NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 177 Conflicting ideas for team building (daily chapter)
On May 2000, 5, there was no game that day because the Knicks had already advanced.

The NBA also announced its best defensive lineup for the season at this time:
The five players on the defensive team are:

Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant;

The five players on the defensive second team are:

Shaquille O'Neal, Clifford Robinson, Scottie Pippen, Eddie Jones, Jason Kidd.

In the best defensive team, the Lakers and Suns each had two players selected, but the Knicks did not get a spot. The New York media was not happy about this again.

Although the Knicks' defensive influence has begun to decline this season, and in some games, the fast-rotating defense has disappeared, but overall, it is still considered to be at the upper-middle level in the league.

Looking at this list, the Los Angeles media can boast again:

"The strongest duo in the league!"

Kobe and O'Neal were selected to the All-Defensive Team, which can be regarded as clearing away the haze of last night's loss.

At 98:117, the Suns played their ultimate offense and finally won a game at home.

出场37分钟，13中8，三分线外6中4，罚球3中2，22分10篮板16助攻2抢断3失误，基德强势反弹，打出三双数据！

Compared with the Lakers' performance of 16 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, the Suns made 21 of 10 three-pointers in the game, which is considered a meal.

Facts have proved that the essence of a basketball game is to compare who is more accurate. The Lakers may have let loose, but they still lost because they couldn't make a shot.

Just like O'Neal's 12 of 4 free throws and a shooting percentage of only 33.3%, everyone wants to put the ball into the basket, but under high-pressure defense, accurate shooting is sometimes a talent.

No one cares if the Suns win. They are treated the same as the Jazz. Getting a victory is just to save some face.

Since the Heat also moved back to the first city, the time for the Eastern Conference Finals was moved back a bit, and the Knicks got nearly a week of rest.

At the No. 15 Tarrytown Training Center, James Dolan also appeared in front of many media during the afternoon public training session.

The Knicks' biggest goal this season is to complete three consecutive championships and reach the conference finals, which can be regarded as a small goal.

The management is not afraid of being slapped in the face at this time. Being able to enter the conference finals is already a great success!

Compared to Charles Sr., who rarely accepts media interviews, James Dolan talks more, but most of the time he expresses his views on his MSG and rarely accepts interviews from other media.

The public tactical training sessions were mostly about running routines, with Jeff Van Gundy silent while the assistant coaches greeted the players.

Wearing a black Knicks vest and dark blue sports pants, Li You is not "fully armed" for his daily training.

On-site media reporters can see Li You's muscular dimensions more clearly, and when he occasionally lifts his jersey, he can also see very obvious abdominal muscles.

Unlike Sports Illustrated, which allows in-depth interviews with Li You, many media outlets do not have such opportunities, and their cameras keep clicking.

In daily interviews, Li You always wears Under Armor's customized compression garments. He looks strong, but he still doesn't have the visual impact of wearing an upper body.

In training sessions, there will also be some things that cannot be seen in the game. In individual rounds, Li You will also show off his back-up skills.

In the last round, Larry Johnson shot a three-pointer from the left wing after being picked and rolled by Li You. After scoring the response, "Auntie" defended the low post again.

In the left blocking area, Li You turned his back to catch the ball and then hit it hard, but failed to disturb Larry Johnson. In the end, he could only lean forward and shake, then suddenly turned toward the baseline.

Li You's movements were cool, but he didn't completely shake off the defense. He shot a fadeaway jumper and finally hit the ball.

"Oh!"

After the defense was successful, Larry Johnson screamed with excitement. As most teams in the league are familiar with, Li You is not very good at post-up singles.

Although he is currently regarded as a pure heavy defender, Li You did not have such a body in the past. He could bully a small man without any problem, but when he encountered a muscular player like "Auntie", he was a little unable to play.
In daily training, in addition to Artest as a sparring partner, Larry Johnson is mostly responsible for defending Li You in some low-post attacks.

The height difference between the two is not big, so the matchup is suitable. A defender like Chris Childs is not good enough, he is easy to be beaten, and the effect is average.

The game was lively on the court, and assistant coach Thibodeau would pause from time to time to give instructions to the newbie Artest.

On the sidelines, James Dolan was wearing black casual clothes, smiling and joking with media reporters.

Seeing Ewing take a rest, a reporter from Yahoo Sports asked another question about the tour:

"Pat is in great shape right now. Next year is the last year of his contract. Don't the Knicks plan to sign him to another contract after the tour?"

Agent David Falk has already communicated this issue with the team. When asked about it, James Dolan also smiled and replied:
"No, no, no, as long as Pat wants to continue playing, the Knicks will always welcome him! He has spent his career in New York, and the team is his second home."

"The tour is also fun, I think the fans will love it, but of course, we are still missing a championship!"

Not much information could be obtained, and soon an ESPN reporter on the side also asked:

"After Pat leaves the team, the Knicks will gain huge salary space. What are the team's plans for this?"

As if he was already prepared for this question, James Dolan laughed again, looked at the Knicks people gathered in a circle on the court, and said in a brisk tone:
"I will create a "show time" era for the Knicks. Lee has excellent offensive talent, just like Magic Johnson. He can make the team play a gorgeous offense!"

"The team will build a suitable system around Lee, and at the same time, we will also recruit superstars suitable for him for the team."

"In the future, at Madison Square Garden, fans can enjoy the most enjoyable basketball game on the planet!"

"."

General Manager Glenfield watched the curly boss talk and sighed secretly.

This guy seems to have been fooled by the New York media’s “Show Time”!

The Knicks are not currently playing so-called beautiful basketball. They advocate athletic ability, pursue physical confrontation, and iron-blooded defense have been the team culture for so many years.

In the NBA lottery ceremony not long ago, the Bulls won the No. 4 pick. Chicago fans breathed a sigh of relief, and general manager Krause also felt comfortable.

The Bulls' first-round pick from the Knicks was extended to next year.

With a record of 17 wins this season, no one believes that the Bulls can turn around after adding potential rookies.

Therefore, in 2001, the Knicks are very likely to receive a first-round pick in the top 10 picks.

By then, Ewing had left the team, and how to build a team around core players became a question before the management and coaching staff.

However, the situation of the Knicks is complicated. James Dolan, who has not intervened in team affairs in order to win three consecutive championships, seems to have to participate in team construction.
After the training session, many staff members had to continue filming, and media reporters also rushed to interview the players.

Jeff Van Gundy, who had been rarely speaking, was relieved at this time. It was indeed tiring to pose in front of the camera.
General manager Glenfield came next to the bald young coach. At this time, there were no media reporters around the two of them. James Dolan was inviting some well-known reporters to have dinner together in the evening.

Jeff Van Gundy knew what the other party wanted to ask, frowned and said:
"Mr. Charles never interfered in team affairs and only intervened to appease Pat when he wanted to leave the team."

"Professional things should be left to professionals. I don't like the so-called "show time". That is not what a championship team should pursue."

The bald young coach has more confidence after winning the championship. All famous coaches have to have a temper, and Jeff Van Gundy will also express his views in front of the management.

The "Show Time" created by Pat Riley won the championship, Grunfield understood Jeff Van Gundy, and the championship coach should have more of his own.

It's just that as a professional manager, Grunfield will not evaluate the boss at will.

Seeing Li You and Larry Johnson talking and laughing while exchanging skills, Grunfield whispered helplessly:

"Lee is very good. In Pat's system, he has raised the team's upper limit while maintaining the lower limit. What kind of partner is he most suitable for?"

Hearing this, Jeff Van Gundy frowned again, and then said confidently:

"The current system is the most suitable for Li. The team will make up for the defensive disadvantages of some defenders. On the offensive end, we also have a lineup that can open up space!"

"Be patient. It won't take a few years for these players to realize their talents. Maybe they are not superstars, but they are definitely championship puzzle pieces."

"."

On May 5, the NBA announced its best lineup for this season, and the New York media can follow suit.

The five members of the first team are:

Li You, Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal;
The five members of the second team are:

Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Grant Hill, Karl Malone, Alonzo Mourning; the five members of the third team are:

Allen Iverson, Eddie Jones, Vince Carter, Chris Webber, David Robinson.

Li You has been selected to the best team for three consecutive seasons, which has widened the gap with Ewing's first team.

Alan Houston was not selected, but New York fans were a little disappointed. The guard was a little bit curled up.
After leaving the Lakers and joining the Hornets, Eddie Jones had a perfect season.

Although his performance in the playoffs was average, winning the steals title and being selected for the All-NBA Team was considered the peak of his career.

This season, Kobe was selected to both the All-Defensive Team and the All-NBA Team, and ball commentators finally began to discuss the younger brother next to O'Neal.

After three years of hard work, Kobe has finally adapted to the Sharks.
The New York media didn't care about Kobe's achievements and continued to stay at the training center.

After the morning training session, a large number of media gathered next to Li You to send blessings and flattery:
"Selected to the All-NBA First Team for three consecutive years. If we rearrange the 96 draft, Lee will definitely be the No. [-] pick!"

"With talent and hard work, Lee should achieve this."

"."

Li You felt comfortable being photographed, while Ewing felt a little sad when he thought of his best lineup.

The season is coming to an end, and Oakley also has some thoughts at this time. If possible, he wants to stay in New York.

It's good to be an atmosphere team. Seeing that his old friend was not in a good mood today, after returning to the locker room, Oakley comforted him:
"Times have changed. In our time, it was not an easy thing for a big man to be selected for the best team."

After adjusting his mentality, Ewing no longer struggled with the issue of honor, and soon comforted Alan Houston:
"I no longer care about these selections. It's a pity that Allan was selected as an All-Star this year but failed to enter the best team."

"The regular season performance was not bad, and we even reached the conference finals in the playoffs!"

The main reason why he was not selected to the All-NBA team is because his statistics are not that good. Alan Houston is about to enter his contract year. He has won a championship and wants to pursue a big contract:

"It's good to be selected for the All-Stars. There are only 6 spots for guards. It's not a surprise not to be included in the best team this year."

Larry Johnson was not convinced by the selection results, so he added a few sour words:

"Backed by a big city, Kobe Bryant would not have achieved the results he has achieved now if he had been with the Hornets."

The Los Angeles media has been exaggerating so much this season that it reminded "Auntie" of her highlight moments with the Hornets, and she started "If" again.

When Li You returned to the locker room, several veterans had already begun to discuss what they would have achieved without McDunner.
Artest couldn't get in the conversation, Kuchi was not interested in the topic, but Lewis listened with interest.

As a pioneer in the fight against Joe, Ewing tells some insider stories, which is indeed fascinating.

After looking around, Li You didn't see Ben Wallace. He saw a few people still blowing hard, so he returned to his seat and asked in a low voice:

"Why didn't you see Ben? He disappeared after the video class?"

"The training sessions have been relatively relaxed these days, and he went to lift weights again."

Artest pouted, feeling a little unhappy with this undrafted guy who often made him carry his bag.

Li You sighed helplessly when he heard that instead of practicing more free throws, he would continue to practice strength.

Most players still like to stay in their comfort zone and usually don't have much enthusiasm for training without positive feedback.

Lewis didn't think there was anything wrong with Ben Wallace lifting the iron every day. "Little Ben" had grown visibly stronger, which made him envious.

Seeing Li You's muscles again, Lewis couldn't hold back this time and asked in a low voice:

"Li, can you share your secret to getting stronger? Your weight gain has not slowed down, and your jumping and explosive power are even better!"

Noticing the winking expression on Lewis's face, Li You knew that the other person thought he was taking technology and taking drugs.
Drug issues are no secret in the NBA, and most players choose to take supplements. However, everyone’s body is different, and the choice of drugs will also be different.

Regarding common drugs, players will also share their experiences in private. Taking drugs is no different from Qiayezi.

Li You patted his thick chest muscles, raised his eyebrows and said simply:
"Maybe it's just talent, I'm already controlling my weight!"

No one usually believes the truth. Seeing Lewis' disbelieving eyes, Li You shrugged his shoulders.

His explosive power is indeed better. As for the seemingly increased bounce, it is also related to the fact that [Anfernee Hardaway's excellent bullet speed] has been completely digested.

With the blessing of two and two, Li You only felt that his first step was faster.

As they prepare for the Eastern Conference Finals, no one in the Knicks is under too much pressure. No one in the locker room has mentioned their opponents in the past few days. They spend most of their time chatting and spanking.

During the afternoon training session, James Dolan came to express condolences to everyone and drew a "Show time" pie in front of the media.

Jeff Van Gundy, who was posing, frowned secretly when he heard some scattered words.

In his opinion, the team only needs to properly add a big man with excellent interior defense, and the gorgeous offense should not happen to the Knicks.

On the evening of the 16th, the two teams in the Western Conference Finals were officially announced.

65:87, after returning home, the Lakers ended the suspense at half-time.

The Suns scored 14 points in the first quarter, but only scored 2 points in the second quarter.

At 23:49 of the half, the huge score difference made the audience at Staples Center excited.

Anfernee Hardaway and Kidd slumped at the same time, and role players followed suit.

The Suns made 80 of 23 in the game, shooting less than [-]% from the field.

Suddenly it turned into a brutal game. The Lakers grabbed 59 rebounds in total, including 21 offensive rebounds.

奥尼尔仅仅出场33分钟，19中7，砍下15分21篮板3助攻3盖帽3失误的数据。

Once again demonstrating his dominance, Shark became the hot topic of discussion among football commentators that night.

79:81, the Trail Blazers, who also returned home, did not give the Jazz any chance.

斯科蒂-皮蓬拿到23分9篮板8助攻3抢断1盖帽3失误的准三双数据。

Falling in the Western Conference semifinals, Karl Malone's championship dream was shattered again.

On May 5, the Pacers finally ended the Heat. After being pulled back by their opponents for two consecutive games, they did not give the opponent any more opportunities.

104:82, a big score of 4:2, the Pacers once again reached the Eastern Conference finals.

The Pacers only have more than one day to rest. On the evening of the 21st, the Eastern Conference Finals will officially begin.

The schedule is not friendly to the Pacers. In the Eastern Conference Finals, they have to fly to New York and play two more away games.

On the night of the 20th, the Western Conference Finals, which started first, attracted the attention of a large number of fans.

Perhaps other teams in the league have noticed that the two teams in the Western Conference Finals have the top three salaries in the league, but for fans, what everyone is paying attention to is the stars.

The battle of "money power" has been followed by a large number of sports media since the beginning of the season.

That night's game was beyond everyone's expectations. The Lakers defeated their opponents in the second quarter!
After a wave of 16:37 in a single quarter, the game basically lost its suspense.

奥尼尔再次打出离谱数据，在出场47分钟的情况下，25中14，罚球27中13，爆砍41分11篮板7助攻5盖帽。

Taking up a lot of shots, O'Neal didn't make a single mistake in this game.

Poor old Sabonis was absolutely blown away.

After reaching the Western Conference Finals, no one questioned O'Neal's physical problems anymore. With his huge body and delicate hands, he could still play for 48 minutes!

The title of "Superman" has become extremely appropriate this season.

After the game, Lakers fans were still celebrating happily. The cautious O'Neal shook his head and shouted when he walked to the tunnel:
"I am the real MVP!"

"."

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(End of this chapter)