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***
On June 14, 2001, the New York Knicks had been in Las Vegas for nearly two days.
Most of them chose to bring their families, taking advantage of the opportunity for a vacation.
They would return to New York on Sunday.
After a busy season, it was time to enjoy life.
Last year, when they visited the Bellagio Hotel, Steve Wynn, a prominent figure, told them to visit often.
This time, they chose to stay there, and the teammates Lee brought were already hooked on gambling after two days.
Lee chose to come here not only for leisure and vacation but also to help his agent, Mark Bartelstein, expand his business.
After signing the talented high schooler Kwame Brown, Mark Bartelstein was quite proud.
This was the first "number one pick" he had signed.
With his growing reputation in the industry, Mark Bartelstein naturally wanted to seize the opportunity to expand his business.
This was just the beginning.
His future development path could simply follow that of agent David Falk.
On the evening of the 14th, the gamblers were not in the mood for a Cirque du Soleil show.
When the time came, they immediately started playing.
It was still the same VIP room as last year, but this time there were more people, and with multiple people gambling together, it was naturally Texas Hold'em.
Only Michael Jordan was the most serious at the poker table, occasionally using trash talk to distract everyone.
However, Michael Jordan's luck with cards was too bad, and he had lost a lot again these past two days.
Michael Jordan, who rarely folded, intended to stick it out to the end in this hand.
Oakley, who had already folded, saw his friend continue to call and couldn't help but complain, "If we keep losing, we might have to sleep on the poker table these next few days!"
"I don't have time to participate in the Texas Hold'em tournament this year, so now I'm going to play to my heart's content!"
Michael Jordan didn't mind.
After taking a sip of the drink beside him, he adopted a posture that said he was going to gamble until he was satisfied.
Ewing was just along for the ride.
The few of them were dressed casually in loose short-sleeved T-shirts and shorts.
The Gorilla, with all his muscle, even had his belly sticking out:
"Retirement means enjoying life. I don't think your comeback will be successful; the era has changed!"
Clay Lee's hole cards happened to be a pair of Aces.
After the community cards were dealt, he broke into a wide smile.
In high spirits, he also drank the whiskey beside him and joked, "The Washington Wizards have no hope. They'll likely keep losing. After your comeback, besides increasing ticket revenue, it really can make the team profitable again."
"If you really choose to return to the court next season, I believe everyone will welcome you. As long as it's a game against the Washington Wizards, there's no doubt that tickets will sell out."
Michael Jordan naturally understood that Clay Lee was teasing him about becoming a ticket-selling mascot.
Although he was older, he still didn't forget to show off:
"When I returned to Chicago last year, I taught the Chicago Bulls Rookies a lesson! I can still dominate those soft players!"
On the other side of the poker table, Stephen A. Smith, invited by Clay Lee, listened intently, his ears perked up.
When he realized Michael Jordan wanted to return to playing, his jaw almost dropped.
Another agent, David Falk, was also at the poker table.
He understood his client's situation better and hoped that everyone could persuade Michael Jordan, as he had no faith in this comeback.
"There are still some issues with his knees, and the recovery speed is getting slower and slower."
"What Clay said is right. Besides helping the team make a profit, there's no possibility of further progress."
Mark Bartelstein especially hoped Michael Jordan would make a comeback.
He was counting on his "number one pick" to capitalize on Michael Jordan's popularity.
He didn't care about the game and continued to call, while also suggesting:
"As long as his playing time is strictly controlled, there shouldn't be any problems. Grant Hill only played about 25 minutes per game this season, and he recovered very well after his major injury."
Most of Michael Jordan's friends were trying to dissuade him, but perhaps because he missed basketball too much, Michael Jordan himself was particularly resolute:
"I've decided. I'll still hold a private training camp in Chicago during the offseason."
He was determined to return, so Lee chuckled and stopped trying to persuade him.
He wasn't interested in knowing if he had reached an agreement with the Washington Wizards management.
Anyway, they were both in the Eastern Conference and would often play each other in the regular season.
Beating up the "old man" was quite good too.
Ewing, however, couldn't understand his friend's choice.
With five championships in his career, although he couldn't achieve a second three-peat, such an accomplishment was already perfect.
The Gorilla wanted to say a few more words, but as the dealer dealt the cards, a fifth Ace appeared.
Lee burst out laughing.
Four Aces, another big win.
As soon as Michael Jordan saw Clay Lee's hole cards, he cursed loudly:
"Damn it! Why does this guy always win!"
After the Washington Wizards sent out a tryout invitation, Kwame Brown dominated Tyson Chandler in the tryout and even boasted in front of the Washington Wizards management:
"Choose me, you won't regret it!"
Michael Jordan loved that kind of attitude.
This kid was really tough, and he didn't care about anyone else's advice.
It was a done deal!
Agent Mark Bartelstein was overjoyed.
Combined with Michael Jordan's comeback next season, he was sure to reap a wave of benefits, with attention skyrocketing.
If the future number one pick performed well and established himself with the Washington Wizards, Mark Bartelstein could gradually capture some of the Washington Wizards' market.
Due to Ewing's presence on the New York Knicks, David Falk had reaped the most benefits.
Now that the Gorilla was retiring and the team would completely become Lee's, Mark Bartelstein would also be able to seize the opportunity to make a few deals whenever possible.
On the 15th, due to the late poker game the previous night, it wasn't until the afternoon that Clay Lee and Mark Bartelstein had time to discuss work with Stephen A. Smith.
His younger brother Allen Iverson could no longer be hyped up.
Although playing injured in the Eastern Conference Finals was admirable, his brick-laying was also a hard fact.
If everyone were brick-laying, it wouldn't be a big deal.
One could say it was the general environment.
But Lee's appearance, however, left Iverson's reputation with only "unyielding fighting spirit" and "resolute eyes."
Allen Iverson was almost "at rock bottom," and Stephen A. Smith felt that the 76ers' patience would eventually run out.
Therefore, he decided to find another star player.
When it came to work, Stephen A. Smith changed into a formal suit.
Although he was a die-hard New York Knicks fan, he had been in Philadelphia these past few years.
Mark Bartelstein noticed the other party sitting upright and immediately explained in a lighthearted tone:
"Relax, buddy! We're not interested in forcing media people to report false news."
"We just need you to pay more attention to Lee after you leave Philadelphia. I believe this will definitely be a win-win situation. You can get firsthand news about the New York Knicks!"
The air conditioning in the suite was strong, but the unexpected windfall made Stephen A. Smith's heart warm.
Getting firsthand news would definitely bring him huge attention.
To become a superstar, simply playing well isn't enough.
Drexler was always disparaged by ESPN because he disliked giving media interviews.
In the MVP voting that year, despite having a better record, "The Glide" didn't receive a single first-place vote and couldn't even break into the top five of the MVP rankings.
Looking at Michael Jordan, throughout his career, he had deep collaborations with NBC, ABC, and CBS, the three major television networks.
His exclusive reporter, Ahmad Rashad, always had Michael Jordan's exclusive news.
With the TV stations hyping him up, his exclusive reporter and team praising him, combined with his overwhelming stats, his influence ultimately skyrocketed.
Nike worked hard to support Clay Lee, but it wasn't enough.
Clay Lee naturally wouldn't discuss specific work.
How to hype things up wasn't his concern.
At this point, he merely offered a suggestion to the other party:
"In the future, print media will definitely decline, and television and online media will become mainstream. If you want to expand your influence, both TNT and ESPN are good choices."
Stephen A. Smith naturally wouldn't refuse such a good opportunity.
Leaving Philadelphia, at the very least, he could find a job in New York.
However, Stephen A. Smith also had higher aspirations.
After all, he was only 34 years old, and considering Clay Lee's age, he felt that his future was bright:
"Yes, times are changing, and many fans already prefer to watch news online!"
"I promise I won't speak carelessly."
Lee shook his head, looking at the other person, and said meaningfully:
"I don't care how commentators evaluate me. I just hope that more fans remember me."
"So, there's no need to constantly hype up one star. On television, show your professional integrity. You'll be more popular, and this won't affect our cooperation."
"I'm only 23 years old, and my career still has a long time. There's no need to exhaust fans' emotions for temporary popularity, because only time will give the true answer!"
Lee spoke lightly, but Stephen A. Smith nodded in agreement.
He seemed to have a clearer idea of how to maintain his professional integrity.
However, he was still a minor character at the moment, so he could only continue to express his stance:
"I will cherish this opportunity to work with you, Lee. I believe you will become the greatest of all time!"
Hearing the other party start to praise him in his characteristic tone, Clay Lee and Mark Bartelstein exchanged glances:
"The plan is going very smoothly!"
The New York Knicks achieved their fourth consecutive championship.
Lee also gave up his bonus, distributing it all to the staff and role players.
Over the weekend, more and more player families arrived.
When Melinda and Kim appeared at the hotel in the morning, Lee had just sobered up from a hangover.
As the Draft approached, Michael Jordan, who had decided to make a comeback, was in increasingly good spirits.
Last night, everyone had a good time again, and then Mark Bartelstein returned to New York with Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan felt that the top pick he personally selected deserved better treatment.
Compared to Jin from the South District Federal Prosecutor's Office, Melinda became even busier after joining Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Noticing Lee's dark circles, Melinda leaned over the bed, widening her eyes and teasing him with a smile:
"Was it a ten-person conquest last night? You're so tired!"
Melinda, with her short hair, was becoming more mischievous.
Lee hugged the curvy girl tightly and then buried his head, muttering:
"Don't even think about running away tonight!"
Melinda didn't mind holding Lee close to her chest.
Instead, she patted his head and continued:
"Kim is very worried about you guys. Axe Capital's plan to short Enron has a huge impact!"
Kim, still in a dark blue business suit, watched the two of them in a playful mess and quietly added:
"Some people are already starting to notice Bobby. This time is different from before. It was fine for him to short those internet companies, but Enron really isn't a good choice."
Lee looked up, saw her worried gaze, shrugged, and said nonchalantly:
"I'm just one of many investors. Although I provided some connections to Enron executives, Bobby is the one who's been fronting everything. I trust his judgment."
Kim, whose shoulders were held down, could only sit on the bed.
To bring down a giant corporation, mere words were not enough.
Thinking about Old Mike and Nacho, who had been away for most of the past six months, Kim knew that some 'small tricks' must have been used when collecting information.
"We should see some results by the end of the year. Who wants to go to the UK next month?"
Hearing Lee's question, both of them rolled their eyes at him simultaneously.
It's not easy for women to achieve more in the workplace.
They simply don't have time to wander around and play.
Receiving no response, Lee could only rub his nose.
Being too career-driven wasn't good either, so he finally suggested:
"In a few years, once we have more connections, we can open our own law firm and focus on serving startups. That would be good."
Melinda pretended to count on her fingers, then playfully said:
"At least another five years. By then, maybe I'll want to have children and go home to enjoy life!"
Thinking about the somewhat chaotic relationships at the moment, Kim massaged her forehead and also teased:
"Don't forget to prepare multiple prenuptial agreements!"
"..."
While Lee was rewarding the two hardworking girls, Ron Artest also brought his extended family and various friends and relatives to enjoy Las Vegas.
The expenses for the trip, of course, came out of Ron Artest's own pocket.
He considered himself a big star now and couldn't lose face in front of his friends and relatives!
Even friends of neighbors and friends were invited.
As a kid from Queens, this is how life was after becoming famous.
Putting on a brave face while feeling the pinch, Ron Artest only felt his wallet getting thinner and thinner, yet he still had to put on a facade of "I'm a big star, I'm rich."
Upon returning to the hotel, Ron Artest felt a pang of regret.
Thinking about having to pay for the return flights, he immediately felt he needed to get an advance on his salary.
When Kurt Thomas greeted Ron Artest, he also noticed his low spirits and quietly sighed:
"Ron, Ben seems to want to leave the team. He feels disrespected in New York, and honestly, I feel the same way."
Upon hearing this news, Ron Artest immediately perked up, almost bursting out laughing.
He composed himself and then simply replied:
"I know, Bro! It's just about the starting position, right? He wants better stats! For that, I can only wish him well. I like playing for the New York Knicks."
"..."
Kurt Thomas was speechless.
He then remembered their clashing personalities and quietly sighed when the starting position issue was brought up.
Finally, he changed the subject and said:
"Grunfeld wants to talk to us. It might involve some trade issues and he wants to consult with us beforehand."
Ron Artest didn't care about this at all.
The Draft wasn't for frontcourt players, Allan Houston might even leave, and all signs pointed to him having a chance to enter the starting lineup next season.
No internal competition, just getting a starting spot by lying down, and then delivering good stats when the team option comes, a big contract would be secured.
Looking at Kurt Thomas's unhappy expression, Ron Artest didn't bother to comfort him.
He was secretly delighted:
"If everyone leaves, I'll be the core player!"
Lewis and Kurt Thomas both had player options for next season, and whether they could get a big contract depended on this.
They were in competition.
If Lewis didn't leave, Kurt Thomas naturally wouldn't feel good.
Being overshadowed by a second-round pick was indeed annoying.
Taking advantage of the break, Grunfeld also began preparing for the upcoming Draft.
Achieving the goal wasn't that simple.
As long as Clay Lee was there, the New York Knicks' draft picks were worthless.
For players who won the championship with the team, there would naturally be preferential treatment.
After Ben Wallace appeared in Grunfeld's room, the two exchanged brief pleasantries, and Ben made his request:
"I hope to get a starting position next season! I like the New York Knicks, and I believe I have the ability to be a competent center."
His regular season and playoff stats were not much different: averaging 5.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 0.8 turnovers.
Having already seen the statistics, Grunfeld couldn't guarantee this request and could only respond helplessly:
"The starting lineup is decided by the coaching staff, Ben. You are always in the team's plans."
"..."
Unable to get the desired promise, Ben Wallace did not fall for these empty promises.
He was not "the next Ewing."
The subsequent conversation revolved around the offseason.
Watching Ben Wallace's departing figure, Manager Grunfeld sighed inwardly:
"It's hard to find another cheap and tough backup center."
Kukoc and Luc Longley, who were part of the atmosphere group, were explicitly told they were not in the team's plans.
The New York Knicks also had no intention of re-signing several Rookie big men.
Although notifying them of these matters before the championship parade would affect the players' mood, Grunfeld still felt it was better to part amicably.
Notifying their agents in advance would also allow for more thorough preparation.
As long as the compensation was acceptable, the New York Knicks would send these meritorious players to their desired teams.
Older players who were just coasting were not suitable for the 23-year-old Clay Lee.
Unless they were idiots, everyone knew the team should be stockpiling young talent at this point.
Rashard Lewis also didn't hold back.
Despite being a second-round pick, he believed he had the ability to become an All-Star player.
Grunfeld made a note in his notebook:
"Starter, stats, Houston Rockets."
He truly hadn't expected that this player, who had been stood up by the Houston Rockets, still wanted to return "home" to play.
Even more surprising was Chauncey Billups.
Grunfeld had already prepared a suitable contract for him, and Jeff Van Gundy also recognized his ability.
But Chauncey Billups seemed to have higher aspirations, finally just saying:
"I want to go to a team where I can be a starter. I'm very grateful for my time with the New York Knicks. I've gained a lot, but I don't want to be a backup anymore."
The conversation between them was quite pleasant.
After seeing Chauncey Billups off, Grunfeld frowned:
"After winning the championship, does no one want to play with Lee anymore?"
On June 18th, the New York Knicks returned to New York.
Unlike previous parade routes, this year saw even more participants.
Starting at 10 AM, the parade began at Madison Square Garden, heading north along Eighth Avenue, passing Times Square, then turning onto Sixth Avenue, and finally arriving at Rockefeller Center.
Mayor Giuliani and others would receive everyone at the parade's end point to celebrate with the New York fans.
Even though it was Monday, by noon, the place was packed again.
Fans who loved a good time wouldn't miss such a grand event.
Christmas meant a giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, New Year's Eve meant wild revelry in Times Square, and the annual championship parade seemed to have become a fixed tradition.
Many New York fans held up "GOAT" signs, and by the time they reached the finish line, the scene had erupted into chaos.
Ewing enjoyed such moments, and Lee didn't mind the Gorilla stealing the spotlight, as "Ewing's era" would officially end starting next season.
There were still many old fans wearing Gorilla jerseys who came to the scene.
This was also the "nostalgia party's" last hurrah.
Both ESPN and TNT participated in the live broadcast of the championship parade, and after Mayor Giuliani finished his speech, the cameras frequently focused on Clay Lee.
In the studio behind, the TNT trio began gossiping about Lee's stats again.
After the Finals ended, ESPN announced the playoff rankings for the season, and during Clay Lee's few days of rest, sports media erupted into a frenzy:
"The PER exploded again."
In the playoffs, Clay Lee ranked 1st in total points with 568, just 12 points ahead of Shaquille O'Neal.
In 17 playoff games, Clay Lee averaged 35.7 minutes per game, with 33.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.4 blocks, and 1.8 turnovers per game.
He averaged 21.1 field goal attempts per game, with a 54.3% field goal percentage, 7.9 three-point attempts per game, with a 46.6% three-point percentage, and 7.5 free throw attempts per game, with a 92.5% free throw percentage.
With these stats, major sports media outlets have been reporting like crazy these past few days:
"Two consecutive years in the Finals, entering the 180 Club!"
"Two consecutive seasons in the playoffs, entering the 180 Club!"
"The only one in history, the King of Efficiency!"
"âŠ"
Compared to last season, Lee's true shooting percentage in this year's playoffs reached 68.5%, far ahead of all other players.
Although Pat Garrity, ranked 2nd, had a true shooting percentage of 62.8%, his sample size was too small to be compared with Clay Lee.
Interestingly, Clay Lee averaged 3.7 three-pointers made per game in the playoffs, ranking first.
Second place Ray Allen averaged 3.2 three-pointers made per game, so the difference in average makes between the two was not significant.
On the three-point shooting percentage list, excluding Dee Brown's 54.5% three-point percentage due to a small sample size, Ray Allen just edged out Clay Lee with a 47.2% three-point percentage.
No wonder Ray Allen was so outspoken.
He averaged 25.1 points in the playoffs and had an explosive performance from beyond the arc, yet no one discussed it.
On the efficiency rating list, which many media reporters favored, seeing Lee's numbers made many people exclaim..
"Impossible!"
In 17 playoff games, Clay Lee's PER soared to 38.8, second only to Hakeem Olajuwon's 39.0 in the 87-88 season.
What terrified the commentators was that Hakeem Olajuwon only played 4 games that season, while Clay Lee played 17 this year.
Coach Calhoun has recently become popular again.
Cultivating two super three-point shooters, Clay Lee and Ray Allen, may enable the University of Connecticut to recruit more talented players in the future.
Kenny Smith had just explained Clay Lee's scoring composition and why he performed so efficiently, when Charles Barkley bluntly said:
"No need to analyze too much, the Eastern Conference teams are too weak!"
"Look at the New York Knicks' opponents in the Eastern Conference. No one can pose any threat to them at all."
"I wouldn't be surprised by any stats Lee puts up. This season is west strong, east weak?, and stats cannot reflect a player's true strength."
Ernie Johnson also liked to look at so called advanced statistics.
Shaquille O'Neal's efficiency rating was 28.7, and Clay Lee was indeed far ahead this time.
Such exaggerated values also made Ernie Johnson doubt Excel:
"I think Kenny has a point. In the Eastern Conference playoffs, Lee's high volume of drives to the basket is the reason for his efficiency. His finishing at the rim was no weaker than his regular season performance."
Kenny Smith ignored his big-mouthed partner and continued to analyze seriously:
"Clay Lee has given us an idea: with a smaller player as the core, you don't need to play like Michael Jordan to be dominant!"
"Look at those pull-up three-pointers. If I were still playing in the league, I would definitely thank Lee. He changed people's stereotypes."
"Basketball is ultimately about putting the ball into the hoop, and transition offense and three-pointers can still dominate the game!"
While the three discussed in the studio, at Rockefeller Center, after Ewing finished his heartfelt speech, Lee, wearing a championship T-shirt, took the microphone and loudly declared:
"Thank you, Pat, for your persistence! I promise everyone, I will always stay in New York!"
"And one more thing, I have no plans to retire. I love the feeling of pursuing victory!"
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
The false news of the past two days had finally been addressed.
Overjoyed, everyone shouted again:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Before the Draft, Lee still had to discuss the offseason schedule with Mark Bartelstein.
Sponsor events and personal promotions were more numerous than in previous years.
As the Draft approached, the New York Knicks also became busy.
On June 27th, at Madison Square Garden, the 2001 Draft officially began at 7:30 PM.
The live director frequently focused the cameras on Michael Jordan and the management staff.
Although the Washington Wizards had lost terribly in the past two seasons, this year's first overall pick might turn the tide.
On the New York Knicks' side, the curly-haired owner James Dolan, General Manager Grunfeld, and Clay Lee also received attention.
The director didn't forget to stir things up and turned the camera towards the Chicago Bulls' side.
When David Stern appeared at the front, scattered boos erupted from the audience again, mostly from playful fans joining in the commotion.
Ignoring the atmosphere, David Stern quickly announced the Washington Wizards' pick with a graceful smile:
"With the first overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Kwame Brown from Glynn Academy High School!"
Kwame Brown, who was selected, was extremely excited.
After hugging his family, he didn't forget to hug his agent, Mark Bartelstein.
Walking onto the stage, he took the hat and put it on, officially becoming the first high school player in NBA history to be selected as the first overall pick.
Michael Jordan seemed very happy, chattering away with the staff.
The Los Angeles Clippers selected high school big man Tyson Chandler with the second overall pick.
The Atlanta Hawks selected Pau Gasol with the third overall pick.
The New York Knicks selected high school big man Eddy Curry with the fourth overall pick.
The Draft was still ongoing, but media reporters' attention was focused on the upcoming trades.
Although it was publicly announced as a strong draft year, after three talented high school big men were selected, most media reporters no longer cared about what came next.
As people speculated, the trade quickly happened:
The Chicago Bulls sent Elton Brand to the Clippers in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Brian Skinner.
The Atlanta Hawks traded Pau Gasol, Glen Rice, and Brevin Knight to the New York Knicks in exchange for Eddy Curry, Ben Wallace, and Toni Kukoc.
"Four teams swapping centers?"
This thought simultaneously popped into many sports reporters' minds.
With the trade finalized, James Dolan smiled and turned to Lee, whispering:
"Trust me, Lee! This is definitely a good trade."
"Although we'll still need to spend $2.5 million to buy out Pau Gasol later, this young man is definitely suitable for the New York Knicks!"
"âŠ"
....
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