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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
ABC, the broadcasting network, held a grand awards ceremony for the 2005-06 season.
Last year, the NBA Finals viewership declined, leading to the replacement of the awards ceremony host, Mike Tirico.
This year, Dan Patrick did an excellent job in the broadcast studio, and with the cooperation of PTI's well-known host, Michael Wilbon, the NBA Finals work concluded successfully.
On the morning of the 14th, ESPN's program was still reviewing last night's awards ceremony, and USA Today and many other well-known media outlets were praising the New York Knicks' 10th championship in their newspapers.
Unlike the fans' feelings, the NBA staff were numb from handing out awards.
The New York Post put a group photo of the New York Knicks on its front page, with more people in the picture than last year, and all the team's legends were present.
Although the atmosphere of the photo was very different from previous years, the only constant in the picture was Clay Lee, holding two golden trophies and smiling brightly in the center.
On Sports Center at 11 PM that night, Dan Patrick, who had returned to the Times Square studio in New York, spoke again about his feelings hosting the awards ceremony.
"In the past, people always liked to discuss Michael Jordan winning championships at 28, but now, when people talk about championships, they only think of Clay Lee!"
"The biggest difference between the two is that Jordan reached his peak at 28, while Clay Lee has already become a big winner in NBA history at this age."
"Many years ago, everyone was still discussing that if Michael Jordan hadn't retired, perhaps he would have won more championships, but Clay Lee has already surpassed that goal."
Standing in front of the camera, Dan Patrick was wearing a smart black suit.
He simply waved, and the director immediately switched the shot.
Michael Jordan crying while holding a trophy, and Clay Lee with two golden trophies in his arms, holding up 8 fingers, appeared on the same screen.
Who was more dominant was already self-evident.
Since the evening program was 2 hours long, there was no need to speed-read the news like during the day, so Dan Patrick took this opportunity to tease the fans again:
"Clay Lee fulfilled everyone's fantasies. We no longer need to discuss who is the greatest of all time, because even if it's 'if,' no one can compare to him!"
"Eight championships, two four-peats. It will be very difficult for anyone to surpass such an achievement in the future. In fact, Lee's performance is far better than what we've seen."
"Mark, as a point guard, you've played against Lee. Tell me your thoughts now."
Mark Jackson showed a bitter smile.
He wasn't a championship guard and had just joined ESPN this year, so he wasn't thick-skinned enough to brazenly lie like TNT next door:
"Clay Lee changed basketball. 10 years ago, if someone told me a small guy would complete an offense from 28 feet, I'd think he was crazy!"
"But now, if a championship team lacks excellent shooters, they are very likely to fail. Basketball is sometimes a math problem, after all, whoever scores more points wins."
"Lee's emergence will change the technical characteristics of many young players. He has elevated modern basketball to another level."
Averaging 33.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 2.8 steals, 1.0 block, and 1.5 turnovers, Clay Lee was once again unanimously elected NBA Finals MVP with this double-double.
The director also led the fans to review the relevant statistics: 65.3% field goal percentage, 52.4% three-point percentage, and 94.7% free throw percentage.
Although the NBA Finals only played 4 games, the data sample was too small, but in 16 playoff games, Clay Lee's average score was 35.0, with other data largely unchanged.
In this year's playoffs, although Lee didn't exert himself fully, his statistics were indeed impeccable.
Mark Jackson was completely convinced.
He didn't know how to describe Lee's performance.
Dan Patrick chuckled.
As the host of last night's awards ceremony, he was very clear about the relevant data.
Taking advantage of his partner's pause, he immediately added:
"From the 02-03 season, for three consecutive seasons, Clay Lee's playoff efficiency ratings were 40.3, 46.9, 47.7, and 46.4, respectively."
"No one in history has done this. Lee has once again set a brand new record."
"In 10 seasons, Clay Lee's total playoff points have reached 5231 points. While breaking many records, he is not far from Michael Jordan."
"Plus, his playoff win shares have exceeded 6.0 for 4 consecutive years, an achievement also unmatched in history. No matter how many times I see it, I feel incredible."
With an expression of admiration, Dan Patrick made no secret of his love for Excel, which has become a regular boastful tactic in his shows in recent years.
After a highlight reel of the NBA Finals, the staff in the studio also showed excited expressions.
In terms of highlights alone, no one in the NBA could compare to Lee.
Man-ball unity in ball-handling skills, exaggerated shooting range, frontcourt player-like impact, and extraordinary court vision.
With all these performances, Lee's highlights have always been the most popular segment of ESPN's program.
Thinking of the New York Knicks' statements in the NBA Finals, Dan Patrick asked again:
"Do the New York Knicks have a chance to achieve a 5-peat? O'Neal has lost his best form, and the Lakers have fallen out of the championship contender ranks."
"Next season, can they continue to defend their title?"
At the NBA Finals awards ceremony, James Dolan and others boasted freely, and the New York Knicks players were also not modest.
Perhaps because they won this year's NBA Finals too easily, even Gasol became overconfident.
This question was difficult to answer, because in addition to basketball reasons, there would be other factors.
Mark Jackson pondered slightly, and finally cautiously said:
"This depends on the strengthening of each team in the NBA."
"In my opinion, everyone must now realize a fact: relying on only one superstar cannot defeat Clay Lee. I respect Miller's view, but times have changed."
"If a team only has one core, then the Dallas Mavericks are the best example. I really can't imagine how a single-core team can win against Clay Lee."
ESPN's program had a greater influence than TNT.
Not every fan liked Charles Barkley's big mouth.
Rigorous data analysis was currently what most fans loved.
On Thursday, the 15th, the Associated Press first announced a piece of news:
Michael Jordan officially became a partial owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.
After team owner Robert Johnson, Michael Jordan became the team's second-largest shareholder.
After being scammed by the Washington Wizards, it was with the help of an African-American owner that Michael Jordan achieved his long-cherished wish.
The Bobcats also took the opportunity to hold a press conference in the morning, where the usually low-key Michael Jordan appeared before the public.
As the only African-American owner in the league, Johnson kept praising Michael Jordan at the press conference:
"Since I acquired the Bobcats, one of my goals has been to have Michael Jordan as my partner in operating the team."
"I don't want to defend Michael's basketball expertise, or his competitiveness as a player. His excellence is known to everyone in the world."
"I absolutely trust him. Michael will make the team competitive, and I am very happy to see my friend become a part of the Bobcats."
Johnson, with a forehead full of wrinkles, spared no effort in praising him, and finally patted Michael Jordan, who was wearing a light gray suit, beside him.
The latter also laughed, showing his heartfelt good mood.
"Thank you very much, Robert, for giving me this opportunity. I have always been looking for an opportunity to return to basketball."
"I spent the best years of my life in North Carolina. Returning here again, I feel like it's all God's will. I can't wait to start working!"
Michael Jordan was indeed genuinely happy, but his good mood was quickly interrupted by the media reporters present.
"Michael, 5231 points. After Clay Lee won his 8th career championship, his playoff points will also surpass yours!"
"Clay Lee, at 28, still has a long career ahead. Do you think he can now be called the greatest of all time?"
After being stopped in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1998, Michael Jordan's playoff points were fixed at 5785, ranking first in history.
According to the current trend, Clay Lee has a high possibility of breaking this record at the age of 30.
The smile on his face gradually faded.
As soon as he thought of Lee surpassing him, Michael Jordan felt particularly uncomfortable.
He reluctantly put on the air of a legend, straightened the microphone, and said in a low voice:
"Regarding the greatest of all time, everyone has different choices in their hearts. Clay Lee is very successful. He even has a chance to break the record set by Bill Russell."
"He undoubtedly dominated this era, and I achieved success in the 90s."
"I don't want to talk about individual honors. Basketball belongs to 5 people. In my opinion, the 1996 Chicago Bulls were the best team in history. Yes, we were better than this New York Knicks team."
Seeing the serious expression on Michael Jordan's dark face, the media below discussed quietly.
An ESPN reporter quickly steered the topic to what the public was currently concerned about:
"This year, the New York Knicks once again achieved 16-0, showing exaggerated dominance throughout the playoffs!"
"Michael, do you think they can continue to defend their title next season? If you want to contend for a championship, how would you build this Charlotte Bobcats team?"
Although he hadn't appeared in front of the media for a long time, Michael Jordan had clearly been following the games.
Hearing this question, he chuckled and confidently replied:
"I know how difficult it is to win a championship. This is not purely a basketball issue. Injuries, the desire to win, etc., all affect players' performance."
"Whether they can continue to defend their title largely depends on what kind of opponents they will face in the playoffs next season."
"The offseason is crucial, and what the Bobcats need to do now is select talented players who fit the team. I am confident that in a few years, we will enter the playoffs!"
With a confident smile on his face, Michael Jordan initially thought everyone below would agree with his answer.
He glanced around and realized that many people had strange expressions.
Kwame Brown had not fulfilled his potential with the Lakers, and his poor playoff performance had instead left a deep impression on critics.
"Jordan's designated talent" had failed in Washington, and the trades made by that Washington Wizards team back then were not good.
Most importantly, the vice-GOAT no longer had the halo of a successful person.
No one believed in Michael Jordan's basketball ability anymore, and his words even had the opposite effect.
Noticing the questioning looks from everyone, Michael Jordan's face stiffened, and he quickly realized in his heart that he was truly past his prime:
"Shit!"
The New York Knicks' celebration continued.
After spraying champagne at the American Airlines Arena, everyone flew to Las Vegas to spend, with James Dolan paying for everything.
Lee took the girls back to Manhattan the next day to accompany Melinda, who was resting during her pregnancy.
The big-breasted girl had already resigned from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and was now at home every day.
After driving Ivanka and Kim to work at noon, he returned to their home on 82nd Street and saw the two of them giggling around the computer in the study.
Scarlett, wearing only a black camisole, was excitedly reading comments on Facebook, while Krysten Ritter beside her was laughing so hard her hair was disheveled:
"Why do you all live together? Love cannot be shared!"
"We sleep in the same bed, and it feels pretty good."
"WF!"
Ever since Scarlett uploaded some intimate photos taken at the American Airlines Arena, the public following Lee was once again triggered.
Even without open registration, people were still coming to argue.
Melinda leaned back on the sofa and said somewhat languidly to Lee, who was squeezing next to her:
"This account is ruined! It was clearly meant for alumni communication, but now everyone comes here to read news."
The simple UI didn't hold much interest for Lee.
He had shared some photos after registering, but it was mostly Scarlett and the others who found daily amusement on it.
At this time, political correctness wasn't as emphasized, and the pure internet environment indeed brought more joy.
The photo that completely triggered the public was of two young girls kissing Lee, one on each side.
Such mischievousness was Scarlett's favorite, and the succubus-like little cow always loved to show affection.
"It's okay, it will be open for registration soon anyway. This is the trend of social media, and no one will care about the details. How is Odeo doing?"
Melinda wasn't sure why Lee was interested in this declining video podcast company, but she still shared the information she had obtained:
"Perhaps they will break up soon. There have already been layoffs."
Lee rubbed his chin, regretting that he couldn't find the exact time point in his memory.
He only knew that Evan Williams, as the founder of the blog, had already achieved financial freedom, and investing in Twitter was not a simple matter:
"Still, try to acquire Reddit. Consider it a small gift for you. Once the little one is born, our venture capital company should officially start operating."
The big-breasted girl blinked.
This was a plan that had been made a long time ago.
Seeing that Lee still remembered, she felt even better:
"Scarlett, Alyce, stop teasing them. We're going back to Peninsula Manor tonight."
Hearing Melinda's arrangements, Scarlett ran over barefoot, quickly snuggling into Lee's arms, and looking up, she happily said,
"Tonight, let's take some more beautiful photos. The coastline night view has been especially pretty lately."
Mid-sentence, Scarlett leaned in and whispered into Lee's ear, her hands not idle.
The little follower who had come over secretly rolled her eyes.
Without thinking, she knew this succubus wanted to film an outdoor "field battle" adult video again.
"This cow isn't afraid of spoiling herself!"
The New York Knicks' 10th championship in franchise history made New York fans ecstatic.
Everyone began to anticipate next week's championship parade, while also discussing this year's draft picks.
In the afternoon, Lee drove to the Tarrytown Training Center.
The new general manager, Donnie Walsh, had officially started working.
He would be fully responsible for the New York Knicks' offseason this year.
James Dolan and some staff members had also returned to Manhattan early, but they would officially meet before the press conference.
The New York Knicks' training facility, after many years of renovation, had long shed its former rudimentary appearance.
Two adjacent, complete basketball courts had floors polished to a shine, and championship banners adorned the walls.
This was the place that best embodied the team's culture.
Championships don't lie.
They are the best proof of success.
Donnie Walsh, with his slicked-back hair, glasses, and salt-and-pepper hair, was wearing a New York Knicks' practice uniform, slowly walking around the court with everyone.
As he walked, he listened to staff members recount the stories behind the championship, including how Clay Lee was drafted and how championship experiences were sharedāall internal team information.
James Dolan was very proud.
Although Old Charles had laid the foundation for the team back then, the son had also contributed to his father's achievements:
"The outside world always likes to criticize us for playing utilitarian basketball. In fact, Patrick never left the team in the end. He is also a source of pride for New York. We will not forget his contributions."
"Whether it's salary or internal team benefits, the New York Knicks have never mistreated him. This is also our team culture. We will not easily trade away players we have drafted."
The curly-haired owner spoke these words without blushing or panting, but the truth was that Ewing had several disputes with the team, and New York fans even booed the star player during that year's NBA Finals.
At the time, the New York Knicks didn't stop it.
Starks, another player who struggled in the NBA Finals, was almost driven to depression by fans.
Donnie Walsh had worked for the Pacers for many years and naturally knew what the New York Knicks, their old rival, were like in the past.
He didn't expose the owner who was boasting about team culture.
Donnie stopped, a smile on his face, and turned to Lee, simply asking,
"Lee, do you think the team can successfully defend the title next year? I want to hear your honest opinion."
Looking at the championship banners encircling the Madison Square Garden, Lee, wearing a white New York Knicks' championship T-shirt, didn't make grand declarations like at the awards ceremony, but instead said seriously,
"It depends on the NBA's officiating and our condition. In fact, the injuries that occurred this year were not accidental. We will also face the same difficulties that championship teams encounter."
Kurt Thomas's old injury recurring was a sign that his body couldn't handle it.
Even backup Raja Bell suffered a strain, which meant many players had reached their limit.
"The NBA has no reason to restrict the team. We pay the most luxury tax, and we are a guarantee for ratings."
James Dolan felt good about himself.
Everything he said was true.
The New York Knicks were currently the most popular team, dominating the Eastern Conference.
The surrounding staff remained silent.
In fact, everyone had been complacent in recent years.
Aside from contract renewals, there had been no other moves.
As long as they did nothing, they wouldn't make mistakes.
They just needed to cling to the strong.
Donnie Walsh was slightly surprised.
He had expected Lee to get carried away and boast, but he didn't expect the young man to still have such a clear understanding:
"You're right, Lee! But I don't think we need to consider too much. The competitive environment in the Eastern Conference is very favorable to the New York Knicks."
"We just need to ensure the health of our roster and our desire for victory, and that will be enough."
The staff members knew from these words that the new general manager's goal was to reach the NBA Finals, which would be the best explanation to the fans.
"The team can indeed trade for another All-Star. This is our opportunity, and I will make it happen."
Donnie Walsh knew New York wanted to pursue Ray Allen, so he made a promise right then.
He didn't care about cleaning out the roster.
There was a huge difference between role players and All-Stars, something he had experienced firsthand with the Pacers.
Lee just smiled and didn't say much.
James Dolan also directly passed the buck.
He hired an outsider to do this job.
If the results didn't meet expectations, it wouldn't be his fault anyway.
Only the big man Wright had an overpaid contract with the New York Knicks, but that contract also ended this year, allowing for a free hand with the healthy salary cap.
Continuing to tour the Tarrytown Training Center with the others, Donnie Walsh began to look forward to the upcoming draft and free agency.
The time had come to show what he could do.
On the morning of the 16th, the New York Knicks officially announced that Donnie Walsh would serve as the team's general manager and held a press conference.
The New York Media naturally gave him a huge boost, which made onlookers from other cities feel a pang of jealousy.
Since Lee won the championship again, Philadelphia became more active in trading Iverson.
This time, no 76ers fans protested or obstructed it.
The team had indeed reached a point where it needed to break down to build up.
As the draft approached, Paul Pierce had also been very active recently, expressing his desire in every interview: he needed All-Star level help!
ESPN believed that a single star could not win a championship.
Many players who cared about their image refused to state their opinion, but only Pierce admitted this view in an interview with the Boston Globe:
"Basketball is a five-player game. Look at the New York Knicks' roster. Only a super team can defeat a super team!"
Kevin Garnett, who was deeply embroiled in trade rumors, had also been cooperating with the team recently to recruit players and participate in the draft.
In an interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Garnett offered a different perspective:
"Super teams can also be defeated, and I will not join any other team!"
"As I promised, I will always stay in Minnesota. I won the MVP here, and now what we need to do is regroup. I am confident I can lead the team to a championship."
The tanking Timberwolves held the 5th pick, and Garnett's confident statement was also because he was about to get a talented helper.
Kobe, who was also busy recruiting players, had been in a bad mood these past two days.
He was happy that O'Neal was eliminated, but Lee winning the championship again made him feel despair.
His "arch-rival" was getting stronger and stronger.
Lakers general manager Kupchak was also very active.
The Los Angeles Times frequently released smoke bombs, claiming that the Lakers wanted to trade up.
This kind of grandstanding only fooled the local fans.
Trading up from a late first-round pick?
That only deceives casual fans who don't follow the team closely.
Perhaps Fisher's return gave Kobe more confidence.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times alongside Kupchak, he unconsciously started talking about his recruiting success:
"Like I said, many players have called me. Everyone wants to come play in Los Angeles!"
"Now I need to keep it confidential. I believe next season, the team will return to the NBA Finals."
As a team leader, Kobe also learned to make grand promises to the fans.
As for whether he could get more powerful help, he actually had a question mark in his heart.
Kupchak, however, didn't definitively state that the Lakers would definitely strengthen their roster, remaining vague in interviews:
"If there's an opportunity, we do plan to trade for an All-Star. Of course, I have more faith in our drafting vision. Kobe Bryant will not disappoint the fans' expectations."
"..."
Onlookers were most concerned about the Seattle SuperSonics.
News of the team relocating was increasing, and trade rumors about Ray Allen were flying everywhere.
The Seattle SuperSonics held the 9th pick, a position that could bring the team a talented player.
During the NBA Finals, Ray Allen did not attend the games in person.
Since fishing, he had immersed himself in the training facility and also deeply participated in the team's draft work.
As the New York Media clamored for him to "come into our arms," reporters in Seattle were also surrounding Ray Allen, trying to get news directly from him.
Just after leaving the American Airlines Arena at noon, Ray Allen was ambushed by sports reporters.
These days, besides caring about which Rookies to invite for tryouts, everyone else was digging for big news.
"Ray! The New York Knicks won the championship again this year. If you leave the Seattle SuperSonics, would you choose to go to New York?"
The weather in Seattle was good, but Ray Allen, surrounded by media reporters, looked even more displeased.
He didn't like that statement:
"I don't know why you always bring up trade issues. Plagued by injuries, we indeed didn't play well enough."
"But don't forget, we also made it to the conference finals. Our talent is enough to support the team to win a championship. Currently, I am completely focused on training."
The Yahoo Sports reporter, who was also an onlooker, didn't care about the Seattle SuperSonics' draft pick.
Noticing the impatient expression on Ray Allen's face, he quickly asked again:
"Can a super team be defeated? You and Lee are very familiar. How do you think the Seattle SuperSonics should supplement their roster to defeat the current New York Knicks?"
Ray Allen still cared about his image and, with his hands on his hips, spoke some diplomatic words:
"Super teams also lose games. Many times, games are about details. If you followed this year's playoffs, you should know that the New York Knicks also encountered trouble."
"As for supplementing the roster, that's not my job. I just want to focus on basketball."
After saying this, and apologizing, Ray Allen walked back towards the American Airlines Arena.
The "riding coattails" label was still bothering him, and these reporters were becoming increasingly explicit, with more and more voices mocking him.
On Saturday the 17th, the Boston Herald was the first to break the news that the Boston Celtics were interested in Allen Iverson and also wanted to pursue Rashard Lewis.
Interestingly, after seeing the news, Celtics fans spontaneously boycotted and did not welcome Iverson's arrival.
Clearly, this faded All-Star's reputation in the Eastern Conference had fallen to rock bottom.
Iverson, who hadn't appeared in public for a long time, was photographed that night having a good time with a group of followers at a nightclub.
When the Philadelphia Inquirer broke the news on Sunday, 76ers fans were particularly furious:
"Was the depression all fake?"
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban participated in The Late Show with David Letterman that night and once again launched an attack when discussing the NBA Finals:
"The most foolish thing I ever did was believe James Dolan's nonsense! If you follow the NBA, you should know that the New York Knicks are the biggest beneficiaries of the NBA's new rules."
"In the past, many teams would only play physical, rough basketball. The new rules make the game more entertaining, and more players can contribute beautiful statistics in the regular season."
"But in the NBA Finals, the new rules made it impossible for us to defend Clay Lee!"
Laughter erupted in the studio.
David Letterman, that old rascal, looked at Cuban, whose face suddenly turned red, and then, at the opportune moment, made a suggestive joke:
"Did you try to use blondes to distract Clay Lee? And by the way, congratulations to Clay Lee. Besides his 8th championship, he's also expecting his 3rd child."
Mark Cuban clapped along, not caring about the wrinkles in his suit, and sat up straight again, taking the opportunity to reiterate:
"David, as sports fans, we should empathize. Super teams are destroying the NBA."
"I oppose the New York Knicks trading for Ray Allen. The struggling Seattle SuperSonics also need a star player right now."
"If the Seattle SuperSonics are eventually sold, it needs our approval. I will not make the same mistake a second time, and everyone will thank me for my decision!"
"..."
Ray Allen, watching the program at home in Seattle, frowned at the TV.
Shannon, pregnant with their second child, noticed her husband's expression and suddenly whispered,
"It's okay if we stay in Seattle!"
Being passively in the spotlight didn't feel good.
Although Lee often greeted him, the gap in their achievements still made Ray Allen feel a bit jealous.
He put his arm around his wife, and they watched the program on TV together.
Although Mark Cuban praised Lee heavily, he didn't forget to sarcastically remark on the New York Knicks enjoying the benefits.
Ray Allen suddenly felt bored.
He wasn't the protagonist, and this big-mouthed owner had no respect for him.
Thinking about the potential trade, he began to feel conflicted again:
"What choice should I make?"
...
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)