NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 816 Old Deng Dancing (Daily Life Chapter)
On Thursday, December 22, 2011, just before Christmas, the Brooklyn Nets finally finalized a blockbuster trade, officially bringing Kevin Garnett and Carmelo Anthony together!
The main reason the trade has been delayed until now is Brook Lopez's injury. The big man suffered a fracture in his right foot and may miss the rest of the season, which almost caused the trade to fall through.

Fortunately, after careful examination, the Celtics found that the injury was unlikely to have any impact on the future. The cautious Danny Ainge ultimately stuck to his opinion and decided to sell Harden.

The Nets also conducted a thorough physical examination, and Garnett's knee is recovering well and he still has "fuel" left, making a partnership with Anthony indeed feasible.

New head coach Avery Johnson gave high praise to this trade:
"Kevin can boost the team's energy on both ends of the court. His arrival will change the Nets' locker room culture. This is the best addition!"

With a brand-new head coach, a veteran superstar, and an all-around scorer in his prime, the Nets have officially launched their bid for the championship after completing the trade.

To acquire Garnett, general manager Billy King traded Brook Lopez, Anthony Morrow, and first-round draft picks from 2012 and 2014.

The Celtics received a trade exception, successfully freeing up salary cap space. Paul Pierce was also put on the trading block, and the Celtics are likely to be poised to become the number one draft pick in the next few years.
After losing an outside scorer, the Nets signed free agent DeShawn Stevenson, and considering Jordan Farmar's individual ability, the team is now targeting next year's free agency market.

Although the backcourt duo doesn't look too good, the frontcourt trio of Anthony, Garnett, and Kris Humphries is extremely threatening.

Having just ended his 72-day marriage and divorce from Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries is full of energy, having already revealed all his "golden coins," and now he's been cheated on by Kanye West. The big man gave an emotional interview, stating:
"It's an honor to partner with Kevin in the frontcourt. We'll turn the paint into a no-fly zone, and I can't wait to get back on the court."

Humphries, who appeared on ESPN, seemed unaffected by his brief marriage, but after the intense match against Big Butt, commentators are questioning whether he can recover to his best physical condition.

In contrast, the Knicks' signing of Ray Allen using the mini mid-level exception was much more low-key, and under the veteran exception of 36 years old, this signing involved a significant sacrifice.

The trade was approved long ago, but it didn't generate enough discussion. With the Christmas Day game approaching, the commentator didn't want to be proven wrong, so it would be better to comment on the "oldest backcourt player" after the game.
In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics weren't the only team trading away veterans; the Pistons also didn't re-sign Hamilton, who was signed by the Bulls as a free agent. Chicago continues its push for the championship!
In the Christmas Day game, Derrick Rose will lead the team to Los Angeles. The Lakers, led by Iguodala, Odom, and Stoudemire, are also a formidable force after a season of integration, making this game highly anticipated.

The Oklahoma City Thunder officially applied for an injury exception from the league after the start of free agency. Jeff Green, who had just re-signed with the team, is out for the season due to a heart problem, much to the dismay of Oklahoma City fans.

Because the injury exception only covers half a player's salary, Jeff Green's salary wasn't even enough to cover half of his mid-level exception. Despite these difficulties, Thunder general manager Sam Presti still managed to sign a decent player.

"The Thunder signed free agent Vince Carter for $420 million."

After several media figures broke the news that afternoon, the public realized that it was true that the Magic had not renewed the Black Mamba's contract and that the other team was making every effort to pursue Dwight Howard!
While the interior defense issue remains unresolved, acquiring Carter was still an excellent trade given the limited options available. Kevin Durant even welcomed his new teammate on Twitter in advance.

"The real Black Mamba! #ProofBattle (Angry) #ChasingGreatness (Rockets) #ThunderFamily (Black Kids)"

Seemingly very satisfied with the trade, even Fisher retweeted and commented. Although Fisher was marginalized in the labor negotiations, he remains an experienced championship guard on the basketball level.

"Happy for Oklahoma City! The Black Mamba will show his 'fangs' in the playoffs!"

This trade has thrilled Oklahoma City fans. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Carter's ability is undeniable, and the Thunder are taking off again.

That evening, TNT's program also connected with Vince Carter. When the four asked him why he chose the Thunder, the former dunk champion laughed heartily and responded very candidly:

"I don't like the Spurs' team culture. By comparison, I believe the Thunder have a better chance of making it to the Finals."

“These young men have incredible talent. Kevin Durant has been very active in the offseason, scoring 30 points almost every game. I think he has started to realize his potential.”

"I will play a completely new role with the Thunder. I don't care whether I can start or not. As a veteran, I want to experience some big games. The environment of the Western Conference is a good fit for me."

Shaquille O'Neal looked down on the environment in Oklahoma City, but the veteran coach didn't show any unusual emotions. When talking about Carter's choice, he asked a pointed question in a low voice:
“34 years old is indeed a ‘watershed’ in one’s career. We all know what it feels like to grow old.”

"VC, have you ever considered playing in other leagues in the future, like Kobe, choosing to compromise with yourself?"

Mentioning Kobe makes Carter feel a little uncomfortable. On the other side of the ocean, nobody cares that he is the real Black Mamba. Thinking about the title that was taken from him, he can't help but complain a few times.
"I am not Kobe, I have no interest in marketing myself. Everyone in the league knows who Mamba really is. I have indeed been losing for the past few years, but I can still feel the joy that basketball brings me."

"Even if my physical condition declines, I will accept a completely new role without hesitation. As for going to other leagues, I have no such plans."

"You know I don't want to run away from difficulties."

Old Shaq almost burst out laughing. He just didn't want to see Kobe so popular. Hearing Carter complain made him very happy, and he chimed in:
"Yes, Bro, we can only respect your choice!"

"My little brother is basking in the glory of this victory, but we all know that running away won't solve anything. At the end of his career, taking on a different role is the brave choice."

"."

Kenny Smith felt that the two were practically calling Kobe a "coward," and the thought of the 34-year-old veteran reminded him of Li You, whose birthday was just a few days away.

Ernie Johnson, who also thought of Li You, interrupted their discussion with a smile and started gossiping about the 34-year-old GOAT again:

"VC, what are your expectations for Li's condition? We all know he will be turning 34 soon."

When asked about his peers, Carter shrugged helplessly, knowing there was a reason why everyone avoided talking about being the "oldest guard in the league":

“Li is different from us. Age will not be a problem for him. As a former opponent, I know how strong he is.”

"If you still have doubts, then take a look at the advanced data. Compared to Lee, the Knicks are more likely to have some problems, which is also an opportunity for young teams."

The Knicks' starting lineup is indeed quite old, with four players over 30, including Ray Allen who is 36. Marion will also turn 34 next May.

It's perfectly normal for athletes to decline at this age. The four agreed with Carter's statement, as they had all been through it themselves and knew that time is always an athlete's greatest enemy.

-

On Saturday, December 24th, the festive atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was even stronger. The team's official store had put out Christmas merchandise, and although there were no "giving away gifts" this year, New York fans still spent enthusiastically, and even visiting tourists joined in the shopping frenzy.

The Knicks' training camp started last, and with Serge Ibaka and Boris Diaw unable to return as scheduled, Ben Wallace will start in the Christmas Day game.

MSG's program has recently been discussing the team's age issue. With Ben Wallace already 37 years old, his entry into the starting lineup has directly led to the average age reaching 34.2 years old.
This is indeed a bit old. Although Walter Fred, as a team legend, is full of confidence, he can't help but think of the 98 Bulls, whose average age was only 32, even younger than the Knicks.

The team naturally had a holiday for Christmas. Apart from the rookies voluntarily doing extra training, the veterans all spent the holiday at home.

Having recently returned to his townhouse in Manhattan, Li You's life remains as regular as ever, while the girls celebrating their birthdays one after another are indulging a bit more.

The kids all chose to go back to Peninsula Estate for the Christmas holidays, where there's a better festive atmosphere. Most of those who stayed in Manhattan were young women.

Krysten Ritter, who recently celebrated her 30th birthday, slept in until noon today. Having returned to New York, she has spent most of her time at home enjoying a happy life.

When the door to the fourth-floor room was pushed open, Kristen Ritter, who was rubbing her forehead, saw Elizabeth Olsen in a nightgown and gave her a few unusual words of advice:
“Lizzie, don’t forget to go back to school. Don’t listen to Scar; she doesn’t care about any of this.”

Scarlett, who turned 27 last month, still enjoys being around Li You just like she did when she was younger. As one of the first girls to meet Li You, Kristen Ritter has gradually come to prefer her work.

Olsen, sitting on the edge of the bed, smiled and winked, handed over some warm water, pointed to the mark on his collarbone, and teased softly:
"My dear, I like you very much."

Despite being used to multi-player games, Kristen Ritter still blushed when she thought about last night's scene. After pulling at her pajamas to cover it up, she reminded him again:
“Clay hopes someone can help him finish his studies. Even if you go to Ashley’s place, it’s better than staying at home. If you don’t like movies, you can go to the studio.”

Seemingly without thinking too much, Olsen, with her blonde hair styled in a bun, nodded with wide eyes. She had indeed planned to return to school, but under the influence of the succubus, she not only neglected her son but also abandoned her studies.

When the two arrived at the restaurant, Scarlett was nestled in Li You's arms unwrapping Christmas presents. Since her net worth skyrocketed, she has received more and more gifts, mostly from friends and acquaintances, in addition to those from brands.

Kristen Ritter, with her black ponytail, patted Scarlett, whose breasts were partially exposed, with a hint of annoyance. With the children away, the succubus has recently started to let loose again.

"These are gold bars delivered by American Express? This is the first time I've ever seen so much gold."

Scarlett, holding the gift, looked up at her lover, but Li You paid no attention to the gold bars, still looking at the invitation from Goldman Sachs; it was a private gathering for the Minister of Finance.

"If you like it, take it. Have you decided where to go for Christmas Eve?"

Since the Christmas battle will take place at 12 o'clock tomorrow, it will not affect the evening activities. Scarlett, who had dyed her hair back to blonde, seemed to have come up with a new idea. She immediately threw the gold bars aside and whispered in Li You's ear.

Olsen was soon pulled into her arms, and the young woman nodded obediently, finally tilting her head back to give him a kiss.

Seeing the succubus beckoning to her, Kristen Ritter blushed slightly, muttered a couple of complaints, and obediently squeezed in beside her. Thinking about the Christmas Eve event and her birthday night to come, she felt a surge of excitement.

-

On Christmas Day, December 25th, ABC warmed up for the upcoming Christmas Day games early in the morning, with the first game being the Knicks vs. the Nets, and the "oldest backcourt" received a lot of attention.

At 11:30 a.m., half an hour before the game started, Madison Square Garden was already packed. However, the New York fans were a little unaccustomed to the fact that there was no awards ceremony for the opening game.

However, this didn't deter the loyal New York fans, many of whom waved homemade championship banners, essentially "raising the flag" before the game even started.
The cheers and shouts were incessant, but on the away team's bench, Anthony and Garnett both had dark faces, and there were quite a few shouts of "Fuck!" from the crowd.

The Knicks didn't have much time to practice together, but the rookies, led by Kyrie Irving, all seemed very confident. During warm-up, they surrounded Li You, chatting and laughing, and didn't seem nervous at all.

Baron Davis, grinning widely, interacted enthusiastically with the fans in the arena, while Ben Wallace, sporting an afro, waved his arms from time to time and roared passionately along with the fans in the front row.

In contrast, Ray Allen was the most normal, wearing his home court blue training uniform and meticulously completing his three-point shot with the help of the rookies.

Doris Burke, a sideline reporter for tonight's Christmas Day game, interviewed a serious-looking Carmelo Anthony while Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen were doing their pre-game analysis.

"Melo, the Nets have had very little time to practice together since the trade. What are the team's expectations for tonight's game?"

The noisy arena forced Anthony to raise his voice, and the constant shouting and cursing around him made him feel increasingly worse.

"This has indeed caused us some trouble. You know, a completely new tactical system takes more time to adapt to. Tonight, we just want to give the fans a great game."

"."

Anthony kept making platitudes, while on the other side, head coach Avery Johnson kept giving instructions to his players. Garnett also noticed that his teammates were in low spirits, so he glared and encouraged them:

"Give it your all! Listen, once the game starts, we need to be as aggressive as the coach said."

"If you fall behind, don't let me see you looking dejected. This will be a long game. Be prepared to respond to the ball, and everyone has to fight!"

Despite his dislike for the Nets, Garnett, with his fists clenched and eyes blazing, gives his all in games, infecting the team with his energy.

During the final warm-up before the game, most of the Nets players were still in low spirits. Watching Lee Yu and Ray Allen make consecutive shots on the opposing team, Farmar stared blankly, completely lacking energy.

In the commentary booth, Jeff Van Gundy, despite losing his good partner Mark Jackson, was still in high spirits, loudly praising the "oldest backcourt player":
"Age will not be a problem; we will witness the craziest three-point shooting performance of the 21st century!"

"."

(End of this chapter)