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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 the evening of February 16, 2005, at Madison Square Garden, as the game neared its end, Mike Breen couldn’t help but gossip about the news he received that morning from the MSG commentary booth:

“The NHL has become the first sports league to suspend play this year. I hope the NBA doesn’t fall into such a predicament.”

“If an agreement isn’t reached before June 30, this year’s free agency will also be affected.”

Walt Frazier, a New York Knicks legend, naturally sided with the players:

“I don’t agree with the rule that restricts the age at which players can enter the league.”

“If a talent like Clay Lee appears again, it would be unfair to them.”

Both avoided the most contentious issue at the moment:

David Stern wanted the NBA to further implement marijuana testing, which was the main reason the labor and management failed to reach an agreement.

The Milwaukee Bucks had already put in their cheering squad, and both teams were waiting for the game to end.

This was the last game for both teams before the All-Star Game, and neither side was very invested.

The players were already preparing to enjoy their All-Star break.

As the final buzzer sounded, the score was 92:107, with the Knicks narrowly defeating their opponent, avoiding a two-game losing streak.

After their Western Conference road trip, the New York Knicks had previously lost to the Heat and the Detroit Pistons.

After easily defeating the Celtics and the Cavaliers, they had recently achieved a record of 3 wins and 2 losses.

With the season halfway over, the Knicks, like most teams, had entered a period of fatigue, and their three-point shooting percentage had dropped significantly.

With a record of 44 wins and 9 losses, the Knicks had pretty much secured a playoff spot based on their current performance.

Mike D’Antoni, who once again became the Eastern Conference All-Star Head Coach, was asked about the team’s fluctuating performance during a post-game interview with local New York media:

“For several consecutive games, our outside shooting percentage has been less than 30%. Does this mean the team needs to make tactical adjustments?”

Mike D’Antoni remained as confident as in previous interviews:

“Currently, we are still the number one team in the league. I have confidence in my boys. We will continue to shoot after the All-Star Game.”

“There are 29 games left. The team has a significant advantage right now. The next step is adjustment time.”

“Pau should return in March. As for our record, we have no specific goals. Perhaps the New York Knicks will be the earliest team in the league to prepare for the playoffs.”

After saying this, Mike D’Antoni smiled again.

Even if they lost half of their remaining games, the coaching staff would accept it.

Saving their best for later was better left to other teams.

Lee was the New York Knicks’ union representative this year.

As All-Star Weekend approached, the NHL suspended play, and sports media began to focus on the current collective bargaining agreement issues.

When attending the press conference, Lee did not avoid the marijuana issue but spoke frankly:

“Promoting marijuana testing is not a problem for the New York Knicks.”

“In the locker room, we all believe that marijuana is an illegal drug, and any measures the league wants to implement are good actions.”

“However, I do not agree with age restrictions, and limiting the longest contract to 4 years is also very inappropriate. Players need more security.”

“As for the issue of lowering the luxury tax threshold, that is a matter for Mr. Dolan to consider, but I don’t think he will agree.”

A Yahoo Sports reporter heard Lee’s answer and quipped in a low voice:

“Lee, maybe Ron Artest will be troubled!”

Several sports media outlets joined in the discussion, joking that Ron Artest used to sell marijuana, and people naturally had a bias against repeat offenders.

Lee didn’t care about this boring discussion.

He adjusted the microphone and joked:

“It will be difficult to see Ron on the court this season. If the league allows him to return, you can ask him his opinion in person.”

James Dolan had recently been busy with his father selling the family’s cable television business and was also in a dispute with New York City Hall.

Bloomberg had been suggesting since last year that MSG build a new facility near the existing stadium.

The Jets planned to move there, and the two sides had a serious disagreement over the decision to build a 75,000-seat stadium.

MSG would not move because they wanted to retain the property tax exemption granted by the Koch administration 20 years ago, and Bloomberg News, representing the Mayor, also spoke out:

“Without the Jets stadium driving development, New York will not be able to afford the subway extension to that location.”

“If we don’t get the stadium in the end, everyone can forget about the 7 train.”

Bloomberg stated more than once that James Dolan should be concerned about the Jets’ arena being built in downtown Brooklyn, and that a 75,000-seat stadium would not affect Madison Square Garden.

To this, James Dolan’s response was simple:

“MSG will renovate its current location without using taxpayer money.”

To dissuade the other party from building a stadium, MSG offered 600 million dollars for the land it occupied.

The Dolan Family gave the mayor no face.

They intended to “kill” the stadium.

Bloomberg also tried to get Lee to endorse him, firmly believing that the Jets would not affect the New York Knicks.

The two sides had been clashing fiercely recently, and Lee had no intention of getting involved.

He sent a beautiful horse to Georgina and also had Ivanka promote the “daughter’s style.”

On Thursday, the 17th, Lee, who woke up early, gazed out the window.

The room was still dim.

When Lee returned to Ivanka’s side, she snuggled into his arms again.

It was just a few minutes past 6 o’clock, and a groggy Ivanka couldn’t help but ask in a low voice:

“Is it time to get up, dear? I want to sleep a little longer.”

Lee tidied her slightly messy blonde hair and reminded her:

“Your father will be back today. He should be dealing with the restaurant issue.”

With a frustrated grunt, Ivanka reluctantly propped herself up, then lay back down on Lee, closing her eyes and whispering:

“Carry me to the bathroom! Maybe I should go to Florida for a while.”

After their morning exercise, a rosy-faced Ivanka returned to the bedroom.

Lee helped her arrange her waist-length blonde hair, and seeing her still displaying her graceful figure, he leaned down and rubbed her twice:

“Does Georgina like that beautiful little mare?”

Watching her fair skin begin to deform in the mirror, Ivanka giggled, then said meaningfully:

“She loves it, but she recently put the horse at Peninsula Manor.”

Lee shrugged.

He didn’t have time to go back recently, so he wouldn’t participate in the socialite gatherings.

Both were only wrapped in towels.

Ivanka turned around and hugged Lee, looking up and asking in a low voice:

“Do emails and social media really influence voters?”

Lee guessed that the “big white rabbit” in his arms must have discussed election topics with Georgina to have such a question:

“I think the answer is yes, but more importantly, it’s campaign funding. In 2001, Bloomberg reportedly spent 14 million dollars on emails.”

“And at that time, his Donkey Party opponent Mark Green only spent $16.5 million during his entire campaign.”

“I remember this data very clearly. Although there is a suspicion of exaggeration, the role of money is still not to be ignored.”

Bloomberg won 47% of the Hispanic vote and 25% of the Black vote that year.

Lee was deeply impressed by this.

He had a good memory and never forgot the news from a few years ago.

Spending $75 million on his campaign, Bloomberg defeated his opponent.

In this campaign, the billionaire self-funded his campaign and announced no Upper limit (no upper limit).

Hearing Lee introduce the situation back then, Ivanka blinked and suddenly whispered:

“If my father ran for election, could he also succeed with enough funding?”

“God knows. I think he prefers to be a TV star now.”

“…”

On the evening of the 17th, with a score of 90:94, after the Cavaliers lost to the Timberwolves on the road, their record came to 32 wins and 19 losses.

Their record was the same as the Detroit Pistons, but their head-to-head record was inferior to their opponent’s, so the Cavaliers ultimately dropped to fourth place in the Eastern Conference before All-Star Weekend.

McHale took over the Timberwolves, and after winning the game, their record came to 27 wins and 27 losses.

Although they lost, LeBron James seemed particularly confident after the game.

He simply greeted Kevin Garnett and then came to the sidelines to accept an interview.

Hearing a reporter ask about his thoughts on being invited by Michael Jordan for All-Star Weekend, LeBron James, amidst the noisy atmosphere, raised his voice and simply replied:

“Michael Jordan is a great basketball player. I watched him play when I was very young.”

“I’m very happy to get advice from him.”

After entering the NBA, LeBron James and Michael Jordan didn’t have much interaction.

Regarding this, a local sports media outlet in Indianapolis fanned the flames and asked:

“LeBron, many people call you the next Michael Jordan. Does this put pressure on you?”

“I am myself. There is no next Michael Jordan. You know, times have changed.”

“The game is faster now and more focused on three-pointers.”

“Michael Jordan represented an era, and now, Clay Lee represents the future.”

“I prefer to learn from the greatest player in history. I think I can do more: rebounds, assists, Defense, scoring. I want to be a more versatile player.”

“…”

LeBron James’s words, after being processed and reported by ESPN, were completely transformed:

“New-generation players believe Clay Lee has surpassed Michael Jordan to become the greatest in history.”

“LeBron James doesn’t want to be Michael Jordan. He wants to play like Clay Lee.”

Lee, who was preparing to fly to Denver, also saw the news.

The low-key Michael Jordan was still being exploited.

This year, Nike will sign a lifetime contract with Lee during the offseason, and his signature shoes will also be released.

Before the All-Star Game, Nike released a preview, and by the way, hyped up some of their older shoe models.

Due to sales issues in Germany, Nike began a new round of lawsuits with Adidas at the end of last month.

As Lee boarded the Gulfstream private jet prepared by American Express, Matt Parker, who was traveling with him, sat down and began talking about Michael Jordan’s public appearance:

“Michael Jordan has a good relationship with the Bobcats’ owner. He probably hasn’t given up the idea of owning a team.”

“Maybe in less than two years, he will become part of that team’s management, but we’re not optimistic about him. David Falk and his era are over.”

Agents often provide solutions for teams.

Perhaps Falk still has influence in the industry, but as time passes, new agencies will eventually replace them.

Lee naturally knew about Michael Jordan’s draft vision.

In a few years, everyone would witness his management talent:

“Why did Converse sign Dwyane Wade? This Rookie is quite popular.”

Hearing Lee’s question, Matt Parker didn’t hide anything:

“We just acquired Converse, so we naturally hope to see this brand develop further.”

“But more importantly, our resources are currently limited. Besides you, everyone is more optimistic about LeBron James.”

“Dwyane Wade has too many injuries, and he’s only a second-year Rookie.”

All-Star Weekend began, and most players chose to go on vacation.

Jason Kidd, who was not selected, has been very active recently, and his agent even leaked a rumor:

“Jason Kidd wants to join Kevin Garnett in Minnesota.”

Neither the Nets nor the Timberwolves had much to say about such trade rumors.

Jason Kidd himself denied the news in an interview:

“I don’t want to be traded, and I’ve never asked the team to trade me.”

“Currently, I’m only focused on the Nets. You can report whatever you want before the trade deadline, but I promise the fans that I will lead the team to the playoffs.”

Vince Carter represented the Nets in this year’s All-Star Game.

Jason Kidd, who stayed in New Jersey, tried hard to make himself relevant, but received little feedback.

The Nets, still struggling for a playoff spot, had no hope of contending for a championship.

In contrast, fans were more concerned about the Heat’s status.

Shaquille O’Neal’s stats also declined from late January to early February.

If Lee felt tired, the big shark was even more prone to slacking off.

Ranked third in the MVP standings, Shaquille O’Neal was dissatisfied but found it difficult to improve his performance.

Recently, Shaquille O’Neal, who was out with his younger brother, once again made bold claims in an interview:

“There are 28 games left. We won’t relax. Don’t be surprised if you see the Heat surpass the Knicks by the end of the regular season.”

“We don’t rely on three-pointers. Let me rest for a few days, and after All-Star Weekend, I’ll continue to dominate the paint!”

With a record of 40 wins and 14 losses, the Heat were in second place in the Eastern Conference, and the win difference was still within reach.

Following behind Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade wore a loose white short-sleeved T-shirt, paired with equally loose gray sweatpants, and white Converse skate shoes.

Dwyane Wade was also very proud of the team’s current record, and his agent had recently secured him several good endorsement deals.

Thinking about the playoffs, Dwyane Wade proactively spoke up to add before reporters could ask:

“This year, we will make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. As you can see, we can defeat the Knicks. After All-Star Weekend, the Heat will get more wins.”

In their recent rematch, the Heat won on the road, which gave both Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade more confidence.

Shaquille O’Neal didn’t want to expend too much energy during All-Star Weekend.

His playing time had also been reduced recently.

This season, he intended to prove himself again.

Local sports media in Miami began to discuss in low voices as the two left.

Thinking of the win difference, someone suddenly said:

“Perhaps the team’s current weakness lies in the coaching staff. If Pat Riley coached this team, maybe we could win the championship.”

On February 18th, as fans arrived, the city of Denver also became lively.

In the morning, the NBA organized players to take individual portrait photos and attend a press conference.

In the afternoon, there was also a fan meet-and-greet, where invited players would give speeches to children and complete promotional work.

In recent years, oversized clothing has been popular in the NBA.

Despite David Stern’s repeated emphasis on the dress code, most players who appeared at the Pepsi Center in Denver for the morning photoshoot wore pants so baggy they could fit two people.

If the NBA allowed it, baggy pants would likely appear on players.

Kobe, who recently returned from injury, had grown a beard and looked somewhat weathered.

He disliked Colorado, as it reminded him of some bad experiences.

This year, Kobe didn’t bring Vanessa to the All-Star Game.

If the ‘fun-loving’ fans here were to call him an “intruder” again, it would be embarrassing for his family.

Like other NBA stars who followed trends, Kobe also wore an oversized black suit, with a loose white shirt and unusually baggy jeans.

At this moment, Kobe was happily chatting with the past-his-prime Garnett.

The two had known each other for a long time, and their private relationship was very good when they weren’t talking about basketball.

Ever since Karl Malone tried to cuckold him, Kobe had become more cautious about making friends.

Seeing Tracy McGrady appear, he loudly greeted him:

“Tracy! Good job, looks like you convinced the Head Coach!”

With a record of 32 wins and 21 losses, the Houston Rockets had filled most of the hole they dug at the beginning of the season.

After trading Tyronn Lue for David Wesley, the Houston Rockets also began to pick up the pace, and Mike Brown’s tactic of giving the ball to Tracy McGrady finally worked.

It seemed Tracy McGrady hadn’t slept well last night.

Wearing a loose white T-shirt, he looked sleepy as he walked up and fist-bumped Kobe, saying smugly:

“I should be able to get past the first round this year. If the coaching staff had accepted my advice earlier, our record would have been even better.”

The three hadn’t seen each other for a while, and this reunion in Denver led to non-stop conversation.

This year, all three members of the San Antonio Spurs were selected for the All-Star Game, making them the biggest winners in the Western Conference.

Gregg Popovich was also elected the Western Conference All-Star Head Coach, and there were noticeably more reporters surrounding the San Antonio Spurs players.

Kevin Garnett was a bit annoyed.

Last year he was the main character, but this year he was past his prime.

Seeing Duncan and the others laughing and accepting interviews, he couldn’t help but say angrily:

“Why hasn’t the event started yet? I’m not interested in just standing here.”

Tracy McGrady also started showing off at this point, loudly telling the staff member responsible for taking photos:

“One chance. We’ll leave after one photo. Take it seriously. I don’t want to waste time here.”

Gilbert Arenas, who was making his first All-Star appearance, was naturally very low-key.

Seeing the two showing off, he secretly curled his lips.

While Tracy McGrady was still talking with the staff, Clay Lee and Ray Allen appeared on the scene.

Looking at a bunch of saggy pants, Lee raised his eyebrows.

Personal dress was a matter of personal freedom, and he had no intention of interfering:

“The timing is just right. Billy Hunter will also be here in an hour. We’ll have a quick meeting to standardize our statements during All-Star Weekend.”

Ray Allen, who was beside him, didn’t notice anyone showing off and simply added:

“None of us want to see an NBA lockout. Hunter will protect everyone’s interests, so don’t cause trouble for the union these next few days.”

Both of them were wearing gray plaid suits, which made them look out of place in the venue.

When Lee signaled the staff to start taking photos, Lewis and Ben Wallace scoffed from the side.

Gilbert Arenas nudged Antawn Jamison next to him, then turned his head and chuckled softly.

Kevin Garnett and Tracy McGrady failed in their attempt to show off, and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, they were so angry their complexions turned dark.

Shaquille O’Neal, who deliberately arrived late for the grand finale, also wore a loose gray suit.

After a low-voiced exchange with Lee, he agreed to the subsequent arrangements.

As for the hour-long photo session, the big shark had no objections either.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and other Rookies watched the developments quietly, while Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki were not concerned with union matters.

The staff breathed a sigh of relief, and sports reporters secretly recorded the scene, noting that Kevin Garnett was still muttering, finding it quite amusing.

Kevin Garnett and the others were nowhere to be seen during the Rookie Challenge that night.

Clay Lee and LeAnn Rimes sat in the front row watching the game. This early-debuting singer, who had won a Grammy for Country Female Vocalist of the Year, would be the halftime performer for the main game tomorrow.

The country singer, who married at 19, had a decent personality, but as she aged, she completely went astray.

On the TNT commentary desk, during halftime, Kevin Harlan and Steve Kerr once again discussed the MVP topic:

“It seems Clay Lee has already locked up this award. Although the Knicks started losing before the All-Star Game, their record is still ahead of the San Antonio Spurs.”

“Steve, we all know you played for the San Antonio Spurs. How would you evaluate Duncan’s performance this season?”

With a 41-12 record, the San Antonio Spurs decisively defeated the Hornets before the All-Star Game, maintaining their position as the Western Conference’s top team.

“I believe the San Antonio Spurs, led by Duncan, have completed their rebuilding. Manu Ginobili has given us a great surprise.”

“Although the outside world criticizes Head Coach Popovich, I understand his role for the San Antonio Spurs. He is the most suitable Head Coach for Duncan.”

“Just as Popovich said, Duncan is a selfless leader. I learned a lot during my time with the San Antonio Spurs. Compared to the Knicks, I am more optimistic about the San Antonio Spurs at the moment.”

The gap in wins between the two teams was not large, and Kevin Harlan curiously asked:

“Is it because of injuries? We all know that the Chicago Bulls also faced such difficulties back then.”

“Do you think the San Antonio Spurs have a chance to end the Knicks’ dominance?”

Steve Kerr smiled, putting on a ‘I’ve been through it all’ expression:

“Besides injuries, it’s more about the desire to win. The San Antonio Spurs have better mental fortitude. What I mean is that the Knicks have won too much.”

“To solve this problem, Michael Jordan motivated us on the training ground back then. Clay Lee doesn’t seem to have noticed this yet. He needs to be stricter with his teammates.”

“I believe the San Antonio Spurs’ desire for the championship has surpassed that of the Knicks. This is the key to victory!”

When mental fortitude was mentioned, Kevin Harlan almost couldn’t keep up, only nodding in agreement.

After a brief thought, he suddenly spoke again:

“Perhaps the San Antonio Spurs are more eager for the championship, but Clay Lee has put up career-best numbers. He is simply unstoppable on offense.”

“Facing a scorer who averages 36 points per game in the regular season, I don’t think the San Antonio Spurs can contain him.”

“…”

Steve Kerr was speechless.

If you don’t talk about mental fortitude and only talk about data, there’s no comparison.

Currently, the Knicks are still far ahead in scoring, while the San Antonio Spurs haven’t broken a hundred points, showing a significant gap between the two sides.

Carmelo Anthony, who was not selected for the All-Star Game, played exceptionally hard in the Rookie Challenge.

In the second half, everyone gave the host team face, and as the Rookie team conceded early, the final score was set at 133:106.

Carmelo Anthony, who scored 31 points, lifted the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy on his home court.

However, the award-winning Carmelo Anthony was not happy.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade had all been selected for the All-Star Game.

On Saturday, the 19th, before the individual skill competitions began, Head Coach Popovich, in an interview, also discussed the arrangements for the main game:

“Players don’t have to worry about playing time. This is a festival for the fans, and we will present a wonderful game for everyone.”

Clearly, Head Coach Popovich did not intend to overuse the San Antonio Spurs’ trio.

After All-Star Weekend, the team still needed to contend for home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Mike D’Antoni was the same.

After arriving in Denver with his family, he no longer focused on specific matters.

Ensuring Stoudemire and Lee had a healthy weekend was the most important thing.

Mike D’Antoni almost articulated the same viewpoint, giving no clear answer regarding playing time:

“I will control everyone’s playing time and also consider the fans’ emotions.”

“I believe the Eastern Conference will win because we have the best backcourt players in the league and the best big men in the league.”

Since no Denver Nuggets players were selected for the All-Star Game, as the host, they had to actively participate in the individual skill challenges.

In the Skills Challenge that night, Earl Boykins, favored by Denver Nuggets fans, failed to win the championship.

Steve Nash defeated Gilbert Arenas and Luke Ridnour, ultimately lifting the trophy.

In the Three-Point Contest, Denver Nuggets fans hoped Voshon Lenard could defend his title.

As a result, Quentin Richardson of the Phoenix Suns defeated Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, Kyle Korver, and Vladimir Radmanović, becoming this year’s Three-Point King.

In the Slam Dunk Contest, Denver Nuggets fans continued to cheer loudly for their home team’s beastly power forward, Kenyon Martin.

The result was once again disappointing.

Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks easily defeated Chris Andersen and JR Smith, ultimately lifting the Slam Dunk King trophy.

The three individual competitions were unremarkable, leaving the Denver Nuggets fans at the venue greatly disappointed.

JR Smith, wearing a yellow jersey and a yellow headband, actually performed well, after all, he was only 19 years old.

It was just that his dunk movements couldn’t fully showcase his athleticism.

Josh Smith’s windmill dunk after a mid-air spin in the finals was also extremely fluid.

The Pepsi Center was a bit noisy after all the individual competitions ended, with some overly optimistic home fans booing.

The Rookies who won trophies were unaffected, still exceptionally excited after the game, celebrating with their families.

Although Ray Allen lost the game, his spirits were equally high.

The Seattle SuperSonics currently had a record of 36 wins and 14 losses.

This year, they had a great chance to enter the top half of the standings, and after his recent vocal performance, he entered the MVP rankings, making Ray Allen a bit overconfident.

After greeting familiar friends on the sidelines, Lee took simple photos with the award-winning Rookies.

As they were about to leave, Ray Allen leaned over and, looking at the Phoenix Suns’ big harvest, whispered:

“They don’t have any chance. Maybe we’ll meet in the Finals this year.”

Lee simply patted his somewhat overconfident friend beside him and went along with his words:

“I look forward to you eliminating the San Antonio Spurs. You and Bruce Bowen have a good relationship, I hope the game won’t affect your friendship!”

Ray Allen smiled, not taking these words to heart.

He indeed had a friendship with Bruce Bowen, but he didn’t think the latter could contain him:

“I need to get some good rest this weekend. If I get the top seed in the Western Conference, maybe I can also win the MVP!”

“…”

…..

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep