NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 304 The Taste of Power (Daily Chapter)

On the morning of July 2003, 7, a four-party transaction caught the attention of football commentators!

The Hawks traded Glenn Robinson and a 2006 second-round draft pick to the 76ers;

The Timberwolves traded Terrell Brandon to the Hawks and Mark Jackson to the 76ers;

The Bulls sent Sprewell to the Timberwolves;

The 76ers sent Randy Holcomb and a protected 2007 first-round pick to the Hawks and Keith Van Horn to the Bulls.

The championship guard was tragically traded. Originally, the Bulls had just signed two veterans, Pippen and Oakley. Sprewell was in a good mood and planned to continue fishing in the new season!

As a result, he was kicked from Chicago to Minnesota by the Bulls just a few days after he was happy.

Under such circumstances, Sprewell was naturally in a bad mood. After the transaction, he suppressed his discomfort and responded casually:

"The Bulls rose immediately, and I accompanied the team through the downturn, but they chose to trade me!"

"I don't want to say too much. I will bring my championship experience to the Timberwolves. Garnett is a good brother and I can teach him how to win the championship!"

The "madman" figure is not out of shape. Compared with some stars who become fat at the end of their careers, Sprewell is still more dedicated. At least he maintains the figure of an athlete.

But saying these words made it difficult for Garnett to respond. The Timberwolves are his team!

There was no need to wait for Garnett to express his position. The public was attracted by the remarks of Seattle's Ray Allen.

Every offseason, Ray Allen would make a training plan for himself. As an upright star, he almost laughed out loud after seeing Payton abandon Milwaukee.

In this interview with the Seattle Times, Ray Allen naturally brought up old scores:

"I've said it all, Gary Payton is not the answer for Milwaukee!"

"Head coach George Karl made a stupid decision! He can't win the championship, he will only suppress the talent of the players, and he still misses the finals that year!"

"But times have changed and no one wants to pay for his old-fashioned tactical ideas."

"Joining the Lakers is not a good choice. Basketball is not about stacking star players, and Gary Payton will not succeed either."

But when asked whether the Sonics could reach the finals, the upright Ray Allen was a little out of power and could only answer in a muffled voice:

"The Sonics are very talented, but I have only been with the team for half a season and we still need time to get the lineup together."

Sprewell, who was about to report to Minnesota, clamored to teach Garnett to win the championship;

Ray Allen, who is still in Seattle, continuously outputs the Bucks, George Karl, and Gary Payton.

The public's attention gradually shifted away from the Eagle County incident. Gary Payton, who had already arrived in Los Angeles, was not a fuel saver. He followed up with his statement in an interview:

"I don't care about the complaints of minor characters. I love the Sonics, but unfortunately, Ray Allen is not a qualified leader."

"He plays too softly. I don't mind teaching him a lesson in the new season. A player who has never played in the finals has no right to point fingers at me!"

Gary Payton's voice is a bit thin, and he speaks very fast, making his sarcasm MAX.

On July 7, the Knicks announced the signing of future DPOY Ron Artest.

This news was broken in advance by the New York Times, and several columns naturally gave Artest the Defensive Player of the Year award.

General manager Glenn Field completed the signing with a six-year, $6 million deal, with a player option in the fifth year.

This is the team's first signing of the offseason. The Lakers chose to replenish their veterans, and the Knicks chose to renew their contracts.

Artest signed a big contract. The happiest thing about him is the group of relatives and friends behind him. After deducting taxes from his rookie salary, it is not enough. This time he can rest assured.

The Lakers announced the signing of Karl Malone, and the one who was naturally affected was Robert Horry.

Old Malone naturally has no interest in playing the Lakers' 10th man. With his still strong body, it is inevitable to get the starting lineup.

Coupled with the fact that there may be problems in the Lakers locker room in the new season, Robert Horry finally ran away.

The Knicks will naturally not be interested in this veteran. In the morning, the Spurs announced the signing of free agent Robert Horry!

The Pacers also announced the signing of free agent Stephen Jackson.

Four years and 4 million, with a guaranteed starting position, Jackson ultimately rejected the Spurs and chose to play in Indiana.

Of course, this is also related to the coaching style of the head coach. Although Isiah Thomas always loses in the playoffs, as a celebrity, he is particularly good at recruiting players!

Then there was another three-way trade between the Pacers, Kings, and Spurs:

The Pacers sent Brad Miller to the Kings and Ron Mercer to the Spurs;

The Kings sent Scott Pillard to the Pacers and Turkoglu to the Spurs;

The Spurs sent Danny Ferry to the Pacers.

With continuous transactions, the Pacers have strengthened their lineup. There is a high probability that Jaylen Rose is not in the team's plan, but they have not yet found a buyer.

On Friday the 25th, "Win" by Li You and Tim Grover appeared at No. 8 on the New York Times best-seller list.

Winning is the best advertisement. Although a small part of the content of this book is slightly outrageous, looking at Li You's statistics and on-field performance, many people still choose to believe it.

As for why other basketball players cannot perform like this, it is naturally because they have no talent and ability.

After all, first there was Michael Jordan, and then there was Li You, the same trainer, the same data above the league average, the same big winner!

Data and court performance add to the persuasiveness of this book. This year the Knicks won the championship again, and "Win" has become an essential instruction manual for young players.

As long as the NBA league is still there, this book will continue to add some pocket money to Li You!

At the Tarrytown Training Center, Li You returned to Manhattan mainly to cooperate with the team and update a wave of training equipment.

The training center covers a large area. Not only the Knicks, but the NHL's Rangers are also in this complex.

The Knicks have two full basketball training facilities, the Rangers have an ice hockey rink, and both sides have their own building wings, with the training center now complete after several years of construction.

This time, the main purpose is to update the equipment for strength training, add some high-tech training facilities, and add some entertainment facilities in the player lounge.

The drive from the training center to Manhattan takes more than 10 minutes. If the schedule is intensive, Li You usually chooses to rest at home at the training center.

For new players, some are reluctant to leave the bustling Manhattan, so they naturally have to go back and forth and add some entertainment facilities so that the players can work better.

General manager Glenn Field has taken it easy this year.

The atmosphere group is selected in the draft. There is a high probability that the Knicks will not get lottery picks in the next few years. Grunfield wants to hear Li You's thoughts.

After looking at the newly added steam room and ice bath equipment, and listening to the staff introducing the whirlpool underwater training facilities, Li You felt that someone on the team must have taken kickbacks.

Granfield didn't care about this at all. He looked at the brand-new training facilities and immediately said with a smile:

"Our training center is absolutely the best in the league, and there are no downsides to it other than being some distance from Manhattan."

"Lee, you know Stephen's contract. We don't have a starting position, and we can't offer him a higher price than Ron."

Before the ESPY Awards ceremony, Stephen Jackson called Li You.

Being able to make a name for himself again, get a good contract, and enter a playoff team as a starter, Stephen Jackson has simply become a model for players to counterattack.

After gaining a higher voice and getting a bigger contract, Li You will certainly bless the other party. After all, there is really no place here.

"I have talked with Stephen about this, and it is a good thing that he can get this contract!"

"Young players who have not made a name for themselves may consider the Knicks as their ideal destination, which is good for the team atmosphere."

Li You said it easily, but Grunfield could only laugh dryly.

The only ones who can make a name for themselves in the Knicks are Lewis and Jackson. Over the years, a large number of the last draft picks have left, and the team's atmosphere group will continue to lose members this year.

Grunfield and the management tried their best to exchange these players for some draft picks, but other teams did not buy it because the data in the atmosphere group was too high.

Their super dominance in the regular season allowed the Knicks to clock out in three quarters many times. Although the substitute lineup had good statistics, they had very few opportunities in the playoffs.

The limited playing time is still garbage time, which makes the Knicks a graveyard for the last draft picks, who can't even get the next contract if they leave the team.

Seeing the expression of the fat man next to him, Li You knew that the other person didn't quite agree with his point of view.

It's just that it's not easy for ordinary players to gain a foothold. Li You doesn't think there is any problem with the Knicks.

If it can't be traded, then it's not his job.

Grunfield received a bunch of resumes from agents. Although the last pick could not be exchanged for more draft picks, the Knicks were very popular in the free market:

"Lee, on the bench, which positions do you want to add? We have a lot of substitutes, and the summer league has also invited a group of players, but Coach Crawford thinks there are none suitable for the team."

There was one shooting guard missing from the substitute lineup. Li You didn't bother to think too much and responded casually:

"Just reduce some competitive pressure on Tyshawn and add shooting guards." The atmosphere team also has Matt Barnes, but his performance in the summer league was mediocre and he did not gain the trust of the coaching staff.

Grunfield nodded secretly. In the substitute lineup, the main scorer became Stoudemire. This newbie is deeply loved by D'Antoni and will definitely take up a lot of playing time in the new season.

Li You continued to chat with the staff about training equipment and how to run the team. He was also quietly learning.

General Manager Glenfield thought for a while and couldn't remember which shooting guards were among the pile of resumes:

"It seems that I have to talk to my agent and invite a few players to try out together!"

The Knicks have already divided the cake, and there is no room for them on the bench.

The supplementary players are destined to be defensive tools. After all, Stoudemire is a high-ranking rookie. During the regular season, Kurt Thomas' playing time will be affected.

The situation with the Knicks was completely different. After joining the Cavaliers, Jeff Van Gundy finally felt the long-lost respect. When he came to this city, he only had one feeling in his heart:

"Cool!"

The Cavaliers have been cooperating with medical institutions in the training center. Although the facilities are somewhat aging, they are still absolutely sufficient.

General manager Jim Paxson is considered a legend of the Trail Blazers. He has made the All-Star team and was also selected to the best second team.

In 99, Paxson was promoted to become the team's general manager. After poor performance in the past few years, he finally ushered in the chosen one. The general manager was also afraid of being picked off the peach. During this period, he "licked" his bald head fiercely. Marshal.

In his view, the four-peat champion coach is destined to stay with the Cavaliers.

Paxson doesn't want to have a conflict with such a super-famous coach. Jeff Van Gundy has experienced the feeling of telling the truth during this time!

On July 7, the Cavaliers also announced a deal to sign bald minority favorite Charlie Ward.

Charlie Ward, who had been notified early, came to the Cavaliers' training center and saw Jeff Van Gundy, feeling as if he was in another world.

Charlie Ward, whose eyes were red, struggled to control his emotions. When he saw Jeff Van Gundy waving to him kindly, he finally couldn't hold back any longer:

"Coach! Thank you, you saved my career. I will play for you all my life!"

General Manager Paxson and the Cavaliers staff were confused, and an idea emerged in their minds:

"He is worthy of being a champion coach and is so loved by his players!"

Charlie Ward is much more depressed than when he was in New York. He no longer has the constraints of the team and no longer wears formal clothes.

Hip-hop attire, a large T-shirt, a faded gold chain, and his face looked a bit weathered.

In the past few years, Charlie Ward has been wandering around many teams and has never been trusted. In many cases, he signed a 10-day short contract and was eliminated.

Whenever he thinks of the Knicks' experience, Charlie Ward feels extremely sad. Behind his back, he accuses Li You of being a data brusher.

The Los Angeles Times got a lot of material from him, but the Knicks won, Li You's Excel exploded, and no one cared about the dirty material.

Looking at his beloved general crying softly in front of him, Jeff Van Gundy seemed to recall his experience with the Knicks. When he heard the other party's emotional confession, he couldn't help patting his shoulders and comforting him:

"Charlie, I know your abilities. When you come to the team, you must play well and train hard. I hope you can become the hardest-working player on the team."

"You have to use your own efforts to infect others, and I believe you can do this!"

"It's different from the past. In Cleveland, Paxson and I got along very well. As long as you can show your abilities, the Cavaliers will be your best stage."

Charlie Ward drank up the chicken soup in one gulp and excitedly promised the bald marshal:

"I will never let down the coach's trust! It's great that I can finally return to the court."

After saying these words, Charlie Ward began to cry again. Paxson, who witnessed this scene, only felt that the bald young coach's chicken soup skills were profound, and he could move the players to tears with just a few words.

The staff of the Cavaliers did not know the internal gossip of the Knicks. Everyone only knew that the two knew each other and had worked together before, but no one expected that Charlie Ward would be so excited.

Everyone looks at the bald young coach differently. Compared with the former head coach Paul Silas, the champion coach is indeed extraordinary!

Jeff Van Gundy noticed the respectful gazes around him, and felt a little dazed for a moment.

As long as he says hello to the general manager, the other party will sign the player of his choice without hesitation.

There is no need to battle wits with the general manager or ask the core players on the team.

Jeff Van Gundy experienced the feeling of power firsthand, and finally understood why Pat Riley chose the Heat.

Taking this opportunity, Paxson also wanted to ask about the head coach's plans. After LeBron James joined the team, fans had great expectations:

"Jeff, are we going to work hard for the playoffs this season? If we want to achieve this goal, in what directions should we make targeted reinforcements?"

Jeff Van Gundy thought about the Cavaliers' lineup and his observation of James. He was a little unsure for a moment. After thinking for a moment, he whispered:

"I suggest that the team continues to be bad. We still need more talent. There is no need to waste draft picks for a playoff spot."

"Now we must realize one thing. No matter how the Cavaliers strengthen this season, the team will not be able to break out of the Eastern Conference."

"LeBron James is just a high school rookie, and he still needs to adapt to the league during his rookie season."

"We should continue to get draft picks instead of barely making it to the first round of the playoffs and getting eliminated."

When Paxson heard this plan, he immediately nodded. It was indeed a good idea to show off.

After determining the core, the lineup can be cleaned, and with a few high-ranking rookies, the Cavaliers can complete the rebuilding in less than two years!

When Jeff Van Gundy saw that the other party agreed with his suggestion, he felt particularly comfortable for a moment and almost made a tactical retreat on the spot:

"What does a champion coach mean?"

By the end of July, another big fish appeared in the free market. The Clippers confirmed that they would not renew Odom's contract, and the latter became a free agent.

The Knicks were interested, but Odom asked for the starting position.

There was no further dialogue between the two sides because Odom's conditions were destined to be unachievable.

The Lakers have made a new move, signing Horace Grant again!

This signing made the New York media laugh out loud. On the second day, several columns appeared again:

“Los Angeles Lakers: League of Losers!”

The two teams have very different team building ideas. The Knicks have no veterans and all the players are in their prime.

The Lakers signed three old men in one go, and the vitality of the team's lineup plummeted.

On the 29th, Andre Miller also rejected the Knicks' invitation. The assist king had no interest in playing as a substitute for Li You.

In the end, Andre Miller chose to join the Denver Nuggets and team up with rookie Carmelo Anthony.

While there was still time this month, Li You also followed general manager Glenfield to watch the trial training of the invited players.

The players who came to the Tarrytown Training Center were a little confused. They thought they were playing in a competitive match, but it turned out that Li You came to give them a basic training and asked them to follow suit.

Footwork training to warm up, put on a resistance band and slide to defend and warm up, then jump shot with resistance band, slide with a heavier training ball, simulate an actual sprint dunk, and continuously turn back and run to hit 5 fixed-point three-pointers. .

He didn't miss a single ball and his speed was ridiculously fast. The most important thing was that Li You looked effortless, as if this was just a normal warm-up.

The Knicks' trainers have long been accustomed to this training combination, which has been reduced. The main reason why Li You came to this set was to make the invited players less complain.

After saying hello, Li You went to experience the new training equipment with the trainer.

Assistant coach Michael Malone, who had just joined the team and also worked part-time as a scout, marveled at Li You's performance. Then he clapped his hands and shouted to everyone:

"Okay! Boys, just like Li, complete these sets of training!"

"."

Everyone looked at each other in confusion and forced smiles. Are you choosing a lottery pick? !

On July 7, the Knicks once again announced a deal to sign free agent Raja Bell.

As an undrafted player, he first served as the atmosphere team for the 76ers. He played some minor tricks with the Mavericks last season. In this trial, only Lagar Bell performed passably.

The cute newcomer Laga Bell also had red eyes after being notified by the team that he will pay $210 million in two years.

At the Tarrytown Training Center, Laga Bell held back tears as he signed his name on the contract. General Manager Glenfield nodded. This person entered the team based on his strength.

Following the team staff to visit the training hall, Laga Bell calmed down his emotions. Looking at the division championship flags and championship flags hanging around the gym, he couldn't help but sigh in a low voice:

"Is this the championship team?"

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(End of this chapter)