NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 541: Difficult "Grudges" (Daily Chapter)

On Saturday, February 2008, 2, at 16: p.m., the Development League All-Star Game will officially open at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

Friday's celebrity game and rookie challenge were less successful, with the betting scandal that was brought up last month and the environment in New Orleans not meeting the expectations of the visiting fans.

NBA Commissioner David Stern was somewhat helpless about this. In fact, some people had long questioned the venue of this year's event, but after Hurricane Katrina, the city needed care.
Li You also held a new product launch in Manhattan on Friday. He did not go there early as usual. The reason was very simple. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin publicly complained about Ax Capital.

As early as 2000-04, New Orleans had the highest per capita homicide rate of all cities in the United States. It was called the "Murder Capital" and had repeatedly broken crime records.

The city once again set a record for homicides due to the death and refugee relocation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2006, which wiped out nearly half of the population and caused widespread chaos and displacement.

Last year, thousands of New Orleans residents marched to City Hall for a rally demanding that police and city leaders address crime, culminating in Mayor Ray Nagin's public statement:
“I’m totally focused on solving this problem!”

The slogans were shouted loudly, but the crime rate is still rising this year. Then Ray Nagin complained publicly when faced with doubts, diverting public grievances:
"Some financial capital has taken advantage of our disaster to gain unimaginable wealth. At this time, we must unite!"

"."

The newspapers of the Donkey Party also followed suit, and soon the people living in hard times turned their attention to the money-making Axe Capital, and the hatred for wealth in the city grew stronger and stronger.

If people can think calmly, it is not difficult for them to find that the post-disaster reconstruction led by this mayor is actually a big business!

80% of the city was flooded, and there was too much area to rebuild. The interests involved were far beyond the imagination of some people. Ray Nakin obviously just wanted to make money quietly. As for the crime rate, it was none of his business.

As the election approaches, many machines are in motion. Li You seldom goes to some particularly blue cities. Considering that the other party likes boomerangs, he even stops accepting invitations to some TV shows in recent years.

This is also the reason why Michael Jordan has become more and more low-key in recent years. "Fanization" has caused consumers to feel antagonistic. The arrangement of the hook is to make money quietly. After all, athletes are the perfect protective color.

On the afternoon of the 16th, LeBron James and others appeared in front of the media in a very high-profile manner. This year, all of their good brothers were selected for the All-Star Game, which is definitely something worth celebrating!

James not only congratulated Paul, but also seized the opportunity to wish Kevin Johnson, who has confirmed his participation in the election:
"I'm glad to see the players speak out on the official stage. Many players are like me. We all care about Kevin. He will succeed. We all support him!"

Kevin Johnson has confirmed his candidacy for Sacramento mayor and has also been canvassing for votes in the NBA recently. As for the young players, James took the initiative to take on the task and brought his good brothers to speak for their predecessors.

Although verbal help is not actually that great, as long as there are enough supporters, it can still affect Sacramento. After all, elections sometimes depend on "packaging."

Not many fans came to the Morial Convention Center to watch the game, just like yesterday's carnival event did not live up to expectations, the Development League's ability to attract attention is limited.

For ordinary fans, they can't even name some NBA role players, so it is impossible to expect them to know the stars in the Development League.

At 15 p.m., the game officially began. James, Wade, Anthony and Paul, who were sitting in the front row, were chatting and laughing in low voices from time to time.

The content of the game was actually nothing interesting. Anthony thought of last night's Rookie Challenge and couldn't help but tease his friend next to him:
"Gibson is doing great with his three-point shooting, why was your shooting percentage so low last year? Damn it, don't tell me you were so nervous that you were scared."

With 11 three-pointers in a single game, Gibson won the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy last night. Rondo also performed well in the game and easily got a double-double.

There were cheers from time to time in the arena. James saw the look in his friend's eyes, tilted his head helplessly, and said meaningfully:

"The conference finals are really different. It's hard for me to describe it. Maybe Dwyane can give you an answer."

Wade was watching the game with Paul and laughing quietly. When he heard his friend's words, he glanced at Anthony who didn't care and immediately whispered:

"What LeBron said is true. I am actually lucky to play in the Western Conference!"

"It's hard for me to describe that feeling. Lee's condition is completely different. Even if the Celtics have a better lineup this year, I'm not optimistic about them."

"Shaq told me that Lee wasn't interested in playing in the regular season, and that the veterans were lying to themselves, when it was only their bodies that were declining."

Wade was too embarrassed to say the old Shaq's original words in front of his friends, "Really talented players don't need crazy training at all." This is also the reason why O'Neal ran away. He was incompatible with the Heat.

Pat Riley can't control the shark, but he can control the newbies. Wade has been fully integrated into the team culture of the Heat, and he believes in the pie drawn by the greasy boss.

The two friends who had played in the conference finals inadvertently began to show off, which made Anthony a little unhappy. Fortunately, there were younger brothers around him. He looked at Paul and whispered teasingly:

"Well, Chris, do you believe their lies?"

"If it weren't for Lee, maybe you could have won the MVP this year. Scott really should have said more good things about you in front of the media."

Carmelo Anthony, who was wearing a loose black suit, leaned forward, and the gold chain around his neck swayed. Paul always felt that Anthony was prejudiced against Li You, so he said seriously:
"Maybe what they say is true. After all, I haven't played in the conference finals."

"MVP? Are you kidding me? No one can compete with Lee this year."

After hearing this, the three of them started teasing the younger brother, but they all had different emotions in their hearts. In fact, everyone wanted to win the award.

James thought about how his popularity was overtaken by Howard, and Wade, who was aiming for the No. 1 pick, felt a little regretful. If he could return earlier, perhaps the Heat would still have a chance to make the playoffs.

Anthony is the one who said it the most happily but felt the most uncomfortable. Since his idol came to Denver, he has not won a single game against the Knicks.
"Oh!"

A wonderful dunk made the fans cheer loudly. The three people who had finally come to their senses suddenly lost interest in discussing. This was not their era. "Old Deng" had started his final madness.

On Saturday night, the atmosphere at the Smoothie King Center finally heated up, with more than 17000 fans pouring in and NBA legends also arriving.

Karl Malone, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Darryl Dawkins and Dominique Wilkins are the judges for this year's dunk contest.

Bill Russell also showed up in the stadium early. The "Lord of the Rings" has been encouraging the Celtics this season. The main purpose of the veteran's visit to the scene this time was actually to "resolve grievances."

Originally, the old men were talking and laughing, but as the Meteor Contest approached, there was a slightly awkward atmosphere at the scene.

San Antonio's team was Becky Hammon and David Robinson. They were supposed to have Tim Duncan, but the big man ran away, and the active player was finally replaced by Tony Parker.
The sports reporters didn't care about David Robinson's mood and kept surrounding him, asking him a few questions in a teasing tone from time to time.

"David, did Duncan communicate with you when he left? Popovich has just been discharged from the hospital. Have you talked to him about the future of the Spurs?"

The TNT reporter ignored David Robinson's ugly expression and asked the question, and he wanted to stuff the microphone into his mouth.

It should have been a happy weekend, but David Robinson couldn't smile. Duncan's departure was a big blow to him, and it seemed that his giving up his position that year was in vain.

There seemed to be more and more reporters at the venue. David Robinson, who didn't want to be watched, could only force a smile and speak politely again:
"Of course I got the news. I respect Tim's choice. After all, he is not getting any younger. I can totally understand his desire to chase the championship."

"Oh!!" Cheers soon broke out in the stadium. Li You, wearing a dark gray suit, appeared on the field. No one cared about David Robinson's mood at this time. Some fans even shouted:

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

The Spurs legend has completely lost his smile. David Robinson has rarely praised Li You since his retirement. The two actually have no grudges against each other, but the "Admiral" is just unhappy, and this feeling is difficult to describe.

Bill Russell was not as enthusiastic as in previous years. The New York media's crazy ridicule and belittling of ancient basketball almost "confiscated" his ring.
In addition, as a Celtics legend who has repeatedly stood up for Garnett, Bill Russell respects the views of the current leader, and maintaining "hostility" will help unite the team.

The only enthusiastic person in the stadium was Magic Johnson. He ignored Karl Malone's sullen face and smiled brightly. He took the initiative to pull Li You over and joked:
"We were just talking about you. Pat will definitely be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, and we were all guessing who would recommend him."

Li You didn't care about Karl Malone's mood. He came over and said with a smile:

"It has to be Coach Thompson. I know Pat. Georgetown's championship is unforgettable. Sometimes I miss college basketball."

"If it weren't for the restrictions of the rules, I think Pat would definitely choose you. When you are inducted into the Hall of Fame, I don't mind being your recommender. Everyone here supports you!"

Magic Johnson grinned with his white teeth showing. He laughed when talking about this incident, which immediately livened up the atmosphere. Karl Malone couldn't help but say something sour:
"Maybe Lee will play until he's 40, buddy, you still have a long time to wait!"

Although his beard has mostly turned white, Karl Malone's figure has not changed. He just seemed a little unhappy when he saw Li You, and he still can't get over it until now.

"I have won too many games. If there is no challenge, I even considered retiring in a few years. You know, we always crave excellent opponents. Competition is the most interesting thing."

Li You, who was stared at by the old man, made another move with a smile. Julius Irving and others also laughed. It was rare to see Karl Malone like this.

Kobe did not cause much reaction from fans when he appeared in the stadium. Since the "video incident" was exposed, and he took the initiative to trade, his popularity has further declined.

Tim Duncan joins the Lakers, and Los Angeles fans even prefer this low-key and humble big man. It is difficult to make up for the flaws in the "One Man, One City Award".
Soon, reporters noticed Kobe. Some of them approached him for interviews, deliberately looking around and asking pointed questions:
"Isn't Tim Duncan here? Kobe, you guys didn't come to New Orleans with us?"

"Duncan has surpassed you in the MVP rankings. If the Lakers have a chance to compete for this award, who will get the trophy between you two?"

"."

The annoying "flies" took the opportunity to ask annoying questions. Kobe did not treat reporters well on the previous media reception day, and he responded with a sullen face:
"You will be able to see Tim tomorrow, and you can ask him in person then."

"I want to tell you again, I don't care about statistics, and I'm not interested in pursuing trophies. My only goal is to win. I don't care who wins the award."

After answering the questions, Kobe did not give anyone else a chance. He sat down in his seat early, leaned his hands on his knees, and waited quietly for the individual challenge to begin.

On the other side, O'Neal, who entered the venue early, was also unhappy. It was not because of the partner he had to recruit, but mainly because Howard called himself "Superman" and was said to be going to perform in the dunk contest.

The petty old shark was furious when he heard the news. Anyone wants to steal his nickname? A blue-collar worker wants to be called "Superman"?
He originally didn't want to come to New Orleans, but O'Neal couldn't control himself in the end. He wanted to witness Howard's dunk live, and if there were any flaws, he would find an opportunity to belittle the opponent!
After the shooting star event, the Chicago team won the championship. In the subsequent three-point contest, Jason Kapono successfully defended his title and almost broke Li You's record with 25 points in the last round.

In the Skills Challenge, Chris Paul, who had been preparing for a long time, made it to the finals. With the cheers of the home fans, he was crushed by Deron Williams in the finals.
25.5 seconds, which also almost broke Li You's record. Watching his opponent lift the trophy in his home court, Paul could only applaud dejectedly in the end.

The dunk contest has added new rules. In the final stage, the champion will be decided by fans voting.

The happy big boy became the most watched player in this event, while Rudy Gay, Gerald Green and Jamario Moon all became background boards.

Four dunks with a high degree of completion. When Gibson helped his teammates tear off their jerseys and take off their red capes, LeBron James on the sidelines also cheered loudly.

As the broadcaster, TNT quickly turned the camera to O'Neal who was holding a camera. The old shark didn't show anything on the surface. Instead, he was smiling happily and making strange noises from time to time to incite the fans.

As "Superman takes off", the individual challenge reached its climax. In the final voting session, Howard was unsurprisingly elected as this year's Slam Dunk King.

"What a fantastic night, I can't believe I did it!"

"Thanks to my family and my little brother Gibson for always having my back!"

"I also want to thank the fans who voted for me. You are awesome and made Superman fly."

"Yee, and my good brother LeBron, I hope he doesn't mind that my popularity exceeds his, maybe we will compete in the dunk contest in the future!"

Howard, holding the trophy, grinned and expressed his gratitude, and finally suddenly turned his words to his teammates, which made the atmosphere on the scene reach a climax again.

Facing the camera, LeBron James, wearing a dark gray suit, could only pound his chest with his fist, then smiled confidently and pointed at his good partner.

On the surface, the brothers were affectionate, but James was furious. This younger brother was getting more and more outrageous. He even canvassed for votes for him:
"As long as the deal happens, this guy must also transform as soon as possible"

More than 17000 fans were booing loudly at this time. Howard mobilized everyone's emotions very well, which made Kobe sitting in the front row particularly unhappy. Even the rookie was more popular than him.

After all the individual events were over, O'Neal left quickly, which made Bill Russell, who was trying to be a peacemaker, a little depressed.

He had tried to bring the two together a few years ago, but O'Neal agreed on the surface. However, when he talked about the championship in an interview, he immediately became sarcastic, constantly belittling his old partner and emphasizing his own importance.

The same goes for Kobe Bryant, who kept promising Bill Russell, but as soon as the reporters provoked him, he couldn't help but show off as a championship guard.

Over the years, there has been no sign of improvement in the relationship between the two. This time, O'Neal personally stepped down to stop Kobe.
Seeing Li You and Magic Johnson leaving the court talking and laughing, Kobe was "unhappy" again. The team's famous players didn't give him face. Fortunately, Bill Russell still cared about him very much:
"Don't worry about the boring reputation. I'm always paying attention to the young people in the league."

"I don't want to measure success by titles, I prefer to see the desire in the players' eyes!"

"Bringing desire to the court and turning desire into motivation is what I want to see and how I evaluate players."

Bill Russell patted Kobe on the shoulder with a kind smile. Seeing that he was looking at him, he encouraged him again:
"I admire you the most in the league, and I am proud of your efforts! O'Neal is your partner, you should understand each other, and the fans want to see you get back together."

Kobe nodded, indicating that he understood. The two began to move toward the passage. Bill Russell suddenly heard another question:
"What can I see in Lee? How can I use my desire to defeat Lee? You know, I even lose sleep because of those failures. I don't know what to do."

Bill Russell felt a little embarrassed. He couldn't see anything about Li You. The other party didn't drink chicken soup at all, but he couldn't say "I don't know" at this time:
"God has given the answer! Don't you already know it?"

"Hard work and training will eventually pay off. God will not let a child like you down."

"."

(End of this chapter)