NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 351 Spending Small Money on Small Things (Daily Chapter)
On July 2004, 7, after the NBA free market opened, several teams unanimously searched for a successor.

The Suns gave up Stephon Marbury and used their second-round pick to let the Bobcats help clear salary space.

After several operations, the position was indeed vacated, but Anfernee Hardaway fell into his hands.
With two years left on his contract, the Suns wanted to trade this outdated All-Star whose physical condition was getting worse, but they could never find a suitable successor.

In the free market, the Mavericks finally gave up on Steve Nash after many twists and turns.

The management did not offer a satisfactory contract to this star defender with obvious advantages and disadvantages, and even Nelson's position as head coach seems to be changing.

Although he was a little reluctant to leave, Nash finally said goodbye to his good friend. He needed respect. No matter how nice the Mavericks said it, there was no real sincerity.

It cost 4 million U.S. dollars in four years, and the first-year salary was only more than 4026 million. Nash accepted the contract from the Suns and chose to return to the place where his dream began.

Although the Suns signed Nash, their salary cap is also full. The knock-on effect is that it is difficult to make a big impact in the free market.

Anfernee Hardaway's contract has become a mountain. At present, they can only hope that this outdated All-Star can be rejuvenated next season.

There was also a blockbuster transaction on the 15th:
The Nuggets sent a 2005 first-round pick (from the 76ers) and two 2 first-round picks (one from the Magic);
Finally, the Nets traded for Beast power forward Kenyon Martin.

Soon an outrageous scene appeared. The two selected young fans knelt down and hugged Li You's thigh without letting go. The scene was somewhat chaotic until security personnel intervened to separate the two parties.

"Lee's contract expires next year and he should be able to sign a lifetime contract worth more than $5 million."

Kobe, who abandoned himself in the training hall, quickly accepted an interview with the Los Angeles Times. When asked about the deal, his face was still a little ugly:
"I don't know why the team didn't keep Derrick. We've been through a lot together and I think he should be in the team's plans."

"Having played against each other many times in the finals, I know Li's strength well. After joining the team, I will do my job well. You know, my three-pointer is pretty good."

Ernie Johnson noticed that his partner was not very interested and immediately asked the director to change the scene.

This deal dumbfounded Nets fans. The team is thriving and has a stable playoff spot every year. But now it’s about to break up?

However, once the deal was announced, many Lakers fans broke the defense on the spot, and even the Los Angeles sports media shouted "traitor".

In the new season, Fisher will serve as the Knicks' substitute No. 1. This deal makes up for the vacancy left by Knight's departure.

Japanese media photographed Li You's basketball activities in Osaka and the fan meeting held by Hook. The atmosphere was particularly heated.

Under limited conditions, Grunfield finally signed free agent Derek Fisher with the full mid-level salary.

"No one will refuse to play with Lee. I want to continue chasing the championship!"

"It's crazy! Last year, hook sales exceeded those in North America last year. That's Lee's influence."

The sports media in Los Angeles are very satisfied with Kobe's attitude towards basketball. Training at 4 a.m. is no joke!
After the deal was announced, Fisher, who had flown to Manhattan long ago, also accepted an interview with the New York Times.

Fisher, who is about to turn 30, can also be considered a big-game player. After being polished by the Lakers, he is currently at the peak of his career.

"I just want to chase the championship."

Charles Barkley is no longer interested in talking about Kobe Bryant. Just like Iverson, he is not interested in passing stars. He just praised the Knicks' signing:

"Of course, I care more about Fisher's remarks. Combined with Phil Jackson's words before, this year's finals suffered a disastrous defeat. The Lakers' problem seems to be with Kobe."

"If I were a young girl and I liked Lee, who would say no to being friends with the super rich? Heck, why are players making more and more these days?"

In the basketball gym, Li You just came on the stage, and screams started one after another.

After the four-year rookie contract ended, the Nets have a team option to trade Kenyon Martin. The main reason is that they believe that the beast power forward is the team's shortcoming.

After this transaction occurred, even O'Neal, who was previously sent away by the Lakers, began to gloat in front of the sports media:

The most injured was Kobe. In the recent finals, when he was behind by a big score, only Fisher supported him and played garbage time with him.

Ernie Johnson introduced what happened in the video, and Charles Barkley kept shaking his head after listening:

"Glenfield has supplemented the team's shortcomings very well. Fisher has rich experience and he can be qualified for the starting position in many teams."

Fisher is very popular in the players' union, and what he means in his words is that the Lakers are out of business and there is a big problem in the locker room;
O'Neal had already broken up with Kobe. After "Shaq did it too," Kobe never apologized to him face to face. He didn't like passing the ball to him last season. As the trade happened, the two fell out.

Charles Barkley was stunned and seemed unable to understand why Japanese fans would do such a thing
"It seems that we underestimated Li's popularity in Asia. It is said that "Win" has been selling well in Japan these days, and the sales of Upper Deck's star cards are also increasing."

When Kobe was about to lead the team alone in the new season, he failed to get the support of his old teammates, who simply left him.

"Hook's event in Osaka was not well organized. The fans were too enthusiastic and were stopped due to safety issues."

"I am optimistic about Wade. He has this ability. He is a better player than Kobe. The Heat are also his team. I believe we will succeed together."

"However, this will not affect the Lakers' record next season. After the new season starts, I will still lead this new team to the finals."

Of course, what most surprised the commentators was the Knicks' actions.

When the director showed the two people being interviewed, Kenny Smith also started to get angry. Fans like to hear these gossips during the offseason.

It seems that the former teammates are not optimistic about Kobe's leadership performance. It happened to be Thursday. On the TNT program, the trio also talked about these two transactions:
"Considering the competitive environment in the Western Conference, it will not be easy for the Lakers to enter the playoffs next season."

"I have known for a long time that no one likes to play with Kobe. He is a person who destroys the system and only wants to show off for himself!"

Recently, the two of them trained together and encouraged each other, but within a week, their old teammate "turned to the enemy"
What makes Kobe even more sad is the report that Derek Fisher recommended himself and asked his agent to contact the Knicks after the finals.

When asked why he left the Lakers, Fisher did not shy away and simply said:
"I don't like complicated locker rooms. Now I just want to enjoy the joy of basketball. The Lakers are good, but they are no longer suitable for me."

"In terms of lineup depth, many teams are not as good as the Knicks. I am still optimistic about them in the new season!"

When asked why he joined the Knicks, Fisher smiled brightly and said happily:

"I'm glad that the Lakers traded me to the Heat. I'm old. Now I just want to help Wade win the championship."

"As the substitute No. 1 for the Knicks, there is no problem with my ability."

For professional ball commentators, Kidd's presence seems to have raised the level of Nets players, so after this transaction, many people gave good evaluations.

In the studio, Barkley became sour as he talked about it. Although he had made a lot of money in his career, he could not compare to Michael Jordan when it came to sneakers, even if his sneaker sales increased tenfold.

Now, Li You's sneakers are about to hold up the hook again. Thinking of the green knife, Barkley is gradually sour that he can't speak.
The NBA is essentially about entertaining the public. Players play to support their families. No matter how players emphasize honor, the knife always comes first.

Kenny Smith understands his partner. Li You makes too much money and it is too easy. This is the benefit brought by winning, but part of the factor is the style of play:

"I have long said that Lee is unique, and basketball is only one aspect."

"Not everyone can master huge wealth. We have witnessed many people suddenly fall into decline after signing big contracts. This is what young players should learn from Li."

Once the contract issue was discussed, both of them were a little bored, and there was some jealousy in their hearts:

"He makes so much money!"

After a busy day, Li You, who was shopping in the Chuo District of Osaka City in the evening, also felt that Upper Deck made too much money!
Dotonbori appears in many film and television works. The huge billboards on both sides of this famous food street give people the illusion of New York.

Li You, who was dressed coolly, casually looked at the merchants on the street. These days were sponsor activities. It was rare for him to have time to rest, so he naturally wanted to go shopping.

Ignoring the attention of the surrounding melon-eating people, I found a puffer fish restaurant where there were not many people. After Li You and his party entered, the boss quickly came forward to receive them warmly.

Matt Parker unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt. This kind of Japanese "retro" restaurant is also available in the United States. After sitting down, he skillfully ordered the food. After the service staff left, he complained in a low voice:

"Damn the organizers, but this is the first time I've seen such enthusiastic fans."

"Upper Deck has made a lot of money in the past few years, Li, don't be polite to them in the next contract!"

No matter how the star cards are packaged, the cost of these items is pitifully low. The price of Li You's rookie cards is getting higher and higher, and the collection value of out-of-print cards has been rising in recent years.
Even the cost of some specially made cards is pitifully low. The price of mass-produced ordinary cards will double as long as they are signed by Li You.

A few people don't play cards, but they have learned a lot these days. Upper Deck is cutting leeks in Japan.

In the box, Milinda, who was wearing a gray skirt, learned about Li You's contract. At that time, $5 million over five years was already a sky-high price in the industry, and the same was true for Michael Jordan.

However, after participating in brand activities in Japan these days, Milinda also felt that the price was still too cheap.

"The contract expires next year. We really need to talk about it. Matt, what size of contract will Hook provide to Li, and have you discussed the split?"

Milinda smiled and asked the question, but Matt Parker just shook his head and said helplessly:

"Don't embarrass me. This matter still needs to be discussed. You know, business is business."

Li You hugged Milinda. He knew the bottom line of Hook's contract, a 10-year lifetime contract, and his career would be coming to an end by then.

The amount still needs to be negotiated, and the specific content will also involve some incentive clauses:
"Don't make things difficult for Matt. In a few years, he will take over as CEO. We must continue to cooperate in the future."

Milinda's eyes were wandering and she kissed Li You. The sub-brand will definitely be used by Matt Parker in the future.

Related sports media in Japan have been busy in recent days, tracking and reporting on Li You's brand activities every day.

But what makes local fans happy the most are several articles from the Asahi Shimbun:

"Tagawa Yuta has been approved by Li!"

Li You actually had no impression of this small guard who was chasing an NBA contract during the preseason.
But this does not prevent him from boasting naturally during interviews. Li You said it beautifully in the scene:

"Persistence and hard work will eventually pay off. All Yuta Taguchi has to do is believe in his own strength. He has the ability to become a qualified NBA rotation player."

Li You boasted about his speed, excellent basketball awareness, courage to fight, and good view of the overall situation without any money. Even though they knew these were polite words, the Japanese sports media were still so excited that they even ignored the fact that their fans were kneeling.

On July 7, the Suns finally found a successor and sent Anfernee Hardaway;
Acquired Dale Davis and Reuben Patterson from the Trail Blazers.

Davis only has one year left on his contract, and the Suns are obviously planning for the future.

Reuben Patterson can also add depth to the Suns' bench, and this deal has been well received by football critics.

The Trail Blazers saved a small amount of money and exchanged small change for whole money. They always like to take over older stars and seem to believe that Anfernee Hardaway can have a second spring after coming to Portland again.

Eddie Curry is currently the target of the Trail Blazers' training. Football commentators believe that this deal is for the future. After all, Hardaway and O'Neal have worked together, and he may be able to bring up a new player.
Perhaps it was Kobe's attitude of expressing dissatisfaction that played a role, and the Lakers quickly made reinforcements.

Send away a full mid-level contract and sign free agent Verrati Divac.

Lakers fans were disappointed after the deal was announced.

In the playoffs last season, Divac suffered a serious decline. No one believed that the former Lakers player could support the team's inside line.

Regarding Kupchak's confusing operation, football commentators gave a very low evaluation. After all, Divac is already 36 years old.
Compared with the Lakers' confusing operation, the Cavaliers' transaction received a lot of praise:
Sends Tony Batty, 2005 second-round pick, 2007 second-round pick;
Acquired Drew Gooden and Steven Hunter from the Magic.

The Cavaliers seem to have too many big men. In this regard, Jeff Van Gundy said with confidence:
"After the new season starts, we must ensure the absolute height inside!"

"We will use more zone defense, and the Cavaliers' interior will become a real no-fly zone."

"After a season of training, we all know LeBron's talent."

"Relying on excellent defense to play more transition offenses and relying on personal ability to complete the game, in the new season, the Cavaliers will show a completely different way of playing from the past."

LeBron James was selected for this year's US men's basketball team. Howard performed well in the summer league. Although his offensive methods are simple, he can grab and jump. There is no doubt about his talent.

On Saturday, July 7, an interview with Van Gundy leaked from the Cleveland Free Times, sparking discussion among football commentators about the champion coach’s plans.

The tactics Van Gundy mentioned are not unusual. The Pistons used a large number of 32 zone defenses in this year's Eastern Conference Finals, frequently flanking the ball holder.

Coupled with a more defensively mobile inside combination, this limits the Knicks.

Although the tactics failed, everyone could see during the Eastern Conference finals that Li You definitely spent a lot of effort to deal with the game.

Compared with the Pistons, the Cavaliers' current lineup can indeed implement this defensive system. After all, Ilgauskas is over 2 meters tall and can play an role under the basket.

Correspondingly, paired with a faster lateral moving inside line, it is indeed somewhat similar to the Pistons' double-Wallace combination.
But in terms of competition experience, there is a big gap between the newbies and the veterans! But Cavaliers fans ate up Van Gundy’s pie:
"As expected of a champion coach, he established the most suitable tactical system for the team in just one season!"

Several well-known local sports reporters in Cleveland have come to the support of Van Gundy, believing that this system is very suitable for LeBron James.

No one doubts the athletic ability of this chosen son, and his impact is visible to the naked eye!
This weekend, ESPN continued to track and report on Li You's news in South Korea. The program occasionally teased that Kobe had to report to Denver.

TNT reported the news about the Cavaliers in detail. Compared with their peers, they seem to be more optimistic about this team that has completed reconstruction.

On Monday the 19th, the US men’s basketball team flew to Jacksonville, Florida, where they will train with the University of North Florida team until the end of the month.

Before the start of the Olympic Games, they will also have warm-up matches with the national teams of Germany, Serbia and Montenegro, and Turkey.

Larry Brown has been questioned recently. His remarks in an interview gave fans a bad feeling:

"Some players have declined call-ups due to too many games, and some players are still working hard for big contracts and don't want the Olympics to affect their health."

"OK, I understand this, so I chose players who volunteered to play."

"For the young guys on the team, I hope they can be mentally prepared that they may not get playing time or they may play 20 minutes."

"They are the future of the team, but the first thing they have to do at this time is to learn the correct way to play from other players!"

Young people refer to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and the rookie Okafor who has just entered the league.

Li You and others who refused to be called up were annoyed. At the same time, Larry Brown also expressed his attitude:

"I trust veterans more!"

This statement made many football commentators dissatisfied, and also made some players unhappy. Is this something that can be complained to the media?

Hill and Duncan, who have arrived in Jacksonville, have not received much attention. Most of the media are surrounding LeBron James.

The Cavaliers' trade and Howard's good performance in the summer league have made this team a hot topic recently. James likes the feeling of being surrounded by everyone. He likes to be the focus of the court.

The morning training session has not yet started. When they entered the arena, most of the players were still exercising. James, who was being interviewed, was confidently expressing his stance:
"I believe coach Van Gundy can lead the Cavaliers to the championship!"

"We have already prepared the tactics for the new season, but Dwight has to adapt to the NBA. Coach Thibodeau is very strict. He has to start with defense."

"Record? I didn't think too much about it. We have accumulated good talent. At the beginning of the new season, my goal is to lead the team into the playoffs."

"You know, in this team, I am the only first-year rookie who has not played in the playoffs. I don't want to be laughed at by Wade and Melo all the time!"

Unlike Iverson, who looked bitter and resentful, James was laughing and joking during the interview, and even Wade and Anthony joined in the fun and joked with reporters.

The three of them obviously didn't match the atmosphere of the scene. Iverson never smiled. Marbury was still worried about his contract and kept frowning when he moved his body.

Jefferson and Marion chatted quietly, Boozer seemed to be imparting experience to Okafor, and Odom seemed to have had too much fun last night, still bleary-eyed while shooting basketball.
"There seems to be some problems with the lineup. We lack experienced big men!"

Hill, who was moving his body, whispered to Duncan who was standing aside. The latter looked around and immediately responded in a low voice:
"Head coach Larry Brown should want to speed up the pace of the game, just like in previous Olympic Games, relying on defense and counterattack to complete the scoring."

Among this team, Hill and Duncan have the highest achievements. They have both played in the finals, so naturally they are the team leader.

When Larry Brown and members of the coaching staff appeared in the arena, they did not look at the sports media at the scene. They clapped their hands to get everyone to gather, and then said loudly:
"Forget your roles in the league, from now on, we're going to play for each other."

"Grant, you have experienced international competitions, I hope you can take on the responsibility of a leader!"

Seeing Grant Hill nod, Larry Brown smiled.

The sports media who set up cameras were filming on the sidelines, and soon someone complained in a low voice about the lineup problem:

"All the Pistons players refused to be called up? Since you don't want to use rookies, why let them be selected?"

Most sports media still don't believe Larry Brown's words, thinking that the veteran coach is knocking down the rookies in the team.

On the 19th, Li You was already on a private plane flying to Singapore.

There are not many activities in Japan and South Korea, mainly Hook and Upper Deck, there are also some American Express business gatherings, and the rest are sponsored activities by Ray-Ban, McDonald's, and Pepsi-Cola.

This Gulfstream can accommodate 19 people and has all the daily facilities. However, Li You didn't feel anything special after getting on the plane. He got everyone to play cards together when he got on the plane.

These days, the staff of Hook have witnessed Li You's popularity in Asia, and their fanatical fans have left a deep impression on them.

What they envied most was Li You's ability to make money. Milinda was very picky about endorsement issues and refused most of the beautiful knives that came to her.

Everyone gathered around and played Texas Hold'em poker. While looking at the cards, Matt Parker joked about Li You's popularity:
"If you accept some TV activities, it will definitely help you gain more fans."

"When you return to the United States, you should also participate in more talk shows. This can deepen your impression among ordinary fans."

Li You was in a good mood. After hearing the other party's suggestion, he said nonchalantly:

"If Facebook develops for a few more years, more social media will definitely be born. I have no interest in compromising on activities."

"In the future I plan to acquire an online community. Then I can speak for myself and my name will be the brand."

"If you are interested, we can invest together. By the way, I also plan to invest in a data website. Their algorithm is very interesting and high-end data. This thing can also increase my influence!"

After hearing this plan, Matt Parker finally understood why Li You rarely participated in TV programs in recent years. Social media and personal branding are indeed a good way:
"Maybe you are right. It seems that I am a little behind the times. I rarely pay attention to these things!"

Noticing that Matt Parker shook his head slightly, Milinda knew that the other party did not have much interest, but it was better this way. After all, Li You was not short of funds.

An accompanying staff member of Hook has been paying attention to this year’s free market. Thinking of the recent news, he followed the gossip and said:
"It is said that Miami plans to hold a grand welcome ceremony for O'Neal!"

"The mayor also mentioned this during the interview. Pat Riley thinks they have a chance to win the championship within three years. Lee, will the Knicks keep winning?"

Of course Li You knew what Pat Riley was thinking. The other party was betting that the Knicks' championship would be interrupted.

The timing is calculated just right. As long as the Heat work harder, they are very likely to get support from the league and end the Knicks' dominance.

Hill and Kurt Thomas can only maintain their physical condition for three years at most.

The age of 35 is considered a watershed for a player's body. Gary Payton's sudden decline this year is also related to age.

"No one can predict the future, but I like to keep winning."

"I'm not worried about the opponent, but the salary space will be an obstacle. Although the Heat exchanged O'Neal, he will only get a salary of 2000 million in the next contract."

"Wade is still on a rookie contract. This should be the most ideal salary situation. Maybe they won't pay too much luxury tax!"

"Pat Riley is definitely a stingy guy. As long as the Knicks can maintain their current status, I don't mind teaching them a lesson."

Li You laughed and teased Pat Riley, which immediately made everyone burst into laughter.

You should do small things with small money. Li You doesn’t like the Heat’s team culture at all:
"Superstars should have privileges!"

(End of this chapter)