29th, at the Tarrytown training facility, ABC staff also arrived to prepare for filming.
For this year's Finals, ABC is attempting to reverse last season's low ratings, not only by changing commentators but also by putting a lot of effort into pre-game promotion.
According to the plan, after the Knicks enter the Finals, in addition to interviewing Clay Lee, Grant Hill will also become a key promotional target.
Hill, who has become "Captain America," will lead the United States Team in the Athens Olympics this year.
After the previous World Championship loss, fans have high expectations this time.
Not long ago, the NBA announced the penalties for the post-game brawl at Auburn Hills Palace:
Matt Barnes and Gadzuric were suspended for 2 games each and fined $25,000 each.
Ron Artest, who was involved in breaking up the fight, was not suspended but was fined $7,500.
Lee covered this money, and the brawl did not cause any impact on the Knicks.
On the contrary, New York fans were very dissatisfied.
After watching the video, everyone went online to bash Rasheed Wallace and fought with Detroit fans.
For the past few days, keyboards have been clattering, and as Facebook covers more colleges, it has also become a new channel for fans to communicate.
Lee's shoulder-shrugging departure scene was embraced by young fans and has been circulating online for the past few days.
Lee, who also registered on Facebook, only added some Connecticut alumni and updated his personal profile.
Due to feature limitations, many people were unable to add Lee as a friend, and reporters complained about why he didn't open up registration.
Lee's homepage features a funny picture of him and Melinda laughing while holding their husky, Happy.
Occasional life updates always spark discussion.
Grant, who is almost 32, does not use social media.
He is already a veteran, and this Olympics will be his last time participating in the United States Team.
When asked about his decision to leave the Detroit Pistons during an ABC interview this afternoon, Grant didn't speak ill of his former team:
"I wanted to pursue a championship. When I was with the Detroit Pistons, I was never able to get past the first round, which made me realize my shortcomings."
"It's hard for me to play like Lee. There's nothing wrong with admitting that."
"At certain moments, talent is especially important, and my ankle injury caused me to lose my physical advantage. I can no longer play like I used to."
"I'm very glad I made the right choice!"
In the media room, Grant Hill, sitting in front of everyone, smiled.
ABC staff noticed that Grant was in increasingly good spirits and quickly asked again:
"Grant, what do you want to say to the young players about this year's Olympics?"
Thinking of the recent sports media reports, Grant Hill said with a serious expression:
"I hope all the selected players can give their best effort. For us, not winning the championship is a failure!"
"..."
Today was the first day of interviews, and Grant Hill had a lot of screen time.
The Knicks resumed training, and the coaching staff didn't make too many arrangements.
Everyone mainly focused on physical activity.
Lee was lifting weights in the strength training room and would also do some flexibility training afterward.
Watching Lee bench press with a relaxed expression, the dumbbells rising and falling, the onlookers cheered.
Pau Gasol was dumbfounded.
After this season began, he increased a lot of strength training at Ewing's suggestion.
Perhaps due to his arm span, bench pressing his own body weight was particularly strenuous for Pau Gasol.
Without technological enhancement, muscles don't grow quickly.
Pau Gasol knew Lee wasn't using technology either, but looking at the scene before him, he subconsciously said:
"This should be more than Ron, right? Unbelievable, I knew Lee had gotten stronger."
His eyes were wide with amazement, and Pau Gasol's words also made Kurt Thomas, who was beside him, exclaim:
"This is talent! Some people are born with talent. God is sometimes truly unfair!"
Ron Artest and Matt Barnes were also stunned.
Clay Lee's training volume decreased significantly this season, but he did practice boxing more often when he was bored.
Ron Artest, who loves lifting weights, also felt that God was unfair.
Despite his hard work, he was still caught up to by Lee.
The Knicks' head trainer, Greg, was very satisfied with Lee's physical condition.
While monitoring his movements, he said to everyone:
"Lee never relaxes his demands on himself. Every offseason, he actively does extra training!"
"This is the reward for consistent training. While you all are vacationing and completely forgetting about basketball, Lee has put in a lot of sweat."
"The body doesn't lie! Remember, to build a strong physique, consistency is the most important thing!"
Head Trainer Greg's words made Lee's old face flush, though it wasn't visible after exercising.
He sat up and immediately said humbly:
"Training also needs to be scientific. Don't blindly exhaust your body. Greg is experienced, so don't forget to consult him."
"Don't do any extra training these next few days. I don't want to hear about anyone suddenly getting injured!"
"Ha!"
Everyone laughed along, and Trainer Greg showed a proud expression, smiling as he guaranteed:
"I guarantee everyone will be healthy on the Finals stage. This year we will definitely win the championship again."
Everyone cheered again.
The conference finals award ceremony could not be held at Auburn Hills Palace due to the influence of Detroit fans.
Ultimately, the Knicks only held the trophy and took photos in the press conference room, and only after most of the fans had dispersed did they take supplementary photos with the spherical golden trophy.
Having been unable to show off the conference championship, everyone began to look forward to the championship award ceremony.
After everyone dispersed and started to warm up, Lee also did some flexibility training.
The talent he gained from the conference championship made him even more energetic:
[Richard Hamilton's extraordinary stamina]
After gaining this talent, Lee's talent panel, which had been dormant for several years, finally revealed detailed attributes again:
Speed: 96, Defensive Agility: 95;
Driving Layup: 97, Driving Dunk: 96;
Ball Handle Speed: 94, Draw Foul: 94;
Ball Handling: 96, Passing Vision: 97;
Passing IQ: 97, Passing Accuracy: 98;
Offensive Rebound: 62, Defensive Rebound: 78.
Athleticism: 96, Driving: 95,
Playmaking: 97, Rebounding: 70.
Close Shot: 99,
Open Mid-Range: 96,
Open Three-Point: 98,
Stamina: 99 (+1),
Strength: 91, Vertical: 95,
Help Defense IQ: 95,
Acceleration: 94.
Seeing the clear attributes on the panel, Clay Lee, who was warming up, showed a hint of a smile.
Except for his speed not meeting his expectations, the all-around increase in his stats indicated that his efforts had not been in vain.
Looking at his thick thighs and then at his emerging abdominal muscles, Lee was a bit troubled.
He found that he seemed to gain muscle no matter what he ate.
His recently measured weight was 98.2 Kg, which should not be the end point.
Lee, of course, knew why Pau Gasol looked surprised.
Even the technologically enhanced players in the NBA couldn't compare to him.
Thinking that similar types of talents could raise the upper limit, Lee was in a great mood.
Perhaps as he aged, this could slow down his decline.
Ron Artest had come over again at some point.
Taking advantage of Lee's good mood, he immediately winked and whispered:
"Lee, does Tim Grover have new potions?"
Hearing his subordinate suspect him, Lee immediately cursed in a bad mood:
"Fuck! I was born with super strength. It just awakened as I got older!"
"You should know how hard I work. I always train on time!"
Ron Artest scratched his head, still a bit unconvinced, but he didn't dare say much more, only muttering to himself:
"It makes no sense to gain muscle while playing with girls every day!"
"..."
On the evening of the 29th, in Western Conference Finals Game 5, the Timberwolves, back on their home court, pulled back another win.
Sprewell scored 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting, a complete turnaround from his previous game's slump.
Kevin Garnett scored 30 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block on 10-of-23 shooting.
Target Center erupted again.
Kevin Garnett, who scored a game-high, promised fans after the game:
"The series isn't over yet. We're going to extend it to Game 7!"
After a day of rest, the Lakers, back on their home court, gave their opponents no more chances.
90:96. Although Gary Payton struggled again, scoring only 7 points on 3-of-11 shooting, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant performed steadily.
They scored 25 and 20 points respectively, helping the Lakers eliminate their opponents 4:2 in the series.
At the end of the game, Staples Center was filled with the cheers of Lakers fans.
Shaquille O'Neal even punched the air excitedly, embracing Phil Jackson next to him in celebration.
The two had already formed a united front.
Thinking of the struggles of this season, Shaquille O'Neal embraced the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man and said emotionally:
"We will win the championship. The Lakers are our team!"
"..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)