NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 464 "If they can do it, why can't we?" (Daily Chapter)

During the off-season every year, the movements of championship-contending teams are the focus of fans.

In addition to renewing the contracts of the starting players, the Mavericks, who made it to the finals, also began to make efforts in the free market, sending away veterans and atmosphere group, and signing Devin George, who has championship experience.

As a team in the same division, the Spurs once again signed the atmosphere group that fans had questions about, and as the World Championships approached, the Spurs were also bombarded by Luis Scola's agent!
"In a free country, Louis is a prisoner!"

"The Spurs didn't want to sign him, they didn't want to trade him to another team, and they prevented Luis from playing in the NBA."

After Claudio Villanueva, one of Scola's three agents, told the Argentine newspaper El País to complain, the American sports media, which was just watching for fun, immediately reprinted the story.

New MVP Tim Duncan still seems to be unable to escape the dilemma of lacking help next season, and the Spurs, who have filled the salary cap, have no plans to make any big moves.

Former MVP Kevin Garnett also received the same treatment. Since being labeled as not for sale, the tough guy has said more than once that he will stay in Minnesota.

But Timberwolves head coach Casey and management failed to bring him the help he needed as promised.

Regarding Randy Foye, the "next Li You" acquired in this year's trade, Garnett, who recently participated in an ESPN program, did not reiterate his previous promise to grow with the team:
"We all know that we need to strengthen our roster if we want to compete for the championship. More importantly, the competition in the Western Conference is extremely fierce!"

"If the Timberwolves don't move forward, then I can't lead the team to win the championship. Basketball is for five people. Look at the Knicks' bench. This is the gap between us and the defending champions."

Garnett has good verbal expression skills. On Sunday, the 30th, when he participated in the Sports Center morning program, he vividly described the competitive pressure he faced.

While admitting his own technical shortcomings, the former MVP attributed the team's loss of playoff position to lineup reasons, and also implicitly mocked head coach Casey's coaching ability.

The news of the two's discord is no secret. Last season, Garnett wanted Saunders to continue coaching. After the coaching change, he also missed the team's dinner and was fined nearly $10,000.
Although the trade rumors about the Lakers have never dissipated, Garnett himself has never admitted that he is the MVP and it is impossible for him to help others.

At the end of the morning show, Garnett once again responded to the trade rumors, completely rejecting Los Angeles:
"Like I promised, I will stay in Minnesota. This is my team. I am willing to grow with the team. This city has accepted me, and I will not let down the fans here!"

"."

If Garnett is willing to push for a trade, then there is still a possibility that he will go to the Lakers, but if McHale leads the deal, then the Lakers will have no chance of getting the former MVP.

On the contrary, the Celtics have the opportunity to acquire Garnett, and transactions also require human relations and social skills, and in this regard, Kupchak cannot make up for the other party's network of relationships.

The New York sports media doesn't pay attention to these things. There are no big fish in the free market this year. After Ray Allen became not for sale, the team's lineup remained basically unchanged.

As Li You's training camp officially opened, everyone turned their attention here. Michael Jordan also came to visit his son today, and more and more people participated in the event.

South of Washington Square, in the gymnasium of New York University, the training camp entered its last day and the young people were performing hard.

The basic training of basketball is not complicated, but the intensity and difficulty are different.

Jeffrey Jordan felt the suppression of his talent. If Conley is still an object to be pursued, then Durant is simply a monster, with the height of a center but the skills of a guard.

He wanted to show off in front of his father, but unfortunately, after nearly 7 days, he was unable to change his playing habits. He still lost the ball in one-on-one situations and missed the occasional attacks.

At this time, Jeffrey Jordan was in a state of confusion. He understood the technical points, but he couldn't complete the action. He could only stare at Li You blankly:

"Don't let your dribbling become a stereotype. We all know that when we have the ball, we need to watch the defender's movements."

"You are not a robot. You can't just do a set of moves and throw the ball randomly. You need to be clear-headed and creative at the same time, and make basketball a part of your body."

At this time, Li You was still teaching his eldest nephew. The nephew's playing posture was good, but he failed to inherit Michael Jordan's true talent. He hoped that these skills and details could help the child.

While talking, he released the ball with his right hand. When Durant turned his body sideways and raised his right arm, Li You suddenly blocked the ball and then quickly stepped back.

Near the right elbow area, Li You drifted to the right rear and completed a fadeaway jump shot. Durant almost blocked the shot again, but after landing he could only watch the basketball go into the net.

Although he has experienced too many moments like this, Durant couldn't help but clap his hands in frustration. He just wanted to exert better force, but in an instant he exposed his defensive intentions.

With a frustrated look on his face, Durant leaned on his knees and watched Li You waving at Joffrey. He encouraged himself secretly, and then in the next round, he blocked the opponent's shot with a volleyball cap.

"what!"

Looking at Durant yelling in front of him, Jeffrey Jordan was completely numb, staring straight at the basket. What kind of monster training camp is this? He can't do what Li You asked him to do.
With the same action, Li You's explosiveness was great, his sideways step was ridiculously fast, and his body leaned back without losing his center of gravity. Although Joffrey received careful guidance, the range of his movements was far behind.

The young people around me have become accustomed to this situation. Talent is something that God favors, and hard work sometimes seems very powerless.

It's not just Jeffrey who is depressed. The youngest Irving enjoys volleyball blocks from Li You and Durant every day. Unlike the "mature" Oden, the two are merciless to the children.

At first, he was eager to try, but now he is doubting his life. If he hadn’t been able to “steal” a goal occasionally, he would really want to shout:
"Give me the ball, I want to go home!"

Taking turns to play, Irving, who was barely 170cm tall, pursed his lips as he looked at Li You, whose figure in front of him could fit him. After receiving the ball in the left elbow area, he tightly protected the ball behind the left side of his body.

Using his shoulders to support the defense, Irving tried his best to lower his center of gravity. He didn't dribble or turn around in any fancy way. He quickly swept the ball in front of him, took a tentative step with his left foot, and quickly released the ball with his right hand.

After only one big step, Irving took the ball and stepped back, but just as the basketball was raised over his head, it was blocked by Li You and the ball was cut off at the same time.

"Great job! Kairi, you move beautifully!"

The young people around him were all encouraging him, but Durant was in a good mood and clapped his hands repeatedly. He was determined to beat the kids in future training camps!
Tears welled up in his eyes. Irving wiped his eyes with his arm. He felt tired and frustrated. He instinctively looked at his father, but found that his father was circling around Jordan.
Irving, who was too competitive, felt so wronged that he wanted to cry. He hadn't lost like this in a long time, and the physical gap almost made him feel desperate.

Conley and the others were still practicing. Li You looked at Irving who was about to cry, patted his shoulder, and gave him some simple encouragement:

"You are very talented and your body will continue to grow, but you do need a change of environment. MKA is good academically, but there is no pressure there."

"If you are interested in coming to St. Anthony's High School in New York, I will put you in touch with head coach Bob Hurley. He is a Hall of Fame coach and his requirements are even stricter."

"You should have heard of this high school. They've won a lot of state championships. You need a stronger opponent."

Irving nodded. This was also the reason why his father wanted him to attend the training camp. There were too many guards in the United States, and he needed to be recommended to a bigger stage:
"You are even better than my godfather, who is also an NBA player. I learned a lot of skills from him."

Owen, who was in a better mood, showed a cheated expression when talking about his godfather. Li You knew that someone must have belittled him in private, but he didn't care about it. Instead, he asked curiously:

"Have I ever fought him?"

"Rod Strickland, he said you stole his assist title, but I secretly watched the video and you beat him."

Hearing the familiar name from Irving's mouth, Li You remembered that there was indeed this competitor, but the other party had long since faded out of the league and the two sides had no contact since then.

Looking at Durant and the others, Li You felt inexplicably emotional. The old leeks had all disappeared, and new tender leeks were growing one after another. He didn't want to be a stepping stone, but just wanted to wield the sickle and continue cutting.

Like all his relatives and friends, Michael Jordan also had the feeling that "the kid next door is so nice" at this time. He taught his son, but unfortunately, neither of them was top talent.

Compared to the youngest guy in the camp, Jeffrey Jordan was just physically stronger.

Seeing that Li You was teaching his son attentively but his son still couldn't get the point, Maikou almost took off his coat and tried to do it himself. Although he was old, he could still beat up a big boy.
At the end of the training camp at noon, many sports reporters gathered around Jordan. He has been keeping a low profile in recent years, but this time he let his son show his face. Everyone speculated that he might be preparing to play professional basketball:
"Mike, what do you think of Jeffrey's performance? Will he enter the NBA in the future?"

"I think he's doing pretty well. In fact, I just hope he has a great college career. Professional sports are not easy, but I will ask for his opinion."

Michael Jordan, wearing a black short-sleeved T-shirt and dark gray sweatpants, was very frank. He did not brag about his son's talent and strength, and even bluntly said that professional sports was not the best choice.

This answer was a bit unexpected, but when people thought about some of the scenes shot in the past few days, they felt that it made a lot of sense. Jeffrey Jordan could not become the next Michael Dunk.

There are also some well-informed reporters who don't care about the big girl. Recently, there have been rumors that Michael Jordan is going to divorce Juanita, and the recent hush money gossip has made Michael Jordan a scumbag:
"Kara Nafel insisted that the child belonged to you, Michael. Was this the reason for the breakup between you and Juanita?"

The reporter from the New York Post didn't hesitate to ask about the biggest gossip in recent days. Kara Naffield sued Michael Buck for breach of agreement and failure to pay a $500 million hush money.

After the Cook County Circuit Court clearly showed that Jordan was not the father of the child, Kara Nafel broke the news again:
"Michael told me that his marriage to Juanita Vanoy was a business arrangement and that he considered his wife a hired help!"

"."

This incident made the onlookers very happy. The divorce was real and the child was fake, but no matter what the final result was, everyone once again recognized the true face of Maikou.

He is still the same as before, never changing from a young scumbag to an older scumbag!

When talking about the lawsuit, Michael Jordan couldn't help but show a painful look on his face. The hush money had been settled, but the divorce cost him a lot of dollars:

"I have never been a perfect person. I have great regrets about my marriage, but I still love my family deeply."

"As for the hush money, the court has already made the correct judgment!"

From another perspective, accompanying my older son to the training camp actually has a different meaning, but most sports media don't care about that. There is news only when there is fun.

Sports Illustrated staff were taking photos of Li You and the young training camp members. The back issue was personal and brand promotion.

Kyrie Irving is still the most eye-catching, so he is the shortest and youngest person at the scene, while Oden and Durant are the most eye-catching, and the two big men are likely to become the No. 1 pick next year.

"Lee, what are your expectations for these young players? Will they become your future opponents?"

The young people around turned their heads to look at Li You in his training suit, and then they heard praises:

"They are extremely talented. I believe that everyone will be successful after entering the league. In addition to polishing their skills, all they have to do now is stay healthy."

"The future belongs to the young people. I am very much looking forward to seeing them on the stage of the finals!"

After receiving "Li You's praise", smiles appeared on the faces of several people. Oden and Durant were also a little proud. Both of them had the possibility of getting the first pick, which was recognized by Li You.

Conley has a calm mentality. In fact, he mainly benefits from his teammates, otherwise he would not get such attention. But this is a good opportunity for him. The higher the draft pick, the more money he will earn. Who would refuse US dollars?

Although Durant always blocks his shot, Irving admires this big guy. His height is his greatest talent, and coupled with his amazing coordination, his talent is visible to the naked eye.

Drederick Irving, who once played for Boston University, knew what his son was thinking. Thinking that he was always in a low mood after returning home these days, he pulled his son over and encouraged him again:

"You will be the best high school student in the United States and be selected first in the first round!" "Remember, you don't have to be afraid of anyone. All you have to do now is work harder."

Looking at his father leaning over to hold his shoulders, thinking of the experience of being "tortured" by Li You in the past few days, Owen nodded vigorously with tears in his eyes and said loudly:
"I know, I will definitely do it!"

The father and son were still moved by each other. After Li You finished filming, he came to the two of them, briefly introduced his proposal, and finally said seriously:
"Kyrie is very talented. He can get a scholarship to any famous basketball school. Coach Bob Hurley can tap his potential."

"You can refer to it, and of course you can choose other high schools. There are good schools in New Jersey and New York."

Dredrick showed joy on his face, this was the result he wanted. Without the recommendation, it would be difficult for his 170cm son to convince those famous coaches.

They had originally planned to transfer schools in two or three years, but now Li You gave them another chance. Dredrick didn't ask his son, but pulled him over and held the little guy beside him. He agreed and said loudly:

"Hurry up and thank Li. Don't forget how he took care of you in the future!"

Thinking of Jeffrey Jordan's address, Irving immediately followed suit and expressed his gratitude loudly:

"Uncle Lee, thank you for your care."

Li You nodded with a smile on his face. This was just a piece of cake for him. Fresh tender leeks needed to be cultivated, so this was a win-win move for him.

Jeffrey Jordan still had a lost look on his face. His self-confidence was hit. Compared with the basketball monster, the talent he inherited was not enough.

Jeffrey Jordan was relieved that he didn't see any disappointment on his father's face. He had learned nothing in the past few days, and only got "beaten":

“I want to go back to Chicago.”

Michael Jordan put his arm around his son's shoulders and patted him twice to show encouragement. He was so rich that he didn't need his son to struggle, and it was not a pity that he couldn't play professional basketball:

"Don't lose heart, like I said, just enjoy your college years in the future."

Then he nodded and felt that he was still better at "playing small ball". Perhaps this was his true talent.

Durant was the last one to come. He didn't pay attention to the figures of Li You and Mike Dunk in front of him. He looked around, as if looking for his target in his heart. It was not until he was about to leave the gymnasium that he saw that figure.

Seeing Scarlett, wearing a loose white T-shirt, and a tall young girl holding Li You's arms on the left and right, Durant's correct three views were shattered at once.

I thought all those gossips were fake, but when I saw the intimate group of three people, Durant's young face showed an expression of disbelief:
"Why is this happening?!"

Chinese fans on the other side of the ocean are more concerned about Yao Ming's injury recently. Although the Basketball Association emphasized that his recovery from the injury is faster than expected, many people are still worried.

After the national team training began, the Chinese men's basketball team started training in Europe.

On the 31st, after returning home after the game, Yao Ming also spoke out and accepted an interview to reassure the fans:

“I didn’t have any major issues with my injuries and everything went really well!”

Perhaps to reassure the fans, Yao Ming, wearing sneakers, took two steps in front of the reporters and asked with a smile:
“Do I look like someone with a broken foot?”

There will be a warm-up match with the US team in August. American sports media will also be present to confirm his physical condition. A reporter from the Washington Post told Yao Ming a good news:

"Yao, the Rockets have reached an agreement with Vasilis Spanoulis on a three-year contract worth more than $500 million!"

"This is the largest initial contract the Rockets have ever offered to a second-round pick. What do you think of this signing?"

As the World Championships approached, European players were also being explored in depth, among which Spanoulis was the most famous, and he was known as the "Greek version of Li You".
Yao Ming just got the news recently. The Rockets' reinforcements in recent years have been really disappointing. Even Mutombo's championship experience didn't play a role. When injuries occurred, the team just went fishing.

"I know him and I welcome Spanoulis very much. I believe he can help the team and we will return to the playoffs in the new season!"

After the training camp in Europe ended in July, the team suffered several defeats and achieved poor results. The head coach of the men's basketball team, Jonas, disliked everyone and had a sullen face when attending the press conference.

When the old man heard the translator's words, he couldn't hold it in. Instead of discussing Li You's strength, it would be better to think about why they lost the game.

Perhaps due to the emotions, the press conference ended with the "Nine Questions of Jonas":
"Why do you get tired so quickly?"

"Why are they always slow and hesitant? Why are they always making mistakes?"

"."

“Why do players keep asking me about every play?”

In fact, in basketball games, the head coach is often in an "idle" state, and it is no joke that the players decide the game. D'Antoni's success has led to a trend of basketball coaches.

Jonas, who wants to become an AFK player, is exhausted, and his question has no answer even in the future.

On Tuesday, August 2006, 8, the NBA announced this year's Christmas game, as a warm-up for the new season:
Lakers vs. Knicks.

There was only one game on Christmas Day, and for the sake of traffic, the league once again created a "rival showdown."

Regardless of the overall strength of the Lakers, the personal strength of Mr. 81 points - Kobe Bryant is beyond doubt.

The outcome is not important. What is most important is Kobe Bryant vs. Li You, watching the duel between top outside stars on Christmas Day.

There were some minor issues with ABC's broadcast, but fans didn't care.

The Lakers lost, but Kobe did not lose. This situation happened frequently last season. For fans of the stars, as long as the personal data wins, it is a victory!

New York fans reacted the most to this. Christmas ticket prices are expensive, and if you clock in for three quarters, the ticket price will be a huge loss.

As the news spread, more and more people on the Internet mocked the rookie:

"Maybe the Spurs deserved to be on this stage. At least they could play until the fourth quarter."

Since Li You had to fly to Manchester on the 3rd to participate in the four-day 4 Manchester United Youth Football Super Cup, the filming work for Sports Illustrated could only be concentrated on these two days.

At home on 82nd Street, photographers and staff were circling the achievement room on the 4th floor. Eight golden trophies were lined up in order, and on the cabinets around them, all kinds of crystal trophies were dazzling.

Compared with a few years ago, the number of trophies is still increasing. The most eye-catching one is the revised FMVP trophy, which no one has ever taken a picture of here before.

Li You was dressed in a proper black suit and wore a "red scarf" today. He leaned his hands on the long table and took a photo with the eight O'Brien Cups.

In order to prepare for today's filming, the house was renovated for more than half a month, and the studio also changed a lot. Fortunately, the girls all moved to Peninsula Manor, so their lives were not affected.

Terry McConaughey, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated, is also an old friend of Li You. His son is not only a Knicks fan, but also a personal fan of Li You.

After the two sat down face to face, McConaughey first talked about his life during this offseason, and Li You smiled and introduced his training camp and experience of raising children.

Soon we talked about what the fans care about most, and more precisely, what New York fans care about most:

"Lee, we got the news that Artest seems to have to undergo surgery. His heart problem is more serious than we thought."

Seeing this old friend with a slicked-back hair and glasses telling lies with a serious face, Li You just chuckled and corrected the wrong information:
"Our medical team believes that Ron will be fine without surgery. I won't lie. If you are curious, you can even see him at my children's training camp tomorrow."

"He does have some heart problems, which will only make him more tired. Our common agent Mark Bartelstein is still looking for a more stable solution."

"In short, fans can rest assured that we will take responsibility for health."

McConaughey also laughed. This was their exclusive news. He looked around and was dazzled by the trophies. He then asked curiously again:

"Lee, you have won almost all the honors in your career so far. After winning your eighth championship, do you have any regrets?"

Pretending to recall the past, Li You sighed slightly in front of the camera, and then said seriously:
"Sure, I lost in the Eastern Conference Finals my rookie year, and then after I won four straight titles for the first time, I lost in the Finals."

“It’s all a shame for me because I missed out on chasing greatness.”

"Fortunately, I still have a chance to make up for it. I'm about to turn 29, which is the peak period for basketball players. I want to continue to win until I surpass the Celtics team in history."

I thought the answer was that I lost the scoring title, assists title, and didn't win the DPOY, but it turned out to be the champion. McConaughey was really surprised this time. He didn't follow the routine and asked immediately:
"Why is this the answer, Lee? Modern basketball, two four-peat championships. In my opinion, you have surpassed Bill Russell."

"The NBA wasn't as competitive as it is now."

Li You shook his head and interrupted him. He also looked around and pointed at the eight golden O'Brien Cups and said seriously:

"A champion is a champion. Winners from any era deserve respect. They paid a lot for victory. We shouldn't look at the past with modern basketball."

"Just like our pension now, that was fought for by the players' union."

"The success of modern basketball is also built on the past. We are just sitting on the shoulders of giants."

McConaughey and the staff around him cheered quietly. If one thinks rationally, this is indeed the correct answer. It is not easy for Li You to win so much without getting cocky.

However, it was too early for everyone to applaud. Li You paused, smiled again, and continued:
"I respect Bill Russell and that great Celtics team."

"But if they can do it, why can't we? I'm only 29 and I don't even feel tired during the game!"

"To win, I can play 48 minutes and I am in my prime as a basketball player. I don't think anyone can beat me in a 7-game series!"

"."

Looking at Li You, who was beaming with joy and sharing his championship experience, McConaughey opened his mouth for a moment, but didn't know what to say. After listening carefully, an idea emerged in his mind:
“It seems to make sense.”

(End of this chapter)