NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 641 "The Only Way to Success" (Daily Chapter)

On Thursday, May 2009, 5, as the NBA semifinals came to an end, TNT began to warm up for next week's conference finals.

As the broadcaster, TNT is luckier this year. Compared with ESPN, the Eastern Conference Finals is obviously more interesting!
Although Carmelo Anthony has been very active recently, most fans do not buy it, and most basketball commentators have also predicted early on that the Lakers will win the game.

However, LeBron James and Dwight Howard, who are entering their prime, are different. With 67 wins, a new coach, a new system, and two first-team selections, they are challenging the defending champions, so naturally the commentators are praising them highly.

For James' fans, this season is undoubtedly a happy one. Their idol has been recognized and CBS' 60 Minutes program will interview the Chosen One. This is an opportunity to show himself to the whole country!
It is not easy to appear on major programs of mainstream media. Take Kobe's treatment as an example. The deadly Mamba only got a 4-minute interview opportunity in the year he won the championship.

Unlike James' interview, Kobe was just a background figure, while O'Neal was the protagonist.
James has become famous this season due to his outstanding performance and good personal condition. Although he is far inferior to Li You, his fans are satisfied. The future of the Chosen One is promising:
"GeGe will sooner or later become the face of the alliance!"

James' fans are indeed not imaginary. Sports business magazines like to make income rankings. However, this year many magazines collectively removed Li You from the list. The reason given is also very simple:
"Forbes is a better fit for Lee."

In this case, LeBron James successfully rushed into the top three sports star income, while the top two were still Tiger Woods and David Beckham.

Needless to say, the former, Woods' endorsements never stop; the latter came to the United States to make money, and although his income has been declining, he is still a top star.

James's ability to squeeze into the top three has surpassed a number of veteran stars in the NBA league.

Kobe is the old predecessor who has been surpassed. His hook resources are poor and he has recently been involved in a lawsuit, and his personal image has collapsed again.

Not only was he left behind by the Chosen One, but Adidas' Dwight Howard also had a tendency to surpass the Mamba. On the business level, Kobe has hit a low point again. Considering his age, fewer and fewer people are optimistic about him.

The focus of TNT's program that night was not on these two people. The Celtics' "Big Four" failed again. Paul Pierce was invited to the program and the four will talk about the future of the Green Army.

As usual, the show reviewed the performance of several teams in the semi-finals. Wade once again became the target of ridicule because the Flash not only appeared in the player tunnel after the game, but also missed the press conference again.

The NBA issued another fine of $2. It was not until this morning that Wade came out to apologize to the media and fans.

Whether it was in the locker room or at the press conference, as long as the media made a request, the players had to accept it. Not only did David Stern issue a ticket, he also took this opportunity to warn the players behind him:

"It is every player's responsibility to speak to the media."

Wade was fined 5 US dollars for two games and became a complete laughing stock. Combined with his previous words of "respect No. 3", the boomerang made his face swollen.

In the studio, the director deliberately edited Wade's embarrassing performance in the semifinals, and also arranged the bold words before the start of the series as a comparison. When the camera came back, Charles Barkley smiled:
"If I were Wade, I would definitely choose to play basketball honestly instead of talking about heritage and jerseys!"

"These youngsters are too soft. Iverson never beat Lee, but he didn't choose to escape until the end of his career. That's why everyone respects him."

"Wade is just like a kid who only knows how to complain. He should learn from his friend James and learn how to face failure."

Pierce, who was sitting next to Kenny Smith, couldn't laugh. The "Big Four" had a tendency to disintegrate and had a bleak future. He just wanted to take this opportunity to express his determination and hoped that the team would not give up.

"I can understand Wade's feelings. Fortunately, this is the first year of the Heat's reorganization. World Peace has rich championship experience, and David Lee has not yet fully realized his talent."

"I'm optimistic about them. Wade has got help. I think the fans want to know more about the Celtics. Pau, how is the team doing after losing the semifinals?"

Kenny Smith did not add insult to injury. There have been enough criticisms of Wade, and now new content is needed.

Noticing that all three were looking at him, Pierce didn't hide too much, facing the camera, and responded sincerely:

"Everyone is a little frustrated. You know, even with Kevin's injury, we still got 60 wins. This record is really outstanding!"

"I think we've found a way to win and now we just need more time."

"Kevin will be back, the second season of the collaboration was a success"

Although Pierce did not specify, trade information emerged after the sweep, with Danny Ainge not planning to renew Marbury's contract and also wanting to trade for Rajon Rondo.

This caused dissatisfaction among many people in the team. Garnett was the first to stand up and speak for his old teammate. He knew the harm of "championship experience" and felt uncomfortable when he thought of Rondo's appearance.

Although Ray Allen did not make a clear statement, he agreed to keep Marbury. In this case, as the native boss, Pierce also began to speak to the management, saying that everyone did not welcome New York players.

Thinking of the conflict between Garnett and Sprewell, Ernie Johnson smiled and turned around to ask again:
"Pau, is it your decision not to change the lineup? Rajon Rondo's agent said he doesn't mind playing in Boston, and the Knicks didn't refuse."

Rondo did not have many opportunities to show himself in the first two rounds. Injuries made D'Antoni very conservative in this year's playoffs, and the newbie could only play in the transition period.

Under such circumstances, Rondo is more and more eager for the starting position. This is an open secret of the Knicks. Li You also supports the newbie to spread the championship experience, which makes the agent particularly active and releases news frequently.

"I don't know why we have to make a trade. We have reached the division finals and are just one step away from the championship!"

Speaking of last season's results, Pierce seemed very satisfied and proud, but when asked about follow-up questions, his smile quickly disappeared:
"Coach Rivers told us that the team is a big family, and I think the current chemistry should continue."

"Next season, all the team has to do is stay healthy and we can figure it out."

Danny Ainge is unlikely to listen to the players' opinions. The four people in the studio all know this. After all, the general manager needs to establish his authority in the team.

Charles Barkley, who admires tough guys, saved Pierce's face and stopped talking about this topic. Instead, he started talking about his favorite "IF":
"Tell me what you think about this year's championship. There is a high probability that Lee will face opponents from both first and second teams in a row. Do you think LeBron James can seize this opportunity?"

Pierce felt sour in his heart. He didn't like James who "came from behind", so when he responded to this question, he immediately responded with a sarcastic tone:
"I don't think it's a chance! Yes, a lot of people laugh at the Celtics, but I want to say that this way of building a team is the only way to succeed!"

"You can't beat the Knicks with just two star players."

Pierce, who once again refuted the "grouping" argument, found an excuse for himself, "The opponent is too strong, and more stars are needed." Kenny Smith did not expect the tough guy to speak so bluntly, and asked again curiously:

"During this year's regular season, the Knicks had injuries and the locker room seemed to have some minor problems, but Lee still led the team to 69 wins."

"Pau, am I to understand that you think the Knicks have better depth than other teams?"

Not wanting to lose face, Pierce calmed down and stopped talking about forming a team. Instead, he expressed his opinion from another perspective:

"No, I think you all know that the playoffs are more about testing the stars, and oftentimes, the decision to win or lose lies in the response."

"Lee's shooting stability far exceeds that of all the stars in history. You heard it right, all the stars. His success is based on this incomprehensible shooting feel. It's like a gift from God!"

"So, if you want to beat him, you have to ensure the response to the ball. No one can guarantee their own stability, so the team needs to increase the error tolerance rate. More star players are the best choice."

Although Pierce said it tactfully, all three of them understood it. Simply translated, it means "the role players are not strong enough, and one star player is not enough."

Perhaps thinking of his experience with the Rockets, Charles Barkley shook his head, smiled at the other party, and joked:
“Sometimes having too many star players doesn’t mean success.”

"At least we have more chances! This is also the reason why I am not optimistic about the Cavaliers. Their backcourt combination has not been tested too much."

Pierce fell silent halfway through his words. The Cavaliers' backcourt was not good, but they still relied on Howard's defense and James' ball control to sweep them. Such an argument was obviously not convincing.

Seeing that the guest was in a low mood, Ernie Johnson changed the subject again. With the rise of young people, the "Big Four" became more and more embarrassed, and there was not much time left for the veterans.

On Friday, May 5th, there was still no NBA game. Some fans watched the TNT program and began to mock the Celtics on social media, saying that the "Big Four" was simply a joke.

The Sports Center morning show also began to warm up for next Tuesday's Western Conference Finals, but during the interview session, they found Rajon Rondo, who was recently confirmed to leave the team.

The interview took place at the Tarrytown Training Center. The Knicks were not nervously preparing for the game. Rondo, wearing a training suit, sat in front of the reporter, sweating profusely, and was the first to make fun of his own shooting:
"This is the Knicks. Every player is strict with himself. My shooting is really bad, but I have been working hard to improve it."

Talking about the Knicks' daily training, Rondo was very talkative and did not seem to be affected by the trade rumors.

J. A. Adande joined ESPN last year and wrote a good column. After becoming a program analyst, he has been paying attention to the Knicks locker room:
"Rondo, does Lee support your decision? We all know that the Knicks are pursuing their eighth consecutive championship. Will your departure affect the team's championship?"

Looking at the smiling J.A. Adande, Rondo just shrugged his shoulders and then said calmly:

"There is no doubt that my departure will affect the team, but Li knows my thoughts and he supports every player in pursuing a big contract and a higher tactical position."

"This is a job. Every player who enters the NBA wants to succeed. For Lee, he likes to take on challenges. Many people don't know how good he is. Lee is the real GOAT!"

Allowing his opponent to grow, J. A-Adande did not understand Li You's true thoughts, but this did not affect his incitement:
"This is really surprising news. If you really join the Celtics, will Lee support you?"

"Why not? The 'Big Four'? They're a joke now! Garnett may have won an MVP, but he lacks championship experience. I will share my experience without reservation."

Rondo saw the interviewer's eyes suddenly widen, and he immediately chuckled, became more relaxed, and continued to add:

"You know, my goal is to lead a team. I'm still young and I have the opportunity to win more championships in the future."

When J. A. Adande heard the word "future", he knew that the newbie in front of him still didn't think highly of the Celtics, so he stopped nagging him and instead said with a smile, "I'm not going to say anything more about this."
"Many people call you a 'lucky rookie' who won a championship right after entering the league, Rondo. Do you feel bothered by this?" "I don't agree with this statement. I am indeed lucky, but I am not the only one. Many players in the league have similar experiences."

Seeing the other party's curious eyes, Rondo immediately began to put forward his own theory and continued confidently:

"Kobe got help from O'Neal in his rookie season, and so did Wade, but people don't call them 'lucky guys.'"

"The reason is simple, because they failed to win the championship! The only difference between me and them is that Lee helped me win the O'Brien Cup!"

"."

Rondo didn't think it was wrong to "put" himself together with Kobe and Wade. Instead, he became more and more confident as he spoke, and J. A. Adande also began to nod his head.

When talking about the future at the last moment of the interview, Rondo was not modest, but solemnly stated in front of the camera:
"I want to thank Lee and the Knicks. I have learned a lot here and I will bring this championship experience to the next team. I am confident that I can lead a team to win the championship!"

After the morning show was broadcast, fans of the Celtics next door almost broke down. They are the team with the most championships in the league, and some fans began to boycott the championship guard.
Knicks fans sent their blessings and started to laugh at Kobe and Wade. Rondo was right, 3 is greater than 1 and greater than 0!

Garnett is not as talkative as Pierce, so even if the team really makes a deal, it will be difficult for him to get involved.

Danny Ainge just made a routine notification and had a brief discussion. After two consecutive years of losing, the players lost their voice.

The Lakers, who were still actively preparing for the divisional finals in the afternoon, were different. Kobe's series statistics looked mediocre, far behind Li You.

Kobe was already angry. After the training session, he was sullen when he was interviewed. When he heard the ESPN reporter's question, he immediately responded with a blank expression:
"Who is he?"

Kobe asked casually and turned away. He didn't want to care about these things. There have been some problems in the locker room recently. Odom and Khloe Kardashian have been flirting with each other, and the big-butt girl wants to "invade" the locker room.

"Keeping Up with the Kardashians" is still on the air, and Odom has shifted some of his focus to the girls, which has also led to the "wives group", and Barnes' girlfriend and Duncan's wife have been affected.

Although he felt that this was definitely not a good thing, the mature Kobe did not scold the "lazy guy" as he did in the past, but wanted to "crack down" on him through his old teammates.

After the training, the Lakers' locker room was full of joy. Odom enthusiastically shared his "goals" and boasted with a smile:

“Maybe in a few months you’ll see the Kardashians and Lamar days!”

"."

The atmosphere group members all looked envious, and everyone soon started discussing men. When Kobe returned to the locker room, he saw Fisher chatting happily and almost gave him a "death stare" on the spot.

Duncan, who was preparing to apply ice, saw his partner's ugly face, and thought of Amy's recent frequent contact with Kardashian and how happy she was. He didn't know what to say, so he could only whisper to comfort her:
"Life is life, and Lamar is in great shape."

Odom did perform well after returning to the starting lineup, otherwise he would not have been selected for the All-NBA Team, but Kobe still didn't like this atmosphere. He stared at everyone and whispered:

"I know, I just want them to stay focused and not watch those boring videos that only women watch."

"The only way to succeed is to train wholeheartedly. We must work harder than our opponents!"

After the semifinals ended early, Kobe resumed his "4 a.m. training method". Duncan saw this and naturally would not refute this view. In fact, he has worked harder this season.

Not only did he gain some weight to adapt to the No. 5 position, but he also used recovery products during the regular season. At 33 years old, Duncan's championship window is getting smaller and smaller, and health-preserving basketball is not suitable for him:
"Don't worry, the coach is aware of it and I'll talk to Lamar as well."

Hearing Duncan's whisper, Kobe nodded with a stern face. He always had a bad feeling that the combination of Odom and Kardashian would bring huge trouble to the team.

On Saturday, May 5, the Greenwich Peninsula Manor began to become lively. Since Li You went to the UK early to witness Manchester United win the championship, the house was taken care of by Scarlett who had finished filming a movie.

Melanie Sloan and her eldest daughter Vanessa Johnson came to visit her youngest daughter early in the morning. After getting out of the car, they watched the car being driven away by the housekeeping team, and then looked at the imposing gate. Both of them were silent.

Scarlett grew her hair for the movie and turned into a red-haired succubus again. Her figure had changed dramatically compared to her teenage years. She drove out in an electric car and immediately hugged her family warmly.

Vanessa Johnson hugged her sister's slender waist and whispered with some envy:
"No matter how many times I come here, I think this place is so beautiful. ScarJo, isn't Lee here?"

The two had similar voices, but Scarlett's voice was a little hoarse. The succubus, dressed in sportswear, took her sister's arm and said jokingly with a smile:
"Clay has been in England for a few days. You can see him on the news today. He won't be back until tomorrow. Do you have a new script?"

"."

The two sisters whispered. Melanie Sloan, who was wearing a beige business suit, adjusted her black curly hair and followed behind them without saying a word. She just looked at the lush woods around her with an inexplicable expression.

After the weather warmed up, the Happy yacht returned to its own dock. In addition to taking care of the house and her young son, Scarlett would also host gatherings with her plastic sisters when she had time.

This time, the family came to visit and specially prepared a sumptuous lunch. The succubus originally planned to take the two of them on a yacht trip, but after arriving in the living room, Melanie Sloan suddenly said:

"ScarJo, why do you want to terminate the agent contract? Was it Li's request?"

Vanessa Johnson, sitting on the sofa, smoothed her hair a little awkwardly. Her mother has always been the agent of both of them, and this is also an important source of income for the family.

Scarlett, who prepared juice for the two, also showed a surprised look. She informed her family after the filming of the movie was finished. Melanie Sloan did not object at that time, but now she brought up the old matter again:

"No, Clay won't interfere with my decision. I haven't made a movie in a long time, and I don't plan to spend too much energy on it in the future."

"I might go to NYU. Has anyone told you anything?"

Although she would not take the initiative to ask Li You about Axe Capital, Scarlett immediately thought of the federal prosecutor for the Southern District who was recently formally nominated by the White House. Wall Street also reported on this matter in detail.

Seeing the angry look on her daughter's face, Melanie Sloan did not deny it, but changed the subject and said:

"ScarJo, you should marry Lee."

Vanessa Johnson immediately turned her head, and just as she expected, the two quarreled again. Although she knew that her little daughter had "rebelled", Melanie Sloan was still angry:

"How much money do you want? Or do you want to change apartments again? That money does not belong to you."

Life was not rich when they were young. Although Scarlett has not made movies in recent years, the money she contributed to the family has not decreased, and even increased.

Melanie Sloan was a little annoyed when she saw her little daughter becoming more and more delicate. When she mentioned the name of the succubus's little son, she was refuted again. She couldn't hold it in for a moment and suddenly said:

"Haven't you ever thought that one day Li would lose all that wealth? Do you know what that huge number means?"

Scarlett did not argue any more. She just glanced at her mother, then looked at Vanessa Johnson who remained silent, and finally said calmly:

"Officially terminate the contract. The lawyer will notify you. I'm tired. The housekeeper will take good care of you."

Seeing her sister leaving with her chest puffed out, Vanessa Johnson looked around the room, which was more exquisite than in previous years, and then looked at her mother who was covering her face, and finally whispered helplessly:

"ScarJo is doing great, Lee loves her so much, look here, she's like a princess."

Melanie Sloan did not respond, but stood up and looked at the beautiful scenery of the garden and the sea at the back. She felt a little regretful in her heart, thinking that perhaps someone was taking advantage of her.

At 12:45 in Manchester, more than 7 Manchester United fans at Old Trafford were cheering happily as soon as the game started. In this last home game of the season, they will have the moment to lift the trophy.

Li You has been staying in the UK in recent days. In addition to Ivana, there are five other little ones who brought him here.

"5 lovely starters" have been frequently featured in British newspapers recently. The US dollar is indeed a good thing, and Li You's personal wealth has finally made Manchester United fans feel "awed".

The opponent in this game was Arsenal. The low-key Stanley Kroenke was sitting next to Li You. Apart from greeting Ivana politely, the billionaire spent most of his time discussing team matters.

Having acquired 29% of Arsenal shares, Stanley Kroenke successfully squeezed into the board of directors, and then unsurprisingly encountered a boycott by fans. Li You is indeed very experienced in this regard.

The game was intense, but until the first half of injury time, the two sides were still 0:0. Stanley Kroenke loosened his tie and suddenly whispered about Wall Street's problems:

"Li, what are your plans? Many people are paying attention to you."

Stanley Kroenke's wife worked for Walmart and was better-informed about some news. She gave Li You a reminder because he was "low-key and reliable."

Li You, who was dressed in a red scarf, glanced at the mustache next to him, then smiled and hugged Ivana's waist. There were too many fans in the stands, and the big-breasted girl seemed a little shy:

"In America, everything is possible. Maybe Mr. President will pardon everything by then!"

"."

(End of this chapter)