NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 837 People's hearts have fallen apart again. (Chapter without a main character)

On Sunday, June 17, 2012, after the finals ended last night, social media was filled with well wishes.

However, there are exceptions. Garnett, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly updated his Twitter, and the veteran, who had previously been rumored to be retiring, seems to have broken his guard:

"There is no longer any loyalty. I will never compromise for a championship. Basketball should not have become like this!"

"."

Garnett updated his status late at night, clearly indicating he was following the NBA Finals. As for why he made sarcastic remarks, it's mainly because he doesn't want to see Ray Allen succeed.

Both were at the end of their careers, and although Harden had an MVP award, after Nowitzki won the championship, the title of "worst MVP" fell on his head.

Garnett's image as a loyal tough guy was shattered. With the help of New York fans, he was transformed into a clown, his reputation plummeted, and after being traded, he became the biggest joke in the league.

Paul Pierce also joined the discussion, although he didn't post anything himself, he immediately retweeted Garnett's tweet and added the following comment:
"Bro, you're right. Championships won't be the standard for judging greatness. Old-school players like us won't compromise for trophies."

The two veterans also interacted actively on social media. Although the comments section was full of mockery, some players expressed their support, with even the cash-strapped Iverson making a rare comment:
“I agree with that view. Things beyond trophies are more important. I never play for trophies.”

Iverson's words were not very convincing, and New York fans who dug up old stories posted his "arrogant remarks" when he won the scoring title and how happy he looked at the time.

The "Pots and Pans Award" made the former Philadelphia native grin from ear to ear. If he really won the MVP, wouldn't he be on top of the world?
Despite the various sarcastic remarks from his ex, Ray Allen remained silent. However, Shannon, who had started building his career in New York, posted a photo of his family with the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Ray Allen, soaked by the champion Ace of Spades, is all smiles, and his whole family is beaming. The caption accompanying the picture is very simple:
"The champion Ace of Spades tastes amazing!"

"."

Although this champagne is also sold to the public and is very popular in the market, the real champion version is a special edition with a slightly different taste.

The lack of response still broke the defenses of many veterans, with McGrady making sarcastic remarks. Perhaps due to the failure to negotiate with the Heat, the former "washed-up second man" was disheartened after watching the Finals.

After expressing his support for Garnett, McGrady also released an exclusive message via Twitter:

"At the end of my career, I no longer want to chase trophies. At this point, I just want to give back to the fans who have always supported me!"

ESPN's morning program on Sunday reported on McGrady's "Decision," and after commentators' analysis, the public finally understood the true meaning of his words:

"McGrady wants to bring his talents to the CBA league across the ocean and replicate Kobe's experience!"

Reporters from the Miami Herald have also covered the current situation, suggesting prior communication and that many sports media outlets from across the ocean have already traveled to Miami to meet with McGrady.
"As far as we know, McGrady has hundreds of millions of fans in China, and next season he will hold a grand retirement tour across the ocean to give back to his fans."

"."

The news surprised many die-hard fans. Hundreds of millions of fans sounded like too many, and some even doubted whether McGrady was really that popular across the ocean.
The person involved did not give a direct response, but after Sina Sports reported the news, Chinese fans were very excited, and everyone wanted to see McGrady in action.

After all, "even a starved camel is bigger than a horse." Even if he can't compare to Kobe, he's still a force to be reckoned with, dominating the CBA!
-

On Thursday, June 21st, TNT aired its final episode of the season, and the impact of the finale continues to spread over the next few days.

Lynch Hunter and Shaquille O'Neal have become recognized by fans as "basketball experts" during this period!
The former's "game theory" is very apt now: if you want to pursue a championship, go to New York. Whether you are a rookie or a veteran, you can realize your dream as long as you join the Knicks.

The latter, "Finals Li," became a sensation. The veteran Shaq wasn't exaggerating; facing the defense of rookie Westbrook and others, Li You truly displayed an "inhuman level."

A 40+ triple-double with a 100% shooting percentage has exceeded everyone's expectations. It proves that Kobe and Wade's individual abilities are still superior, especially the Flash, who is indeed the best perimeter player to defend Li You!
The director showed a compilation of Westbrook's missed shots during the Finals, which is one of the videos that has recently seen a surge in views on YouTube. The young man's poor performance has been ridiculed by many fans.

In the studio, after the video finished playing, Charles Barkley remained silent, while Shaquille O'Neal boasted with great enthusiasm:
"I said long ago that Li would reach a new level in the finals, and only those who have experienced it firsthand know that what I said is true."

"If you watched the Thunder's Finals press conference, you would have seen these young guys saying 'unbelievable,' and now they understand how I feel."

While his partner was right, the veterans' sarcastic remarks these past few days also stirred Charles Barkley's sympathy. He could understand that feeling very well, after all, he had "done it" in the past:
"Honestly, I don't care if Lee wins the championship again. The championship is not that important to him anymore. There won't be much difference between 12 championships and 13 championships."

"On the contrary, the views of Garnett and others made me start to reflect on why veterans who pursue championships are ridiculed?"

"Is it really commendable to win a championship by joining the Knicks late in your career and getting a ring in the process?"

"Guys, basketball shouldn't be about winning championships."

Although Kenny Smith understood his partner's feelings, he couldn't help but "saboteurize" him on the spot:

"Chuck, you're overlooking one thing: not every veteran has the opportunity to play in New York at the end of their career."

"In fact, the Knicks have high standards. If you're an outside player and want to get playing time, your three-point shooting and defense have to be good enough."

"If you're a big man, look at Gasol. He needs to be proficient in screens, playmaking, low-post offense, and face-up jump shots."

"There are very few veterans who meet the requirements, that's a fact. Getting on the New York championship train is actually a very difficult thing!"

Seeing O'Neal's mouth agape as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, he picked up the conversation again and added in a deep voice:

"Only guys who haven't won a championship would have thoughts like yours!"

"Chuck, a champion is a champion. 100 years from now, future fans will only forget the losers, but the champion will be remembered forever."

"Stop deceiving yourself. Be honest. Every guy who enters the NBA craves a championship. If you don't want to stand on the highest podium, then give up on this sport as soon as possible."

Charles Barkley, his thoughts exposed, immediately broke down and started shouting that he also deserved an MVP award, while also bringing up his Finals stats once again.
The more they argued, the happier the three laughed. In the end, it was Ernie Johnson who brought the topic to a close. As commentators, they had no interest in discussing what constituted "correct basketball."
“We all know that Lee plans to end his career in 16. People questioned Lee’s physical condition before, but after watching the Finals, I think no one will mention the 34-year-old issue anymore.”

"Without a doubt, the Knicks are strong contenders for the championship for the next four years, which will have a significant impact on the league. Will the Heat change their plans because of this?"

The Heat are in an awkward situation right now. Wade is already 30 years old. Let alone four years from now, just looking at the Eastern Conference Finals, he is likely to experience a significant decline in the next two years.

The breakup of the "Big Three" was something many commentators didn't expect, as time seemed to be on the side of the younger players. However, Li You's "energetic" performance this year has completely changed that. "The rising salary cap can help the Heat; they need more championship pieces."

Kenny Smith offered his opinion, and seeing that his partner didn't object, he continued with a serious expression:

"I respect all veterans, but the Heat need to make changes now. They need to show their aggression in the upcoming free agency market."

"Next season will be especially crucial. They cannot afford to make the same mistakes again. They must reduce their physical exertion during the regular season and be in good physical condition for the playoffs."

"Pat Riley will not give up on the pursuit of the championship. As long as LeBron James continues to improve and the team makes reasonable additions, the Heat still have a chance to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy."

McGrady's departure is seen as a signal to clear out veteran players, and players like Randy Foye whose contracts are expiring may also be out of the picture.

"I'm more concerned about what LeBron James thinks. Everyone saw his outstanding performance in the Eastern Conference Finals."

"In this year's playoffs, the Heat were the only team that could dominate the Knicks. James must talk to management about the future direction; he deserves a say."

The veteran Shaq once again voiced his support for the chosen one, saying the young man's performance this year reminded him of his own experience, when he too was constantly responding alone.
"Turiaf has already rejected the player option, and it seems he intends to leave the Heat!"

Barkley started talking about the latest news, and the outspoken man seemed to be reminded of something, involuntarily sighing:
"Perhaps this is indeed the right choice; leaving the Eastern Conference might actually open up more opportunities."

That evening, the Heat held a farewell party. Turiaf's decision to opt out of his contract had a significant impact, and few in the locker room believed that the "Big Three" could succeed.

As the team's original leader, Wade has always held the reins in the locker room. Tonight, he invited his teammates to his home but they were in low spirits. Just as the commentators have been discussing, time is running out for him.

This isn't the fault of the younger team members, since no one expected 34-year-old Li You to be in better form. He even used Michael Jordan as a reference before, but now nobody mentions it anymore.

Two years ago, Wade spent $1000 million to buy a seaside villa. He was full of confidence after successfully assembling his team and spent a lot of money to renovate the house.

In addition to renovating the swimming pool outside the villa, a beautiful basketball court was also specially built. In the past, Wade would touch the ball whenever he was at home during the offseason, but after the loss in the Eastern Conference Finals this year, the hoops were removed.
Despite the energetic rap music playing, the Heat players around the pool seemed unmotivated, with James maintaining his composure by chatting with the others.

"Sorry, LeBron, you know, I just feel like I don't fit into the Heat's team culture."

Holding a champagne glass, Turiaf, dressed casually, seemed to realize his words were somewhat ambiguous and added in a low voice:
“The training here is too tiring! I only joined the team in March, and you know, most teams don’t hold training sessions at the end of the regular season, but we are still doing extra training.”

“Bro, I know your abilities. Playing in the West would be a better fit for you. There, at least you can make it to the Finals like Durant.”

James remained expressionless, smiled and nodded, then patted his teammates again in blessing:
"Yee! But I'll stick with my contract until it ends. Going to play in the West is a good idea. All the best, Bro!"

On the other side, Haslem watched the two whispering and felt unhappy. He didn't like Turiaf's decision to opt out of the player option and not even try for another year. It was simply a cowardly act!
Haslem, who has already internalized the Heat's team culture, murmured to Wade as he leaned closer:

"When last season ended, nobody wanted to leave; everyone wanted to bring the team its first championship in history."

“Even the rookies don’t have faith in us anymore. Norris Cole is still wishing Lee well on Twitter. Has this guy forgotten who’s been taking care of him all this time?”

Wade does take good care of rookies, which is related to O'Neal's bullying in the locker room back then. He doesn't want a similar situation to happen again. The Heat are his "horse," and those old-fashioned bad habits should be eliminated.

However, after hearing these complaints, Wade looked around at his teammates and felt a little aggrieved. Although no one said it, they all agreed with the media reports and believed that Li You would continue to suppress him.

“We can’t get everyone to agree with the team culture. UD, now it’s all about the winner. I’ve known that since I entered the league.”

"."

Seeing the dejected look on Wade's dark face, Haslem felt a pang of sadness. They were the hardest-working team in the league, with advanced tactical concepts and superstars, yet they still lost to Harden.

Bosh, who had just chatted with Battier, Juwan Howard, and others, also joined Wade's side. The "washed-up star" used to really like Pat Riley's style, but after his injury in this year's playoffs, he's started to reflect on it.

"Bro, have you talked to Riley about plans for the offseason and next season? Honestly, I don't want to train like crazy again like this year. We need to stay healthy to make the playoffs."

Bosh looked serious. In the existing tactical system, his role is very important. If they win, everything is fine, but if they lose, changes will naturally have to be made.

A slightly bewildered Wade nodded, indicating that he was still providing feedback. The atmosphere in the locker room had completely changed, and many people were no longer focused on the championship.

Seeing his good friend's predicament, James didn't take any responsibility at this time, after all, he also disliked some aspects of the Heat's culture, and playing the power forward position was also extremely taxing for him.
"How's your knee? Don't listen to those boring pundits; we can recruit some better guys in the offseason!"

Wade was touched by his good friend's concern. After deciding to undergo surgery and retire from the national team, he planned to actively recruit teammates. At this moment, he smiled and simply replied:

"Not bad, I believe I'll be even better after the surgery! I spoke with Kidd, and he's planning to return to the Nets. Rashard Lewis, on the other hand, is willing to come play here."

While Wade was still introducing the recent active recruitment efforts, Haslem, standing nearby, noticed a "factor"—and upon thinking of Lewis's background, immediately frowned and mentally complained:
"Another guy here to share his championship experience?"

-

On Friday, June 22, Sports Illustrated teased on social media that they will be releasing a special issue on Team USA next week, featuring Captain America, the special Mamba—Kobe Bryant.

Kobe arrived in Manhattan in the morning and kept a low profile. The city was still in a state of celebration, with sports fans wearing Knicks #1 jerseys everywhere. Next Monday is the championship parade, but the Mamba had no interest in answering any related questions.

Upon arriving at the Sports Illustrated building, he was warmly received by the staff. Since achieving great success on the other side of the ocean, Kobe had shed his image as a loser, and the sports media were eager to hear his story in the CBA.

Before the formal interview began, Kobe enthusiastically answered the staff's questions, quickly leading the young man to mention the recent situations of Garnett and McGrady.

Mamba, who rarely uses social media, frowned slightly upon hearing about recent events, but quickly composed himself and responded earnestly:
“I know Kevin, he’s a real tough guy. In today’s basketball environment, trophies are far more important than loyalty. I don’t want to comment on this phenomenon, but basketball really shouldn’t be like this.”

“We all know Trish’s talent. Going to China to play basketball is the right choice. There are the best fans in the world there, and the pure basketball environment will allow him to rediscover his original joy.”

"Besides winning the gold medal, my motivation for being selected for Team USA is to correct some misconceptions about basketball."

(End of this chapter)