NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 843 "Imitators Can't Win the Championship" (Chapter without a main character)
On Monday, September 17, 2012, with media open day approaching, many NBA teams started their training camps and fan events ahead of schedule.

The Warriors are one such team. Although Mark Jackson, a well-known live commentator for ESPN, left the company, his personal relationships with the team have not cooled down since he became the head coach.

The Western Conference is currently in a "chaotic" phase. Although the Thunder lived up to their potential and made it to the Finals, after being swept, fewer and fewer people are optimistic about the young players.

The Lakers' formation of a "new F4" has generated a lot of buzz, but how well they will perform in the new season remains to be seen, and most commentators can only speculate.

When previewing the new season, many columnists thought of their old friend Mark Jackson, but instead of deliberately praising him, they simply commended the new Warriors' tactical choices.

The local fans went wild as soon as the article appeared!
Since trading away Monta Ellis last season, the Warriors have had a rough time. Stephen Curry suffered a recurrence of his ankle injury, and Andrew Bogut was sidelined for the rest of the season.

With two key players sidelined, securing the top draft pick is a natural next step, prompting some veteran fans to reminisce about the Warriors team that pulled off the upset. In comparison, the new core player, Curry, seems unreliable.

Fortunately, there was also good news during the offseason: Bogut confirmed he would attend the opening game, and Curry's ankle has become stronger.

With key players recovering from injuries, head coach Mark Jackson is also ready to make a big push. In an interview with Sports Center, he reiterated his coaching philosophy:
"The Warriors will play like the Knicks. Our tactics will be more three-point-oriented, and the team will attempt 30+ three-pointers next season!"

"Curry can play like Lee, I firmly believe that. Modern basketball is constantly evolving, and the Warriors' first task is to learn from him. I don't think that's something to be ashamed of."

"."

With the help of his former colleagues, Mark Jackson was not made to feel uncomfortable. In a great mood, he even introduced Alvin Gentry, a new member of the Warriors' coaching staff.

The intention behind recruiting the former Suns head coach is very clear: the Warriors want to "copy and paste," and Mark Jackson has no interest in "experimenting" like the Heat coaching staff.

After the morning program ended, many sports commentators began to question Mark Jackson's "shamelessness".

The Suns have tried to imitate this team for years but still failed. The Warriors, lacking an engine like Nash, have an even lower chance of success!
Perhaps unable to bear seeing a bottom-tier team gain attention, Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl made a sarcastic remark in an interview with the Denver Post, almost naming names:

"Imitators will never win!"

"I don't like the current league environment. Almost all teams are increasing the number of pick-and-rolls. If you watch the game on TV, it's just boring to see two teams using the same tactics to compete."

"We should rethink our current basketball system. When 30 teams all use almost the same tactics, it's a nightmare."

George Karl, as one of the few "veteran coaches" in active teams, is indeed qualified to call for "reflection." However, while he talks about reflection, most teams do not intend to "go back to the old ways."

After all, results determine everything in competitive sports. If the hype is good but the team ends up in last place, the team owner will likely fire the coach, even without fan opposition.
Perhaps it was Mark Jackson's "promotion" that worked, as more and more teams are mentioning increasing their three-point shooting output when discussing the new season.

This situation infuriated George Karl. How could imitation demonstrate his coaching ability? Frustrated, the veteran took to Twitter to lash out. His age and online presence amused many onlookers.

As the Warriors' new core player, Stephen Curry wanted to speak up for the coach, but after signing a four-year, $44 million rookie contract, Curry also had some self-doubt.

The medical team's assessment of his ankle remains pessimistic, and Curry has nothing to say about it, even though he feels his recovery is going quite well. During an interview with local media, he could only manage an awkward smile on his baby face.

"Learning from championship teams, the coach is right, I think I can perform better in the new system."

"As for my ankle, I believe God will be on my side. I have no playing time restrictions in the preseason games in October, and I want to see how far I can go."

"."

Accustomed to the "New York" style of news reporting, most reporters were immediately disappointed upon hearing Curry's humble answer. Looking at his still thin body, some reporters immediately lost interest.

Sensing the change in everyone's emotions, Curry also felt a bit frustrated. No matter how he answered, there was a problem. These media reporters didn't seem to care about the players' feelings at all.

As Curry's partner, Klay Thompson is also highly regarded by the coaching staff. Even if he can't reach Ray Allen's shooting level, it would be good if he could shoot like JR Smith with his "erratic" form.

When asked about the coaching staff's plans, a young and inexperienced Klay Thompson wasn't as humble as Curry. Seemingly bewildered by the reporters' seemingly pointless questions, he curled his lip and scoffed:

"Instead of learning from the Knicks, are we going to play the triangle offense?"

"Only idiots would stick to that boring tactic. We just need to shoot more three-pointers. I'm confident I can accomplish the task the coaching staff has given me!"

This answer made the surrounding reporters burst into laughter; this was the answer they wanted. Everyone knew that only the 76ers were still sticking to the triangle offense, and they already had their headlines ready for tomorrow:

"Klay Thompson insists that Kobe Bryant was an ignorant 'idiot'!"

-

On Thursday, September 20, Dwyane Wade, who was recovering from knee surgery, appeared in the training facility for the first time. Although he had not yet participated in contact training, his activity restrictions had been completely lifted.

After the Finals, Wade's reputation also rebounded in comparison to Westbrook. Analysts have reached a complete consensus that the Flash is the best perimeter player to defend Li You, bar none!

However, most of the invited sports reporters that afternoon were more concerned about the team's new additions. Compared to last season, the Heat are now "armed to the teeth".

Rashard Lewis demonstrated his excellent three-point shooting ability in training, and Elton Brand's good physical condition also impressed everyone.
The energetic Chris Anderson didn't look like a "drug addict" at all, while the low-key and composed Ramon Sessions also had a brilliant performance in the brief scrimmage.

Although some sports commentators insist that "you get what you pay for," most sports journalists felt that Pat Riley was "getting a lot for a little money" after watching the training session.
James led the bench unit to an easy victory over the starters, led by Bosh. Coach Spoelstra was very satisfied with the result. After a short rest following his return from the US team, the Chosen One is still in hot form!
While two Western Conference head coaches are feuding, Spoelstra seems unconcerned. When asked about his tactical system for the new season, the young coach maintained his previous stance:
"I'm not worried about the team's offense. I think after seeing LeBron's performance in the Eastern Conference Finals, no one will question my opinion anymore."

"The team will focus more on strengthening its defense in the new season. We need to find a balance between man-to-man marking and zone defense."

"."

Meanwhile, James, who had just finished a brief interview, once again showed concern for his good friend. Due to the previous surgeries involving advanced technology, Wade had to lose weight to reduce the burden on his knees after the surgery.

In just a few months, Wade lost a lot of weight, while James became even stronger and, at nearly 28 years old, reached his physical peak.

"How are you feeling, Bro?"

Hearing his good friend's question, Wade, covered in sweat, smiled. He had even given up going to London to watch the Olympics in order to get back in shape, so achieving his goal naturally put him in a great mood.

"Maybe I should have lost weight sooner. My knees seem to be back to what they were when I first entered the league, and it feels amazing!"

Wade, flexing his knee, raised an eyebrow with a confident expression. James, seeing that his friend was indeed recovering well, smiled and continued to inquire:

"Did Riley agree to reduce our practice sessions? You know, we can't afford to get injured like last season. Regular season results aren't that important." Thinking of Pat Riley's rejection of the proposal, Wade felt a little awkward and, unable to directly address the issue, could only smile and ask in return:
Don't you want to pursue the MVP award?

"I think it's only a matter of time before the trophy is awarded."

James chuckled and didn't press the matter further. He knew Pat Riley definitely hadn't agreed, otherwise his friend would have explained it directly.

When Bosh arrived and asked the same question with a smile, Wade could only helplessly explain, and soon the two started arguing. Seeing this, James quietly left.

He kept greeting his new teammates and maintained a confident demeanor. Although the Heat lost the Eastern Conference Finals, his reputation improved dramatically after his duel with Li You, and he has become known as the "second best".

Returning to the locker room first, James silently changed his gear. Thinking of his friend's physical condition and the basketball environment of the Heat, the "Chosen One" unconsciously recalled the advice his team had given him:

"Maybe I should plan ahead like Howard did."

With one more season until he can opt out of his contract, Wade is unaware that his good friend is already planning to leave. At this time, in order to appease the dissatisfied Bosh, he is still actively persuading Haslem.

As everyone returned to the locker room, Wade loudly encouraged them:

"Danger, family! I know there are some opinions about the training schedule, but believe me, things will improve after we complete a few joint training sessions."

"."

Lewis shrugged indifferently. He joined the Heat mainly because the environment in Miami was better. He was used to living in Florida and naturally didn't want to move.

Anderson and Sessions responded positively, as it's rare to be on a championship-contending team, and if they perform well, big contracts are just around the corner.

Juwan Howard, the last remaining veteran on the Heat, sighed inwardly at the sight. He only hoped that the team could win the championship, otherwise the "Big Three" would most likely break up in their fourth year together.

-

On Tuesday, September 25, the feud between George Karl and Mark Jackson escalated again, fueled by the media.

During a live broadcast of First Take on Monday, George Karl even openly mocked and ridiculed the Warriors' new core player, who was struggling with the team.

“Mark’s idea is good, but he has to face the facts. Stephen Curry can’t play like Lee. His fragile ankle is a ticking time bomb. I even doubt whether he can adapt to the physicality of the league!”

"."

After this move, the Nuggets did get attention, and commentators then discovered that Billups had announced his retirement, ending his professional career.

The new Nuggets team has no superstars. Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari, who have been promoted to the starting lineup, are players that are relatively familiar to the general public. George Karl is touting his own tactical system and even making sarcastic remarks about the former star players.
"Nobody on the team focuses on stats; the Nuggets only welcome players who are after winning."

James Harden was clearly mocking Carmelo Anthony, but unfortunately, the latter didn't bother with his former team.

This month, Jay-Z is having a concert at the Barclays Center, and the Carmelo Anthony family is busy with social activities, even putting basketball aside, and what George Karl says is even less important.

With the election approaching, New York is campaigning for Obama. As one of the leading figures in the Black community, Anthony has joined Jay-Z in speaking out, and Garnett has also actively responded.

Besides making roster cuts, Popovich has also been contributing to the election campaign for the Spurs, not only mailing televised debate recordings to his players but also campaigning for Obama in every interview.

At the end of the simple afternoon training session, Popovich was in high spirits. George Hill and Kawhi Leonard had visibly "evolved," and the Spurs were back on the right track.

After a scathing campaign speech, Popovich didn't hold back his praise when discussing the changes in young people:
"This offseason, we had Kawhi watch a lot of Michael Jordan's tapes. He has the potential to become a player as good as Michael Jordan!"

"Of course, what's more important for Kawhi in the new season is that he needs to make those three-pointers. In modern basketball, the court space has changed dramatically, and we won't stick to the old tactics."

"."

In the Spurs, Popovich is often more popular than the players, a sentiment George Hill can attest to after glancing at his senior teammate Duncan.

Unlike his teammates, Duncan, having finished his daily training, was sitting cross-legged under the basket, muttering to himself with his eyes closed.
When Diaw first joined the team, he was surprised, but after seeing it more often, the Frenchman got used to it and even felt sorry for him.
"This guy has really sacrificed too much for basketball."

Kawhi Leonard, on whom high hopes were placed, still maintained his expressionless demeanor, his cornrows clearly identifying him. San Antonio sports reporters, eager to stir things up, asked a few questions before abruptly changing the subject:
"Kawhi, have you been following the recent developments with the 76ers? Allen Iverson believes that Lee has been maliciously harming Philadelphia fans over the years. Do you support this view?"

Perhaps due to a lack of "pocket money," Allen Iverson recently began to "lament" about his hardships on an ESPN program. The once-popular Philadelphia native even blamed Li You when discussing the losing streak against New York.

As one of the few die-hard Iverson fans in the league, Wade declined to comment on the matter. After searching around, only Leonard, the rookie, still has a little bit of fame.

“I don’t know about these things, you know. Right now, I’m more focused on improving myself. The coach thinks we have a chance to make it to the finals.”

Leonard, with wide eyes, scratched his head and gave a simple, innocent answer, seemingly recalling his idol's tearful lament, before finally adding:
"In basketball, I support AI. He is a true fighter, and he shouldn't bear all the responsibility for Philadelphia's defeat."

"."

Gary Neal, who was passing by, shook his head slightly when he saw the young man being tricked into answering questions by the reporter. The Spurs' chemistry was indeed good, but thinking of Duncan's appearance, returning to the Finals might not be a good thing.

-

On Monday, October 1st, the NBA held its first media day of the new season. When sports reporters from New York arrived at the Tarrytown Training Center, they were somewhat surprised to see Baron Davis.

In order to reduce the luxury tax, the Knicks chose to waive James Harden, which Davis gladly accepted. After rejecting recruitment offers from several teams, he ultimately chose to stay with the Knicks.

The New York fan club is getting increasingly outrageous, and James Dolan really doesn't want to see his team get "challenged," so he has expanded the operations department. But whether it will be effective remains to be seen.

Everyone taking the official photos was all smiles. Ray Allen's physique was still in excellent shape, which made many staff members secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

With Li You absent, Kyrie Irving received a lot of attention. When asked about his previous "boxing match" with Kobe, the young man just laughed and didn't talk about it.

However, when asked about the neighboring team's record, Irving, who will receive a lot of playing time in the new season, didn't mince words and readily replied:
"With me around, Kobe has no chance, and the 76ers will never win in the future!"

"."

(End of this chapter)