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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
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***
On July 23, 2001, at 8 PM, NBC re-aired Game 5 of the Finals, and also invited Jeff Van Gundy to provide an in-depth analysis of the game for fans.
As a Champion Coach, Jeff Van Gundy has been enjoying himself immensely these past two months!
The Bald Young Coach was a bit lacking in his on-court presence, often getting so anxious that he wished he could go onto the court himself to "play", which led to fans seeing Lee holding the tactics board in the final moments.
But as a commentator, Jeff Van Gundy was absolutely clear-headed, explaining tactics clearly, and also humorously commenting on player performance, with various statistics readily available.
After frequently appearing on sports programs in recent years, Jeff Van Gundy has unearthed another talent:
"If my coaching career ends, perhaps I can become an excellent live commentator."
The Bald Young Coach had discovered this long ago.
Just as he could always offer insights in film sessions, he could also clearly understand the situation on the court when commentating on a game.
As the replay reached the fourth quarter, Jeff Van Gundy was commentating on the possession where Lee assisted Ben Wallace for a basket under the rim while facing a double-team:
"This is Lee. He always likes to probe the Defense, or rather, he anticipates the opponent's double-team."
"Kobe made a mistake on Defense. He shouldn't have moved sideways to cut off the space, but instead should have quickly squeezed through the screen and tried to get back to front-facing Defense."
"Expecting Shaq to make a timely rotation was absolutely the wrong choice. When I saw Kobe interfere sideways from the sidelines, I knew the New York Knicks would score on that possession."
Jeff Van Gundy had been praising Lee the entire game, turning even some forced misses into reasonable offensive plays.
His partner, Doug Collins, couldn't listen anymore and quickly changed the subject, asking:
"After Ben leaves the team and Pau Gasol comes to the New York Knicks, what tactical adjustments will the team make?"
"..."
Jeff Van Gundy, who was in the middle of a praising spree, was momentarily stunned by the question.
He pondered for a moment before speaking:
"Pau Gasol's performance in the Summer League was good. It's clear that he is already a mature professional basketball player."
"After the pre-season training camp begins, I will discuss this issue further with the coaching staff."
When the replay reached the final shot, where Lee hit a super-long three-pointer to tie the score, Jeff Van Gundy didn't forget to continue his praise:
"This was absolutely a very clever play. Pat received the ball at the high post, and Lee only made off-ball movements."
"The most important thing was the shooting position. The Lakers players would never have thought that Lee would shoot from nearly two meters beyond the three-point line."
"No one can replicate such a shot. Lee created a miracle, tying the score, and I knew then that the New York Knicks would get the match point!"
Unable to stop praising, Jeff Van Gundy had completely entered "Lee hype" mode.
After the game replay ended, Bob Costas chuckled beside him. Jeff Van Gundy was almost shouting "Lee is the strongest!"
Such a way of commentating was indeed refreshing.
In the studio, the camera refocused on the three of them.
Jeff Van Gundy was wearing a sharp black Armani suit, and his face had rounded out a bit compared to during the Finals.
White shirt, "red tie," and a gleaming bald forehead, Jeff Van Gundy exuded the demeanor of a famous coach, completely outshining Doug Collins beside him.
Compared to photos from when he first took over the New York Knicks, when he still had hair and dark circles under his eyes, he was absolutely a different person.
Years of success had completely transformed Jeff Van Gundy.
Bob Costas was also in a black suit, sitting on the far left.
After the recording ended, they moved into the gossip segment:
"Doug, next season you'll be coaching the Washington Wizards. It's said that this was a personal invitation from Michael Jordan. Is Michael really planning to return to the court?"
Hearing the question, Doug Collins, sitting on the far right, also looked pleased, though the news still had to be kept secret:
"I'm not sure, but I like new challenges. The Washington Wizards have excellent talent, and I think the young players will give the NBA a surprise!"
Jeff Van Gundy, sitting in the middle, felt delighted hearing this topic.
He wished Michael Jordan would make a comeback and get crushed by the Washington Wizards.
That would be too easy!
Not getting the answer he wanted, Bob Costas wasn't in a hurry.
He turned to Jeff Van Gundy again and asked:
"Jeff, this morning, the Orlando Magic offered Allan Houston a 7-year contract. How would you evaluate this trade?"
"So far, the New York Knicks' championship starting lineup only has Lee and Hill left!"
This morning, the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks officially reached an agreement for a sign-and-trade.
The Orlando Magic sent a 2002 first-round draft pick to acquire Allan Houston from the New York Knicks.
7 years, 93 million US dollars, with the last year as a player option.
Allan Houston got his wish.
He could retire directly after this contract.
In this blockbuster trade, the New York Knicks only received a trade exception and a first-round draft pick.
Of course, as a free agent, Allan Houston could have signed directly, so getting a draft pick was also considered a way of giving back to the team.
Thinking of this trade, Jeff Van Gundy felt a bit annoyed.
Currently, the New York Knicks' offensive spacing was not ideal.
Theoretically, sticking to Defense was the right approach, but the curly-haired owner wanted a flashy offense...
However, on the show, Jeff Van Gundy naturally had to maintain the demeanor of a famous coach:
"Allan is an excellent player, and none of us wanted to lose him."
"But signing this contract, the New York Knicks can only offer our blessings!"
"I believe every player will not refuse to work with Lee. Victory, statistics, championships—everything can be achieved in New York."
"I am only excited about the team's current roster. Next season, a brand new New York Knicks team will be presented to the fans!"
The two people in the studio didn't understand the team's internal situation, but the New York Knicks' current predicament was that they couldn't sign suitable star players.
Players who could shoot three-pointers and play Defense had no trouble finding work in the NBA.
The reality was that most players' shooting was still poor.
After all, there was only one Lee in the NBA, and most teams still used the old tactics, relying more on the low post.
The Lakers also faced this dilemma.
In the Western Conference, no one wanted to trade with them, as everyone hoped their opponents would falter if they wanted to reach the Finals.
Draft picks also didn't have much trade value.
Star players on the team couldn't be moved, and there were no big fish in the free agency market.
Doug Collins felt that the New York Knicks were in trouble.
With their current configuration, three-point shooting would definitely decline.
Looking at Jeff Van Gundy's smug smile, he couldn't help but tease him:
"I think the New York Knicks' dominance has declined. You are no longer the unique team in the NBA. Without offensive spacing, Lee will face more challenges."
Even if he hadn't yet figured out what tactics to play next season, Jeff Van Gundy still confidently stated:
"I believe in Lee. He always finds a way! The New York Knicks will still dominate the Eastern Conference."
This statement left everyone in the studio speechless.
Good heavens, the Head Coach relies on the players to figure things out?
Doug Collins felt even more helpless, thinking:
"As expected, the New York Knicks only have one tactic."
On July 24, the New York Knicks signed free agent Stephen Jackson.
This trade did not attract any attention.
After being selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 14th pick in the second round of 1997, Stephen Jackson had not established himself in the NBA.
Without a guaranteed contract, the Phoenix Suns quickly gave up on this high school Rookie.
He then moved between several leagues, putting up some numbers with the Nets last season, but was directly waived again in the offseason.
Signing Stephen Jackson was merely a lottery ticket to fill the bench.
The reason he chose the New York Knicks was primarily because New Jersey was very close to New York, and Stephen Jackson, as a working man, found it more convenient to move.
After two consecutive trades, General Manager Grunfeld was still very satisfied.
During an interview at the Tarrytown Training Center, he chuckled and stated:
"Jackson fits the New York Knicks' team culture very well. He can play his role off the bench!"
"We welcome hard-working players. Under Li's leadership, I believe he will set a new career high!"
The New York Times reporter seemed to still be upset about the previous Allan Houston trade.
Not publishing a scathing article these past two days was already the limit:
"Ernie, can you talk about the previous trade? Why didn't we keep Allan?"
This topic is a bit sensitive.
You can't just say that the Champion Guard is tired and wants to slack off.
Grunfeld simply changed the topic and started introducing the chips obtained from the trade:
"Allan is an excellent Champion Guard, and we are very grateful for his contributions to the New York Knicks."
"But this trade is a win-win. We got a good draft pick, and the Orlando Magic's first-round pick came from the Phoenix Suns. Perhaps we can still gain something in next year's draft!"
To get Allan Houston, Head Coach Rivers also went all out, showing sincerity by giving up the Orlando Magic's first-round pick they acquired from the Hardaway trade back then.
Upon hearing this news, the New York Media's attention was indeed diverted.
Thinking of Marbury's leadership ability, everyone unanimously agreed that this was reliable!
The Champion Guard Sprewell brought Pau Gasol to the New York Knicks.
Allan Houston might also repeat the same story.
On the morning of the 25th, a column in the sports section of the New York Times analyzed in detail the first-round pick owned by the New York Knicks, ultimately concluding:
"The future is promising!"
New York fans are not fools.
Currently, the team has too many Rookies, and most of the starting lineup is gone, essentially a complete rebuild.
However, everyone had a mysterious confidence, believing that the Eastern Conference still had no opponents.
After reading the newspaper, they suddenly had new hope.
MSG's own program naturally reported on the trade information of the past few days and also interviewed the New York Knicks fan groups:
"I hope Marbury can lead the Phoenix Suns to tank for the first overall pick!"
"We are all Phoenix Suns fans in the new season!"
"..."
While they were entertaining themselves here, the news, once it spread, infuriated the Phoenix fans.
Anfernee Hardaway was very popular with the Phoenix Suns, but no one was satisfied with the playoff results of the past few years.
The Arizona Republic is the largest daily newspaper in Arizona, with a daily circulation of about 300,000 copies.
Several columns in the sports section the next day angrily blasted New York, summarizing it as one meaning:
"No one likes the New York Knicks. The arrogant New York fans will ruin the team sooner or later!"
New York fans like what newspaper articles cater to readers.
Seeing Phoenix's reaction, they intensified their efforts and concocted an article:
"Re-ranking the 1996 NBA Draft Picks."
The article emphasized the difference between New York's Son Marbury and Clay Lee.
After reading the newspaper, the New York fans were overjoyed and gave Marbury a new nickname:
"The True New York's Son!"
Clay Lee was busy giving back to his alma mater this week, and he also donated 1 million dollars to the law school and attended alumni gatherings, making himself known in Connecticut.
Hamilton returned to the University of Connecticut for training, primarily because he didn't want to participate in Michael Jordan's private training camp.
In one-on-one matchups, Michael Jordan could indeed dominate these young players many times, and after winning, there would inevitably be trash talk.
Coach Calhoun looked at Hamilton, who was once high-spirited in the NCAA but had become increasingly dispirited over the past few years, and felt a pang of sadness.
Lee hadn't touched a ball for over a month.
At this time, he was dressed like a regular college student: a simple white printed T-shirt, light-colored jeans, and canvas shoes.
Watching the Rookies train, Coach Calhoun sighed again:
"I believe Hamilton's growth hasn't met expectations. He could have done better, but he seems to have made no progress in the past two years."
The NBA schedule is very dense, and players do not change their playing style after entering the league.
After all, they have been exposed to basketball since childhood, and habits formed over decades of playing basketball won't change easily.
Hamilton's ball-handling has not changed since entering the league.
It's still subpar.
Lee, of course, understood Coach Calhoun's meaning.
He believed Hamilton was not suitable for playing for the Washington Wizards.
As a Champion Guard from Connecticut, the old coach hoped his disciple could make a name for himself.
"I believe Richard can make a name for himself. There will always be a coach who appreciates him."
"However, Doug Collins will most likely not give him too high a tactical position. He probably took the Head Coach position with a mission."
Hearing Lee's words, Coach Calhoun shook his head again.
This is the NBA.
Often, it's the superstars who dominate the team.
Hamilton meticulously completed his basic training.
The Rookies from Connecticut occasionally looked towards Lee on the sidelines.
Although Lee had been seen frequently on campus recently, for these Rookies who yearned to play in the NBA and earn money, being in close proximity to a superstar was still somewhat exciting.
Coach Calhoun had to shout a couple of times to remind his players to focus, and then he chuckled and gossiped with Lee:
"Most of the New York Knicks' starters are gone. To be honest, Lee, this kind of situation shouldn't be common."
"Many newspapers are saying you're a difficult person to get along with. These guys just talk nonsense for sales!"
The NBA still emphasizes "brotherhood," a typical example being Jordan and Pippen.
Although their off-court relationship was just average, the media always liked to portray them as true brothers.
This statement is also not wrong, as their relationship will be intertwined and even their seniority will be messed up in the future.
Lee didn't care about the slanders from the losers.
His "Good Brothers" all had a good relationship with him, and they were in a win-win situation.
At least Lee can guarantee that in the next few decades, the teammates who completed the three-peat with him will vigorously praise him and there will never be a "What the hell, I love my aunt" storyline.
"Playing is about making money. In the New York Knicks, it's really impossible to get more stats or a higher tactical position."
"After all, I'm only 23 years old, and everyone is young. I'm already satisfied that we didn't end up in a big fight."
"Ray has been bickering with Glenn Robinson every day. To be honest, I don't like that kind of competition."
Lee also teased Ray Allen.
Recently, this Good Brother started his blunt output again, angrily scolding his teammates for being too lazy and not liking to train.
He also subtly mocked Head Coach George Karl for being outdated and only knowing how to coach players like Gary Payton.
It's just that the media influence in Milwaukee isn't strong.
If it were in New York, the number of onlookers would multiply several times.
Coach Calhoun could only smile wryly again when he thought of Ray Allen.
He had been following them closely and naturally noticed his disciple's excellent performance in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the Milwaukee market is a bit lacking.
Even if the local sports media vigorously promoted it, its influence still couldn't compare to a few major markets.
At lunchtime, Lee picked up Scarlett and her brother, and the three had lunch in Hartford.
Hunter, who was on summer vacation, had toured the University of Connecticut these past few days and seemed very satisfied with the campus environment, but getting into this school was not an easy task.
For a while, he could only vow to study hard.
The top floor of the Hartford Building, this building had just been completed, and the top-floor restaurant was also in its trial operation.
Lee was invited and had been dining here recently.
The view from the top floor was naturally excellent, and Hunter didn't care about his sister's gloomy mood, chattering happily:
"If my grades aren't good enough, I plan to go to a university in New York. I can also visit my grandmother often. Compared to Hartford, I still prefer Manhattan."
Lee ate with relish, occasionally sharing some steak with the young girl across from him.
Perhaps because her brother talked too much, Scarlett suddenly elbowed him.
"Don't talk while eating! Haven't you noticed everyone is looking at us?!"
Hunter was depressed.
He had a great time these past few days, but his sister had become a nuisance:
"I told you early on that the movie's box office would definitely be disappointing. Who would like a movie about teenage angst?"
After promotions at the Seattle Film Festival in late June and a premiere in Los Angeles not long ago, it seemed that the movie "Ghost World" was likely to flop again.
Although she only played a supporting role, Scarlett found that she was becoming a box office poison.
Even if she worked hard, her results were always mediocre.
Hunter didn't care about his sister's mood.
In fact, he had watched every movie she was in, and at this point, he gloated:
"Thora Birch has a great figure, but her outfit in the movie was too ugly! Audiences definitely won't buy it."
Award nominations had nothing to do with the second female lead.
With a limited release in the US in early August, the movie's box office performance was destined not to be very high.
Lee nodded indifferently, then was glared at by the young girl across from him and got kicked under the table:
"Anyway, I'm still young and have plenty of time. I'll always find a suitable script."
Scarlett was secretly annoyed, feeling that Lee and her younger brother were both perfunctory.
As she frowned, she quietly took it out on Hunter.
"…"
It was rare for Lee to have time in the evening without attending a party.
Back home in Hartford, after a deep conversation, the girl finally vented her suppressed emotions.
Having unlocked a new, embarrassing position, and with overtime concluded, Scarlett still had a faint blush as she entered the study.
Noticing Lee writing something on his laptop, she curiously looked over:
"Red Football Limited?"
Lee, who had just showered, was only wrapped in a bath towel, bare-chested.
Noticing the girl approaching and hearing her voice, he immediately smiled and nodded:
"An investment firm will be established very soon. Next month, I'm going to the UK for an inspection. There will be a good investment in the future!"
Her hair still damp, the girl wiped it while subtly showing off her figure, and asked curiously:
"Investment? Does it cost a lot of money?"
"It will probably cost a few hundred million dollars! This is a secret decision, remember to keep it confidential."
The girl seemed to understand, yet was still startled upon hearing "hundreds of millions."
Sitting on Lee's lap, she asked somewhat naively:
"Why not invest in movies? Hollywood is also very profitable!"
Feeling her slender waist and noticing her curious gaze, Lee, for once, didn't show off, but seriously said:
"Most people find it difficult to earn money beyond their understanding, and I'm no exception. It's only 9 PM, do you plan to discuss these things all night?"
She boldly kissed Lee, and soon after, she cooed in his ear:
"Carry me to the bedroom!"
As Lee carried the blushing girl towards the bedroom, some memories resurfaced in his mind:
"I'm a loyal player of FM!"
On sunday, July 29, the Orlando Magic held a grand welcoming ceremony for Allan Houston.
The Mayor of Oakland also attended the event.
Head Coach Rivers didn't feel there was any problem with giving up a first-round pick.
When interviewed by sports reporters, the Coach of the Year (COY) confidently stated:
"Next season, the Orlando Magic will rise again, and we will reach the conference finals!"
"Look at the talent we have now, no one can stop us!"
"…"
Although Tracy McGrady felt a slight pang of bitterness, with good teammates, he believed he could definitely break through the first round.
Despite feeling good about his commercial back-and-forth with Allen Iverson, he still wanted to go further. Therefore, during an interview, Tracy McGrady frankly stated:
"Allan is a true winner. He has four championship rings. I believe he can lead the team correctly!"
Mike Miller was also very happy.
Although he was just a Rookie player, Orlando reporters called the three of them "the strongest trio in the NBA."
Everyone welcomed the arrival of the Champion Coach.
Allan Houston also smiled brightly during his interview:
"I am very happy to join the Orlando Magic. Head Coach Rivers and the enthusiastic fans moved me. This is a brand new journey, and I can't wait to get on the court and play!"
"…"
The New York Knicks have a promising future, the Orlando Magic formed the "strongest trio," the New Jersey Nets are making a 360-degree turn, and the San Antonio Spurs are not to be outdone!
Learning from their lessons, after giving up on "Little General," they made another blockbuster trade:
They sent Derek Anderson, Steve Kerr, and a 2003 second-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Steve Smith.
After this trade, it was announced that the Portland Trail Blazers were going to disband, and Paul Allen also didn't want to continue "spending money to get beaten."
Most commentators cautiously viewed the San Antonio Spurs' trade favorably.
The 32-year-old Steve Smith was no longer as courageous as he once was, and his statistics had declined significantly compared to his time with the Atlanta Hawks.
But without a trade, relying on the current roster, the perimeter would surely be dominated in the playoffs.
Therefore, trading for Smith seemed to be to appease Tim Duncan.
Although Duncan was not as widely publicized by various media outlets as Lee, he was highly popular in San Antonio.
Gregg Popovich was often called to be fired, but Duncan recognized him.
As long as the superstar didn't speak up, the Rookie coach's position was very stable!
Seeing that the San Antonio Spurs, who finished first in the Western Conference last season, had also strengthened, the Lakers could no longer sit still.
But O'Neal will make $21.43 million next season and Kobe will make $11.25 million, and the two's salaries will account for most of the salary cap.
Add to that the combined salaries of Robert Horry, Rick Fox, and Derek Fisher, all worth over $10 million, and the team can only make do with scraps and patchwork.
Shaquille O'Neal was the first to lose patience.
Despite being particularly low-key during the off-season, mostly participating in sponsor events, Shaq complained in an interview with the Los Angeles Times at the end of the month:
"I don't know why the team hasn't made any moves. Who have we signed? What reinforcements have we made?"
"I haven't even heard of some of these players' names! Why aren't the Lakers pursuing Allan Houston? I think he's a great fit for the team."
"As of now, I haven't seen any desire for a championship from management!"
The Lakers did sign some free agents, but their main lineup didn't change much.
The additions were mostly for team morale.
With the team's star player expressing dissatisfaction, Mitch Kupchak, who had just become General Manager last season, had a hard time explaining:
"No one wants to trade with the Lakers!"
Under the circumstances, Phil Jackson had no choice but to appease the star players.
As a Champion Coach, although Phil Jackson showed some signs of becoming "Kentucky Fried Chicken-look-like," most sports media still gave him face.
(A/N: He looks exactly like that🤣)
"Contending for a championship is never easy. I believe the Lakers' current talent is already enough to win a championship."
"Years of failure have given us more experience. Shaq is right, the team should indeed make some reinforcements, but I hope everyone can tap into their potential."
"Just like Michael Jordan, face failure calmly, then become stronger until you defeat your opponents and achieve success!"
"…"
The Los Angeles Times affirmed Phil Jackson's view, but after his statement, the Champion Coach also became anxious.
Cooperating with the General Manager, he began to make reinforcements through his connections.
On Monday, July 30, the Lakers finally signed a well-known star:
36-year-old Mitch Richmond joined the Lakers as a free agent.
Seeing this trade, Lakers fans almost broke down.
If the young and strong Derek Fisher wasn't enough, could they really expect a 36-year-old old man to become a defensive ace?
Fortunately, the Lakers' news was quickly overshadowed by the announcement of Michael Jordan's private training camp, and everyone exclaimed:
"Michael Jordan is coming back?!"
On the morning of the 31st, Lee was dressed casually, accompanied by Ivanka and Old Mike, with some JFK staff around them.
When onlookers saw Lee, they started gathering again.
Old Mike had to use his deep voice to dissuade them:
"No autographs, no photos, guys, we need to catch a flight today!"
"…"
Flying to London and meeting up with Bobby, Lee planned to stay in the UK for half a month, and also get acquainted with some football clubs.
The New York Times reporter was an old acquaintance and simply followed them to the VIP lounge.
Ivanka, wearing sunglasses and a white floral dress, didn't mind the reporter and calmly shared snacks with Lee.
"Lee, is Michael Jordan really returning to the court? Aren't you joining his private training camp?"
Lee blinked, gave the reporter a look, and didn't directly answer the question, but instead joked:
"I don't want to join his training camp. Michael Jordan is already 38 years old. Defeating him wouldn't give me any sense of accomplishment."
"Of course, I welcome Michael Jordan's return. It will make next season more interesting, won't it?"
"…"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)