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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.

The return of Itachi

I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.

Please give it a go 😊

***

On the evening of June 26, 2002, during the Draft, the Lakers traded Lindsey Hunter, newly drafted Chris Jefferies, and a 2003 second-round pick to the Toronto Raptors.

In return, they received Tracy Murray, Kareem Rush, and a 2003 second-round pick.

In the Finals, Lindsey Hunter played very little, and in his limited minutes, he mostly bricked shots.

Throughout the series, both teams shot less than 30% from beyond the arc.

If it weren’t for both sides being terrible at three-pointers, the final outcome might have been hard to say.

The Lakers made this trade partly to save money.

No team paid the luxury tax in the 2001-02 season, but General Manager Kupchak needed to plan ahead.

Rookie players are cheap, and they can also be like lottery tickets.

The 76ers and Atlanta Hawks also made moves, but they didn’t attract much attention.

After all, this wasn’t a strong draft year.

Most of the Rookies, apart from the big men, weren’t well-known.

In late March, at the McDonald’s All-American Game held at Madison Square Garden, Amar’e Stoudemire left a deep impression on New York fans.

Of course, many fans also remembered the Slam Dunk Contest champion, Carmelo Anthony.

While the former was technically raw, he was incredibly strong, and the latter could drive and shoot, clearly a future star.

As for JJ Redick, who won MVP in the game, not many people paid attention to him; no matter how accurate his shooting was, it wasn’t as good as Lee’s.

Most commentators stopped paying attention after seeing the Knicks draft a big man.

A late-round Rookie playing in New York was likely a waste, and they would fade out of the NBA within two years at most.

The Seattle SuperSonics provided the Knicks with the 20th pick in the first round and the 49th pick in the second round.

Combined with their own 27th and 56th picks, the team could acquire five Rookies this year.

Tayshaun Prince, from Kentucky, selected by the Knicks with the 20th pick, remained silent.

Most New York Media also ignored this Rookie.

In everyone’s eyes, the lanky Tayshaun Prince was probably like those late-round Rookies the Knicks had in previous years, quietly leaving after two years of salary.

Dan Gadzuric, a big man selected by the Knicks with the 27th pick, was a star player from UCLA, but he also didn’t attract any attention.

Every year, the Knicks would select a big man around 7 feet tall in the late rounds.

The coaching staff usually wouldn’t give late-round Rookies much playing time, so this Rookie knew his future was bleak upon being drafted.

Rasual Butler, selected with the 49th pick, and Randy Holcomb, selected with the 56th pick, were even more insignificant.

The New York Media even believed these two would be cut very soon, and the reason was simple:

“They don’t look like a star.”

Every year during the Draft, New York sports media would offer their opinions, mainly focusing on looks.

Those who were handsome were called stars, and those who were ugly were called role players.

Lee had already left by the time the Draft reached the second round.

He wasn’t interested in getting close to the Rookies.

Those who couldn’t make it would leave anyway.

At most, they could be superficial acquaintances.

It wasn’t too late to interact with those who truly stayed.

Many family members of the new players at the venue were very excited, especially those in the lottery.

After being drafted, they became millionaires, reaching the pinnacle of their lives, so naturally, they celebrated grandly.

Amar’e Stoudemire was very happy.

The treatment for high-pick Rookies and late-pick Rookies was naturally completely different.

He liked playing at Madison Square Garden.

General Manager Grunfeld smilingly greeted several Rookies and other team staff.

Noticing the anxious expressions of the late-round Rookies, he couldn’t help but soothe them in a low voice:

“This is where you’ll play in the future. Madison Square Garden is a true basketball mecca!”

“The NBA will be in a freeze period for the next few days. What you need to do is report to the Tarrytown Training Center and then prepare for the Summer League.”

“Our Assistant Head Coach Don Chaney will evaluate you then. Don’t worry about playing time. The Knicks are in a rebuilding phase. As long as you perform well, you’ll get playing time.”

These words didn’t reassure the Rookies.

Amar’e Stoudemire looked around for a long time but couldn’t find Lee, so he couldn’t help but ask curiously:

“Will Lee organize a team training camp this year? I heard every team has its own training camp.”

Grunfeld shook his head, noticed that the players’ families were getting impatient, and then said concisely:

“The Knicks don’t have a training camp. If you want to hone your skills, it’s all up to your self-discipline. This is New York, and we have many choices.”

“After you get your salary, I recommend you rent a house in Tarrytown. Life in Manhattan is great, but many times, Rookies get lost here.”

“That’s all for now. Get ready to enjoy your new life!”

During Pat Riley’s time, the Knicks also had training camps during the offseason, and the Heat also maintained this tradition.

After Pat Riley left, the team canceled the training camp.

At most, the Head Coach would ask players to report in mid-September to prepare for the preseason games.

This situation is very common in the NBA, and the Heat’s “practice until you drop” approach was the exception.

However, many second-round picks liked the Heat’s team culture.

Not everyone can be self-disciplined enough to practice.

The Rookies looked at the General Manager’s retreating figure, greeted each other, and returned to their families to continue celebrating.

Amar’e Stoudemire had wanted to have a good chat with Lee, but now he couldn’t find him.

Hugging his mother, he realized that he might not be the Knicks’ best choice.

Every Rookie looked forward to the future.

In recent years, through various magazines and New York Media reports, everyone understood how much money Lee made.

Everyone aspired to become the next Clay Lee.

No one would turn down money.

On the evening of June 27, Lee again joined Ivanka for dinner.

As a “daddy’s girl” who relied entirely on her father, her relationship with her mother was not very harmonious.

It had gotten a bit better in recent years.

She would even stay at her mother’s house for a period during every summer vacation.

The main reason was that the “stepmother” had taken over the mansion, so both sides preferred to live their own lives out of sight.

This townhouse was not far from Lee’s home.

The city center was only so big, and old New Yorkers preferred this kind of authenticity, even if the living environment was average, for the sake of being “authentic.”

The 6-story townhouse had 17 rooms and 8,800 square feet, which was a decent size, but the living experience was actually quite ordinary.

Especially after this old New Yorker used a “Versailles style” renovation in the early 90s, Lee was always speechless whenever he came here.

Red carpets and red silk covered the floors and walls, along with velvet decorations and gold ornaments.

In Ivana’s words:

“If Louis XVI had money, this house would be where he lived.”

A large house requires many housekeepers.

Tonight was French cuisine again.

Only Lee and Ivanka were left at the dining table tonight.

The good sons were busy with their “daddy’s work” and left after staying for one night.

The old New Yorker’s way of showing off wealth wouldn’t be as straightforward as black brothers who just state numbers, but rather through details to brand their wealth.

For example, the tableware, the chandeliers in the house, or even the washstands in the bathrooms.

Ivana, after her divorce, lived very comfortably.

After receiving a substantial settlement, her life was naturally carefree.

After the main course, dessert was served.

Watching her good daughter eat more and more, Ivana, as a refined older woman, couldn’t help but sigh:

“Eat less, my dear. Even if you’re not participating in those beauty pageants these past two years, you should still pay attention to your figure.”

“Lee, the sports industry also has risks. You can consider investing in real estate. Houses in Manhattan should appreciate in value. War is too far from us. The UN headquarters cannot be attacked. It’s very safe here.”

In late March, escalating international conflicts made some New York City residents feel insecure again, and some companies chose to leave Manhattan and move to neighboring New Jersey.

Coupled with the White House providing another $100 million in military aid, seeing too much of this news always gave people the illusion that war was getting closer.

Lee looked at the exquisite old woman, who even wore makeup when eating at home, and could only respond, “I will consider it. I plan to invest in a manor. Compared to previous years, this is indeed a good time to buy.”

Ivana’s townhouse was less than $3 million when she bought it, and its price has now doubled.

However, after careful renovation, she doesn’t plan to sell the house.

When she heard Lee planned to buy property, Ivana smiled.

Real estate is not easily squandered.

“When are you two planning to have children? Sometimes you need to pay attention to your bodies.”

The old house’s soundproofing was mediocre, so she probably heard some noises.

Ivana’s words were cut short, and Ivanka choked, giving her mother a helpless glare:

“I’m still in school. It’s too early to talk about these things! Tonight’s dessert is delicious.”

Lee was also kicked.

Ivanka, with her ponytail, quickly changed the subject, making her mother giggle.

That night, the two stayed there again.

The golden decor of the master bedroom made Lee a bit uncomfortable.

The house was “authentic” to an extreme.

Ivanka sat on Lee, kneading his body while sharing gossip she got from the Manchester United “WAGs”:

“Victoria told me that the club is full of internal conflicts. They want to leave England, but David Beckham doesn’t want to come to the United States.”

“There’s the World Cup this year, and she’s worried about being verbally abused by fans in England again. It’s too crazy. New York fans wouldn’t be like that.”

Lee tried to recall relevant memories but still couldn’t pinpoint the exact time.

Finally, he just mumbled, “Soccer isn’t developed in the United States. In the end, they’ll most likely choose to go to Spain. The soccer environment there is very good.”

The attention on soccer stars this year was much higher than on Lee.

The World Cup is a super stage, and even American onlookers were gossiping about it.

Ivanka had been massaging Lee for a long time and was getting tired.

She simply lay on him and whispered,

“Aren’t you going to watch the Finals? I haven’t been to Asia in a long time!”

Lee only planned to make a small profit and didn’t intend to go specifically to watch the game.

He buried his head in the chest of the girl who had gained some weight recently and mumbled, “Let’s stay here. There are still many events this year, and I’ll have to choose a house later.”

Lee’s nuzzling made her giggle repeatedly.

The two were frolicking when Ivana suddenly gasped, as if she had thought of something, and said,

“Do you want me to change into a jersey? It’s rare to see you lose a game.”

Lee grabbed her breasts, feeling that she was provoking him.

He hugged her and whispered, “No noise tonight! The soundproofing in this house is too poor!”

“…”

As the World Cup Finals approached, the American sports world naturally focused its news coverage on this hot topic.

For Lee, he was more concerned about the status of his Manchester United shares acquired in the secondary market.

This year, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl, which brought back some memories for Lee.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be long before he would have another clash with the Glazer Family.

Besides following the World Cup, ESPN also didn’t forget to strike while the iron was hot, praising this year’s champion, the Lakers.

In the Finals, besides Shaquille O’Neal, the role players performed generally.

What was most impressive was the Lakers’ three-point shooting.

They almost always missed.

The Knicks were pretty much the same.

The Lakers’ role players contributed 1-of-4, 1-of-5, and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc in several games.

With their “teammates being like CBA players,” Shaquille O’Neal’s heroic carrying naturally received immense praise.

The ESPY Awards moved again this year.

The event would be held in Los Angeles after the MLB All-Star Game.

Compared to previous years, the early July awards ceremony time was more favorable.

American sports media always likes to create “brotherly” bonds.

Holding a sports ceremony in Los Angeles, which is the Lakers’ home court, and with ESPN’s headquarters also in Los Angeles, they naturally wouldn’t forget the “OK Combo.”

To warm up for the awards ceremony, ESPN revealed some inside scoop to fans.

Kobe Bryant would present the “Athlete of the Year” award to his “good brother” Shaquille O’Neal.

The award was highly prestigious, as Shaquille O’Neal had defeated Clay Lee, who had once again achieved inhuman efficiency.

However, as soon as this news broke, Kobe immediately denied it in an interview with the Los Angeles Times:

“I don’t like ESPN. They have never shown me respect. I will not attend this awards ceremony!”

“Next time you report news, remember to ask for my opinion. I hope they can stay away from me!”

ESPN had been frequently gossiping about the Lakers’ internal affairs these past few years, occasionally even releasing scandalous news:

“A certain player fell for Vanessa, someone else had dinner with Vanessa…”

(A/N: Even i don’t like espn. They’re pretty trashy and would go into any lengths just to get attention. I remembered them interfering with former Indian team Captain, Virat Kohli’s private life and even rape threats to his 5 months old daughter. They justified it by twisting the truths. It was only Indians united abused against espn, they later apologized.)

Even more interestingly, when the Lakers lost the championship last season, a reporter revealed that Kobe was indulging in beauty despite his parents’ warnings.

Over the past few years, the two sides had completely fallen out.

Having Kobe present an award to Shaquille O’Neal was clearly malicious.

Even if the two were at peace this season, everyone knew it was just a compromise for the championship.

After Kobe confirmed he wouldn’t attend the awards ceremony, the sports media rejoiced.

Everyone once again gossiped about the Lakers’ internal situation, and some even leaked news about their impending breakup after the offseason began.

On the weekend TNT show, the trio talked about the Lakers’ gossip, laughing uncontrollably.

Kobe directly refusing to present the award indeed showed disrespect to Shaquille O’Neal.

To enhance the show’s effect, TNT didn’t invite Kobe but instead invited Shaquille O’Neal directly.

Besides recounting his Finals experience, the trio wanted to see how Shaquille O’Neal would respond.

Charles Barkley looked at the two trophies in front of them, feeling sour.

If it weren’t for Michael, that scoundrel, he would have gotten a ring too.

Shaquille O’Neal had been holding the trophy and having a blast for the past few days, even planning to hold a concert in the offseason to celebrate his championship.

Kenny Smith, who also had a championship, quickly got to the point after the show began, smiling as he asked Shaquille O’Neal:

“Shaq, talk about your feelings playing against Lee. You’ve faced each other on the biggest stage for three consecutive years. You should be the player who understands Lee’s strength the most.”

Like the trio in the studio, Shaquille O’Neal, also wearing a dark gray suit, heard the question and said in a deep voice:

“You’ve also played against Lee, but Lee in his Rookie year is completely different from now.”

“Phil Jackson and the coaching staff tried everything, but they still couldn’t limit him. I admit, my pick-and-roll Defense is like crap. Lee can keep scoring in front of me.”

“But as soon as it’s an offensive possession, I can retaliate. No one on the Knicks can limit me either.”

“Michael Jordan is strong, but he doesn’t shoot a lot of three-pointers, and Clay Lee can. In games, what I felt most deeply was that even with a 10-point lead, I still felt anxious.”

“Imagine that situation: the Lakers miss a shot, the Knicks launch a counterattack, Lee quickly rushes past half-court, we don’t get back in time, this guy pulls up for a sudden stop beyond the three-point line, and then the ball goes in. The whole process only takes 6 seconds.”

“I run hard on the court, and after a few possessions, I find the opponent is leading? Shit!”

The others laughed heartily, and Ernie Johnson quickly asked another hot question:

“We all know basketball belongs to 5 people. This year the Lakers won the championship, and Kobe’s performance was also excellent.”

“How would you evaluate your partner? Do you still have conflicts?”

The director on set also displayed Kobe’s statistics from the Finals:

27.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.5 turnovers per game, with a field goal percentage of 45.0%, a three-point percentage of 33.7%, and a free throw percentage of 86.8%.

Compared to the Western Conference Finals, Kobe’s performance in the Finals was much better.

Of course, this was also related to his shot attempts.

With 21.0 attempts per game, after the “Respect Shaq Meeting,” Kobe didn’t need to handle too much of the ball.

When talking about his younger teammate, Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hold back and spoke with a pointed tone:

“I’m very grateful to Kobe. He is indeed an indispensable part of the team.”

“But often, I also get bothered by some things. He still needs to learn how to play alongside a core player.”

“We all know there’s only one boss on the court. The team needs to initiate offense around the core player. If Kobe can reduce his shots a bit more, I believe the team’s offense will be even more perfect.”

“I don’t think we have any conflicts. Maybe we just have different opinions on basketball, and I’m also working hard to make up for my shortcomings.”

Listening to Shaq re-emphasize his position on the team in a deep voice, the trio immediately looked delighted.

Noticing their expressions, Shaq finally summarized:

“Just as Phil said, basketball is a team sport, and to achieve success, one naturally has to experience failure.”

“Point God, this season I defeated God. Kobe needs to make sacrifices for the team. He should understand who the best player on the Lakers is!”

“…”

On July 1st, the 2002 World Cup Final concluded.

Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 and ultimately lifted the trophy!

The Korean team defended its host status with iron-blooded football.

As for Serie A saying “no” to Korean players, it no longer mattered.

They made it to the semifinals anyway!

Chinese football also reached its peak.

After qualifying at Wulihe Stadium, the fans erupted.

Although their performance in the Finals was mediocre, finishing last in their group, fans were full of hope.

Everyone believed that chinese football was on the right track.

(A/N: 😂😂😂)

During the World Cup, Lee made a small fortune, and his mood has been particularly good lately.

After the skyscraper collapse, most of Axe Capital’s partners were taken away.

The company didn’t collapse.

Instead, it expanded its scale a little bit by profiting from the “national disaster.”

In Fairfield County, Connecticut, many hedge funds and financial service companies chose to settle in Greenwich.

Axe Capital also officially settled here after leaving Hartford.

As one of the wealthiest towns in the United States, there are many luxury mansions and estates here, and the public order is also very good.

Lee briefly toured the company accompanied by Bobby.

The traders’ working environment was not bad.

Compared to the bankrupt financial companies, Axe Capital’s salaries were definitely the highest in the industry.

Bobby’s office had huge floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing him to see the view outside at any time.

Lee leaned back in his chair, spinning idly.

After becoming partners, their cooperation became closer, and they spoke without reservation:

“I thought you’d move to Stamford. Bridgewater Associates is over there!”

Perhaps because the company has been developing well recently, Bobby Axelrod looked much more energetic, even having the leisure to style his hair, completely shedding his “inner guilt.”

“Aren’t you planning to buy a house? Greenwich is very good, not far from Washington Square, and the jazz bar is also a good place for daily entertainment.”

“If we live closer, you can also come to the company more often!”

Bobby poured Lee a cup of coffee.

Today, both of them were dressed in jeans and gray T-shirts, having shed their formal wear, and had been chatting idly.

After acquiring less than 8% of Manchester United’s shares, Lee stopped buying more.

The shares were dispersed, and he didn’t want to become a major individual shareholder yet.

His memory told him that the acquisition time could wait.

“After losing the Finals, did your sponsors not take the opportunity to make demands? To be honest, you were so close to continuing your winning streak.”

Bobby also knew that Lee had huge sponsorships.

Although he wasn’t clear about the specific incentive clauses, he could guess there would be losses if they lost the championship.

Lee felt a pang of pain thinking about some of the losses, but fortunately, most of the rewards were already in hand:

“The Finals were enough. Winning or losing isn’t important to them. Recently, I’ve also been getting some endorsements. It’s a pity that the subsequent broadcasters won’t be NBC; otherwise, I could have earned more.”

Bobby handed Lee another document, then asked curiously:

“Most of the brands controlled by the liquor company are here. You want to acquire ownership of a brand, but it’s not necessarily profitable. Some niche alcoholic beverages might sell less than 50,000 bottles a year.”

Flipping through the document, he couldn’t find “ace of spades.”

Lee stroked his chin, realizing that this champagne might not have been launched yet.

However, he found familiar winery names, and his heart felt settled:

“You know, Bobby, my good friend Justin can drink in public this year.”

“He plans to release a single in August, and I need to send him a gift and do a little business at the same time.”

“This guy’s popularity will only grow. I guarantee he’ll be a hit across the US, and a big star’s advertising effect is definitely not bad.”

After thinking for a while, Bobby remembered who Lee’s singer friend was.

He shrugged, as this wasn’t his area of expertise, and just reminded him again:

“We need more people to join the acquisition of Manchester United. This will solve some of the difficulties in the acquisition process.”

“The accounting fraud and corruption scandals of several large companies like Andersen, Merrill Lynch, and Xerox are still ongoing. We made money from the Enron incident, but we also offended some people.”

“Dozens of senators, over four hundred representatives, and some executives are all being investigated by the Department of Justice. The impact of this incident is too severe.”

“Stock indices are falling, foreign capital is withdrawing, and the US dollar exchange rate is dropping. This is a chain reaction, Lee. We need to be careful. Don’t forget the Republican Party in New York. You need to show your face at some gatherings to show respect.”

Lee nodded.

The offerings couldn’t stop.

Fortunately, his athlete status was a deceptively good card.

Although the impact was great, he would dare to do it again next time.

On July 2nd, after entering the freeze period, the NBA also announced next season’s salary cap:

“$40.27 million.”

The luxury tax line was $52.88 million.

After the news was announced, the sports media was in an uproar.

Did the NBA’s revenue decline?

Everyone knew there was an issue with the broadcasting contract, but the Finals had been exceptionally popular in recent years, so no one expected the salary cap to suddenly drop.

Three consecutive years of big-market matchups masked many problems, and many small-market managers were complaining.

The New York Knicks’ tickets were in high demand, and even Mayor Bloomberg joined in, calling on tourists visiting New York City to go to Madison Square Garden to watch games and experience the city’s basketball culture.

Meanwhile, although the Detroit Pistons had an excellent record, their ticket prices plummeted.

A good record doesn’t necessarily mean good ticket sales.

Many Eastern Conference teams experienced this situation.

They were suppressed by the Knicks.

The Nets in nearby New Jersey were also miserable.

They were second in the Eastern Conference, but their ticket prices couldn’t go up, and many New York fans even jokingly called them “Knicks’ B-team.”

All these situations indicated that many teams were struggling to profit, and everyone needed more support from the league.

Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, accepted an interview at this time:

“The league can no longer cater to those big markets. They don’t lack market. What we need now is a win-win situation.”

“I don’t like the officiating in this year’s Western Conference Finals. Fans are also tired of the Los Angeles and New York matchups.”

“We should return to the essence of basketball and leave the game to the players!”

These words indeed won the support of the Western Conference teams.

Just entering the offseason, the basketball commentators were repeatedly discussing Lee’s statistics and the feud between the “OK Combo.”

Everyone was fed up with this situation!

Most of the Eastern Conference teams remained silent, and everyone knew why:

No matter how much they said, it wouldn’t change one fact:

“The Knicks are stronger.”

….

By the way, don’t forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me 🙂

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep