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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.

The return of Itachi

I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.

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***

On Monday, June 21, 2004, Sports Illustrated followed the hot topic and released its latest weekly issue.

The cover featured a photo of Clay Lee holding the trophy with both hands at Staples Center, accompanied by a simple yet striking title:

“G.O.A.T.!”

The large English letters were particularly eye-catching, and this issue mainly reviewed the New York Knicks’ performance in the 2003-04 season.

In addition to player interviews, there were also introductions to the management and team staff.

Mike D’Antoni also took up a significant portion of the content.

If he continued to win championships next season, Champion Coach would become a legendary coach in history.

Some coaches earn respect through extensive industry experience, while Mike D’Antoni proves himself with outrageous achievements.

The New York Knicks’ tactical system also had weaknesses, but unfortunately, Lee, as the core guard, could not only deliver assists but was also the best scorer in the NBA.

This made the New York Knicks in the regular season very different from the playoffs.

Once the role players were not in good form, it ultimately became the strongest tactic.

In an exclusive interview, Mike D’Antoni discussed his tactical philosophy:

“Compared to complex tactics, I believe more in the players’ intuition!”

“In the long regular season, I hope players can free themselves. Once they get an opportunity, they only need to trust their instincts.”

“Shooting, driving, free throws? As long as it’s an offensive method the player feels confident about, they should execute it decisively.”

“That’s why sometimes the New York Knicks will run a 7-second offense.”

The winner naturally receives praise, and Mike D’Antoni’s basketball philosophy was highly praised by Sports Illustrated:

“The New York Knicks are showing us a different kind of basketball, this is a cross-era tactic!”

“The future has defeated the past, and the tactical master has changed the NBA!”

This kind of hindsight evaluation was scoffed at by industry insiders.

In the NBA, tactics are indeed important, but more important are the people who execute them.

Replacing Lee with other core guards would yield completely different results.

Those who understand basketball know that the New York Knicks are irreplicable.

The Chicago Bulls won the championship with the Triangle Offense, and Phil Jackson became famous.

Some also tried to replicate the Chicago Bulls, but in the early 90s, no one succeeded because Michael Jordan was unique.

Similarly, Mike D’Antoni, who also became famous, might not achieve such success if he coached another team, but this hypothesis is hard to prove.

Mike D’Antoni has no intention of proving himself.

New York fans were very satisfied with this issue of the magazine, while Lakers fans recently looked at the news in the newspaper with some worry.

Shaquille O’Neal’s contract had one year left, and Jerry Buss seemed to genuinely not plan to renew it, which meant that the NBA’s top center was very likely to be traded.

This situation was obvious, after all, Shaquille O’Neal was getting old, while Kobe Bryant was just entering his prime.

Given a choice between the two, the Lakers, planning to rebuild, would naturally choose the future.

Perhaps the negotiations with the team broke down again, as Shaquille O’Neal began to sarcastically mock in an interview with the Los Angeles Times:

“Without me, the Lakers wouldn’t have won the championship!”

“Kobe Bryant represents the future? Without me, he can’t do anything.”

“I’m still the best big man in the NBA, I can still score efficiently in the Finals, even Walton knows to pass to me, while some people only show off with isolations.”

“You know who I’m talking about! He always wants to prove himself, but he’s just an ordinary star, with a huge gap from an MVP.”

“I’ve won MVP and FMVP, I deserve a big contract, and that’s my attitude towards renewal!”

This statement was a demand for a big contract.

In the NBA, salary represents respect.

Shaquille O’Neal believed he was still the NBA’s top center, and a significant pay cut was simply impossible.

Of course, this was also self-promotion.

Some teams might look to the future, but there are always teams that want to pursue a championship immediately.

“Penny for penny,” it would most likely improve performance, and as for the championship, sometimes it also requires some luck.

After the Draft, there will be a freeze period, and each team will have time to consider whether to pursue the future or gamble on the present.

Compared to Shaquille O’Neal, who was about to be abandoned by the team, Kobe Bryant had no such worries.

The Lakers were very likely to become his team!

Next season, thinking about becoming the team leader, his bad mood after the Finals loss improved significantly.

It seemed that he had already received news of a contract extension.

Kobe Bryant did not talk much about his teammates’ issues in an interview, but instead expressed to Lakers fans:

“I will not leave Los Angeles, this is my home!”

“Next season, as the team leader, I will continue to lead the Lakers to challenge for the championship.”

“I will dedicate all my time to basketball, and I hope my teammates can also be as hungry for a championship as I am.”

Neither of them mentioned the Finals loss, and coupled with the “Shaq Did It Too” controversy at the beginning of the season, this internal struggle seemed to mark the end of their friendship.

As the Draft approached, Lakers fans worried daily about the team’s disintegration, while New York fans cursed the Bobcats, calling them “thieves.”

The New York Knicks had several non-guaranteed contract players.

Although they didn’t have many playing opportunities, fans were unhappy about them being poached.

On the afternoon of the 21st, since the Bobcats were holding their expansion draft tomorrow, the New York Knicks also began preparations.

Unlike the atmosphere in other teams, the New York Knicks players were somewhat reluctant to leave the team.

Although they were all on minimum salaries, New York could earn a bit more.

However, being selected by the Bobcats might not be a bad thing!

Trenton Hassell was a towel-waving member of the New York Knicks, routinely serving as a practice player.

After joining the Timberwolves this season, he immediately secured a starting position.

The Bobcats offered more opportunities, and it was predictable that this team’s record would not be very good next season, so players selected would all have a chance to prove themselves.

At the Tarrytown Training Center, after a morning of discussion, by the afternoon, only Clay Lee, Mike D’Antoni, Mike Malone, and Grunfeld remained.

Serving as an assistant coach and also a scout, Mike Malone had a better understanding of the players in this year’s Draft.

“Around 40% of the players in this year’s Draft should be international players.”

“The players we select with our second-round pick are very unlikely to make it to the NBA.”

“At the end of the first round, it’s also difficult for us to select a qualified rotation player. Without salary cap space, staying healthy becomes even more important.”

Mike Malone spoke these words tactfully, essentially meaning there was no chance of finding a steal.

At most, one player could be added through the Draft.

Grunfeld had a headache, looking at the New York Knicks’ championship photos on the office walls, and suddenly complained softly:

“Grant shouldn’t have accepted the invitation. I even don’t want Pau Gasol to play for the national team, these games will increase the risk of injuries.”

Sitting behind his desk, Grunfeld handed the report in his hand to Mike D’Antoni.

It was the medical team’s assessment of Amar’e Stoudemire’s knee.

After undergoing microfracture surgery, this Rookie also needed extra care.

Grunfeld didn’t want the “asset” to depreciate, so he provided the report just to keep Mike D’Antoni informed.

Frowning as he opened the report, Mike D’Antoni didn’t expect the medical team’s assessment to be so poor, but these were all expectations and could only be used as a reference:

“We could consider trading Knight. His competitive state has severely declined, and it’s not a roster issue, it will affect player attitude.”

Mike D’Antoni also offered his opinion, stating that a “who cares about money” attitude is not suitable for a championship-contending team, as tanking can be contagious.

Mike Malone nodded in agreement, indicating that he also supported this decision.

While the other two assistant coaches were seeking Head Coach positions, Mike Malone, who had just joined last year, gained trust.

Whatever Mike D’Antoni said, he agreed with.

Grunfeld saw Lee drinking coffee and pacing by the window, turned his head and asked:

“Lee, what preparations do you think we should make for next season?”

“It’s difficult for us to make trades, and it’s impossible to sign big-name free agents, and as for international competitions, they won’t affect the team.”

“We can wait until after the All-Star Game to make a push, extend the recovery period, and a decent record will be fine, after all, the Eastern Conference still has the same old opponents.”

Lee leaned by the window and gave a simple reply.

After all, his large contract affected the team, and it was basically impossible to strengthen it further.

Currently, only the Mid-Level Exception could be used to recruit good players.

Lee was not optimistic about the Knight trade.

Finding a team to take on his contract was not a simple matter.

Although Mike D’Antoni wanted the team to continue its performance of the past two years, he also knew that Lee was right.

70+ wins was still unrealistic.

With appropriate relaxation, 60 wins might be enough to reach the top.

Grunfeld sighed inwardly, the difficulties of the large contract would gradually become apparent in the future.

If Knight could be signed and traded, rather than leaving the team as a free agent, then the loss to the team would be very small.

But such a situation was difficult to happen.

This portion of the salary cap was ultimately consumed by Lee.

After being covered by the large contract, as the years passed, the team might face a loss of personnel.

Just like the Chicago Bulls team back then, Michael Jordan’s large contract filled the salary cap, and aside from sign-and-trades, it was difficult for the team to strengthen.

When injuries befell the Chicago Bulls, their record would naturally fluctuate.

Fortunately, the Knicks were still young, but such a situation would eventually arise in the future.

This was an objective development pattern for a dynasty team.

“Lee, among this year’s Rookies, besides the player from the University of Connecticut, does Mark Bartelstein have any other candidates?”

Grunfeld took this opportunity to directly ask Lee.

Mark Bartelstein was currently busy with Emeka Okafor’s work and hadn’t had a chance to contact the team yet.

“From what I know, probably not. For the late first round, just pick any player. After all, the rotation won’t change next season.”

Lee only looked at the lottery picks introduced by Sports Illustrated magazine.

He didn’t pay attention to the late-round Rookies, because Rookies wouldn’t help the Knicks at all.

Now that they had joined a championship team, Rookies wouldn’t get any opportunities.

They could only wave towels.

There were still star players in the offseason this year.

The Phoenix Suns would not re-sign Marbury, and he would enter the free market.

At the same time, Anfernee Hardaway was also being shopped by the Phoenix Suns.

According to rumors, they seemed to be targeting the Dallas Mavericks’ core guard, Steve Nash.

However, to sign Steve Nash, the Phoenix Suns still had to work hard.

Their salary cap space was insufficient, facing the same dilemma as the Knicks, and they also needed to find a taker.

Lee didn’t pay attention to the three discussing how to send away Knight.

For him, the current roster was already enough to sustain them for several years.

On June 22nd, the Bobcats made their move:

They sent out their 2004 1st round 4th pick and 2004 2nd round pick to trade up with the Clippers for their 2nd pick.

The Phoenix Suns also took this opportunity to trade their 2005 1st round pick to the Bobcats, allowing them to select Jahidi White in the expansion draft, helping the team clear salary cap space.

This operation was not illegal.

The Knicks also wanted the other party to help, but unfortunately, they wouldn’t cooperate.

Soon, the Bobcats announced the 19 players they had selected.

Among a group of atmosphere players, Rasual Butler of the Knicks was also selected, and at the same time, Gerald Wallace of the Sacramento Kings was also on this list.

This confirmed the name “Thief,” and New York fans naturally didn’t like being fleeced.

In his limited playing time, Butler was considered a 3D prospect.

He was just developed well and then taken by another team.

The small trade exception was of no use to the Knicks.

On the 23rd, the Bobcats’ trades continued.

They waived Zaza Pachulia, whom they had selected from the Orlando Magic, and traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks, gaining another 2004 second-round pick.

With the 2nd pick, the Bobcats would not miss Emeka Okafor.

With a core inside player, the team’s construction was largely complete.

On June 24th, at 7:00 PM, the 2004 NBA Draft would officially be held, and ESPN would broadcast it live.

An hour before the draft began, Madison Square Garden became lively again.

The Cavaliers’ coaching staff and management, along with LeBron James, appeared in Manhattan.

LeBron James specifically wore a black suit, with a constant smile on his face.

Next season, the team would complete its rebuilding, and he would be able to show his skills.

Mike Tirico, as the host of ESPN, noticed that many reporters were surrounding Van Gundy, and he also praised him:

“Winning the first pick again, perhaps next season the Cavaliers will rise from the Eastern Conference. Head Coach Van Gundy is transforming this team step by step.”

“The future belongs to the young. I believe that under the guidance of the Champion Coach, talented players will realize their potential.”

At this time, Van Gundy, who was being interviewed, had an exceptionally bright smile.

Tonight, he was once again in his signature “red scarf” attire:

“We will select a big man. In the Cavaliers’ tactical system, we need quick defensive rotations.”

“The big man needs to have a certain ability to switch Defenses, and more importantly, be able to complete help Defense tasks. He will become the team’s defensive core.”

Van Gundy’s words almost made it clear that the Cavaliers would definitely choose Dwight Howard.

Tom Thibodeau, standing nearby, felt a bit nostalgic for the atmosphere of the venue.

He looked around and didn’t see anyone from the Knicks in charge, so he knew they didn’t care about this draft at all.

On the other side, Bickerstaff, wearing glasses, was also attracting much attention.

After trading up, the Bobcats would most likely take Emeka Okafor.

Although he didn’t directly reveal the team’s choice, Bickerstaff also smiled brightly as he introduced the team’s future plans:

“As a brand new team, I am looking to the future this season. The Rookies who join the team after being drafted will all get more playing time.”

“Before the Rookie contracts end, the team’s goal is to make the playoffs. For this, we have also made long-term plans!”

Similar to Van Gundy’s choice, Bickerstaff also believed that the Eastern Conference teams should wait.

After the Rookie contracts end, Lee will also be 30 years old, and no one can be sure how the league’s landscape will change then.

This approach was the safest.

Rookie players were about to enter their prime, and the Knicks would become an aging team, which would be the best time for other teams to challenge for the championship.

The Cavaliers and the Bobcats chose the same team-building philosophy, but the Orlando Magic, who got the 10th pick, had troubles to speak of.

Due to knee injuries, Allan Houston was highly likely to be out for the season next year.

Tracy McGrady was not optimistic about the Orlando Magic’s future.

This scorer, who had been the “second man” for one season, had a conflict with the management.

The Orlando Magic’s management’s evaluation of Tracy McGrady was also not ideal.

His back and waist injuries would affect his player’s condition.

Tracy McGrady had declined significantly this season due to injuries.

After weighing the pros and cons, the Orlando Magic planned to sell their depreciating “asset” early to cut their losses.

This news had not yet been leaked.

Upon arriving at Madison Square Garden, the Orlando Magic delegation was very low-key.

As the draft was about to begin, LeBron James followed behind the Cavaliers’ entourage.

Upon arriving at Madison Square Garden, LeBron James recalled the Knicks’ grand championship parade not long ago.

In Times Square, a group of famous figures showered Clay Lee with praise.

The atmosphere of the boasting session was exceptionally hot, as if the entire city was cheering for the championship.

LeBron James participated in the Knicks’ event to visit fans in downtown.

The crazy atmosphere left a deep impression on him.

The conditions in downtown Manhattan were not very good, but the fans were exceptionally passionate.

This was related to the New York basketball atmosphere, and this situation also made LeBron James envious.

As the venue gradually quieted down, David Stern took the stage.

Under the expectant gaze of the Cavaliers’ entourage, Mr. Commissioner opened the envelope and announced with a smile:

“With the first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select Dwight Howard from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.”

Everyone from the Cavaliers applauded. Dwight Howard, wearing a somewhat oversized dark blue suit, white shirt, and silver tie, immediately hugged his family and friends upon hearing his name.

He smiled as he went on stage, accepted the Cavaliers hat, and after putting it on, Dwight Howard stepped forward to shake hands with David Stern.

The two posed for a photo.

Two No. 1 picks teaming up, one inside and one outside, the Cavaliers were highly likely to rise next season!

High school Rookies usually had some issues, but rebuilding teams focused on the future didn’t care about this.

The Bobcats selected Emeka Okafor with the 2nd pick;

The Chicago Bulls selected Ben Gordon with the 3rd pick;

The Clippers selected Shaun Livingston with the 4th pick;

The Washington Wizards selected Devin Harris with the 5th pick;

The Atlanta Hawks selected Josh Childress with the 6th pick;

The Phoenix Suns selected Loul Deng with the 7th pick;

The Toronto Raptors selected Rafael Araujo with the 8th pick;

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Andre Iguodala with the 9th pick;

The Orlando Magic selected Luke Jackson with the 10th pick.

With the 29th pick, the Knicks selected Anderson Anderson Varejão.

After the first round of the draft, David Stern specifically gave a nod to Dwight Howard as he walked off the stage, which made the latter beam.

The draft continued, and ESPN’s interview with Dwight Howard was coming to an end.

When the reporter asked about this year’s Finals, Dwight Howard exclaimed guilelessly:

“Incredible, the largest winning margin in history! I watched all four games this year, and Clay Lee’s performance was like Superman!”

“By the end of the year, I’ll only be 19. The future definitely belongs to the young generation. Just like Clay Lee ended the Chicago Bulls’ era, the Cavaliers will also defeat the Knicks to win the championship.”

Upon hearing this, the ESPN reporter asked with a mischievous glint in his eye:

“Dwight, we all know LeBron James is also very young, he’s only one year older than you. How many championship trophies can your duo win?”

Seemingly recalling some classic moments, Dwight Howard suddenly burst into laughter and confidently replied:

“Not 1, 2, 3, but 5 and more! I can’t wait! I believe under Head Coach Van Gundy’s guidance, we can bring more championships to the Cavaliers!”

“…”

The draft was also a time for trades.

The Chicago Bulls traded second-round pick Jackson Vroman and their 2005 first-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Loul Deng.

The Dallas Mavericks traded Antawn Jamison to the Washington Wizards for Devin Harris, Christian Laettner, and Jerry Stackhouse.

The Denver Nuggets also traded Jameer Nelson to the Orlando Magic for a 2005 first-round pick.

Regardless of the trades, the Cavaliers ultimately became the biggest winners of the 2004 NBA draft.

With two top picks joining forces, their future looks promising!

Before the draft concluded, LeBron James, who was interviewed by ESPN, also became particularly confident:

“Head Coach Van Gundy made the right choice. Next season, the Cavaliers will make it to the playoffs.”

“Dwight might still need to adapt to the intensity of the game. We won’t rush to prove ourselves, because we know how excellent our talent is!”

“Give us some time, and I will lead the Cavaliers to break the curse. We will definitely bring a championship to Cleveland!”

Every year, the Knicks pick a big man late in the first round, a lottery-ticket approach that hasn’t yielded much success so far.

Gadzuric made it into the rotation, but he couldn’t displace Dikembe Mutombo.

After Anderson Varejão joins the team, he’ll likely have to wave towels for a season before competing for playing time.

After the draft, the Cavaliers became the focus.

Jeff Van Gundy seemed poised to lead this team to another championship run.

On the morning of the 25th, ESPN reviewed last night’s draft and also discussed team-building strategies on the show.

There were only three people in the studio at this time.

Mike Tirico, who hosted last night’s draft, had a general understanding of the Rookies.

After introducing a few Rookies who might help the team, Mike Tirico brought up the recently hot topic of trades:

“If the Lakers choose to trade Shaq, will teams chasing a championship choose this NBA’s best center?”

Stephen A. Smith became energized upon hearing this question.

Without even looking at Tolbert opposite him, he immediately gave his answer:

“I think there will definitely be teams that do!”

“The Knicks are strong, but they won’t win forever.”

“Championship teams will always encounter problems, and Lee’s contract this year will put the team in some difficulties. The future will greatly test the management’s operations.”

“During this period, there will always be teams that emerge. Perhaps they won’t dominate for a period like the Knicks, but they will win championships.”

This statement left the two people in the studio somewhat speechless.

This New York commentator was practically saying that some teams would “steal a championship.”

Tolbert shook his head.

He didn’t have much of a bias, but rather spoke very objectively:

“I remain skeptical about Shaq’s physical condition. He is still the best big man in the NBA, but he always has problems defending pick-and-rolls.”

“If you want to trade for Shaq and make a run for the championship, you will face the dilemma of defending pick-and-rolls on the Defense end.”

“Stephen also has a point. We really can’t predict the future, and we can’t know if the Knicks will continue this state in the future.”

“But I think opportunities are for prepared teams. There will definitely be teams that choose to trade for Shaq.”

“Not considering a championship, making it to the playoffs is also a success. Of course, trades also need to consider the player’s wishes. Shaq will not allow himself to join a team with no championship potential.”

Perhaps the Knicks’ dominance was too strong, and other teams always proclaimed “the future is promising.”

After ESPN’s program aired, it received recognition from many New York fans:

“Trust the process!”

This mindset first appeared among Philadelphia 76ers fans.

Since ’96, they had never beaten the Knicks and were now completely numb.

In contrast, the Pacers and Detroit Pistons were still fighting.

Old Miller was still chasing a championship, and Rasheed Wallace, after half a season of integration, was unwilling to accept defeat.

On Saturday, June 26th, at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, Lee attended Ivanka’s family gathering.

The 18-hole golf course was beautiful.

Lee, in a white suit, had an exceptionally elegant swing!

Ivanka beside him smiled happily.

Donald, with his superb golfing skills, once again crushed Lee.

“Alright, Ivanka, go see your brothers and entertain the pretty girls they brought.”

Donald patted his daughter’s shoulder.

She first went up and kissed Lee, leaving a red lipstick mark on his right cheek, then smiled and left.

Lee shrugged.

Ivanka did it on purpose, but Donald didn’t care.

Leaning on his golf club, he chuckled and said:

“Lee, you can’t passively wait. I know you think Spitzer won’t target Axe Capital anymore after becoming governor, but I need to remind you, that’s just a possibility!”

“The people on Wall Street all seem to be waiting for an opportunity. He has indeed offended many people, but you also need to realize that time is money.”

“You need to leverage the power of lobbying groups. This is America, you have to adapt to the rules. The ‘Sheriff of Wall Street’ will also compromise.”

Before Lee could speak, Donald immediately offered his solution:

“Roger Stone, conservative political consultant, founder of the Washington D.C. lobbying firm BMSK. I know you have a lot of money. Billionaires shouldn’t compromise!”

Hearing the name, Lee tried to search for information in his mind, then asked in a low voice with a strange expression:

“The lobbyist who suggested you publicly consider a reform nomination and compete with Buchanan in the 2000 presidential election?”

Donald showed a hint of embarrassment recalling that annoying incident from back then, but quickly tilted his head and said:

“Come on!”

“Don’t mind that. I swear, you’ll love this guy!”

“…”

…..

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep