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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
Please give it a go š
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On June 29, 2004, Houston fans celebrated as the Houston Rockets sent away their team leader.
The Orlando Magic ultimately chose to cut their losses in time, giving up their "second best player," Tracy McGrady.
The Houston Rockets traded Kelvin Cato, Steve Francis, and Cuttino Mobley to the Orlando Magic for Reece Gaines, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Tracy McGrady.
The Houston Rockets also used some clever tactics to complete this trade within the salary cap.
It wasn't that Steve Francis wasn't good enough.
It was that Tracy McGrady was more popular!
After the trade broke in the morning, most commentators gave it high praise.
Although many media outlets reported that Tracy McGrady was still troubled by waist and back injuries, the "self-proclaimed second best player" still captivated the Houston Rockets fans.
Of course, the Houston Rockets certainly didn't lose out.
Steve Francis also had some injuries, and as a guard who relied heavily on his physical abilities, this trade was essentially a "cut loss" in nature.
The happiest were the Chinese Houston Rockets fans.
Ever since CCTV Sports broadcasted the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks playoff series, Tracy McGrady had left a deep impression on chinese fans.
As the "second best player" of that season, during the playoffs, Tracy McGrady's classic white calf-length sleeves look was striking.
His hazy eyes, captivating calves, and beautiful one-handed ball-handling in some plays truly won the hearts of many chinese fans!
Although domestic magazines rarely introduced advanced statistics, the title of "second best player" still spread throughout China, and chinese fans were very satisfied with Yao Ming's new partner.
Even the Houston Rockets owner, Alexander, became a "great philanthropist."
Before the new season even began, the delusional sina sports media were already preparing to shout:
"The Houston Rockets are aiming for the championship in the new season!"
"."
Allan Houston is highly likely to be out for the season next season due to a knee injury.
After trading away the team's valuable "asset," the Orlando Magic are rebuilding again.
The Orlando Sentinel did not comment much on this trade, as Orlando Magic fans still liked Tracy McGrady very much.
As the largest local daily newspaper, the news was naturally incredibly well-informed, and many columns in the morning paper quoted what Allan Houston said in an interview:
"Business is business. I love the city of Orlando, and I will stay here until my career ends!"
"I believe the Orlando Magic still have a chance to contend for the championship. My experience with the New York Knicks tells me that opportunities are for prepared teams. I will take on the responsibility of a leader in the locker room."
Allan Houston's very professional statement won unanimous praise from local Orlando fans.
However, there are two sides to every coin.
Allan Houston is more likely to be lying flat.
This season, in order to make the playoffs, he aggravated his knee injury, and he can say with a clear conscience:
"I gave my all for the team!"
After the trade, some commentators also began to mock Tracy McGrady's choice:
"He knew he couldn't defeat Clay Lee, so he ultimately chose to leave the Eastern Conference."
"True superstars shouldn't be timid. They should rise to the challenge and confront the defending champions!"
Several articles on Yahoo Sports sparked a war of words among fans.
In response, some New York fans gave Tracy McGrady a nickname:
"Chicken!"
"Coward" and "weakling" were the names New York fans gave to the "second best player."
Allen Iverson was beaten for eight years and didn't run, but after one playoff loss, Tracy McGrady ran away.
This trade, after fermenting on the internet, suddenly changed its nature.
Some comments on the internet indeed affected Tracy McGrady.
Although Facebook is currently only for college students, this does not prevent young people from expressing their views on their homepages, and many memes are also circulating.
After a day of fermentation, Tracy McGrady, who was traded to Houston, stated to the media:
"I am the best shooting guard in the NBA. I am very grateful to the Orlando fans, and I am also very grateful to the Orlando Magic for sending me to the Houston Rockets."
"I will win big in Houston next season, and we will make it to the Finals!"
"You can evaluate me however you want, but the data will not lie. I will prove myself with a championship."
Perhaps because the Lakers were about to break up, Tracy McGrady, who was traded to the Western Conference, seemed very confident in the interview.
Bill Simmons has always been known as a "Boston sports person."
He joined ESPN in 2001 and moved to California, but he didn't give up online writing.
After several years of development, the viewership of his personal column grew larger and larger.
After interviewing Tracy McGrady on ESPN, Bill Simmons did not follow the trend but instead gave his own prediction through detailed data analysis:
"It is difficult for Tracy McGrady to truly carry a team's offense. Compared to true superstars, he is just an ordinary All-Star who can consume possessions but is very inefficient."
On the evening of the 30th, Lee didn't pay attention to the commentators' arguments from the past two days.
For him, the injured Tracy McGrady was already past his prime.
Perhaps Tracy McGrady could still deliver some exciting performances in the regular season, but he would hardly appear on the Finals stage, so Lee naturally had no interest in paying attention to the scraps.
Today happened to be the release date of "Spider-Man 2."
When he returned to his home on 82nd Street after watching the movie in the evening, Scarlett and Krysten Ritter were still complaining about the terrible romantic plot in the movie.
"Heroine is not suitable for such a role. Superhero movies are all about special effects!"
"Why do Peter Parker and Harry both like Mary Jane? I had this question when I read the comics. Harry is a billionaire!"
The two complained about the movie back and forth, clearly this superhero blockbuster was not their cup of tea.
But according to the feedback from the scene, Sony's movie will be a great success again, and the first-week box office will definitely not be bad.
Lee, who had watched the classic old movie, felt much better.
While the two were chattering about the movie and changing clothes, Melinda, wearing a nightgown, handed him a glass of juice.
Lee, leaning on the sofa, enjoyed the kneading behind him and whispered:
"Roger Stone, I always feel that he is intentionally contacting us. From the information, his reputation is not very good."
Melinda, with her golden hair tied up, kneaded Lee's shoulders and whispered:
"Indeed, not very good. He has been involved in many political incidents. There are rumors that Spitzer might announce his bid for governor at the end of the year, so perhaps he wants to plan some things in advance."
"Roger Stone also has a good relationship with Thomas Golisano."
"This billionaire is one of the founders of the New York Independence Party. He has participated in three New York State gubernatorial campaigns, spending over $90 million."
"By the way, Golisano is also a co-owner of the Buffalo Sabres (NHL) and the Buffalo Bandits (NLL)."
"Perhaps Roger Stone thinks you are like Golisano, who loves sports and participates in political activities, which is why he targets you as a client."
Lee embraced Melinda, who came in front of him, and she giggled, squeezed into his arms, and then leaned into his ear and whispered:
"Hopefully, wealthy people will provide financial support and encourage ordinary people to vote actively. These lobbyists and politicians are essentially liars, trying to make both sides believe they will protect their interests."
Lee lowered his head and kissed the girl in his arms.
He hadn't decided whether to accept the help yet.
Through Roger Stone, he could indeed become closer to Donald and others, because this influential lobbyist would also affect some people in the Republican Party.
Having too much wealth is not necessarily a good thing.
Some people with ulterior motives always want to come and get a share.
Melinda was still whispering the news she had gathered in his ear when Scarlett, wearing a white camisole, quickly squeezed next to Lee.
The young girl didn't have so many worries.
Recently, without her mother's supervision, she was in an even better mood.
Pulling off the thin strap on one shoulder, Scarlett also spoke of her own troubles:
"My back seems to have gotten a bit thicker, and some clothes don't fit anymore!"
Twisting around to reveal her fair, smooth back, Scarlett let Melinda take a look.
The young assistant, walking out of the bedroom, tied up her black hair and grumbled,
"Who told you to develop so fast!"
Krysten Ritter had witnessed the young girl's breasts continuously growing larger with age.
She didn't have those worries, being slender and never appearing "strong" in clothes.
Melinda reached out and massaged twice, eliciting two hums from the other, then she smiled and stood up, pulling Scarlett into her embrace again:
"Just add some looser clothes, let's go! We'll relax in the bathroom for a bit!"
The young girl's face flushed slightly as she watched Krysten Ritter triumphantly raise the prepared red wine.
Lee got up and put his arm around the young assistant, no longer dwelling on bothersome thoughts, and kissed the mischievously smiling girl, saying with a laugh:
"Let's celebrate Melinda's birthday in advance tonight, and drink to our heart's content!"
On July 1st, the NBA announced the salary cap for the 2004-05 season:
"$43.87 million."
Compared to last season, the salary cap only increased by a tiny bit, and the luxury tax line didn't change much either.
With the collective bargaining agreement nearing its expiration, Michael Curry, the current President of the Players Union, spoke about the new agreement in an interview:
"To encourage excellent young players, we will add a series of special clauses."
"After fulfilling their Rookie contract, when signing their second career contract, players who have won an MVP can sign a maximum contract that occupies 30% of the team's salary cap."
"Players under 30 years old who have won MVP for three consecutive years can also sign a maximum contract with the team for their next contract, occupying 35% of the team's salary cap."
"Outstanding players no longer have to abide by the service time restriction. This is a win-win clause for both players and teams."
The newly added special clauses were clearly referring to Clay Lee.
For ordinary players, to get a starting contract occupying 35% of the salary cap, they would have to play in the NBA for more than 10 years.
Winning MVP during a Rookie contract is also a bit outrageous, and getting a starting contract at 30% of the salary cap is not an easy feat.
Although Michael Curry was unremarkable when he played for the Detroit Pistons, he gained a lot of support from ordinary players within the Union.
The special clauses revealed during the interview are basically confirmed and have been approved by the NBA and the teams.
Sports media named the new special clause (Clay Lee), and its purpose is to allow Lee to occupy more of the salary cap.
While encouraging players, it also prevents teams like the New York Knicks from excessively benefiting from Rookie contracts again.
Although the conditions are a bit harsh, for NBA players, there's more motivation to play, especially for Rookies, who have all been given a powerful shot in the arm!
This is real money, and the second contract in a player's career will affect subsequent salaries.
In other words, it could impact a player's entire career.
Michael Curry once again received unanimous praise from the players.
This is truly a good president who seeks benefits for everyone.
Early in the morning, Lee's phone received a large number of congratulatory messages.
Making big money is a major event worth celebrating!
Last night's intense match left Melinda and the young assistant needing to go out for work. By almost 10 o'clock, only Lee and Scarlett were still lingering in bed.
Messages kept coming, one after another, forcing Lee to pick up his phone and reply to each one.
Although the collective bargaining agreement won't take effect until next year, Lee can sign a 1+1 deal first, which is also a decision to maximize his benefits.
The naked Scarlett was still a bit hazy.
She had expended too much energy last night and only woke up now after a long sleep.
Seeing Lee sitting up against the headboard, texting, she twisted back into his embrace, drawing circles on his chest while her hands restlessly began to move.
"Clay, are we going back to Greenwich today? I want to sunbathe."
Lee, typing with one hand, rubbed the firm, fair skin.
Hearing the girl's hoarse whisper, he immediately agreed:
"It's a good chance to go back and check out the yachts. Alyce can pick out a few, and everyone can come take a look over the weekend."
Scarlett secretly glanced at Lee.
She had known about the yacht for a long time.
She and the young assistant had been choosing for a while, and the Peninsula Manor's dock was also ready for use.
This summer, she planned to have a blast there.
Lee, who was replying to messages, soon received a call from his agent, Mark Bartelstein.
Swatting away the small hand that was kneading his chest and giving Scarlett a look, Lee propped himself up before answering the phone.
The confirmation of the special clause made Mark Bartelstein exceptionally excited.
Before Lee could speak, the voice on the phone began:
"Lee, this is absolutely fantastic news! I'm not talking about the 1+1 contract, but about next year's salary cap!"
"I've received information that for the 05-06 season, the salary cap should increase significantly. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, your starting salary could even exceed $17 million."
"This is absolutely the largest contract a 27-year-old player has ever received in NBA history!"
"Now we have a small issue: we need to confirm the contract length with the New York Knicks. This is very important, as it concerns the last contract of your career."
Lee couldn't get a word in. Mark Bartelstein spoke incredibly fast.
As an agent with many years of experience, this was his first time personally experiencing such a personalized special clause.
Scarlett, now fully awake, saw Lee smiling as he listened to the phone and knew it must be good news, so she simply straddled him.
She bit his shoulder and let out a low hum, feeling Lee tighten his embrace around her waist, not wanting her to squirm.
Then she chuckled softly in his ear.
Lee, who had to concentrate, was also trying to search his memory when he heard the $17 million starting salary.
In his memory, the league seemed to experience another lockout in the future, but the salary cap didn't change much.
When Lee thought of this, he could only lament his bad luck:
"We'll discuss the contract length issue in detail this afternoon. Based on the current collective bargaining agreement, which favors the owners, there might be another lockout in the future."
"We need to prepare for it in advance!"
When he hung up the phone, a soft laugh soon echoed in the bedroom, which then turned into exclamations and rhythmic playful sounds.
Neither of them planned to eat lunch today.
In the NBA, salary represents respect. Shaquille O'Neal believed he was the league's top center, and for the last big contract of his career, he shouldn't compromise.
The same went for Clay Lee.
The New York Knicks were his home team.
Although a large contract was destined to affect the team's roster structure, he still insisted on maximizing his benefits.
If salary were calculated according to the special clauses, it was highly likely that Lee's personal salary would occupy half of the New York Knicks' salary cap in the future.
If his career was long enough, Lee's year-on-year increase in personal salary would cause the New York Knicks to pay large luxury taxes annually.
In China, across the ocean, news about Lee's salary was also being reported.
Most ordinary fans didn't understand what impact the clauses would have on the team, but everyone knew that Lee, who was making big money, was truly "a little cow that doesn't calveā" (a chinese idiom implying something is extraordinary or impressive), but his information were still vague due to official subtle obstruction.
From late June to early July, the Xxx men's basketball team began its first phase of training in Qingdao in preparation for the Athens Olympics.
On July 10th, the china men's basketball team would also participate in a Four Nations Invitational Tournament to warm up, and before the Olympics, they would also participate in the Diamond Cup Invitational Tournament held in Serbia and Montenegro to continue warming up.
The quality of these warm-up games was still good at this time, and situations where teams were just touring rarely occurred.
Yao Ming, as the core of the men's basketball team, would naturally participate.
Due to Tracy McGrady joining the Houston Rockets, Yao Ming had also been frequently interviewed these past few days, expressing his determination to the media.
A Sina Sports reporter loved to gossip about NBA news.
After that day's training session, when interviewing Yao Ming, he asked about the new season:
"Yao, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to be entering a rebuilding phase. With Tracy McGrady joining, do you think the Houston Rockets can defeat the New York Knicks?"
Suddenly skipping the playoffs, thinking of the strong teams in the Western Conference, and then thinking of the Houston Rockets' rotation, Yao Ming was a bit exasperated.
He didn't understand why domestic media were always so confident:
"It's very difficult. To win a championship in the NBA, sometimes you need some luck."
"Most importantly, entering the playoffs further tests a team's roster depth, and currently, no team in the NBA can compare to the Knicks."
Clay Lee's presence made many domestic media outlets incredibly confident.
They are both Asians, though Lee has mixed ancestry, and if Lee, who is just over 1.9 meters tall, can succeed, there's no reason why Yao Ming, at 2.26 meters, cannot.
The reporter from Titan Sports felt that Yao Ming was too modest and spoke up again, asking:
"Yao, have you considered the MVP? After the Houston Rockets' reinforcements, as long as they secure the top spot in the Western Conference, you should also have a chance to win this award."
After Tracy McGrady joined the Houston Rockets, it was uncertain who would be the team's leader, so Yao Ming, feeling a bit helpless, could only resort to diplomatic talk again:
"Of course, I want to win the MVP! But I'm still a Rookie, and what I'm more concerned about is how to get past the first round of the playoffs."
The first stop of Clay Lee's Asia tour was BJ.
Although it was a Nike commercial event, the State Sports General Administration intervened and gave him the highest treatment.
In June, Michael Jordan came to China in his personal capacity, and he was also received by the Sports General Administration, with both receiving the same treatment, which made some sports reporters a bit unhappy.
There are always some media personalities who cannot stand to see Lee, who shares the half ancestry as them, doing well, ofc, it's a PR move from officials.
This mentality is very strange, but it can be seen in some reports.
Yao Ming said a lot of diplomatic words.
He really didn't want to carry the burden of "failure if you don't win a championship."
With Clay Lee winning his 6th championship, the "championship-only" theory is currently prevalent, and the delusional chinese fans are increasingly looking forward to Yao Ming also lifting a trophy in the NBA!
For the Athens Olympics, the Head Coach of the Chinese men's basketball team was Silver Fox Harris, who had previously served as the Head Coach of the Lakers, but he failed to win a championship with the "OK" duo.
The training sessions these days left Harris somewhat dissatisfied.
The china news media kept reporting on player selection issues, which seemed to be questioning his choices.
During the second phase of training, the Chinese men's basketball team would go to the United States for training.
When interviewed, Del Harris didn't hold back, continuing to speak frankly to everyone:
"A team makes real changes in a few months."
"In my opinion, many people on the team are not tough enough. Sometimes they are too polite on the court and don't play aggressively enough."
"We have also gained a lot in these past few months. This team is more mature physically and mentally. We spent a lot of time in the gym. Look at the young men's muscles; this will give them confidence."
The Athens Olympics served as a foundation for the Beijing Olympics at home four years later.
Chinese sports media hoped the men's basketball team could break historical records, and a medal would be even better.
When asked about the possibility of winning a medal at the 2008 Olympics, Harris glanced at everyone, then shook his head slightly and whispered:
"This team still has significant weaknesses. Our backcourt struggles to perform at its expected level against tall guards in international competitions."
"The entire team relies too much on Yao, and our shooters also lack the ability to shoot while moving."
"To win a medal, unless a Clay-Lee type calibre leads this team. Superstars can change games. Although he hasn't played in international competitions, if officials are bold enough, they should bring him here."
Assistant Coach Jonas nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, agreeing with the view that winning a medal with Yao Ming alone was impossible.
Everyone felt a pang in their hearts upon hearing this.
Wasn't he saying that Yao Ming was inferior to Clay Lee?
Harris sensed the awkward atmosphere and also began to speak diplomatically.
He also wanted to lead the China team to a medal, but their strength simply didn't allow it.
Michael Jordan, who had completed his China tour, was in a good mood, but after the Knicks won the championship and Clay Lee received his 6th personal FMVP trophy, Michael Jordan became a bit displeased.
Having already resigned from his positions as President and shareholder of the Washington Wizards, Michael Jordan, who had been outmaneuvered, still hoped to own an NBA team.
On Friday, July 2nd, Michael Jordan, back in Chicago, began preparing for next week's charity golf tournament.
When he had to appear before the media, a reporter from the Chicago Tribune asked a question that particularly displeased Michael Jordan:
"Michael Jordan, did you follow this year's Finals?
"Clay Lee has won his 6th personal championship trophy. Does this mean he has completely surpassed you and become the greatest player of all time?"
Michael Jordan's records were being broken one by one by Clay Lee.
Dressed in an AJ tracksuit, Jordan, though inwardly displeased, still praised him in his reply:
"I did follow Lee's games. A net win of 29 points per game against opponents. I have to say, the Knicks showed their dominance."
"I have always maintained one view: different stars emerge in every era."
"You know, I don't consider myself the greatest of all time. I just achieved good results in the 90s. It's actually very difficult to compare stars from different eras."
Michael Jordan did not directly answer the question, and soon an ESPN reporter followed up with a jab:
"Michael, we all know that in '98, Lee led his team to victory over the Chicago Bulls, thereby achieving his first career championship."
"Entering the NBA in '96, Clay Lee can also be considered a star of the 90s."
"Six is greater than five. If Clay Lee continues to win championships in the future, does this mean he will completely surpass your achievements?"
Michael Jordan, wearing a loose white T-shirt, was instantly amused by the anger, but he was powerless to refute, and in the end, he could only respond simply:
"Records are meant to be broken. Lee is excellent, and I believe he will surpass me and achieve even greater things!"
"."
He said a lot of diplomatic words, but no one heard Michael Jordan say, "Clay Lee is the greatest of all time."
Everyone knew that Michael Jordan was unconvinced and still wouldn't admit that Clay Lee was the GOAT.
It is predictable that as the golf charity event proceeds, more and more sports media will ask Michael Jordan the same question.
Thinking of Michael Jordan reluctantly uttering a string of compliments, everyone felt relieved:
"Michael Jordan is past his prime!"
On July 3rd, Nike once again promoted Lee's Asia tour, with Upper Deck, McDonald's, Pepsi, and Ray-Ban following suit in a Linkage.
Cadillac also prepared to launch more advertisements in the Asian market, and American Express had long ago announced that they had prepared a luxurious private jet, the Gulfstream G550, for their esteemed "Black Card" user, Clay Lee.
The brands began to exert their efforts, and this weekend, Lee also started preparing for his subsequent itinerary.
After more than two weeks of the Asia tour, Lee still had to return to New York at the end of the month to participate in a basketball celebrity game, an event he couldn't miss.
On Sunday morning, July 4th, Lee, Melinda, and Old Mike appeared at JFK Airport.
Private lawyers, security personnel, Lee didn't bring any pretty girls with him, as hosting a private party domestically would have a bad impact.
On Nike's side, Matt Parker would participate in this event.
Although there would be some changes in company management, this would not affect Lee's subsequent lifetime contract.
The Gulfstream, capable of accommodating 19 people, had luxurious interior facilities, but Lee, sitting by the window, paid no attention to the surroundings, lost in thought after the plane took off.
Old Mike, who had been with Lee for many years, sat on the other side and gave Melinda a look.
Smelling the familiar perfume, Lee hugged the girl beside him tightly and suddenly laughed:
"Twenty-six years, time flies so fast. I'm going home!"
(A/N: This Asian tour will be full of licking, begging, racism and nationalism. Don't worry I'll try my best to edit those. For those who aren't aware, MC was a Chinese in his previous life. In fact, the original author's book, he's still a Chinese but here, I modified the setting and made him a Mixed race. Of course, you can skip this Asia tour, it won't affect the subsequent plot.)
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By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)