NBA: The Basketball Chapter 425: The Power of a Role Model (Part 2)

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***

On tuesday, July 19, 2005, the New York dia was still reporting on Clay Lee's ESPY award.

As the Sumr League drew to a close, to the disappointnt of the onlookers, Ron Artest had actually regressed, becoming a 'mismatch'.

It turned out that being a 'combo guard' was also a skilled job, and not every player could serve as an organizer and efficiently manage the team's offense.

In the four gas that had already concluded, Ron Artest averaged 5 turnovers per ga, and his performance when initiating pick-and-rolls with David Lee was disastrous.

This made many fans who ca to watch the show feel that their tickets were worth it.

The statistics and ga results were not important.

Many people openly mocked Ron Artest in the Madison Square Garden, and even chanted 'MVP' for him.

The chants of the fun-seekers almost made Ron Artest lose his composure.

In the end, Mike Malone stopped forcing him and allowed Ron Artest to return to his role as a wing finisher, which resolved the issue.

After the ga against the Indiana Pacers on the 19th, the New York Knicks' trip to Minneapolis also concluded.

72:77, losing to their opponent again, the New York Knicks finished the Sumr League with a 2-3 record.

This result was beyond everyone's expectation.

What about Ron Artest carrying the team as promised?

After the ga, Ron Artest could only applaud silently.

Mike Malone, who was interviewed, didn't care about the result:

"The young n perford well, and they fought with all their might in every ga."

"In five gas, I witnessed everyone's efforts and found so players who t the team's requirents."

"I'm not worried about Ron's performance. He missed a season, and being able to maintain such physical condition is enough to show his attitude."

The young Mike Malone imdiately offered words of encouragent, spouting good words without reservation.

Ron Artest only felt embarrassed.

It was truly unacceptable to lose even in a ga against weaker opponents:

"I'm still recovering. My body can't keep up with the reaction when I exert force."

"I will continue to maintain high-intensity training during the next period until I fully recover my physical condition."

"The New York Knicks need my help, I know that. In the new season, you will see a brand new Ron Artest!"

Facing the dia's awkward praise, Ron Artest tried hard to control his emotions, but still felt that the people in front of him were holding back laughter, as if they were all making fun of him.

With emotions surging, Ron Artest, following the doctor's instructions, decisively left the crowd's gaze, diverted his attention, and tried to control his emotions.

However, as soon as he thought of those fun-seekers chanting 'MVP' for 5 gas, Ron Artest cursed in a low voice, enraged:

"Shit! What a crappy ga!"

The Sumr League New York Knicks beca a source of joy for many fans, while in contrast, the Cavaliers perford well.

The Rookie Jack's playing style was very seasoned, perfectly eting Thibodeau's requirents.

Although he didn't win the championship, Cleveland fans were very satisfied with the results of this year's draft.

Jeff Van Gundy has been very active recently.

As a Champion Coach, he also has his own appeal!

With the full support of the Cavaliers managent, Van Gundy set his sights on the Miami Heat's starting point guard, Damon Jones.

Damon Jones shot 43.2% from three-point range in his contract year.

Combined with his previous career statistics, Van Gundy believed this would be a successful acquisition.

Cleveland's sports dia naturally supported Van Gundy's choice, and in recent columns, they have been hyping it up:

"Adding a quality shooter, the Cavaliers will be unstoppable in the new season!"

This trade has not yet been finalized, and the Miami Heat also intend to re-sign him, but Stan Van Gundy has recently been in trouble.

He seems to be on the verge of being fired.

The Miami Herald first broke the news that Pat Riley would be more deeply involved in the team's work.

As soon as the news was announced, most basketball comntators followed suit with predictions:

"After the Eastern Conference Finals loss, Pat Riley will coach the Miami Heat again!"

ESPN even reported the relevant news with great certainty.

Stan Van Gundy, who achieved 59 wins last season, was no longer the Miami Heat's Head Coach in the eyes of the sports dia.

Facing an inexplicable dismissal, Stan Van Gundy felt aggrieved and refused to admit it when interviewed by the Miami local dia:

"I have not received any notification from the team. I have followed Mr. Pat Riley for a long ti, and I only have respect for him."

"If there are any changes, I believe he will inform

imdiately. Currently, I have not received any notification, and my primary job is still to complete the training."

As rumors grew, Pat Riley also had to co forward to clarify:

"If I wanted to coach the team, perhaps I would resign as General Manager and fully dedicate myself to the ga."

"Stan has done a great job, and everyone trusts him. Currently, there will be no changes to the Miami Heat's coaching staff."

The slick-haired boss spoke these words calmly, but many basketball comntators simply didn't believe him.

For them, this was rely a clever way of taking credit.

Since his elder brother was about to be fired, Jeff Van Gundy, still in Cleveland, naturally had to help his family:

"The league is too restless now. Often, coaches should be given more ti."

"Championships require accumulation. The Miami Heat are now on the right track. They should be patient instead of rushing to destroy their neighbors."

Compared to his elder brother, who was exhausted and worried, Van Gundy, as a Champion Coach, looked plump and well-fed.

In his second season, he delivered a nearly perfect performance, and with the Rookie players, the Cavaliers ultimately stopped at the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Most fans highly recognized Van Gundy.

With everyone united and fully supportive, the Champion Coach was covered in 'happy fat'.

Van Gundy, who was showing signs of becoming like coach Anzai, didn't care about his image and kept expounding on his tactical philosophy during an interview at the training center.

It wasn't until ESPN asked about Lee and the New York Knicks that Van Gundy fell silent.

"How many more years do you think it will take for the Cavaliers to defeat the New York Knicks?"

This question made Van Gundy ponder for a mont, and he finally answered seriously:

"It's hard for

to predict such a result. Clay Lee will be 28 in the new season, and for him, his body is still in its ascending phase."

"In my opinion, every team in the league has a chance to win the championship. No one can maintain peak physical condition forever. Michael Jordan can be defeated, and so can Clay Lee. This is the law of basketball."

As the only Champion Coach in modern basketball to achieve four consecutive championships, Van Gundy's words carried a very high degree of credibility.

The TNT reporter did not refute but changed the question and continued to ask:

"Jeff, do you think this New York Knicks team currently has a chance to achieve another 4 consecutive championships?"

Regarding his own achievents, Van Gundy instinctively boasted:

"Achieving four consecutive championships is extrely difficult!"

"You know that all teams in the league are studying the champions. Not only is the players' desire important, but the coach's tactics are also very crucial."

"When opponents figure out the system, it becos very difficult to make more targeted adjustnts."

"Coach D'Antoni is excellent, but he also has limitations. Perhaps Clay Lee cannot be limited, but we can limit his teammates."

"Basketball is constantly progressing, and four consecutive championships are unlikely to happen again."

Van Gundy said a lot in front of the dia, but what he was actually emphasizing was, "My tactics helped the team win the championship back then."

Of course, sports reporters wouldn't argue.

They just wanted to go back and edit the news.

There would likely be more fun to watch this weekend!

On July 20th, Lee, who had returned to Manhattan, spent these days accompanying the girls for their dical check-ups.

After entering a state of peaceful pregnancy, Lee rarely went out.

Once Manchester United completed its delisting, he would set off for London.

That evening, NBC's late-night show invited D'Antoni.

At 11:30 PM, only Krysten Ritter was left watching TV with Lee.

Nestled on the sofa, showing off her long legs, the little sidekick occasionally teased Lee.

When the show started gossiping about internal team news, she also began to laugh.

"Is winning a championship really that hard?"

Lee knew the girl in his arms was teasing him about his excessive night training, so he slapped her full backside and said seriously,

"Listen to the coach, he won't lie to you. Besides strength, you also need luck. I completely agree with that statent."

Krysten Ritter snorted, feeling that Lee wasn't telling the truth.

She wasn't stupid.

A normal basketball player couldn't live such a carefree life.

New York dia also reported news about opponents.

His little assistant was shocked when she saw the news about him training at 4 AM:

"This is going to kill him."

Coach D'Antoni smiled happily on the show.

The host, Jay Leno, had done his howork and, keeping up with current events, suddenly asked with a serious face,

"Mike, we all know that the New York Knicks' forr Head Coach Van Gundy created a miracle, lifting the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy for four consecutive years."

"Now, you also have the opportunity to achieve such a feat. I believe New York fans are very concerned: can we defend our title next season?"

Coach D'Antoni was also aware of the news from the past two days, but he truly wasn't confident, so he could only humbly say on the show,

"Basketball gas are sotis very simple. As I said, when you coach a player like Clay Lee, you can solve most problems on the court."

"Tactics will indeed be deciphered. Every team will study us. But what I can be sure of is that as long as I insist on giving the ball to Lee, the New York Knicks will have a chance to create a miracle."

"Leaving the ga to the players, that is my basketball philosophy."

"Many tis, I trust the instincts of excellent players more. In a rapidly changing ga, they can make the most correct choices."

"As for continuing to defend the title, I think we need so luck."

"God favors the diligent. Clay Lee has given his all for basketball, and perhaps he will lead the team to create another miracle."

"And what I need to do is ensure the team's health and offer reasonable suggestions."

"."

Coach D'Antoni's words, translated, ant that the coaching staff would do their best, they would manage everything, and winning the championship would depend entirely on their star player.

Jeff Van Gundy, who was also watching the show, was furious at these remarks.

This was clearly undermining the prestige of a Champion Coach!

After listening for a while longer, Van Gundy finally picked up the remote control and changed the channel directly.

He hadn't expected his successor, the old guy, to be so boastful:

"You should respect ! There are no more miracles!"

On Friday, July 22nd, Players Union President Billy Hunter revealed that the union's lawyers would finalize a new collective bargaining agreent with the league next week.

Once the new agreent takes effect, under the "Clay Lee clause," the New York Knicks' salary will inflate dramatically.

Pau Gasol is destined to sign a max contract, and with Hill's remaining salary, the three of them will take up most of the salary cap.

The new collective bargaining agreent also ans that the New York Knicks' salary bonus will completely disappear.

In the future, as Lee's salary continues to rise, other teams' chances of winning a championship will beco increasingly greater.

Jas Dolan didn't seem worried about this.

On his own show, he once again reassured New York fans:

"As long as the rules allow, we will build a championship-contending roster around Clay Lee every year."

"As I promised, the New York Knicks will always appear on the NBA Finals stage."

"Luxury tax cannot stop my love for basketball. Ultimately, Lee will end his career with the New York Knicks."

The curly-haired owner preemptively lent Lee the "One Man, One City Award."

New York fans were naturally delighted about this, as it was the Dolan Family's money being spent anyway!

To win a championship, being able to take advantage of salary bonuses is crucial.

Currently, the Heat and the Cavaliers have good salary situations, and basketball comntators believe both teams have a chance to win a championship before their Rookie contracts end.

Wade, back in Miami, recently encountered a problem.

Sports dia were frantically reporting that Pat Riley was going to replace Stan Van Gundy.

Unable to find a breakthrough with the two parties involved, Wade, back in Miami, beca their target.

To have a quiet weekend, Wade had to accept an interview with the Miami Herald at the training camp.

Hearing the interviewer directly ask about the Head Coach, Wade explained helplessly,

"I haven't received any notification from the team. Currently, coach Stan Van Gundy is still our Head Coach."

"As a player, I don't pay much attention to these things, but I support Head Coach Van Gundy. After all, we won 59 gas last season and reached the conference finals."

"I am confident that I can lead the team to better results in the new season. You know, as long as we can get out of the Eastern Conference, no one in the Western Conference will be our opponent."

"."

While Wade was still diligently participating in the team's training camp, O'Neal had already embarked on his fishing trip.

Miami is also a gathering place for fishing enthusiasts.

O'Neal was enjoying life on his yacht.

As for the change in Head Coach, he didn't care at all.

The steal king, Larry Hughes, has recently been linked to trade rumors with the Cavaliers, and LeBron Jas has once again enjoyed extra attention.

Larry Hughes, in a contract year, had impressive statistics, but whether they were inflated or not, only he himself knew.

Averaging 2.9 steals per ga, with good ball-handling skills, he could initiate offense and consu possessions.

In terms of basic stats, Larry Hughes was capable on both offense and Defense.

LeBron Jas also watched "The Tonight Show" from two days ago, and he felt that Coach D'Antoni's tactical philosophy was also very suitable for him.

After the sumr league training camp, when leaving the training center, Jas proactively expressed his desire to the dia reporters:

"We selected an excellent point guard in this year's draft."

"Larry perford very well last season. He was the steal king. On both ends of the court, he ets our tactical requirents."

"Next season, I hope to play at the small forward position. I need to utilize my physical advantages to score on the wing and take on the playmaking duties in the new phase."

The power of a role model is infinite.

Goodwin had told Jas that Lee could dictate the New York Knicks' trades.

Although he had fired his agent, Jas felt that he should also expand his influence within the team.

He also wanted to be "Manager Jas."

The Cleveland sports dia didn't overthink it.

Everyone felt that the The Chosen One's words made sense.

Furthermore, the steal king was also favored by Van Gundy, and excellent Defense is a core of the team.

Everyone was optimistic about this acquisition.

Thibodeau's presence on the Cavaliers was not strong, and the dia did not pay attention to his thoughts.

While everyone was optimistic about the trade, Thibodeau felt that the contract-year statistics were inflated, and he disliked players who took risky steals.

Before leaving work, Thibodeau proactively communicated with Van Gundy, but it didn't have much effect.

The Champion Coach showed his arrogant side:

"We need a ball-handler. Don't worry, Tom, the team won't offer an overpriced contract."

Looking at Van Gundy's plump side profile, Thibodeau suddenly felt his hair turning white.

He could sense that his old partner had changed:

"Perhaps I made the wrong choice back then."

Over the weekend, in Asia, many Sports dia broke the news that Manchester United would play a friendly match with Beijing Hyundai on the 26th.

Asians fans, particularly chinese fans who follow the Premier League were naturally happy to see Manchester United's stars at their ho stadium.

The news of Manchester United delisting from the London Stock Exchange, however, did not attract much attention.

Clay Lee had already departed on Sunday and would soon fly to Manchester to et with the loyal Manchester United.

Although he carried a large debt, Lee felt that he would not affect the club's developnt:

"In a few years, when Manchester United hear Red Football Capital, their faces will be filled with awe!"

"."

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