NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 429 "The Third Hook" (Daily Chapter)

On Thursday, February 2006, 2, a large number of media reporters gathered at the Javits Convention Center in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan.

The All-Star Weekend is approaching, and Hook also took this opportunity to officially launch the first generation sneakers of Li You's personal brand.

The reason why it has been postponed from October to now is mainly to be able to cut leeks better. Hook promotes new products and also shows off new "technology".

Eric Eva, who was giving a PPT presentation, introduced the application of Nike Air Max 360 in basketball shoes, and then the conversation quickly changed:
"Extremely light, Lee's signature shoe will be the lightest shoe in the history of basketball shoes!"

Just listen to the advertising slogans. After all, every time a new product is released, it will be so hyped, but the combination of Max and Zoom has indeed attracted a lot of attention.

When Li You appeared on the stage in a black casual suit, the atmosphere team at the scene started to applaud and cheer very cooperatively.

Media people, led by Sports Illustrated, have already spent a lot of money, and Google has also bought a lot of Internet advertising hooks.

As for offline physical advertising, the flagship stores on Manhattan's Upper East Side and Broadway had already replaced their posters on Monday, and the ones outside Madison Square Garden were also updated simultaneously.

It’s the boss who spends the money. Hooks, who have huge advertising budgets every year, are full of energy in the industry.
Wearing jeans and a black hook sports coat, Eric Evar smiled brightly. The new sneakers are his proud products in recent years, and his shiny bald head also shows the hard work he has put in.

When the two men showed off their new sneakers to everyone on the stage, many reporters did not forget to exclaim while taking photos, these are pure low-cut sneakers.

The toe cap continues to use the previous patent leather material, with some ventilation holes added. The upper is woven with a large amount of improved Tech-Flex technology, and the orange and blue silk threads are similar to cloud patterns.

The midsole is made of separated Zoom embedded into the Max air cushion. Max can also be seen exposed at the heel. The shoe body is mainly white with orange embellishments on the sole.

The logo on the tongue of the shoe has become the image of "ClayGod" dribbling, and the TPU behind the heel also has a flying "Lee".

The support and torsion resistance have been strengthened in the case of stacking materials. Compared with the previous mid-to-low-top Liyou model, the pure low-top design is extremely bold.

In Li You's opinion, this very light basketball shoe is a combination of Kobe 4 and Jordan 23 in his memory. The sole technology is more customized for him and is suitable for heavy guards.

Flying thread technology is not yet fully mature. When Eric Ewa announced that the side of the sneakers had hand-sewn patterns, many people exclaimed. This thing sounds very high-end!

In fact, the price of this sneaker is not expensive. The Air Jordan 21 that was just released not long ago is $175, and Li You’s new model is $185.

The shoe box is also carefully customized. This year is the 10th time in Li You's career that he has been selected as an All-Star. Naturally, the outer packaging also adds personal elements.

In short, the first generation of personal brand signature shoes has a lot of bells and whistles, and the purpose is to make buyers feel that they are worth their money.

On the big screen behind the two of them, the colors of the Knicks' basic sneakers soon appeared. At the same time, there was also a commemorative model of the University of Connecticut. The customized one had Husky Happy elements.
After posing, allowing the reporters in the audience to take photos, the fixed session ended, and the two soon sat down in front of everyone. Eric Eva breathed a sigh of relief and said with emotion:
"In just 10 seasons, we have witnessed the best player in history. Lee, congratulations again on your 10th All-Star selection in your career."

"Talk to us about your feelings about the new sneakers. You know, this sneaker embodies all the current technology of Hook and it will accompany you through 2006!"

The carefully taken care of his short black hair is messy and stylish, and the stubble on his face deliberately kept makes Li You look more mature.

In fact, if Li You shaves off his beard completely, Li You's appearance will remain the same as when he was 20 years old. This appearance is also proof that he does not use technology. After all, he will look older after taking medication.

"It's hard to describe how much I love this pair of sneakers. I've been wanting to wear them for training for a long time!"

"In the 10th season of my career, I have indeed achieved some small achievements. I have been an All-Star 10 times. Thank you everyone for recognizing me."

When they heard "a small achievement", everyone laughed kindly. Li You waited for the scene to quiet down again with a smile, and then spoke again:
"I made a lot of arbitrary demands when designing this sneaker. The low-cut design frees up my ankles, allowing me to better complete technical movements."

"The combination of Max and Zoom has a wonderful chemical reaction, and strong defenders will like it."

"I hope everyone can give Eric a round of applause. He is the best sneaker designer in the world!"

Everyone in the audience followed suit again, and the two started a commercial exchange mode, boasting about this pair of sneakers, and finally labeling them "winners."

At the end of the press conference, Mark Parker, the executive officer of Hook, also took the stage to brag about X and made a preview by the way:
"If all goes well, after the finals in June, we will also have in-depth cooperation with Apple, and the worlds of sports and music will be integrated in an unprecedented way!"

"."

Nike+iPod is also one of this year's plans. Fans will not miss out on trendy technology products. This is a win-win choice.

There was a celebration dinner after the press conference. Reporters from Sports Illustrated and New York quickly gathered around Li You. The All-Star Weekend was about to begin, and they would not miss this opportunity for a solo interview:
"Li, I heard that you also have a sneaker, why don't you introduce it to us?"

It continues the design of the previous generation of sneakers, retaining the configuration of the midsole carbon plate and rear palm Zoom Air cushion. The upper is made of large-area breathable mesh, and the sole has increased wear resistance.

A modified version of the Air Zoom Huarache, Li You’s personal logo and hook logo coexist, focusing on outdoor venues and cheap big bowls.

"It's a small gift for the fans. We chose to sell it directly. You can see it on the shelves of the specialty store tomorrow."

Li You said it easily, but many reporters were still curious. Hook would not do loss-making business.

Soon Mark Parker came here and interrupted everyone's communication. When the reporter left, Li You joked slightly helplessly:

"How did you convince Kobe's agent? That was a design he had wanted for a long time."

Mark Parker had a nonchalant look on his face, and was even in the mood to joke and joke:
"In 04, Air Jordan 19 was inspired by the most venomous and ferocious snakes in Africa. The black mamba is not a novel element. Didn't you also help us promote it?"

In order to be able to happily cut leeks, Li You did help promote the Black Mamba, but Qiao 19 did not achieve the expected sales volume.

The mesh structure and body texture of Li You's outfield shoes have added Mamba elements, which is definitely not a good thing for Kobe.
"Maybe Pelinka will come to visit this weekend. It seems that the relationship between me and Kobe will continue to deteriorate."

He said that the relationship was deteriorating, but Li You showed a smile on his face. He still preferred to see the other party angry rather than being friendly.

Before the All-Star break, the Knicks remained undefeated. After back-to-back victories over the Mavericks, they returned home and easily defeated the Raptors.

With 47 wins and 5 losses, considering the competitive environment in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have basically locked in a playoff spot.

The Pistons have started to lose recently and are ranked second in the league with 42 wins and 9 losses. The Spurs are ranked third in the league with 40 wins and 12 losses. The Mavericks are ranked fourth with the same record.

In the MVP rankings, Duncan is still firmly ranked first. It seems that as long as the record ranks first in the Western Conference, the football commentators are determined to give the opponent a trophy.

Li You's sneaker advertisements began to sweep the entire United States, and Kobe Bryant, who flew to Houston, was almost blown away.

On Friday the 17th, ever since he saw the commercial in the morning, Kobe had a big face in the hotel. He felt that he had been humiliated by the hook!
When the young Pelinka saw Kobe's expression, he knew that his big client was in a bad mood. He pushed up his glasses, offered Kobe a cup of coffee, and turned off the TV:

"Kobe, face the reality! Don't forget that you have just reversed the criticism through your outstanding performance. There is no need to expose your emotions in front of the media at this time."

"Li can bring huge profits to Hook. This is the key to his ability to sign a lifetime contract. Now we have to consider how to expand his influence in the future."

"Venting out emotions will not bring any benefits. We must re-create a perfect image!"

As an agent, Pelinka helped Kobe solve the illegal invasion incident, and at the same time shouldered the important task of rebuilding his image.

Becoming the godfather of Kobe's second daughter is enough to illustrate the close relationship between Pelinka and Kobe. The two have overcome difficulties together, have a deep friendship, and are more candid in their communication.

Kobe was still angrily silent. He began to suspect that signing Hook was a wrong choice. Here, he could only enjoy second-tier resources.

In the next generation of sneakers, Kobe still does not enjoy the highest "technology". Just like his generation is Li You's "modification", the future will still be this route.

In contrast, LeBron James' treatment is much better. Air Max is the direction of the opponent's iteration, and Kobe cannot accept that he has become the "third hook".

The market doesn't lie. Although the illegal invasion incident has ended, there are still people who are holding on to Kobe, and the voice of resistance on the Internet has never disappeared.

"I don't understand why this is happening! I also have a champion, Farke! Why don't they respect me?"

The serial level of sneakers can indicate the star status. Kobe can only enjoy Li You's "second-tier resources". His fantasy of inheriting Michael Jordan's Black Mamba design is completely shattered.

Pelinka looked at the furious Kobe and suddenly fell silent. After a while, he muttered:
"Unless one day Shaq acknowledges your status in the Lakers, or you win the O'Brien Trophy again, everyone will truly respect you."

"We should go for MVP. If you lead everyone in scoring this season, I will help you fight for this award."

Kobe didn't want to talk. He knew how difficult it was to win the award. Unless the team's record reached the top, he could defeat all the candidates.

For Li You, All-Star Weekend is advertising time. He has to cooperate with sponsors to attend events, and he also has to accept interviews in accordance with the league's requirements.

As for the AMVP trophy, Li You didn't consider it at all. After all, he had already won this performance award.

As the host, McGrady has been actively running since the start of the All-Star Weekend. AMVP is also an important award, and he needs this honor!
Taking into account the default rules, McGrady felt that he was safe in the All-Star Game held at his home court!
On the afternoon of the 17th, the carnival outside the Toyota Center Arena had begun, and a large number of fans also poured in for the Rookie Challenge that night. Although the Rockets defeated the Suns by 35 points before the All-Star Game, McGrady's mood was not affected when he appeared in the arena that night.

The hazy sleepy eyes have disappeared, and a proud smile is on his face. Amid the cheers of the fans at the scene, McGrady smiled confidently and waved to the camera.

The Rookie Challenge will be narrated live by Dick Stockton, John Thompson and Reggie Miller. Before the start of the game, the three talked about Li You again:
"Lee has been selected as an All-Star for 10 consecutive years. He is so outstanding. He is only 28 years old. I have reason to believe that he will set an incredible record!"

Dick Stockton praised loudly, and John Thompson on the side suddenly thought of his favorite general Patrick Ewing, and subconsciously followed suit and praised:
"Lee really changed modern basketball. Everyone seems to forget that he is a No. 1 position."

"Theoretically, as long as the Knicks maintain a competitive roster, Lee can maintain dominance at the end of his career."

Reggie Miller doesn't like to exaggerate Li You's achievements. The championship discussion will seriously affect his historical status. When he heard the two seniors praising him loudly, he could only say politely:
"Lee is very good, but he is not focused enough. Considering the competitive environment of the league, I think he should reduce some business activities."

"Maybe he hasn't realized that he is about to face the challenge of the new generation of players. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will all challenge for the championship in recent years."

"They have the ability to change the league, and Lee should not be content with the status quo."

Talking about the new generation of players, the other two people quickly changed the topic to tonight's Rookie Challenge. The quality of the new players in recent years is indeed outstanding.

The first-year team is coached by Pistons assistant coach Sidney Lowe, and many of the players selected have already made their mark in the league:
Chris Paul of the Hornets, Deron Williams of the Jazz, Danny Granger of the Pacers, and Channing Frye of the Magic all have good statistics;
The Raptors' Charlie Villanueva and the Bucks' Andrew Bogut are also gaining a foothold on the team.

As for the Suns' Nate Robinson and others, although they are still working hard for playing time, they can be said to have a promising future.
The second-year team is led by Mavericks assistant coach Silver Fox Harris, and Andre Iguodala, Emeka Okafor, and Luol Deng are all considered the core of the team;

Howard, Ben Gordon, Devin Harris and others also play important roles in the team.

After the game started, Reggie Miller praised these new players from time to time. The second-year team quickly took the initiative. When there was beautiful coordination, the fans cheered loudly.

McGrady, who was sitting in the front row, didn't pay much attention to the situation on the court. He whispered to Kobe and Garnett beside him from time to time.

"You know, Bro! We have to work harder for the game the night after tomorrow."

Although they had discussed this matter on the phone before, McGrady couldn't help but bring it up again, which left Garnett speechless:
"This is your home court, what are you worried about? It's an exhibition game, no one will give you a hard time."

Not wanting to continue talking about this matter, Garnett frowned slightly and responded briefly before looking at the unhappy Kobe who was standing aside. The latter noticed their gazes and whispered:

"I have already won the All-Star award. Everyone will help you in the game the day after tomorrow."

Kobe was still unhappy about the sneaker contract. Hook slapped him in the face, interrupting his and Pelinka's plan. 81 points could not turn him into the first brother of Hook.

McGrady and Garnett both belong to the Adidas camp. They still don’t know what happened to Kobe, but they can also sense the emotions of their friends at this time:

"Still thinking about the playoffs? Everyone understands the reason for our poor record."

When Kobe and Garnett heard McGrady's words, they knew the other was referring to the "lack of helpers."

With 23 wins and 29 losses, the Timberwolves have fallen behind. With 24 wins and 28 losses, before the All-Star weekend, the Lakers seem to have missed the playoffs after losing to the Eagles.
The Rockets currently have 22 wins and 31 losses. The three of them are brothers in distress, and they all belong to the ranks of weaklings.

The topic was too heavy, and the three of them were silent for a while. As long as they thought about the teams ranked in the top half, frustration would fill their hearts.

After the second half of the game started, Reggie Miller was in high spirits in the commentary box. After seeing Howard complete an alley-oop dunk, he even praised loudly:

"Under the guidance of coach Van Gundy, I have seen Dwight grow!"

"The Cavaliers will be a strong opponent of the Knicks in the future, and maybe he can end Lee's dominance of the Eastern Conference."

Howard, who was having fun, didn't know that he had high hopes from many people. At this time, he laughed at Delonte West on the court and shouted:

"Pass it again! You can throw it higher! People love to see my dunk!"

"."

Iguodala, who scored the highest score on the sophomore team, was thinking about winning, and frowned slightly when he saw Howard laughing and joking.

Fortunately, Coach Harris on the sidelines spoke up in time, which allowed several people on the court to correct their attitudes and stop playing blindly.

In the final minutes of the game, the score difference fluctuated by 10 points, and the first-year team failed to seize the opportunity.

At 106:96, the second-year team won the game, and Iguodala successfully won the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy with a game-high 30 points.

Looking at the smiling Iguodala, Kobe Bryant on the sidelines began to frown again. In the 97 Rookie Challenge, Li You seemed to be lifting the trophy with a smile.

Thinking of his treatment at Hook, Kobe became unhappy again. He pursed his lips and applauded. While staring at the trophy, he secretly made up his mind:
"I will take back the treatment that belongs to me with my own hands!"

On Saturday, February 2, the All-Star Weekend media reception day officially opened. At 18 a.m., media from all over the world poured into the Toyota Center Arena.

Since Carmelo Anthony was not selected for the All-Star Game, both James and Wade accompanied their friends to Las Vegas yesterday to "relax".

It was late at night, and when they showed up at the arena in the morning, both of them were a little sluggish. Fortunately, most reporters were surrounding O'Neal at this time.

Compared with the weaklings in the Western Conference, James and Wade are both a little proud. At least their record is very good, and their selection to the All-Stars depends entirely on their strength!

"I don't think you should sign with Converse. Hook has done nothing since acquiring this brand."

While no one was paying attention to them, James, who was wearing a gray sportswear, pulled Wade and whispered.

The friendship between the two was established during the Olympics. Wade knew that James was jealous of Li You's treatment on the hook, so he laughed and joked:
"At least I am Converse's biggest star! In Hook, you can only be ranked behind Li, and the best resources will not be available to you."

James didn't like "second place" and corrected his friend seriously:
"Lee is a personal sub-brand. Currently, I am the biggest star under Gouzi. Kobe's endorsement fee cannot match mine."

Wade pouted and smoothed the wrinkles on his suit. He did not agree with his friend's point of view. Compared with the treatment of the second child, he enjoyed being the first brother of Converse more.
Reporters soon appeared around the two. Most of the regular season was already underway, and both the Cavaliers and Heat had a chance to squeeze into the top half.

As a new generation of stars, they will naturally enjoy more attention.

Comparing salary and endorsement contracts is also a routine operation for All-Star players. Dollars also represent a status. This is particularly important when everyone has few championships.

This season, Yao Ming has been rated as the second most overrated star by Sports Illustrated. Sports reporters will not miss this opportunity:
"Yao, the All-Star got so many votes. Considering your injuries, do you think it's fair?"

As the host, Yao Ming could only laugh it off. He was used to the media’s big-mouthed behavior and could only respond with a few sentences at most:
"I still have more than ten years to play, and I have enough time to prove my strength."

In contrast, McGrady's treatment is better. Although his hips have been stretched recently, he was once the "second man" after all. Facing a group of sports reporters, he only needs IF:
"If my back injury fully recovers, the Rockets will reach the Finals!"

When it was almost 10 o'clock, McGrady was boasting in high spirits. As Li You arrived, the sports reporters soon began to change their positions.

The Chinese sports media is still surrounding Yao Ming. Since losing to the Knicks by a huge score, everyone has a new understanding of McGrady's strength, and even less respect.

Even though the NBA has allocated time, McGrady is still a little angry when he sees people praising him again. He is obviously the protagonist of this year's All-Star Game.

Li You had just flown from New York to Houston. Li You arrived on time. Before he could take a breath while sitting on the stage, a British reporter with a Manchester accent asked in a low voice:
"Li, there is an FA Cup fifth round match this afternoon. Will you go to watch the match?"

Manchester United encountered Liverpool again. In the previous double red meeting, there was a draw and a 1:0 defeat. Li You had predicted the game on ESPN before, and his image of knowing football has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

"Maybe I should consider buying a private jet. As for the FA Cup, we all know that it has to make way for the league."

Li You answered the questions calmly. He knew that the British reporters wanted to have fun. These British guys lacked awe.
Since Manchester United was eliminated from the Champions League group stage, voices of protest have appeared at Old Trafford Arena again. Red Football Capital has taken the blame again. The team's poor performance is all blamed on the boss!

TNT reporters don't care about this. They just got the news that Knicks general manager Glenn Field has submitted his resignation and the team is looking for a new candidate.

As a championship team, the position of general manager is very important. With Grunfield leaving, in the eyes of many sports media, the Knicks will definitely be affected.

"Lee, we have received news that Isiah Thomas seems to be very interested in the general manager position!"

Interrupting the other party's question, Li You didn't want to be ambiguous with the "assassin" for the next few months:
"Glenfield has provided us with the next candidate. Of course, I am not comfortable disclosing this information yet."

The surrounding sports media immediately became excited. Unexpectedly, the position of general manager of the Knicks was unexpectedly confirmed!

Li You, who successfully guided the topic and took the initiative, sighed secretly in his heart. Grenfield's departure had both gains and losses:

"The new official will be able to deliver championship experience to the league without any pressure in the future."

(End of this chapter)