NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 813 Grand Debut (Chapter without Main Character)

On Thursday, November 10, 2011, TNT's program aired as scheduled. Unfortunately, the NBA free agency market did not open as rumored not long ago.

According to the league's previous plan, negotiations concluded last week, free agency began this week, training camp resumed, and the regular season was scheduled to begin at the end of the month. However, plans still couldn't keep up with changes.
As is customary, TNT resumes its programming every year before Media Day. This year, it was a full month late, and Shaquille O'Neal, who had just joined the show, was "suppressing" his frustration by tweeting every day.

Thursday used to be TNT's regular broadcast day, but there are no matches this year, so the new quartet won't have to stay up all night. They will officially debut in the new season at 20 PM.

The program also kept up with recent hot news. Following last week's labor negotiations, Michael Jordan, embroiled in controversy, gave an interview to the Associated Press, responding to questions about "hardline owners":

"As a small market, I strongly support any rules that can retain star players. Star players are often the guarantee of box office success, and nobody wants such outstanding players to leave."

"Even now, I find it hard to imagine the Hornets wanting to trade Chris Paul. That kind of decision is unlikely to happen on my team."

Michael Jordan appeared as calm and composed as ever in front of the camera, seemingly unconcerned about being on the opposite side of the players. When an Associated Press reporter asked about the 1998 labor negotiations, Jordan even smiled.

During the labor negotiations that year, Michael Jordan said something famous to Abe Pollin, the then owner of the Wizards:
"If you can't make a profit, you should sell your team."

When asked if he still held this view, Mike gave an affirmative answer, not even denying his "hardline boss" persona, but instead continuing to respond with reason and evidence:
“The situation is completely different now than in 98. We like the multi-tiered luxury tax proposed by Li, which can curb the monopoly of large markets.”

"But the more pressing issue is that everyone is still facing serious financial difficulties. With 22 teams incurring losses, the current model is clearly not the right one."

“I understand what some players are saying about what they think I should do, but my dedication is to the community and this team.”

“If I sit here supporting the players, I would be even more hypocritical! When these kids grow up and want to be on my side, they will understand my position.”

"."

Players and owners are two completely different roles. After this interview, many people calmed down and turned back to support Michael Jordan.

During last week's meeting, David Stern proposed a "betting" agreement: if the revenue target for the new season is met, players will receive a larger share; if not, their share will be reduced from 50%.

It was thought that both sides would readily agree after being given a way out, but the players' union's attitude was ambiguous, and the small-market league continued to strongly oppose it.

This situation caused Knicks owner James Dolan and Heat owner Mickey Arison to lose their tempers. Both wanted to start the season as soon as possible and win the championship, and the group started arguing again.

The Spurs' veteran players had no way to deal with this. Now the "hardliners" have banded together and even demanded a share of the broadcast revenue from major markets. Even if the players accepted the previous 50/50 split, the owners have made additional demands.

The multi-tiered luxury tax has given hope to many teams, and agents are also reluctant to open the free agency market on the 9th, as they need more time to prepare.

The final outcome of the meeting was that David Stern reassured the young player representatives, reiterating the league's promise that it would finalize the revenue sharing ratio as soon as possible. As for whether the season could start at the end of the month, that remains uncertain.
After the director finished playing the interview from last week, Charles Barkley in the studio shook his head repeatedly, leaning on the table and loudly proclaiming to the camera:
"Although Michael Jordan is my good brother, I want to say that this guy didn't tell the truth."

"Everyone knows that the Bobcats gave up their star player Gerald Wallace in a trade that happened last season, and I'm not surprised that nobody's buying tickets now."

“Gerrard is a true tough guy. He came back from a serious lung injury just so the team could achieve better results. We all know what it means when a player like that is eventually traded away.”

"Many people don't like the Knicks, but in some ways they do the best. It's not about the money; it's more about respect in my opinion."

Barkley practically called his friend a hypocrite, and while he held back, the other three could still hear the underlying message. Kenny Smith, once again playing the peacemaker, simply responded:

"Chuck only said one side of the story. In fact, Gerald Wallace's performance declined significantly after joining the Trail Blazers."

“Listen, guys, from the team’s perspective, they really shouldn’t have given them such a big contract.”

As the new host of the studio, O'Neal, dressed in a black suit and wearing glasses, took the initiative to speak when he heard the two arguing:
“I don’t care about these things. Michael Jordan was great, but that was in the 90s. Now it’s Lee’s era. Basketball has become completely different from the past.”

"The labor negotiations should be over. A 50/50 split is good, and Stern's latest proposal is also good. Both sides should compromise and let basketball return!"

"If the season really resumes on Christmas, many players will most likely not return. My little brother and Andrei Kirilenko have already made it clear that this is a loss for the fans."

Kobe Bryant insisted on staying in the CBA, and Andrei Kirilenko also confirmed that he would finish the season with CSKA Moscow. In addition to these two, many other players are also considering staying.

Although Ernie Johnson suspected that Shaq was more interested in having fun, he then showed an expression of agreement and added:
"I believe many people, like Shaq, have started paying attention to the CBA league. Just this Tuesday, the detailed schedule was announced across the ocean."

"On the 20th, Kobe and Yi will team up to face JR Smith. It is said that the ticket price for this game has been rising, and fans are very much looking forward to it."

"The CBA is very likely to set a new viewership record. Although Yao is confirmed to return to the Rockets, the arrival of Kobe and several NBA players has still stimulated the market."

"In some ways, this is indeed a loss for the NBA. The 76ers are also facing difficulties in season ticket sales, which is definitely not a good thing for the new owners."

"."

Since the schedule was announced across the ocean, fans have been in an uproar. Tickets for the Guangdong team's first home game of the new season have sold out like crazy, and everyone wants to witness the Mamba's debut live.

The interviews just wouldn't stop, enthusiastic fans besieged the training base every day, and even CCTV Sports frequently reported on it. Kobe demonstrated his influence in another way!

In comparison, JR Smith is slightly less impressive. His trip to China to play basketball can be described as a full family mobilization, with his father, brother, sister, and other relatives and friends all coming together.

Despite various attempts to belittle Kobe, fans remained unconvinced, firmly believing that Kobe would deliver a superstar performance.

Kenyon Martin of XJ Guanghui and Wilson Chandler of Zhejiang Guangsha are known for their outspoken criticism of Kobe Bryant, while Gazuric, who joined Jiangsu Nangang, is much more low-key.

Gerald Green, the former dunk champion who came to Foshan, was immediately taken aback by the treatment Kobe received. In an interview with Sina Sports, the former teammate even criticized the Mamba:
"Kobe is a clown; he was never a leader on the team!"

"."

This week's CBA games have been incredibly exciting, with even major media outlets like ESPN, TNT, and Yahoo Sports reporting on them. Compared to the NBA's tedious labor negotiations, the games across the ocean are definitely more captivating for fans.

The four of them naturally drifted into the topic of CBA games. Many people were paying attention to Kobe's debut, and Shaq, not wanting his younger teammate to steal the spotlight, started making sarcastic comments after a few exchanges:
"For Kobe, failing to win the championship is a failure. The Guangdong Tigers are like the Knicks in the league, extremely dominant!"

"Many people are optimistic about my little brother, but I know him, and Kobe will likely disappoint his fans in the end."

“I support Stephon Marbury more. He’s a real tough guy and he’s been underestimated.”

The BJ team has Stephon Marbury and Randolph Morris this season. The former is very familiar to American fans, but the latter is not well known to the general public.

Morris failed to qualify for the draft and didn't make much of a name for himself in college. Although he played on the bench for the Hawks, he left the league after just one season.

Shaquille O'Neal said he favored the BJ team, and Charles Barkley almost burst out laughing. While the outspoken Barkley often criticizes Kobe Bryant, he does acknowledge Kobe's pure talent.

"I respect the CBA league, but that's Kobe!"

Barkley raised his voice, and seeing O'Neal continue shaking his head, he simply grinned and joked:
"If Kobe loses the championship, I will kiss a donkey's ass again. As a superstar, he can definitely dominate the entire league."

Shaquille O'Neal's face darkened upon hearing the terms of the bet. Amidst the jeers of the other three, he reluctantly agreed. As a newcomer, he had clearly been tricked. At the end of the show, O'Neal couldn't resist shouting:

“I know my little brother; he’s not cut out to be a ‘driver’.”

-

On Friday, November 11th, NBC reported on the progress of this year's 79th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony:
"A 74-foot-tall Norway spruce tree from Mifflinville, Pennsylvania, will become Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree for 2011."

Performers include Justin Bieber, Tony Bennett, and Shiloh Green, with Canadian singer Michael Bumble, country star Faith Hill, and American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee also taking the stage. In addition, this year's celebration will be hosted by Today Show reporters Savannah Guthrie and Yu Lee, whose political leanings and views on marriage have certainly amused onlookers.

NBC went to great lengths to invite Lee Yu-ye, not only mobilizing all their old friends but also lobbying and suggesting to people at the city hall.

As the "Occupy Wall Street" protests continue to rage in New York, many hope that this event will help ease the tensions that have built up over the past few months.

After the blizzard, most families began preparing for Thanksgiving, but Vanessa, who recently moved to Philadelphia, could only plan her trip. Her husband was engrossed in playing CBA, and their family might not be able to celebrate the holiday this year.

Philadelphia newspapers often report on news from the neighborhood. Many people in the city dislike Li You, but the media still chase after related news.

Vanessa, who was preparing to meet her husband on Sunday, was speechless after seeing a newspaper article gossiping that Lee Yu might be expecting more children. Thinking about her husband's private life, she suddenly felt that all basketball stars were scumbags.

Natalia, the eldest daughter who was helping her mother pack, is almost eight years old. Having not seen her father recently, and sensing her mother's mood, she couldn't help but ask in a low voice:
"Mommy, can I go to China with you?"

Vanessa didn't like the house in Philadelphia, nor the environment. Her daughter was currently studying in Los Angeles. Although she saw the expectant look in Vanessa's eyes, she still shook her head and said:
I'll definitely be back before Thanksgiving. What gift do you want this year?

Natalia was quickly distracted by her mother's words. Over the years, Kobe had trained relentlessly, and she had actually grown accustomed to her father's unconventional way of showing concern.

Vanessa felt a little down at the thought of spending Thanksgiving alone with the children this year. She hadn't been in much contact with her husband lately, as Kobe was "training like crazy."

On the other side of the ocean, it was already the weekend, and there was still more than a week until the opening game. Immersed in basketball, Kobe had already forgotten about his family and Thanksgiving.

This is also related to the environment. With so much media coverage, Kobe just wanted to dominate his opponents in his debut game and show his dominance!
The weekend didn't affect Mamba's training. After receiving a new treatment plan, his knee is in much better condition than in the past few years. His excellent physical condition stunned everyone in Guangdong. His new teammate is ridiculously strong.

Yi Jianlian, who originally planned to return to the NBA, was somewhat swayed by Kobe's influence. He did not expect that the CBA championship would be so attractive.

After the morning training session, Yi Jianlian, who was used to being "surrounded" by reporters, smiled and said during an interview with numerous reporters:

"I haven't been paying much attention to the NBA's labor relations situation. During this period, under Kobe's leadership, everyone has focused their energy on training."

"Returning to the United States? I haven't thought about that yet. Playing alongside superstars is something every player dreams of."

When asked by a CCTV reporter about the differences between Kobe Bryant and Li You, Yi Jianlian, who had experience with the Brooklyn Nets, remained silent for a moment. Seeing everyone's expectant looks, he helplessly raised his eyebrows and gave a simple reply:

"I think it's hard to compare. Twelve championships speak for themselves. When I played in New Jersey, every time we played the Nets, the arena was packed with New York fans."

"Even in Washington, everyone will cheer for the Knicks whenever Li You comes to play."

"The two men have completely different levels of influence, but in terms of basketball, Kobe also has his own advantages. Everyone knows his passion for basketball, and everyone should see that now."

"."

Yi Jianlian put it rather tactfully: when evaluating superstars in the NBA, a large part of the evaluation depends on whether away fans are willing to pay for their games. In this respect, Kobe was far behind, after all, the Mamba was a joke in the media.

As more and more local media professionals learned the "truth," the thought that such a "powerful" Kobe Bryant could not receive respect on the other side of the ocean made people reflect on Li You's pure strength and influence.

Kobe hadn't realized he'd become another unconventional "backdrop" yet. The Mamba, beaming during the interview, was extremely happy these past two months. Speaking of the opening game, he confidently reiterated:

"I know that the Dongguan Gymnasium can only hold more than 5000 people, and many fans complain that they can't buy tickets, but watching the game on TV can also be a good experience."

“I can feel the fans’ love every day, and I will contribute my strength to help the team without reservation. I want to set the tone for the competition in the first game of the season.”

"."

American sports reporters also followed them over, but unfortunately, Kobe was fed up with these unscrupulous reporters and decisively refused their "fellow countrymen's" interview requests.

By the end of the morning's interviews, several young ESPN reporters were muttering complaints. None of them had expected Mamba to be so ruthless; after all these days, he hadn't given them a single friendly look.

"Kobe has gone mad! Is he planning to end his career in China?"

“I swear, if he returns to the United States, I will expose his true colors.”

"They should just interview JR Smith; Kobe is a joke."

After whispering among themselves, the group looked grim. They were all eagerly anticipating Kobe's loss, hoping it would reveal the "true strength" of the Mamba to Chinese fans.

-

Sunday, November 20, 2011. The CBA season officially kicks off this weekend. In Saturday's opening game, Gerald Green, the former dunk champion from Foshan, had a mediocre performance, and fans are even more looking forward to tonight's game.

At 19:40 PM, 20 minutes before the start of the match, the Dongguan Gymnasium became unusually noisy, with more than 5000 fans who had bought expensive tickets shouting loudly.

The championship award ceremony was interrupted by enthusiastic fans. The chants of "Kobe" never stopped. Longtime die-hard fans came from all over the country, and everyone excitedly shouted their support.

Such a scene is rare in the NBA. Even Los Angeles fans wouldn't be this enthusiastic. Mamba, wearing the Guangdong team's white home jersey, was so moved that he patted his chest repeatedly, completely forgetting about Vanessa and his family and friends.

On the other side, JR Smith couldn't help but widen his eyes. He really didn't expect Kobe to be so popular. For a moment, he felt a pang of sadness and began to miss the passionate "output" of New York fans.

After the game started at 20 PM, CCTV Sports host Yu Jia quickly noticed that Zhang Weiping had changed his usual demeanor, transforming into a Kobe Bryant fan and praising him enthusiastically from the moment the Mamba touched the ball:
"Kobe is amazing! He can score no matter what he plays!"

"Hey, Kobe didn't make that shot, but his play was very reasonable. That's how the Guangdong team should play."

"That's Kobe's 'gravity,' the assist should be credited to Kobe!"

"That's it! Move closer! Fake him! Turn around! Shoot! You have to admit, that move was really beautiful!"

"Look at those footwork, JR Smith really can't defend against that."

"."

In the first quarter, Kobe, who had been preparing for a long time, went all out. Playing the point guard position, the Mamba was almost unstoppable with the ball in his hands. He dribbled between his legs and then forced a shot after a strong push, and drove hard after a simple pick-and-roll!
He can deliver a variety of moves, from a tough post-up game followed by a turnaround jumper to a gliding dunk after a steal.

With the support of Yi Jianlian, Wang Shipeng, Zhu Fangyu and others, the team took a 12-point lead in the first quarter, which lasted for more than 7 minutes. On the other hand, JR Smith did not have many outstanding performances except for his strong individual attacks.

The post-up move, which is outdated in the NBA, became an unstoppable offensive weapon tonight!

When Kobe Bryant was aggressively attacking JR Smith in the low post on the left side, and was tackled to the ground after turning towards the baseline and attempting a jump shot while facing the defense, the entire arena erupted once again.

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

As the ball went in and the whistle blew, the shouts almost broke the silence of the arena. Kobe, who was sitting on the floor, straightened up, revealing a fierce expression, clenched his right fist, and repeatedly punched it in celebration.

With 6 of 7 field goals, 1 of 2 from three-point range, and 2 of 2 free throws, Mamba scored 15 points in just a few minutes, demonstrating his superstar dominance.

Standing beyond the three-point line, JR Smith was on edge. The more the fans supported Kobe, the more uncomfortable he felt. Seeing Kobe smile as he stepped to the free-throw line, he angrily shouted:
"Who do you think you are?! I'll beat you to a pulp when we get back to America!"

"."

(End of this chapter)