NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 540: The World of Adults (Daily Chapter)
On Thursday, February 2008, 2, Valentine's Day arrived and the NBA also ushered in the All-Star Weekend.

There were only two games on that day, and most teams have already gone into holiday mode. The schedule is halfway through, and everyone is tired. This weekend is just the right time to relax.

After the two blockbuster trades took place, the spectators thought they would have to wait until the end of the holiday to see another trade, but the Los Angeles Times suddenly broke the news and basketball critics began to discuss it again.

"Kevin Garnett is the biggest wimp in the league. He is like a clown, using 'dreams' to cover up his cowardly behavior!"

"He's made a mess of the league. I'll spend a lot of money to go to New York to watch the game. I want to witness him become the laughing stock of the league."

"Go to hell with the giants. People like this will never gain my respect."

After the Clippers narrowly beat the Wizards at home last night, Zach Randolph, who was attending the press conference, suddenly exploded when talking about "giant basketball" and insulted Garnett on the spot with a dark face.

Many reporters didn’t care at the time, after all, Randolph was just a minor character, but a reporter from the Los Angeles Times saw the opportunity and dug up the information behind it:

"Gathering in Boston, Sam Cassell has made his choice, and the Celtics continue their pursuit of a championship."

This morning, the newspapers published relevant news, and some people just realized that it was no wonder that Randolph was defeated. It turned out that the Clippers had poached him.
Although Garnett was unable to train due to his injury, he was not idle during this period. As his reputation became worse and worse, he simply broke the jar and tore his face completely:
“I’m just chasing my dreams!”

Garnett didn't want to wait to recruit his old teammates with a high-sounding reason. He knew he had to take the initiative. As long as he could win the championship, the praise would return:

"End the dominance of the New York Knicks. The era of Lee is over!"

Garnett became motivated when he thought of such reports. Look at O'Neal. Although he only has one championship, his status in the hearts of the players is much higher. Even Li You has to give face to the old shark.

The championship is the key to changing the reputation. When his teammates went to New Orleans, Garnett, who stayed in Boston, took the initiative to accept an interview. He did not deny the news, but admitted it generously:

"I respect the Clippers, they have been working hard to win, but I know my brother better, he wants the championship as much as I do!"

"We were almost able to enter the finals that year. At this stage in our careers, we only play for championships, so I hope he can come and help me."

"."

Ever since Marbury performed like a rookie in front of Li You in the Christmas game, the Boston sports media has been a little worried, and the calls for recruiting better guards have never stopped.

When Garnett generously admitted that he was the one who poached the player, the local sports media immediately felt happy. It was obvious that Sam Cassell fit the "Celsius spirit" and that he should come to Boston to play!

Due to a wrist injury, Sam Cassell has had some issues with his attendance this season. Although the 38-year-old veteran is a little older, he still has good strength.

Although it is still unclear how much gas the veteran has left in the tank, many reporters think that it is a good thing to be able to sign him with a minimum salary. If a key game breaks out, the deal will be a huge profit.

"Kevin, we support you! Veterans who pursue their dreams deserve respect. Boston welcomes Cassell."

The Boston Globe reporter took the initiative to speak, and Garnett's dark face also showed a look of relief. He grinned, showing his white teeth, and then tapped his abdomen again:
"Don't worry about me. This minor injury won't bother me. We will win."

"Anything is possible!"

Garnett said this slogan subconsciously, and soon he found that the atmosphere in the training hall was a little strange. The sports reporters around him did not respond actively until someone whispered:

"It was Lee who first shouted this sentence."

With his eyes twitching slightly, Garnett remembered that Li You had indeed shouted that, and then he defeated the Bulls led by Michael Jordan.

He was still a rookie at that time, and he was licking Michael Dunk's ass, but Li You stepped on him to win the championship, and later Michael Dunk became friends with him.

When recalling these, Garnett looked a little unnatural. After all, Li You didn't recruit players everywhere like he did back then, and he ended the Bulls dynasty when no one was optimistic about him.

Some sports reporters have also lost interest. No matter how they deceive themselves, they cannot cover up the essence of "banding together". The only thing they can do now is to pray that the Celtics win the championship.

The New York reporters had no time to pay attention to the fun happening in the next city. Hook held a small new product launch conference in the flagship store. Li You's personal third-generation sneakers were fully upgraded and bid farewell to the skin-changing technology.

In the past few years, people would pursue bigger venues, show some pomp, and invite all relevant media. However, the advent of social media has shortened the distance between fans and stars, and the way of promotion has also changed accordingly.

If you want your “family” to spend money, a fan meeting would naturally be better. Just like a book signing event, loyal fans will be invited and can experience the product first hand on site!
The Hook flagship store on East 57th Street was crowded with fans and sports reporters in the evening. The front row tickets to Madison Square Garden were too expensive, and ordinary fans were reluctant to spend the money.

If you want to get up close and personal with your idol, a signing event is the best opportunity. The idea of ​​“my idol is great, so am I” has become increasingly popular in recent years, and “fan basketball” has begun to sweep across the United States.

Although Jay-Z called on black brothers to boycott Li You, the effect is really limited. There are two groups of black people, one is poor and the other is rich.
In the past, people without money couldn’t afford the expensive Li You signature shoes. As for the rich, their consumption concepts would not be influenced by others.

At 17 p.m., the staff began to entertain the sports media present. Some lucky fans were also invited, and the atmosphere was very hot.

When Li You's black Cadillac appeared in sight, excited shouts soon broke out from the crowd. When it comes to chasing stars, there is actually no difference between "male fans" and "female fans", they are all the same.

“Lee!! Lee!!”

The basketball atmosphere in New York is very good. In addition to the Knicks' big wins, Bob Hurley and his little guys also won a lot in the high school games.

Most sports fans are essentially winning fans. They are happy when they win and unhappy when they lose. The Yankees have had mediocre performance in recent years, so some baseball fans have turned to basketball.

The fact that the Knicks' peripheral products are selling better and better is proof that through an outrageous number of championships and more than 10 years, Li You has created a part of the market, which is why he has the greatest say in the team.

Not wearing formal attire like he did at work, but a new dark grey sports suit of the season, Li You smiled brightly as he got out of the car and waved to the separated crowd, then turned around and shook hands with his little follower.

Kristen Ritter, who was also dressed in sportswear, had her long black hair tied into a ponytail, making her look full of energy.

Instead of holding each other's arms as they did in the past, they interlaced their fingers and behaved like a young couple, which was in line with the tone of the meet-and-greet; a "family" gathering did not need to be serious.

The fans in the store also shouted when they saw the two of them. The fans' emotions were very strange. When they saw Li You with his female companion, they felt a special sense of "belonging" in their hearts.

It seems that Li You really treats them as "family". After going out, everyone can brag as much as they want.
The current Hook president, Matt Parker, was also present. As old friends for many years, the two smiled at each other as soon as they looked at each other. This new product is sure to sell well.

Sharing design concepts, sharing sports concepts, sharing championship experiences, sports reporters are busy taking pictures and loyal fans are busy screaming.

Perhaps it was because this opportunity to get close to the idol was too rare, an unexpected situation occurred at the scene. A boy who looked only thirteen or fourteen years old suddenly rushed to Li You excitedly.

“Oh my god! It’s Lee. I did it.”

The security personnel breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the boy holding on to Li You tightly. They had just neglected their duty and were also frightened.

The boy who looked like he was of Indian descent blushed, and when Li You patted his shoulder with a smile, he was so excited that he couldn't speak. His reckless behavior was followed by timidity:
"Brave little one! It looks like you came from somewhere else. Introduce yourself to everyone. Don't be afraid. These are all your 'family'!"

When the older boy took the microphone, he saw Li You's encouraging eyes again, and a surge of courage surged in his heart. He said loudly with a trembling voice:
"I came here from Chicago. Although I'm only 14, I've been following Lee since I was 7. He has always been my idol!"

"For so many years, my birthday wish has been to watch a finals game at Madison Square Garden. I want to sit in the front row and witness Lee's game in person." "Maybe it's hard for me to become a basketball player, but after I graduate from college, I want to become a related practitioner. I love basketball, and it is my greatest luck to witness the career of GOAT."

Several Chicago Tribune columnists were confused and felt that this was obviously a "little traitor", but they could understand it, after all, the Bulls were no longer the same as before.

"Oh!"

Amid the friendly cheering, Li You patted the older boy's shoulder again, took the microphone again, looked at everyone and said with a smile:

"It is because of your support that I can keep winning! I hope I can encourage every young person who loves sports. Let's give applause to the brave little guy!"

"Tell us your name. Maybe you will become a famous NBA reporter in the future. Tonight may be the beginning of your career as a reporter. Maybe the Knicks will offer you an internship opportunity."

Seeing Li You smiling at him, the boy seemed even more excited. Even his family would laugh at his dream, but now his idol respected him. He was so excited that he shed tears and said with a choked voice:

"My name is Shams Charania. Thank you. I will never forget this day."

Li You took the lead in applauding, and his "family members" did not hesitate to give applause. Fans saw such a touching scene as a sign that everyone had chosen the right person to follow, but some media reporters saw this as a warning to them.

Adults look at things from a completely different perspective than young people. Adrian Wojnarowski, a columnist who just joined Yahoo Sports last year, smiled very reluctantly.

Pushing his glasses, Adrian Wojnarowski quietly looked at Li You, feeling frustrated again. The beautiful basketball world in his mind was shattered again.
As a sports fan, Adrian Wojnarowski began breaking news in college and even appeared on TV shows, but encountered setbacks after graduation.

I thought I could get a good job at the New York Times with my resume, but I was rejected because I wrote that I was a fan of the Boston Red Sox.

This reason may seem outrageous, but Adrian Wojnarowski will never forget the editor-in-chief's words:
"We won the championship, we don't need a Boston sports fan writing a column in New York, you can go find a job in the next city!"

"."

At that time, the Knicks defeated the Bulls, beat the old man basketball in the finals, and finally won the championship. The sports media in New York went crazy, and as long as the columnists boasted, the newspapers would sell well.

Adrian Wojnarowski still had an expression of disbelief on his face as he walked out of the building, followed by anger, and he prayed in his heart that these arrogant guys would get their comeuppance.

Ultimately, Adrian Wojnarowski did not return to Boston, but found a job in New Jersey.

When he first started working, he would criticize the Knicks and gossip about Li You's negative news from time to time. The rise of the Nets was his highlight moment, but eventually he became a "lapdog" and compromised with reality.

In the past 8 years, Adrian Wojnarowski has become a "loyal" fan of Lee Woo-chui in order to make a living. New Jersey has been corrupted by its neighbors, and ESPN is the base camp of "Lee fans".

In order to get first-hand information about the Knicks, Adrian Wojnarowski flattered the New York Times reporter and the Knicks assistant coach.

But Li You never paid any attention to him. Adrian Wojnarowski only realized it in recent years because he had slandered him in the past.
Although he won the National Columnist Award by "Puffing Lee", Adrian Wojnarowski was still unable to get first-hand information about the Knicks, and New York reporters always laughed at him behind his back.

Eventually, the depressing work environment led Adrian Wojnarowski to jump to Yahoo Sports, but unfortunately, he still couldn't get information about the Knicks and no one tipped him off.

Seeing Li You encouraging a 14-year-old boy and even offering him an internship opportunity, Adrian Wojnarowski felt even more upset:
"I can pick up a famous journalist at will."

Li You never said this, but Adrian Wojnarowski knew it was true. Perhaps in a few days, he would see the column of this big boy, and the news would most likely be exclusive.

The sports media at the scene were basically recharged by the hook, the event was still going on, and the flattery was the best description of the atmosphere.

Matt Parker seemed very approachable, and would grin from time to time. Winning eight consecutive championships and achieving three consecutive MVPs was Li You's goal at the end of his career.

They are ready, and the "clowns" who will cooperate with the performance have also taken to the stage. This will be a basketball feast of the 21st century and a carnival moment for fans.

“Are you interested in working for Yahoo in the future? I see passion and focus in you.”

Adrian Wojnarowski quietly came to the boy and invited him. He didn't want to see young people being corrupted by the "distorted world of basketball". Then he was disappointed again:
"I've read your column, you're a liar, Lee is the greatest player in basketball history, he is the embodiment of basketball"

Shams Charania's young face revealed an angry expression. As a fanatical fan, he certainly knew this "Lipico" guy. When the Lakers won the championship, the other side actually praised Kobe.

This is something he cannot accept. Shams Charania is a staunch "Kobe hater" and he firmly believes that a guy who illegally invades is not a good person!

Some New York reporters obviously noticed the situation here. Seeing old acquaintances, everyone laughed again. Although the articles were not as good as the other party's, it was enough that Li You liked them more:
"Poor guy. I thought he would go back to Boston and report on those cowards. Maybe he would win another award."

"."

An angry Adrian Wojnarowski tried hard to control his expression. He was paid to do the job and he would have to continue bragging in the future.

As for not writing articles related to Li You, Adrian Wojnarowski never thought about it. The environment of the league has changed a long time ago. Writing a good article does not mean that someone will buy it. Reporting on the traffic team is the best way out.

On Friday the 15th, LeBron James, who had already flown to New Orleans, met with his friends in the afternoon. Tonight is the Development League All-Star Game, and he and his friends will attend together.

When they arrived at the arena, the host Chris Paul was greeting the staff and sports reporters. James saw his friend with a dark face and took the opportunity to say something sarcastic:
"Yee! Western Conference All-Star starter, you've caught up with us!"

"In a few years, maybe I can win the championship earlier than you."

Paul, who was a little inflated, also boasted confidently after bumping fists with his friends. Since entering the All-Star starting lineup, his confidence has been growing and he has completely gotten rid of the role of a bag carrier.

Noticing that the media was taking pictures, James, who was wearing a gray casual suit, covered his mouth and gossiped about the recent news, saying meaningfully:

"PJ Brown is said to be joining the Lakers. You should be familiar with Matt Bartelstein, Lee's agent. He was photographed having dinner with Kupchak in Los Angeles."

Chris Paul didn't react much to the news, and didn't seem to understand why James cared about it:

"I know Matt, but what's the concern?"

Seeing the innocent look on the younger brother's face, James felt helpless. He seriously doubted whether the other party was a fan of Li You:
"Players are getting more involved, you know that, Bro! It used to be rare for agents to be deeply involved in transactions, but it's become more and more common in recent years."

Chris Paul still didn't feel anything. He just shrugged his shoulders when he heard his friend's words, and then said indifferently:

"I just play basketball. I have said long ago that I want to be like Lee and work in one city forever. As long as I have achievements, the management will help me solve these problems."

LeBron James seriously suspected that the young man in front of him was a "fake fan". These words did not sound like those of an adult. After spending a year in the league, he should have known that Li You was the boss of the Knicks.

This special team status is what James wants to pursue. He can choose the most suitable teammates instead of watching the "big brother" shoot:
"Wait until you lose a few playoff games and you'll know what I'm talking about. Come on, Chris. Dwyane can't wait any longer."

Paul shrugged again, took the initiative to change the subject, and left the arena with James, talking and laughing. As for what the other party said, he didn't take it to heart at all:

“My career has just begun.”

(End of this chapter)