NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 458 "Noble New York Fans" (Daily Chapter)

On June 2006, 6, at the Madison Square Garden Theater, the scene became even more lively as league vice president Stu Jackson announced the final draft result.

".The New York Knicks select Jose Juan Barea from Northeastern University with the 60th pick."

This piece of news did not attract any attention. He is the last pick in the second round and will fade out of the league in a few years. The onlookers are now hotly discussing the Bobcats' choice.

At the ESPN broadcast booth, Dan Patrick was still chatting with Li You about rookie players. The well-known host smiled brightly and continued to ask curiously:
"The Knicks lost to the Bulls in the semifinals, but you did a good job in the offseason. We are all curious about how you gained the trust of head coach Van Gundy."

The draft was about to end, and the two talked more about "how rookies can gain a foothold in the league." Li You did not keep the question to himself, and responded seriously to the camera:

"Trust is mutual. In addition to seizing limited opportunities, a rookie must also actively communicate with the coaching staff."

"You need to let the coach know what you are good at. It is a good choice to give your game suggestions or draw a tactic that suits you."

Although the director would capture the scene of Li You taking over the tactical board in some games, Dan Patrick still showed a surprised expression on his face when he confirmed the rumor on the spot:

"Drawing up tactics? God, this is incredible. I think most players will just follow the coach's instructions."

The director wanted to put the camera on Li You's face. This topic is much more interesting than the boring second-round draft list.
"Drawing up tactics does not mean going against the coach's wishes. Who knows you best? It's yourself, without a doubt."

"I miss that time. Charlie Ward was a very competitive guy. He was very physical and aggressive on defense."

"It was not easy to compete with such players, after all, I was very thin at that time."

"So, I had to maximize my strengths, and when the coaching staff and teammates knew that I could really help the team better, I became the starter."

Li You showed a nostalgic look on his face. Seeing that Dan Patrick was still looking at him curiously, he simply shrugged his shoulders and continued to joke:
"But I don't recommend that rookies joining the Knicks repeat my moves. Coach D'Antoni's tactical board is too rich. The first thing a rookie needs to do is to understand the tactics."

"The most important thing is, if you want to compete with me, you have to accept the test. I defeated Starks in the past. 'Madman' is no small character. He is my good brother."

"This is the tradition of the Knicks. If the rookie can beat me, he can get the right to speak, so now it is the best choice to concentrate on accepting the arrangement."

Dan Patrick laughed again. This year, the Knicks, contrary to their usual practice, selected two backcourt players and a frontcourt player, and did not bet on big men. This is also a change brought about by Donnie Walsh:
“It was a really interesting experience, maybe we’ll see this footage in a documentary in the future!”

Li You nodded, but soon added with a smile:
"It's too early to talk about this. I'm only 28 years old. Maybe I can play for another 10 years."

"I've won a lot, and I won't deny that my desire to win has decreased, but I still enjoy competing against good players."

"When I see young people challenging me, I feel like I am seeing myself back then. Competing with them makes me feel more happy."

"."

At the draft, the Eastern Conference teams were indeed very happy. The Hawks selected the extremely talented jumping man Tyus Thomas with the third pick!
The Celtics selected Randy Foye with the sixth pick, and the Magic selected JJ Redick with the 6th pick;
The Pacers selected Shelden Williams with the 12th pick, and the Bucks selected Thabo Sefolosha with the 13th pick.

The teams that gave up all gained a lot. After the start of the new season, there is a promising future and new players bring new hope!

The corresponding transaction also took place quickly. Before Randy Foye had time to be proud of the Celtics, he was sent to the Trail Blazers. Before he could react again, the Timberwolves made another move.

Brandon Roy was traded to Portland before he received Garnett's blessing text message.

Randy Foye, who has the template of Li You, will join forces with Kevin Garnett. After the transaction happened, sports reporters at the scene all praised it, saying "the future is promising."

Andrea Bargnani had already been surrounded by reporters. The No. 1 pick was already smiling. Although Toronto's geographical location was average, there were more US dollars!

Aldridge didn't look very happy. He would rather join the Bobcats to form a twin tower than to hang out on the prison team.

Fortunately, he was not the only unlucky one. Brandon Roy regretted missing Garnett, but did not show much emotion in the interview.

Occasionally, he would glance at his new teammates. The Trail Blazers' environment is not good, so they have to stick together for warmth in advance.

Adam Morrison excitedly told the sports reporter about his excitement. Hearing that he was spotted by Michael Jordan, the rookie was so excited.
The highly-watched Rudy Gay also encountered a dilemma. After being selected by the Rockets with the 7th pick, before he had time to get acquainted, Houston Chronicle reporter Feigen broke the news that he was traded.

Facing a crowd of sports media, Rudy Gay hugged his family and couldn't help but look to his agent Mark Bartelstein for help.

Mark Bartelstein, with an unpleasant expression on his face, just nodded slightly, indicating that he would ask for clarification, and then turned his head and cursed angrily:
"Damn Carol Dawson!"

The Nets selected Marcus Williams from the University of Connecticut, who received the "Lee You Recognition Award". The reporters in New Jersey were all smiling as they snatched the 21st pick from their old rival.

Rajon Rondo, who was selected by the Knicks, looked confused. Steve Novak, who was selected 30th, was not present, so New York reporters gathered around the newcomer and looked at him curiously.

"Rondo, tell us about your basketball idols and how it feels to play in New York."

The draft template is Mookie Blaylock. Rajon Rondo didn't even go to the Knicks for a tryout. He has been flirting with the Celtics for the past two months, but now he has been selected by New York:
"Well, I like Isaiah Thomas. He is the idol of all the small players."

Rondo answered dryly, and the sports reporters around him changed their expressions instantly. No wonder he was picked 22nd. Look at Chris Paul last year, he is a real genius!
Unaware of the change in the atmosphere, a somewhat nervous Rajon Rondo was still speaking dryly:
"I'm very happy to join the defending champions. It's my honor. I love Madison Square Garden. It's the holy land of basketball."

It's too late to say good things. Many people are no longer interested in interviewing this newcomer. Isaiah Thomas? He doesn't sound like a good guy. Although he looks like a star, he will most likely be traded.

The first impression is very important. Last year, when we interviewed Chris Paul, this newbie expressed his admiration for Li You and mentioned more than once that he is a fan of the Knicks.

Look at this guy again, he obviously doesn't mean what he says, which is not in line with the team culture.
Jordan Farma, who was selected by the Lakers, was surrounded by sports reporters, who were happily showing off and holding up their phones and saying loudly:

"I got a text from Mr 81. God! This is incredible. What a great way to start my career!"

"I've always wanted to play in Los Angeles, and now my dream has come true."

The broadcast was coming to an end at this time, and Dan Patrick finally talked about the men's basketball team. Krzyzewski had previously complained that Li You was not suitable for the team and was boycotted by the New York media.

This NCAA champion coach has stirred up a hornet's nest. If he fails to win the gold medal this year, he will be criticized by New York fans.

"Lee, let's talk about this year's World Championships. Krzyzewski thinks the team shouldn't work around you. What do you think about this?"

Seeing a gloating look on the other person's face, Li You didn't hesitate to put on his headphones and said casually:
"Basketball games are not that complicated. It is impossible that changing the rules, the basketball or the court can limit my performance."

"The reason for failure is simple, it's just lack of strength. There's no need to find any excuses."

"As for the core issue, there is nothing much to say. I do need to control the ball because I represent the system!"

"The eight championships are the best proof that my success is not accidental. Maybe Coach Krzyzewski is right, but I am not interested in participating in international competitions now."

Dan Patrick kept nodding his head. Winning a gold medal was not a difficult thing. He agreed with Li You, but he couldn't help but interrupt at the end and asked:

"Li, can you talk about why you have been rejecting invitations from the men's basketball team in recent years?"

"The reason is very simple. I have been playing in the finals. Now I want to be with my family more. I also need to use the offseason to adjust my body."

Li You answered briefly, thought for a moment, and then added seriously:
"If I miss the playoffs or the conference finals, I'll definitely be recruited!"

"."

On Thursday, June 6, the draft was over, but the fun for New York fans continued.

Every weekday from noon to 2 p.m., WEPN-FM, as the radio station authorized by New York City Sports Broadcasting, is a favorite of taxi drivers on the road.

After Stephen A. Smith and his right-hand man Brandon Till "defected" from Philadelphia, their careers have become more and more prosperous in recent years with the help of Li You.

During working hours, their roars can always be heard on the radio, with “Fancy Blowing Lee” being the core of the show.

Jose Barea, who came to New York alone, got on a car near Times Square. The black driver happened to be listening to a show. After getting in the car, the newbie was confused after he told the address.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I respect Coach Krzyzewski, he is doing a great job in the NCAA!"

"But he shouldn't question Lee. Kobe? Who is that? A guy who stole the championship with O'Neal, a Michael Jordan imitator. He will be better than Lee?"

“Pre—pos—ter—ous! (That’s ridiculous)”

"He's questioning the best player of all time! He's questioning the GOAT of basketball! Put away that ridiculous theory!"

"."

The cadence of his words was so strong that the fat black guy driving the car laughed out loud. The terrible traffic in Manhattan even gave him time to wave his hands and clap his hands in agreement, shouting:

"Yee! That's it, that NCAA coach, who is he? He's also the one who's pointing fingers at us!"

"Hey man, are you a Knicks player in summer league? What do you think of Lee? Have you ever seen him play?"

"We broke LeBron James' ribs, knocked Dwyane Wade unconscious on the court, and we beat the wimps in Dallas in the Finals!"

"The 10th championship, that's really cool. I participated in the championship parade a few days ago. There should be more than 100 million people. The streets were covered with confetti. It was said that it took the whole afternoon to sweep it."

"It's a pity that I didn't make it to the front of the City Hall because those son of a bitch police officers took up too many good spots!"

“You don’t look very tall, but please sign an autograph for me before you get off the bus. Maybe you will have a chance to become a big star in New York.”

Jose Barea was still in a daze. This program sounded too explosive, and he criticized people by name. When he came to his senses and heard what the black driver said, he quickly said:
"Uh, I was just selected, and I thought I was going to be unselected."

"Who doesn't like the Knicks? Madison Square Garden is the basketball mecca of the world."

"I have always been a fan of Lee. He changed modern basketball. Small players can also become dominant. He has always been my idol!"

Hearing the answer he wanted, the fat black guy was relieved. He was a "noble New York fan" and if the other party said "no", he was ready to throw the outsider out.
"Yeah, no one can question us. How many championships do they have? Look at those clowns on the West Coast. They just take advantage."

"Mr. 81 points, they actually played the Raptors until the fourth quarter. What's so commendable about that?"

"Lee can easily get 100 points, high-level statistics, Wilt Chamberlain is no match for us."

The high-level statistics that came out so easily made Jose Barea even more confused. In addition, the voice on the radio was still criticizing the gap between Kobe and Li You, which made the newbie unable to respond and could only laugh along.

During the nearly one-hour drive, Barea was bombarded by the sound of Stephen A. Smith.

After getting off the car and signing his name in the driver's notebook, Jose Barea looked at the quiet training center, took a deep breath, straightened the wrinkles on his pants, and embarked on an unknown journey with his bag on his back.

The Knicks players are starting their offseason vacation, while the team staff still have to prepare for the offseason and summer league.

On July 7, the Summer League in Las Vegas will officially begin. D'Antoni, who has already flown back to Italy for vacation, will not lead the team. Assistant coach Mike Malone will be the team's head coach.

At the Tarrytown Training Center, the staff are all busy. There are so many players coming to the Knicks to seek jobs that the training hall is already overloaded with people coming and going.

Fortunately, the team had already made arrangements to receive the selected players. Jose Barea was led by the staff to another office building, where he met the current head of the team.

The 60th pick has no status, and the Knicks selected Barea only because the team had no other choice.

The office only has a large desk and a few chairs, surrounded by team photos. Everywhere you look, you can see photos of the team holding trophies.

Mike Malone, wearing training clothes, cursed from time to time as he looked at the emails on his computer. His work was a mess, and the new general manager's drastic actions made him shudder with fear.

After following the staff to the office, Barea was a little nervous. Fortunately, Mike Malone did not bring his emotions into the real work. Looking at the newbie in front of him, he couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Isn't your agent here with you? Even if it's just a one-year contract, I suggest you find a professional."

Late-round picks have no future, so Barea could only say in a tactful way:
"If I can stay with the team, I will call my agent."

Knowing that the little Puerto Rican in front of him was still playing in other leagues, Mike Malone looked at him and simply said:
"We paid attention to your performance in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Virginia, 41 assists, 18 assists in a single game, which is why the team chose you."

"Of course, if you want to stay in the team, you still need to face competition. This year we also selected Rajon Rondo, who is a player from the University of Kentucky. Maybe you have heard of his name."

"After the summer league, if you perform well enough, we might offer you a two-year contract."

"The Knicks have no salary pressure. Believe me, you can get more money here, but it also requires more effort."

Barea nodded and agreed immediately. If he was not selected, he would have to ask his agent to help find a team.

Now he can directly participate in the summer league with the Knicks, such treatment is beyond his expectations.

After leaving the office and returning to the training hall, Barea saw his teammate, Steve Novak, who was selected with the 30th pick, also had a worried look on his face.

There are two adjacent complete basketball courts surrounded by players. As soon as they get on the court, everyone takes the ball and starts playing. If conflicts arise, quarrels will occur.

Rajon Rondo didn't care about the atmosphere. Although he was wearing training clothes, he was walking around the stadium for a long time, constantly looking at the championship flags around him.

David Lee saw the embarrassment of the others and came over on his own initiative. He also had to participate in the summer league in a few days, so this was considered a pre-emptive greeting:
"Don't worry about the situation on the field. In fact, the ones who can stay in the end are the selected players."

"The Summer League championship can't be hung here. By then, everyone will have enough playing time."

After glancing at David Lee with curly hair, Rajon Rondo looked at the players who were working hard, and finally said confidently:

"I am indeed better than them! I never doubt that."

"I am very interested in the Summer League championship. Follow me and I can lead you to win the championship!"

Noticing the strange looks on the faces of several people, Rajon Rondo didn't care. Instead, he pointed at the champion on the field and continued:
"The championship is the best way to prove yourself. If you want to get more playing time, is there a better way than defeating all your opponents?"

Steve Novak nodded, as if he had thought of something, and whispered:

"You make sense. I'm good at shooting, and I'm pretty good at three-pointers. I want to stay here."

The training hall full of championship flags can really let the newbies feel the winning culture. Steve Novak was ecstatic when he knew he was selected. This was a result he had never imagined.

Rajon Rondo still didn't say much, just patted his chest to show that he understood.

Unlike the newbies at the scene, Rondo was worried. If his goal was to be a starter, then his future would definitely be bleak. He had absolute confidence in himself and he didn't want to always be a substitute.

As for the issue of not getting playing time, Rondo has completely put it behind him. When he learned that Fisher would leave the team, he felt that he was safe!
The sudden appearance of a leader made David Lee dumbfounded. He was obviously the big brother, but now he had to cooperate with the younger brother?
Feeling unhappy, David Lee stopped looking at Rondo and called a few people to move towards the strength training room with a proud look on his face:
"Come with me, I'll show you the team's training facilities and dining areas."

"This is the best training facility in the league. You are lucky. The equipment will be updated during this offseason."

Barea followed the others silently, looking around from time to time. The conspicuous championship flag also made him a little excited:
“This is the championship team.”

On Friday, June 6, as the time for the US men's basketball team to gather approached, the public began to pay attention to the team's developments.

LeBron James, who lost in the semifinals again this year, has also enjoyed the treatment of a protagonist recently. Ever since Krzyzewski praised his leadership ability, the Chosen One has become a little inflated.

After playing in the league for three years, James is no longer the rookie he once was. Under Li You's influence, the halo of the championship coach has begun to fade in his eyes.

The Cavaliers selected the athletic guard Shannon Brown with the 25th pick and Daniel Gibson in the second round.

Although the team has added backcourt players, James is not satisfied with it. Especially when he heard Larry Hughes complain to his former Wizards teammates about his role in the team, the Chosen One had an idea:

"Sooner or later I will trade you!"

In an interview with the Akron Beacon Journal, LeBron James did not reveal his desire to trade his teammates. Instead, he took the opportunity to answer questions seriously about next season:
"We have been successful in the past two seasons. In this year's playoffs, the Cavaliers performed better than last year!"

"I hope to be more involved in the team's work in the new season. I will design new tactics with the coaching staff."

After the relevant news was reported, Cleveland fans didn't notice anything. After all, at the draft not long ago, Li You also said that he would customize his own tactics.

But in the eyes of the champion coach, this is a naked provocation!

Jeff Van Gundy and Tom Thibodeau are both workaholics, so they naturally paid attention to the draft as soon as possible. However, when they heard what Li You said, the two bald men felt mixed emotions.

Although this is an interesting story that shows that the players and coaching staff trust each other, Van Gundy does not think so. He always feels that Li You is mocking his incompetence!

Whenever he thought about the puppet situation, Van Gundy couldn't help but feel angry. He had done a lot of work, but no one cared about him.
The Cavaliers, who are preparing for the summer league, have been very busy recently. Although Van Gundy has delegated some power, he still appears in the training hall at this time.

As the morning training session was about to end, Van Gundy couldn't help but complain to Thibodeau next to him:

"We can't go on like this. I've said it before, Lee lacks enough respect for the coach. We must warn LeBron that he shouldn't be involved in the work of the coaching staff!"

It's easier said than done. The bald Thibodeau didn't nod in agreement. Looking at the energetic Shannon Brown, he finally whispered a suggestion:

"There's nothing wrong with that. We also need to respect the players' opinions and not forget that they are the ones who decide the game."

As if he lacked confidence, Jeff Van Gundy instinctively expanded his sphere of influence and said righteously:
"We must establish the coach's prestige. This is also for the sake of the union members. No one wants to see players disrespect the coach. We can't compromise!"

Perhaps because there have been too many doubts in recent months, Thibodeau discovered that Van Gundy next to him had lost weight and had dark circles under his eyes again.

This image reminded him of the hard times when he was an assistant coach for the Knicks. It was as if nothing had changed. They were still Pat Riley's assistants:

"Jeff, we all know the privilege of being a superstar. Now all we have to do is take it one step further. We all have to come together as one."

"Danny Ferry is not Jim. He will not give up his power. Our voice in the team has been reduced a lot."

Hearing Thibodeau mention the new general manager, Van Gundy became even more depressed. The Cavaliers were no longer under his control. Thinking of the rights that were taken away, he finally said in hatred:
"Just by losing one round in the Eastern Conference semifinals, some people lost confidence in us. They seemed to have forgotten that I was the founder of the Knicks dynasty."

Without further response, Thibodeau watched the rookies playing hard while listening to Van Gundy's complaints, and an inexplicable premonition emerged in his heart:

“Maybe our time in Cleveland is running out.”

On Saturday, July 7st, although he was unable to watch the game live, Li You still made a small profit as the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Germany progressed.

Georgina, who was still hospitalized at Lenox Hill, looked at the two people who came to visit her and said in a muffled voice while lying on the bed:
"Why do you seem to be in such a good mood? What's the good news?"

Ivana, who was wearing a white dress, quietly rolled her eyes at Li You who was fiddling with the fruit. She was still a little weak from the sudden morning exercise on the weekend:

"I plan to launch my own eponymous jewelry, and Clay supports me. We will attend the MET GALA together next May. You will be fine."

Georgina, who was wearing a hospital gown, injured her spine in the equestrian competition. The injury was very serious. She knew that her friend was trying to comfort her, but she still said gloomily:

“My equestrian club has just started, and I may not be able to compete in the future.”

"It might be difficult for me to help you take care of the children. It hurts when I walk now."

Looking at her frustrated friend, Ivana quietly poked Li You beside her, and felt a little sweet in her heart after her right hand was grabbed.

"Don't worry about the operation of the club. I will help you inject funds. I swear to God, this is not sympathy. I know you really love this sport because you can get injured in the game."

"We will practice with you in the future, and the club will expand in time."

After hearing Li You's assurance, Georgina regained her spirits. She was indeed not short of money, but the equestrian club was more about recognition.

A smile reappeared on his face, and he started chattering with Ivana. Noticing that Li You left them some private space, Georgina pulled her friend and whispered to her.

As if she had heard some outrageous idea, Ivana glared at the other person, then blushed and whispered.

Noticing that the two girls were looking at him again, Li You remained calm and muttered to himself, and immediately felt relieved:
“Fortunately I don’t believe in God. This is not sympathy, this is value investment.”

(End of this chapter)