NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 684 "The next facade?!" (Daily chapter)

On Thursday, October 2009, 10, as the preseason continued, TNT's programs officially returned and began to warm up for the nationwide live broadcast on the 15th.

After a whole offseason, the trio had a lot of fun, but recently Derrick Rose's "declaration" became the hottest topic. After so many years, it was the first time that a young person spoke out:
"I don't know why the rookies are always left out of the MVP discussion."

“Lee won this award soon after he entered the league, but no young people have won it since then.”

"Everyone is competing fairly, why is the MVP not me? I am confident that I will win this award. I will live up to my talent, and injuries have never been a problem for me."

In the Bulls' game on Tuesday, Derrick Rose missed the game due to knee inflammation. But when he was questioned about his "glass body" after the game, the newbie made a bold statement that shocked many people.

As the head coach of the team, Tom Thibodeau naturally expressed his support, but he knew Li You, so he didn't say too much, but the Chicago media still listened to it with great joy:

“I see a bit of Lee in Derrick!”

"It's not a problem for young players to show their desire. I hope he can be as successful as Lee and lead the Bulls to a resurgence."

After entering the league, Rose's attendance rate was good, but he suffered constant minor injuries. Despite this, he still attracted a lot of attention with his gorgeous playing style.

Thibodeau really wants to cultivate Rose, and every time he talks about the newcomer, he shows a look of love and trust.

There has been a lot of quarreling between the Chicago and New York media recently. Rose took the initiative to speak out to defend the fans. As for Thibodeau, everyone also recognizes him very much. His past resume is enough to prove that he is good at training guards.

Seeing that Rose is aiming for the MVP, Li You’s fans are not anxious yet, but Kobe’s die-hard fans are unhappy. When will the rookie be able to surpass the veteran?

Rose's Twitter was flooded with fans who were outraged for their idol. This scene made the onlookers very happy. The new generation of players seemed more confident, while the old players like Deng lacked "aggression".

At 20 p.m. that evening, the show had just begun and the trio first praised the Hawks' recent performance and also praised the Pacers. Both teams have been on a winning streak recently.

But soon the topic changed and the three of them started discussing the warm-up match between the Knicks and the Israeli championship team.

The result of the game was naturally not a big suspense. Maccabi Tel Aviv no longer had the lineup that won two consecutive championships in previous years. Even if the main players from that year were still there, they would not be a match for the Knicks.

Anthony Parker performed well in the Maccabi Tel Aviv team, but after entering the NBA to realize his dream, he was beaten badly in the Cavaliers.

The trio was not discussing the issue of winning or losing, but Li You's second "three consecutive MVPs". Although there are still many months before the award ceremony, New York has already loaned the trophy back.
Not only MVP, as he is about to complete his eighth consecutive championship, New York fans hope that Li You can achieve the "Grand Slam" of personal honors at the same time!
One trophy is not enough to satisfy New York fans. Everyone is looking forward to a big win this season. On top of the team's winning streak, the star players must also win to the end.

And this idea is not the fantasy of individual fans. The Knicks officially promote these trophies as selling points. With the average ticket price in the league around US$75, the price in New York has tripled.

The tide of public opinion is hard to change. Derrick Rose's ability to speak out against the tide at this time has gained him more attention. The big mouth Charles Barkley supported the newbie on the show tonight:

"I like the attitude of young people! In this special season, snatching Li's trophy is the best way to prove myself!"

"I prefer Derrick Rose to LeBron James because at least he showed desire."

In the studio, Charles Barkley talked a lot about the potential of the new rookie, but Kenny Smith, who was sitting on the far right, didn't want to pay attention to his partner. It was possible to think with his feet, win the MVP, and lead the team to 60 wins.

There are only a few players in the league who can meet this condition. Rookies have no chance at all. Hearing his partner talking endlessly, Kenny Smith had to interrupt:
“I understand you, Chuck, but it’s hard for young people to be included in the discussion for this award.”

"In the new season, the ones closest to the trophy are LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony."

"Considering the record, the only person who will compete with Lee in the end should be James."

Ernie Johnson subconsciously asked an additional question after hearing his partner's list of players:
"Why not Kobe? He has never won this award so far in his career."

"He's not even the best player on the Lakers, man, and nobody's going to vote for him until he proves himself."

Charles Barkley, grinning, started to mock the Mamba again. Thinking of the "championship experience dispute" not long ago, the big mouth took this opportunity to output again:
"Kobe always emphasizes hard work, but he hasn't realized that training alone can't close the gap with Lee."

"Talent cannot be erased by hard work. I can still beat those hard-working players by eating fried chicken and pizza. This is the NBA. He should realize this and stop fooling around in the locker room."

"There are always problems in the Lakers locker room every season. I'm tired of this boring show."

In the past few years, many media outlets praised Kobe for his hard work in training, and the Los Angeles media also reported repeatedly, singing praises for the Mamba.

But after consecutive losses, everything changed. The new season is about to begin. Unlike previous years, Kobe's reputation plummeted after he once again emphasized hard work, and some commentators even called his training a "show."

Supporters and opponents have been arguing recently, and some local fans in Los Angeles have "rebelled" and no longer believe in Kobe's "4 a.m."
Ernie Johnson, who didn't want to criticize the players, began to change the subject. The Knicks hadn't started warming up yet, but Gasol and Dio, who were participating in the European Championships, had highlights.

While the director was playing these clips, Ernie Johnson also introduced them:
"After returning from injury, Pau Gasol performed mediocrely in the playoffs, but the EuroBasket allowed him to regain his form and successfully won the MVP."

"The same goes for Boris Diaw. He is in much better shape than last year. This versatile forward will help the Knicks."

"The only problem for the defending champions may be the rotation stage. It is still unknown whether Mario Chalmers can successfully replace Rondo."

The Celtics' new Big Four showed good form in the preseason, which is completely different from Marbury's style. Although Rondo is young, he activated the team with his passing.

This has caused many basketball critics to question the Knicks' choice, as rookie Chalmers may find it difficult to hold up the bench.

Kenny Smith never agreed with this view. When talking about rookies, he even joked:
"The Knicks will obviously be in better shape than last year. Mario Chalmers and Lee will form the best backcourt combination in the league. They can handle everything as long as Lee maintains his game!"

"."

On Sunday, the 18th, the visiting Maccabi Tel Aviv inspired more New York fans to watch the game. This Israeli championship team also has many loyal fans in the local area.

Because Li You did not get along well with some of the "old money" guys, there were some voices secretly stirring up trouble, but for ordinary fans, no one could feel it at all.

Especially after Falcone sold part of the New York Times' shares to Li You, the voice became even quieter. This mainstream media has not had a good time in the past two years, and finally two hedge funds found an opportunity for it.

In the afternoon, in order to express their welcome, the Knicks held a grand press conference for the visiting brother team.

D'Antoni and Li You were of course present. On the other hand, Pini Gerson, who won the European League's best coach, and champion center Nikola Vujicic also appeared at the press conference. Known as the exchange between champion teams, the scene was naturally very harmonious. When talking about Li You's accumulated data, the white-haired Pini Gerson praised in not very fluent English:
"Anyone who knows basketball will understand how difficult it is for Lee to achieve these achievements!"

"It's incredible. God is blessing Lee. His personal performance has affected the development of basketball. We have abandoned some old concepts. This is a new era."

"."

The old man's coaching philosophy is somewhat different from others. He likes to emphasize some spiritual attributes, not the hard work of Mamba, but God's favor.

The New York media was amused at first, but soon found it baffling. What does basketball have to do with God? If prayer worked, why was the Ewing era so lame?

D'Antoni did not refute, and the little mustache was smiling and boasting, praising Maccabi Tel Aviv for their two consecutive championships in the league:

"The European basketball environment is just as competitive, and many of their tactical perspectives have given us a lot of inspiration! Their championship experience has also helped the Knicks."

While the championship coach was boasting happily, Nikola Vujicic was observing. The big guy was younger than Li You, just 31 years old, but he was already entering the end of his career.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Nikola Vujicic suddenly asked curiously after briefly answering the question:

"I've always followed Lee, and anyone who loves basketball will understand how much it takes to achieve those achievements."

"I've bought all of Lee's books, and I was impressed by Win, but after meeting Lee today, I found it even more incredible. His physical condition is so outstanding."

"The book doesn't explain how Li planned his training after he turned 30. I hope Li can simply answer my questions."

Li You, who returned to training, attended the press conference wearing a blue training T-shirt of the Knicks. His messy short hair and clean chin made him look younger than reported.

Although the championship center is younger, he looks more like a middle-aged man. The New York media reported that Li You played 1240 games. Nikola Vujicic was really confused after seeing the real person.

"Age is not an excuse for us to pursue greatness. Of course, after turning 30, my training plan did change a bit."

After the translation, Li You took the microphone and greeted the other party with a smile, and then continued:

"As a veteran, the first thing I need to do is get enough sleep. In order to maintain my physical condition, my diet plan also needs to be adjusted."

"Nutrition is also developing. We need to put aside some prejudices and embrace science. For post-match recovery, I prefer to use some tools, which can help me adjust as quickly as possible during the intense schedule."

"I will publish a new book with these details after I win the championship. I hope these contents can help more athletes."

"Of course, in my opinion, the most important thing is self-discipline and passion. Only in this way can we continue to meet challenges!"

"We still have a lot of time. I am willing to share my championship experience with Europe. Only by communicating with each other can we make progress."

When coach Pini Gsong heard the word "champion", his mind was confused. It took him a while to realize that it was "loan". He subconsciously looked at Li You and found that the expression on his face when he said this was extremely natural.

The old man's eyes twitched slightly. He thought Li You believed in God and was modest and prudent.
After hearing the translator's words, Nikola Vujčić nodded continuously at first, and then suddenly looked confused. How come there was a new book, and he suddenly won the championship?

The two thought that the reporters in the audience would be surprised, but they didn't expect that a group of people were smiling happily. When they heard about the new book and the championship, they kept asking questions, as if the Knicks had already won the trophy.

"Yes, I have new publishing plans. You know, many European fans are very curious about the stories behind our championship. Maybe I will publish two books."

"I hope these championships can inspire more young people. At the end of my career, I will focus more on promoting basketball."

"."

Under the influence of the "atmosphere group" off the stage, Li You began to make promises crazily. A group of New York reporters and die-hard fans expressed their support, saying that the championship experience should indeed be shared with the world!

D'Antoni added a few words from time to time, and coach Pini Gsong on the side was completely confused. He couldn't adapt to the "loan basketball" for a while.

In that night's game, championship center Nikola Vujicic experienced why Madison Square Garden is called the Mecca of basketball. The New York fans were too enthusiastic and kept shouting loudly after the game started.

Whenever Li You hit a three-pointer from outside the three-point line, the fans in the screaming seats at the back shouted with joy, while the audience in the front row stood up and raised their hands to celebrate together.

Everyone thought it would be a close match, but at the end of the first quarter, Li You threw the ball farther and farther. After scoring consecutive goals, he made another long three-pointer just past the half-court logo in the transition offense, and the whole stadium was boiling.

Nikola Vujcic, who made continuous back-and-forth runs, did not find many opportunities to fight with Chandler. At the end of the first quarter, at 21:38, a violent three-pointer defeated the outdated European champion.

In the friendly match, Li You still gave face to his opponent. In the last two quarters, he focused more on passing the ball. In addition, the newbies were a little nervous, so the score difference remained stable at around 20 points.

After the start of the fourth quarter, Nikola Vujcic and coach Pini Gsong both sat on the bench. The video and the live game were completely different. The atmosphere in Madison Square Garden was no worse than European basketball.

In the end, this warm-up match made the fans who bought tickets to watch the game very satisfied. The young people who had been holding back for several months shouted after the game:
“Lee! Lee! Lee!”

ESPN broadcast the entire warm-up game, and LeBron James, who returned to Cleveland to prepare for the game, witnessed this scene in front of the TV.

The Chosen One has been in a good mood since he saw the pre-match interview report. At this time, watching Li You hug and greet his opponent, he also raised his eldest son Bronny beside him. James looked at the little guy and boasted happily:
"Your father is going to be the next face of the Alliance! You are one lucky little fellow!"

"Maybe this year I'll be lifting the trophy, right?"

The 5-year-old Bronny didn't know why his father was so happy, nor did he know what the face of the league meant, but he still nodded and responded, which made the Chosen One feel better.

"Not only Li's three-pointer, but everyone's shots impressed me. This is the world championship. It feels great to play here!"

On TV, Nikola Vujic praised loudly during the interview. James thought of Raja Bell's good condition, shook his head and amused his son, and praised this reinforcement again in his heart:

"We have the three-point shot too!"

"."

(End of this chapter)