The best teammates in the NBA

Chapter 470 Farewell to the Alliance (7400 word chapter)
On June 6, the 21 NBA Draft was held at the Barclays Center Arena in New York.

The Suns won the No. [-] pick for the first time in team history. After a few years of poor performance, although Devin Booker showed his scoring talent, his team performance was very poor.

Fortunately, Amerika's sports media will not be too demanding on the new players, and everyone's unanimous evaluation is "the future is promising."

Li Ze took most of the heat from this year's draft. The media in New York reported the relevant news intensively in the past two days. The photos of Chapman and Prokhorov having a happy conversation in the restaurant sparked heated discussions again.

It wasn't until this moment that the melon eaters were sure that the Nets were really about to change, and that Li Ze was about to leave the NBA with a high probability.

The media who pay attention to Big Machine Records know that regardless of whether the physical record industry is booming or not, it has always been profitable.

The Forbes female singer income list also illustrates some situations. When Taylor's income is doubled, the profit of the record company behind it is only a lot more.

What's even more outrageous is that, apart from cooperating with well-known musicians, most of the works are self-produced and sold. As an independent record company, such an achievement can only show that the creators behind it are really talented.
In addition to record streaming revenue, Keds' market is also steadily expanding. After Adidas resigned to no longer fight patent lawsuits, relying on the Asia-Pacific market, the profit margin has increased a little in recent years.

After taking most of Under Armor's market, Keds has squeezed to the head. Although Nike and Adidas still carve up most of the market above, Keds is also doing well in terms of profitability.

Coupled with SkinMedica, which occupies nearly one-third of the cosmeceutical market, it has naturally accumulated a lot of money over the years.

Investments in the Internet can be earned and lost, and investment in movies can be regarded as pocket money, while the investment in BodyArmor back then was blood money!
Coca-Cola intends to acquire this sports brand. Li Ze owns 35% of the shares, and the expected harvest must be over [-] million.

Under the popular science of the New York media, the people who eat melons discovered that the evaluation of Sports Illustrated was very appropriate "not only basketball", and Li Ze's influence has unknowingly expanded to many industries.

On the morning of the 21st, the melon-eating crowd who bought tickets to the Barclays Arena to watch the draft, besides booing President Adam Silva, were also curious about what the Suns would choose with the first pick.

Contrary to everyone's expectations, the popular Luka Doncic was not elected as the No. [-] pick, and Deandre Ayton was selected by the Suns.

The tough-looking big man was naturally very happy after being elected as the No. [-] pick. After putting on his hat and taking the stage, his smile never stopped.

The Kings did not choose Doncic either, Marvin Bagley III became the second pick, and in the end the Eagles chose the European talent.

Of course, the current draft situation can't be counted, and the Dallas Mavericks trade up.

After picking Trey Young at No. 5, he immediately added a protected first-round pick in 2019, Doncic from the Eagles.

Trey Young will go to Atlanta, Doncic will switch to Dallas, everyone is happy, everyone has a bright future!
The Clippers hold the Rockets' first-round pick, but it's a pity that the Rockets won 65 games, and in the end they only selected Jalen Brunson with the 29th overall pick.

The addition of a point guard also seems to indicate that Li Ze will leave the NBA next season.

Trey Young seemed very confident after the draft. Although he was traded, when facing the interview, he accepted the result frankly:

"I swear, the Hawks won't regret making such a choice. I think I'm the strongest player in this draft."

"You know, I've always been a big fan of that Thunder team. I like the style of play of Kayce, KD and Russell."

"In the new season, the Eagles will replicate the experience of the Thunder, and I will lead the team to the championship!"

In contrast, Doncic, who is very hip in English, looked very shy in an interview.

Fortunately, the young man is handsome enough, and most of the sports media also took the initiative to help him find a topic:

"Before landing in the NBA, which player did you pay the most attention to?"

Dongcic understood the general idea, and then replied with a smile:
"I like Kayce, I have been paying attention to him, in Spain, we communicated, his Spanish is very good, uh, I want to play like him, hope to win a championship in Dallas!"

The stumbling answer also made the sports media at the scene understand the general idea.

Unlike the previous rookies, the newcomers in recent years prefer Li Ze's experience. He won the championship in his rookie season, and then crushed the old guy all the way.

It is not surprising that Trey Young and Doncic are big fans of Li Ze in the backcourt. Most future backcourt players will regard Li Ze as a role model.

The old guy in 03 is no longer good, and currently only LeBron James is still fighting for the championship.

The 09 class is at its peak, and it is not an easy task for these newcomers to challenge.

On the morning of the 22nd, the Clippers held this year's championship parade celebration, and the Inglewood municipality also fully cooperated. The fans in Los Angeles naturally participated enthusiastically. Today, everyone is fishing openly.

Li Ze was sitting on the front bus wearing a championship T-shirt. He did not directly announce his departure. After all, besides the Clippers' celebration, he was also required to attend the NBA's celebration.

Most of the fans are very happy, 6 consecutive championships, the undisputed dynasty team!

Even in another ten years, it will be difficult for other teams to achieve this achievement.

The feeling of witnessing history is very wonderful. Li Ze feels that until now, the Clippers have completely completed their transformation. In Los Angeles, they have successfully captured a part of the market.

Eric Gordon also enjoyed such a moment, and the cheers of the fans made him a little ecstatic.

Although there is a high probability that he will not get the best sixth man this year, Gordon is also satisfied with the championship in hand.

"Kayce, can we win another championship next year? You really should keep playing."

Gordon also wants to have a three-peat individual championship, but he lost his thigh and always feels that this matter is unstable. After all, the Western Conference is quite turbulent, and neither the Rockets nor the Warriors are easy opponents to deal with.

"I have some confidence in myself. As long as the regular season record is not bad, there is still a high probability that I can continue to win the championship."

Li Ze patted Gordon on the shoulder and responded with a smile. Paul George felt that his chance had come. Although being a passenger was good, he also wanted to be a bus driver:

"That's right, we are the defending champions, and we will naturally continue to win the championship next season. As long as we can reach the finals, I believe no one in the Eastern Conference is our opponent!"

Jokic didn't care about these issues, and still smiled and waved to the fans below. As for Harris, the contract year is coming soon, and what he wants to pursue is a big contract.

This year's championship parade is also a great encouragement for the city of Inglewood. The community and the team are more closely integrated, which has also turned many local fans into iron fans.

Unlike previous parades, this year the Clippers have added a lot of interactive sessions, and season ticket holders can get priority to get signed jerseys and other gifts.

If you want to run a team, in addition to broadcast contracts and ticket sales, the most critical thing is the surrounding market.

Li Ze stayed in the Clippers for 6 years, personally experienced the process of growing from scratch, and the team's operation links were completely open to him, which is also a valuable experience for him.

At the end of the parade, Steve Ballmer even made a promise that next season, the team's season ticket holders will enjoy more rights.

The old man's words are naturally very convincing. The price of peripheral products of the Clippers this season is not expensive, which is definitely good for fans who want to buy season tickets!

Until the end of the parade, there were still many fans shouting "Stay" loudly. For Clippers fans, owning Li Ze is equivalent to owning a championship.

The fans just want to see the home team win all the time, and everyone enjoys the game of abuse!

There was a celebration dinner in the evening, so when he returned to his home in Beverly Hills in the afternoon, Li Ze had to wake up Lily Collins who was still on the lazy bed.

Annie clocks in to work every day, while this one is an unemployed vagrant who spends most of his time at celebrity gatherings in Beverly Hills.

Although the dog-blooded reality show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" is a bit exaggerated, but living here, you really need to manage a good relationship.

Lily, who was disheveled and wearing a large T-shirt, didn't change much in appearance, but saw Li Ze fall aside like a salted fish after returning home, and immediately said angrily:

"Come and help me choose a dress, I wore a dress repeatedly last time, and I was laughed at by those bitches for a week!"

Li Ze hooked his fingers, and Lily finally came here and hammered twice, then arched twice in her arms, and whispered in her ear:

"How about we go back to England for a few months? Phil would love to do that!"

Li Ze looked a little weird, the old man broke up with his girlfriend again, and now that he is getting older, there is a high probability that there is no Twilight Love this time.
"You want to come back here after two months, wouldn't it be good to let Phil come to Los Angeles?"

Thinking of her own absurd life, Lily felt that her father knew the truth, and there was a high probability that she would be hospitalized immediately because of anger. She straddled Li Ze and whispered in her ear.

After agreeing to several unequal terms and unlocking more poses, Li Ze stood up with a smile on his face:
"Get over the evening party first, that old guy Butz is still thinking about letting me invest in a hotel, but these few years have not been a very good time."

"."

Winning the championship for the first time after moving, Steve Ballmer held a grand charity dinner that night, and local celebrities in Los Angeles were naturally invited.

Although the Lakers are the Clippers' crosstown rivals, Jenny Buss and Magic Johnson also attended the dinner.

This kind of party is actually very common in Los Angeles, but at this time, Jenny Buss, who was wearing a red evening dress, just happened to be a lemon.

With a smile on her face, Jenny Buss turned her head and whispered to Magic Johnson beside her:
"They really did it! Unbelievable, next season we'll have to figure it out, this year we've had a terrible season ticket sales."

As the general manager of the team, Magic Johnson actually doesn't like this random intervention.

Especially those damn girlfriends on the other side will always put forward some outrageous layman's opinions
Magician Johnson was dressed in black formal attire, and he also showed a signature smile at this time. While everyone was focusing on Li Ze who was present, he immediately responded in a low voice:

"What we need is time! Every team has a down period. Be patient and wait for the team to realize its talent. I have recruited a real superstar."

In public, Jenny Buss doesn’t talk much anymore, she just doesn’t want to see the Clippers turn around. Although the market in Los Angeles is huge, but the Clippers eat meat, they can only follow the soup
After Li Ze and Lily arrived, the dinner officially began. While everyone was chatting, Magic Johnson came to Li Ze with champagne.

Patting Lily's waist, the latter gave Li Ze a slight twist, and then smiled and talked with Jenny Buss on the other side.

"Kayce, do you really want to choose to leave the league? If I return to 28 years old, I will play for another 10 years!"

Magic Johnson teased Li Ze's choice in an exaggerated tone.

For his own choice, Li Ze has a good idea, he will not make another return of the king like Michael Jordan.
"Eight championships are enough. Most importantly, I don't think I have any opponents."

"The whistleblowing and rules of the league are more and more favorable to outside players, but this has not narrowed the gap in strength between the stars, but has affected the rhythm of the game."

"Choosing to leave the league during this period is the best choice for me. Always give young people some opportunities!"

Hearing Li Ze's words, Magic Johnson laughed, and then made an expression that you were right. After the two clinked glasses, they drank the champagne in one gulp.

"LeBron wants to join the Lakers. I think this may change some situations. I have fulfilled my original promise."

Magic Johnson is still somewhat complacent. After a simple phone conversation, the second player in the league agreed immediately.
For James's choice, Li Ze had expected that most players don't like to play in Cleveland, but Los Angeles is a paradise for stars.

"Maybe you still need to trade for a space-type big man. With the current lineup, it is difficult for the Lakers to make a difference in the playoffs."

There was a hint of ridicule in Li Ze's voice, and Magic Johnson shook his head with a smile. This is an indisputable fact.

After all, James is not Li Ze. He has higher demands on his teammates. It can be expected that the Lakers' lineup will definitely make major changes.

6月25日，2018年NBA颁奖典礼在当晚17点30分正式开始。

This year the league will present the awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.

This grand banquet venue on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica has hosted many significant events and celebrations.

The alliance chose such a high-profile venue, naturally hoping to raise the standards of the awards ceremony.

The Oscars in the basketball world are a bit exaggerated. The league hopes that the influence of the awards ceremony can be comparable to that of ESPY, but such expectations are difficult to realize. After all, the NBA is just a basketball league.

Compared with Li Ze who usually wears formal clothes when attending events, Guigui completely let himself go tonight.

An orange coat, green speckled trousers with a large crotch, and a black headband, the whole person looks very fashionable
Having fully recovered from the loss in the playoffs, Guigui immediately stepped forward to hug Li Ze who was wearing a gray plaid formal suit:

"I was expecting us to join forces again."

Just halfway through the conversation, Nina beside her immediately gave Guigui a blank look. After hugging and greeting Li Ze, she immediately said:

"I support your choice. This is a good thing for the family. It is the most important thing to have more time to grow up with your children."

It is sometimes difficult for NBA players to take care of their families. Many times they have to fly around, play away games consecutively, and even be unable to return home for half a month.

Since giving birth, Nina often complained about the schedule, and Guigui could only shrug her shoulders helplessly.

Li Ze patted the strangely dressed turtle in front of him, laughed and teased the two of them:
"When is it time to consider having another child? It is actually a better choice for two children to accompany each other."

"."

Before entering the arena, Li Ze and his friends gathered together, but he just walked around, but he didn't see Durant.

Since losing the Western Conference Finals, Durant has been completely autistic, stopped speaking on social media, and did not attend tonight's awards ceremony.

On the Warriors side, only Clay and Green came to the scene on behalf of the team, while there was no Cavaliers player at all.
Once again, the bearded player in a leopard-print suit appeared very low-key when he came to the scene, and immediately moved to Li Ze's side:

"It seems that many people will not be present at this year's award ceremony. Perhaps the league should consider resuming the previous award presentation time."

"At this juncture, the losing team is not in the mood to participate in such an event."

What the bearded golfer said made Li Ze nod subconsciously. It is understandable that he lost to MMP and was not in the mood to participate in the awards ceremony.

Only Harden, Louis Williams and the atmosphere team came from the Rockets. Seven people were present, which is already a great face for the league.

After the Clippers arrived, Li Zecai and his teammates entered the banquet hall.

Well-known comedian Anthony Anderson is tonight's host, and after the opening, he just took a look, and then immediately shouted:

"Where is James?"

There was a burst of laughter immediately at the scene. Everyone knows that LeBron James failed to attend the awards ceremony.

"I just want to pay tribute to LeBron, losing nine consecutive finals, if it were me, maybe I would have given up chasing the championship long ago."

Anthony Anderson finished speaking with a serious expression, and then immediately teased Li Ze again:

"But there is great news for LeBron James, Kayce may be leaving basketball!"

"That's what my friends in New York told me, and if it's true, I'm happy for LeBron, dawn!"

"Of course I understand Kayce, no matter whether the news is true or not, he has no opponent at present, 100% sir, God! The finals stunned me!"

"However, the vision of talented players is not very good. Michael Jordan lacks talent in running the team. As for Kayce, maybe he will also feel the feeling of failure."

After saying this with a smile, Anthony Anderson suddenly raised his volume and shouted:
"Where is KD?"

Durant also didn't come to the scene, and the laughter sounded again. In Amerika, everyone always likes to tease the loser.
The best defensive lineup of the 17-18 season was first announced. With the wonderful defensive clips played on the spot, the list of the best defensive lineup was released:
The five best defensive team players are:

Jrue Holiday, Li Ze, Robert Covington, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert.

The five best defensive second team players are:

Victor Oladipo, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Joel Embiid;
This result has long been expected, after all, most of the media who voted are big mouths
Afterwards, the wonderful offensive clips of star players were played again on the spot, and the controversial best lineup was officially released:

The top 5 players are:

Li Ze, James Harden, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis;
The five best second team players are:
Damian Lillard, DeMar DeRozan, Paul George, LaMarcus Aldridge, Nikola Jokic;
The five players in the best three teams are:

Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, Jimmy Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid.

Stephen Curry didn't get any honors, and there were naturally some discussions at the scene.

Draymond Green, who was dressed in formal attire, looked ugly. He didn't expect that these sports media were really merciless. In the selection of the best team, only Durant was retained.

Perhaps it was the consequences of the stepping behavior that year. After the Warriors failed, there were more and more voices of ridicule.
The on-site director frequently pointed the camera at Green. The Warriors declined too quickly. More importantly, even if Durant was added, the record did not change much.

There was not much controversy about the subsequent awards. Ben Simmons beat Mitchell to win the best rookie;

The Most Improved Player Award went to Victor Oladipo;

Defensive Player of the Year went to Rudy Gobert;
Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams;

Best Coach: De Nagro;

Head coach De Nagro, who took the stage to accept the award, smiled and showed the appearance of a champion coach.

The head coach Casey in the audience was relieved. This award was almost awarded to him, but at this time the Raptors had parted ways with him.

The Raptors scored the best record in team history with 59 wins in the regular season, ranking first in the Eastern Conference.

Under the coaching of Casey, the Raptors not only rank in the top five in the league in offensive efficiency, but also in the top five in defensive efficiency.

It's just that after being swept by the Cavaliers in the playoffs, the team's management can't bear such a result, and the head coach can only take the blame.

The guest of honor for the best coach of the year is WNBA player Candice Parker, who has always shown a respectful demeanor, and it is her honor to present the award to the head coach of the 6 consecutive championships.

The on-site director began to point the camera at the head coach Casey again, and the language of the camera was self-evident.

Many people feel a little embarrassed. This is the NBA, and it is often result-oriented.

If the Raptors continue to make great strides in the playoffs, then Coach Casey will become famous and may even win an award, but the reality is extremely cruel.
Before the various small awards were presented, President Adam Silva came to the stage with a smile.

On the big screen at the scene, the wonderful performances of the three MVP candidates also began to be played.

At the last moment, the top three MVP candidates were Li Ze, Anthony Davis, and James Harden.

The wonderful collection also made the melon-eating crowd cheer along
"Here, I am honored to announce that the winner of the Most Valuable Player Award in the regular season of the 17-18 season is Kayce-Li. It is the sixth time in his career that he has won the award. It is a great achievement!"

President Adam Silva announced the result with a smile, and Li Ze also stood up at this time, first hugged and greeted the surrounding Clippers teammates, and then walked to the podium with a smile.

After receiving the trophy from the Little Bronze Man, Li Ze straightened the microphone and gave a simple speech:

"It is a great honor to receive this award again. In my opinion, this is also an affirmation of the Clippers' record in the regular season!"

"78 wins, we have made great efforts for this, thanks again to my teammates, thanks to the team staff, thanks to the fans who have always supported the Clippers!"

"."

The bearded players in the audience felt a little disappointed, but whether it was basic statistics or team record, he was behind Li Ze in all aspects, and he could only happily accept such a result.

When the awards ceremony entered the second half, most of the rest were small awards.

Afterwards, many sports media's thoughts have already flown to the press conference after the awards ceremony. Li Ze and President Adam Silva will attend. Obviously, something big has happened.

The ceremony was drawing to a close when Oscar Robertson received this year's Lifetime Achievement Award.

The time has just come to 20:30. At this time, many sports media can't sit still, and everyone is waiting for Li Ze's official announcement.

After the awards ceremony officially ended, when the time was close to 21:[-], Li Ze and President Adam Silva walked towards the press conference hall talking and laughing.

As soon as the two sat down, the sports media at the scene snapped their cameras. They might witness history again tonight!

Li Ze's gray plaid suit tonight is not formal at the moment, or in other words, it makes him look younger.

Holding the microphone in front of him, Li Ze didn't hesitate, and immediately said with a smile:

"Thank you for coming to my press conference despite your busy schedule, and thank you for supporting me over the years!"

"After entering the league in 09, I never thought about leaving the league, but after winning the championship this year, I think it's time."

"I'm still passionate about basketball, but on the court, my desire to win has gradually diminished, so instead of continuing to struggle, it's better to say goodbye to the league."

"I don't need to prove anything anymore. What I have achieved so far has far exceeded my expectations. Therefore, when I am about to turn 28 years old, I choose to leave the league and start a new life!"

Although everyone was mentally prepared, when they really heard such news from Li Ze, the media at the scene were still blown away.

Especially when they heard that they were about to turn 28, everyone felt it was a pity. This was just at their peak!
President Adam Silva also returned to a serious look at this time, and immediately added after Li Ze finished speaking:
"The NBA respects players' choices, but this is a big blow to us."

"Kayce has won 8 championships, 8 times as the Finals MVP, and 6 regular season MVPs!"

"Among current players, this is indeed an unattainable record. Tonight, the league lost a superstar!"

"Of course, we welcome Kayce back at any time, and hope that the future life will be all the best!"

Clean and tidy, without sensationalism, without arrogant declarations, Li Ze just stated the facts, and the addition of President Adam Silva also made everyone realize that Li Ze's achievements have indeed gone to heaven
The press officer at the scene saw Li Ze indicating that he was free to ask questions, and immediately called an ESPN reporter.

"Kayce, why don't you play another season? I think the fans want to see your retirement tour!"

Hearing such a question, Li Ze immediately replied with a smile:
"I just left the league and didn't play here. As for the retirement tour, God! I'm really not yet 28 years old. Let's leave this performance opportunity to those veterans who deserve respect!"

Some sports media still can't accept Li Ze's departure, he is too young!
The noise at the scene gradually increased, but Li Ze, leaning on his chin, began to look forward to his new life:
"Set a small goal first, and within a few years, strive for the Nets to win a championship."

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(End of this chapter)