Check out my new fanfics.

Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.

The return of Itachi

I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.

Please give it a go 😊

***

On October 31, 2005, the Associated Press was the first to break the news that the New York Knicks would offer Tayshaun Prince a 5-year, $47 million contract.

The New York Knicks finished the preseason with a 4-3 record.

With Lee out, D’Antoni rotated the roster extensively, and new recruit Boris Diaw made his debut.

However, Gasol and Diaw, who joined the team last, did not play much.

Especially Gasol.

The Spanish national team finished third in the European Championship, and he played under a high workload this offseason.

The New York Knicks play in the NBA Finals every year, and with national team call-ups, Gasol has been worn out more than most players.

On tuesday, November 1st, the NBA scheduled a total of four opening games.

76ers vs. New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings vs. Charlotte Hornets.

The reason why the 76ers and the Sacramento Kings appeared in the opening games was mainly due to a major trade between the two teams in early October!

The 76ers sent Chris Williams, Kenny Thomas, and Brian Skinner, who they had just acquired, to the Sacramento Kings.

In return, they received Chris Webber and Michael Bradley.

This trade on October 4th shocked the entire NBA, and then the Sacramento Kings signed Sheriff Rasheed Wallace, a free agent “returned” by the Nets, which made critics exclaim that both teams had gone crazy.

Considering Webber’s large contract, the 76ers’ decision was a desperate gamble.

For the active Iverson this offseason, this should be the last attempt by the management.

The Heat’s performance in the preseason was lackluster, leading to more and more calls for Stan Van Gundy to be fired.

On October 16th and 18th, Lee welcomed two little ones.

New York fans, knowing they were both boys, believed the two little guys had a chance to inherit Lee’s superhuman physique.

Recently, ESPN’s Sports Center program spent several days educating fans about the newly introduced Win Shares.

This program typically airs from 7 AM to 8 AM, 2 PM to 3 PM, 6 PM to 7 PM, and from 11 PM to 1 AM.

No matter which host or guest, they would repeatedly bombard viewers with Excel spreadsheets related to Clay Lee.

After a month of discussion, critics and media reporters finally reached a consensus: Clay Lee’s physical talent surpassed human limits.

At noon on the 1st, Lee, as usual, went to Lenox Hill Hospital near 77th Street.

This Upper East Side medical institution has a long history and good medical capabilities.

James Dolan’s minimally invasive bypass surgery was performed at this hospital, and Kim and Scarlett also chose to give birth here.

Although the exterior walls looked a bit old, the internal facilities of this hospital were excellent.

After Lee followed the medical staff to the room, the familiar white nurse smiled and said:

“The little ones are so cute, Lee. Do you want to see them now?”

Lee shook his head.

He had seen them for several days, but now he still needed to care more for the weak girls.

Scarlett, lying on the bed, was recovering rapidly.

In less than half a month, she no longer looked as weak as she had a few days ago.

Seeing Lee appear, the medical staff left the room again.

Scarlett rolled her big eyes, and as soon as Lee walked to the bedside, she immediately leaned in and whispered:

“Honey, it’s a bit full. Do you want to…”

On the other side, Kim, who was eating her lunch in small bites, saw the mischievous girl expose her round, fair chest and almost choked.

Blushing, she exclaimed:

“Scarlett! This is a hospital!”

Scarlett, who had been whispering, looked a bit regretful.

Lee cleared his throat, pulled up her clothes, gently rubbed her, and then said to both of them:

“We can go home in a few more days. Have you thought of names?”

Both of them shook their heads.

Kim’s family only consisted of her remarried mother.

As for Scarlett, her mother was the most proactive, discussing names for a long time.

In a few days, it would be her 21st birthday.

Scarlett, still with a girlish mentality, said expectantly:

“We can celebrate my birthday together this year. I don’t have to go back to Los Angeles!”

Hearing the little girl beside her speaking freely about sensitive topics, Kim, whose face was flushed, glared at Lee, then shrank under the covers and whispered:

“Don’t expect me to join in your nonsense!”

At 6 PM, an hour before the game, ESPN’s NBA Countdown aired on time.

The program’s studio was in Times Square.

The New York Knicks were going to present rings, and as per tradition, the hosts had to hype them up again.

In the studio, host Flip Saunders brought up a topic that had been hotly debated among critics recently:

“No matter how many times I see it, I’m still amazed!”

“Clay Lee’s historical single-season Win Shares reached 26.2. That’s insane. It doesn’t look like modern basketball data at all.”

His partner Legler, a white shooter who played in the NBA for many years, naturally understood how outrageous Lee’s Win Shares were after learning the formula for this stat:

“What I find incredible isn’t just the single-season data.”

“Since the 99-00 season, Clay Lee’s Win Shares have been consistently high. The 03-04 season was his worst performance in these years, but the value was still as high as 20.4.”

“Seven consecutive years with Win Shares over 20—this is the first time this has ever happened in the long history of the NBA.”

“This has already surpassed Wilt Chamberlain. Without a doubt, Clay Lee is the greatest of all time.”

In the 04-05 season, Lee’s stats exploded.

His Player Efficiency Rating reached an exaggerated 40.5, and his Win Shares set a new NBA historical high of 26.2.

Following Lee was peak Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from the 71-72 season.

The all-time leading scorer’s Win Shares reached 25.4, and his Player Efficiency Rating that season was also a career-high 29.9.

The main reason why most critics found it outrageous was that in the 04-05 season, Kevin Garnett, who ranked second in Win Shares, only had 16.1.

Tim Duncan, who reached the NBA Finals, ranked 10th in Win Shares with a value of 11.2.

From this advanced statistic, it’s clear that Clay Lee is far ahead of all active players.

No one can come close to him.

Only historical Hall of Famers can truly compete.

Legler was in full flow, then suddenly noticed Stephen A. Smith beside him was somewhat silent, and immediately asked curiously:

“Smith, do you think Allen Iverson can break the curse in tonight’s opening game?”

This question made Stephen A. Smith even more silent.

He looked at the camera for a while before saying in a deep voice:

“I admire my little brother, but unfortunately, he has never been close to Lee. I will not compare the two again.”

The new advanced statistics exposed Iverson’s “true colors.”

Although Stephen A. Smith helped his little brother resolve his inner conflict, he really didn’t want to lie through his teeth.

Slightly raising his tone, Stephen A. Smith rhythmically stated his opinion:

“Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to emphasize again that we are witnessing the performance of the greatest player in basketball history.”

“For tonight’s opening game, I don’t want to discuss wins, losses, or stats. I’d rather appreciate pure basketball skill.”

“The young players of the 76ers should feel fortunate to play against a great player like Clay Lee. They can gain valuable experience from the greatest player in history.”

Hearing his partner speak so outrageously, the two in the studio were momentarily speechless.

Host Flip Saunders’ eyes widened even more, and his dark face showed a puzzled expression of “he can praise him like that?”

With 20 minutes left before the game, the director also showed a comparison of their Win Shares on the program.

In the season he won the scoring title, Allen Iverson was at his career peak, with Win Shares of 11.8.

In the 96-97 season, Clay Lee’s first year in the NBA, his Win Shares were 12.1.

The exaggerated comparison made fans in front of their TVs feel it was outrageous.

Many fans understood why someone had previously written to complain that ESPN was fabricating data:

“Why is the gap so big? Are your stats real?”

The 76ers changed their Head Coach.

Maurice Cheeks had achieved good results with the Portland Trail Blazers in previous years, and Iverson said many good things when he learned Cheeks would coach the team.

Although he did not participate in the preseason, Iverson, back in Manhattan, was no longer in a slump.

Before the game, he loudly encouraged his teammates in the locker room:

“Who cares about those boring numbers? Those media people have never played basketball!”

“We need to pick ourselves up, we’re going to fight them!”

“…”

Allen Iverson, fully geared up, stood in front of everyone, clapping his hands and throwing punches occasionally, constantly rapping to encourage the crowd.

Chris Webber, who had spoken ill of Allen Iverson last season, said nothing.

He actually didn’t like this trade and had no interest in playing with the short guard.

Seeing Allen Iverson’s excitement, Chris Webber secretly curled his lips, touched his bald head, and waited for the Head Coach to arrive.

Andre Iguodala looked at his re-energized boss, responding to him with his eyes from time to time, but secretly cursing the task the coaching staff had given him tonight:

“Who wants to guard Clay Lee?”

Kyle Korver and Steven Hunter, who were in the starting lineup, responded to their boss from time to time.

Kevin Ollie, part of the hype squad, was quite passionate, not just going through the motions like the other two, clapping along with Allen Iverson and cheering:

“Tonight, we’ll help Allen break the curse!”

The locker room suddenly fell silent.

A regular season record of 0 wins and 36 losses was truly embarrassing.

In the home team’s locker room, Lee continued to distribute “wedding candies.”

New York Knicks staff and players had been receiving candy packages every day during this period, and the special ritual kept everyone cheerful.

Boris Diaw really liked the New York Knicks’ locker room.

To serve the players, the head chef prepared delicious food every night before the game.

Drinks could also be customized, transported from the Tarrytown Training Center by staff, allowing for enjoyment of food before and after games.

Having not played for several months, Lee didn’t warm up early tonight either.

After fist-bumping everyone in the locker room, he reminded them:

“I might need some time to warm up, guys. The first half is up to you.”

Gasol, still in recovery, was still a bit tired.

Touching his jersey, he chuckled and said,

“Fortunately, our opponent is the 76ers. I wouldn’t want to lose the opening game.”

Hill had rested longer, but his preseason performance was decent.

He clapped his hands and encouraged them:

“Tonight, we have to help Lee continue his record!”

When the pre-game hot topic was brought up, the locker room quickly became lively.

Ron Artest even grinned widely, mocking the opposing ‘rookies’:

“In that playoff year, we shattered that stat-padder! Tonight, I’m going to tear him apart!”

Boris Diaw, still adapting to the team, stroked his chin, feeling a bit awkward.

In his two years with the Atlanta Hawks, he had lost so much that Allen Iverson always hit them hard:

“Is this the confidence of a championship team?”

At 7 PM, Madison Square Garden was completely abuzz.

The 76ers completed their entrance, and Allen Iverson, who came to the sidelines to fist-bump his teammates, subconsciously observed his surroundings, then his face grew long.

Many people held up white boards, with a conspicuous “36-0” filling the air.

As the lights dimmed, cheers quickly echoed through the Madison square garden.

On the big screen in the center of the court, highlights and trophy-raising scenes of the New York Knicks began to play.

Allen Iverson saw himself being knocked out of bounds, and Clay Lee blowing past him with one step.

Popular stars in the NBA became background figures, as fans cheered happily, welcoming each home team player onto the court.

“Let’s welcome from UConn, a six-foot-three guard, the greatest player in history, Number One — Clay Lee!”

The screams in the Madison square garden made Allen Iverson uncomfortable.

When he saw Lee appear in a white New York Knicks practice uniform, the rebellious short guard secretly cursed.

Since James Dolan was still hospitalized, tonight’s awards ceremony would be presented by Old Charles.

Under the spotlight in the center of the court, David Stern smiled and waved to the New York fans, holding a microphone and loudly saying:

“Nine championships in seven years, Clay Lee has led the New York Knicks to create a miracle!”

“I can’t describe how great this team is. They’ve broken almost every NBA record, and they’ve changed modern basketball.”

“It’s an honor to witness such a miracle happen. Let’s welcome them again!”

The staff whose names were called first came onto the court.

Everyone received a vintage ring from Old Charles.

In addition to the New York Knicks logo, the top of the ring featured “Clay Lee” in a circle, and “World Champion” below.

The side of the ring also bore Mike D’Antoni’s name, last season’s record, and the 3-peat emblem.

This was a personalized ring, commemorating the contributions of Clay Lee and Mike D’Antoni.

Old Charles continuously embraced each player.

Mike D’Antoni, who came out second to last, was beaming.

During the offseason, the New York Knicks offered him a 5-year, $50 million contract, the highest salary for an NBA coach.

For the sake of the money, Mike D’Antoni decided to stay in New York.

Lee, the last to appear, first shook hands with David Stern, then high-fived everyone from the New York Knicks in celebration, and finally embraced Old Charles, receiving the ring from him:

“Lee, I hope you like it. Although the designers said they’re running out of inspiration, I still want to see the 10th championship banner hanging in the Madison Square Garden.”

Old Charles said these words while embracing Lee, and soon the two jointly unveiled the team’s ninth championship banner:

“The 10th one isn’t our end point either. I will lead the team to keep winning!”

Lee put on the ring, reiterating his promise.

As everyone gathered in front of the banner, he took the microphone and once again spoke loudly to the fans present:

“This is everyone’s victory! In the future, let’s continue to win big!”

Amidst the cheers echoing through the Madison Square Garden, the ninth championship banner slowly ascended.

The New York Knicks players, wearing their rings, gathered around Lee.

Everyone raised their right hands, waiting for the media reporters to finish taking photos.

The roaring Madison Square Garden filled Boris Diaw and David Lee with excitement, as they both looked up at the banner slowly rising.

Michael Finley stared intently at the rings on the hands of the New York Knicks players.

This was an honor many players pursued throughout their entire careers.

On the visiting team’s bench, Andre Iguodala also showed an envious look, staring at the center of the court, while Allen Iverson, sitting in his seat, looked even darker.

He suddenly felt that playing the opening game was not a good thing.

At the ESPN commentary desk, announcer Mike Breen was also smiling from ear to ear.

This new season, he not only joined ESPN but also replaced Marv Albert, who was in poor physical condition, to become the New York Knicks’ home announcer.

Mike Breen, refreshed by his good fortune and having finally made his mark, waited for the Madison Square Garden to light up again, then eagerly boasted:

“The New York Knicks have the most dominant player in NBA history. Clay Lee is too outstanding. His rookie season level was already unattainable for many players.”

“Michael Jordan expanded the NBA’s influence, but Clay Lee changed modern basketball!”

“Whether in terms of individual honors or statistics, Clay Lee has already surpassed Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and at nearly 28 years old, he will continue to create miracles!”

It should have been the moment to introduce the starting players of both teams, but Mike Breen, a die-hard New York Knicks fan, seemed to have forgotten the process in his excitement.

His partner, Hubie Brown, was somewhat bewildered at the commentary desk.

The praise was too intense, and the veteran coach couldn’t get a word in, so he simply introduced the starters himself:

“Due to Dalembert’s injury in the preseason, Steven Hunter will be the starting center, shoring up the 76ers’ paint alongside Chris Webber.”

“Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala will partner in the backcourt, with Korver moving to the small forward position.”

“Chris Webber’s addition might unleash Allen Iverson’s offensive firepower. This is their first game playing together, so we can pay attention to Coach Cheeks’ tactical arrangements.”

Fisher was currently helping the coaching staff organize the tactical board.

The game was about to begin, and he clapped his hands, loudly encouraging them:

“We just need to run, and we can beat them!”

Fisher served as the starting point guard in the preseason, leading the New York Knicks to a narrow victory over the 76ers.

Old Fish felt he had figured out their weaknesses and kept imparting his winning insights.

Ron Artest had long been impatient, taking off his practice uniform and constantly inciting the fans during the final warm-up.

Hill, meanwhile, went to the scorer’s table, sprinkled chalk powder, and signaled his official return to the fans.

When the referee called everyone to center court, Lee, who had warmed up, exchanged simple fist bumps with a few 76ers players.

Andre Iguodala had intended to go up and chat more, but seeing his boss’s sour face, he could only nod with a smile.

Noticing his old opponent’s expression, Lee, leaning on his knee, turned his head and teased:

“Smile, Allen, don’t be so serious. It’ll affect your game.”

“…”

Dressed in the 76ers’ black away jersey, Iverson ignored Lee, adjusted his arm sleeve, and stared silently at the basketball in the referee’s hand.

As the big man Hunter successfully tipped the ball, the 76ers gained possession, and the Madison Square Garden quickly erupted with shouts of “Defense!”

Iverson, with possession, looked at Lee in front of him, cautiously dribbled past half-court, and the 76ers quickly settled into their 1-3-1 formation, with only the big man Hunter remaining under the basket.

Despite having just joined the team, Chris Webber still played according to his habits, immediately moving to the high pick-and-roll position near the left wing.

As Korver moved to the left corner, Iverson, protecting the ball with his side, immediately turned his back, switched the ball to his right hand, and used the screen to try and shake off Lee.

The good screen quality prevented Lee from squeezing through in time, and Kurt Thomas seamlessly switched to delay him.

Lowering his shoulder and accelerating to near the free-throw line, Iverson, realizing he had drawn a double-team, immediately delivered a bounce pass.

Near the left elbow, Chris Webber, who had rolled and received the pass, faced Kurt Thomas sliding up and quickly took a jab step with his right foot.

He faked a shot, and seeing that his opponent didn’t rush to defend, Chris Webber decisively took a jump shot.

The basketball swished through the net, and on the 76ers’ bench, the atmosphere group cheered loudly.

This was Chris Webber’s first regular-season score representing the 76ers.

Iverson, who had delivered the assist, was particularly excited.

After high-fiving Chris Webber in celebration, he clapped his hands repeatedly, signaling his teammates to play hard Defense.

“Let’s go Knicks!”

Andre Iguodala led the Defense on Lee, who received the ball at the baseline.

Coach Cheeks, not trusting Iverson’s Defense, proactively changed the matchups tonight.

Coach Cheeks, standing on the sidelines, loudly directed Iverson to guard in front of Hill.

It was almost the same positioning, and Andre Iguodala’s Defense was in vain.

As Lee passed the ball early, Gasol received the ball at the left elbow and immediately turned sideways.

Lee, running towards the left corner, set a simple off-ball screen as he approached Hill.

Iverson did not choose to switch, but instead followed Hill, rushing to defend the top.

Accelerating horizontally, Hill received a hand-off pass and, using the screen, put the ball down with his right hand and accelerated straight, driving forcefully to the basket down the middle.

Iverson, risking a steal from behind, lost his defensive position, and the big man Hunter also failed to switch in time.

When he broke through to the paint directly in front of the rim, Chris Webber hadn’t moved his feet.

After Hill took three steps and jumped up, he grabbed the ball with his right hand and slammed it down with one arm!

From the commentary booth, Mike Breen looked at the 76ers’ Defense and chuckled again, saying,

“It seems Coach Cheeks still needs to make adjustments. If they want to make the playoffs, they need to raise their Defense above the league average!”

The 76ers’ offense was very fast.

After continuous perimeter passing, Chris Webber again received the ball at the right elbow.

As Iverson slipped along the baseline, he received a pass from a teammate on the wing, briefly shaking off Lee, and quickly pulled up for a jump shot from the free-throw line.

After making the shot, Iverson didn’t forget to give himself a couple of pats and high-fived Chris Webber in celebration again.

Andre Iguodala remained focused on leading the Defense, constantly sliding his feet to stay in front of Clay Lee.

The noisy atmosphere made him forget to observe the movements behind him.

When he retreated to the top of the arc, Andre Iguodala finally noticed the huge space behind him.

Lee, dribbling forward, suddenly stopped short, dribbled between his legs, switched to his right hand, lowered his center of gravity, and slightly pulled the ball back.

Instinctively stepping back, Andre Iguodala had just moved his feet when he saw Lee charging towards him.

Desperately sliding to the left-rear, Andre Iguodala watched helplessly as Lee squeezed past him.

Having just crossed the free-throw line, Lee suddenly stopped short, smoothly dribbled behind his back, and amidst the fans’ cheers, Andre Iguodala, due to inertia, was left standing in the paint.

With no defender in front of him at the free-throw line, Lee easily gathered the ball and calmly made a mid-range jump shot.

In the last few possessions, Chris Webber showcased his ability, with mid-range jump shots after pick-and-rolls and high-low post-ups near the free-throw line, helping his team continuously score.

The New York Knicks played simply and aggressively.

Whenever they encountered help Defense, Lee would immediately pass the ball.

Kerr had no answer for Ron Artest’s tank-like drives.

Being pushed behind meant giving up points.

Although Iverson fought hard, the 76ers’ Defense always had holes.

Hill, after successive breakthroughs, delivered assists, helping the big man score.

Lee, who had a poor shooting touch from beyond the arc, finally made a pull-up jump shot from near the left sideline after a jab step against Iverson halfway through the first quarter.

The alternating scores excited the New York fans in attendance.

Both teams had fluid offenses, 29:31, with the 76ers keeping the score close.

The 76ers’ rotation played for less than 2 minutes before the starting lineup returned.

The New York Knicks, however, made extensive rotations in the second quarter, but Lee, who hadn’t played in a while, still picked up his 3rd personal foul too early.

Iverson, stepping to the free-throw line, looked a bit smug, and boos were heard in the Madison Square Garden for the first time.

Fisher, who re-entered the game, also picked up his 3rd personal foul before halftime.

55:55, both teams ended the first half tied.

4-for-10 shooting, 7-for-9 from the free-throw line, 15 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists.

Iverson, walking towards the player tunnel, made a listening gesture.

He was very satisfied with his first-half performance.

Chris Webber was also in excellent form, 8-for-13 shooting, scoring a team-high 18 points in the half!

Unlike their previous stagnant offense, Coach Cheeks had completely transformed the 76ers.

Although the opponent performed well, the New York Knicks fans present were not too affected.

After the third quarter began, Lee re-entered the game, having only played 13 minutes in the first half, barely activating his body.

“Let’s go Knicks!”

The cheers still echoed throughout the Madison Square Garden.

Andre Iguodala, leading the Defense, continued to slide his feet, occasionally observing the defensive movements behind him.

Noticing Kurt Thomas starting to move up, Andre Iguodala decisively stuck to him.

Lee, near the three-point line, seized the opportunity to execute a wide behind-the-back dribble.

As Kurt Thomas set a screen beyond the arc, Andre Iguodala, realizing the opponent’s high pick-and-roll, didn’t stubbornly try to squeeze through, but instead leaned into the Defense and turned nimbly.

Chris Webber was not very accustomed to hedging, and Andre Iguodala tried to cover for his teammate, but Lee reacted even faster, executing another behind-the-back dribble the moment he touched the ball with his left hand.

Two extremely quick behind-the-back dribbles caught Andre Iguodala off guard, and Chris Webber at the top of the arc also didn’t react, watching Clay Lee “dance” and then suddenly gather the ball.

Andre Iguodala, still trying to rush to defend, was screened by Kurt Thomas, and ultimately watched as Lee effortlessly took a jump shot from beyond the three-point line!

“Swish!” The three-pointer swished through the net.

Seemingly wanting to seize the opportunity for a semi-transition offense, Iverson, receiving the ball at the baseline, charged incredibly fast.

Just as the New York Knicks players settled into their defensive positions at the top of the arc, Iverson, stopping and starting abruptly, holding the ball in his right hand and lowering his shoulder to accelerate, had already charged into the paint, bumping into Lee.

Attempting a fadeaway jumper while leaning into the Defense, Iverson twisted his body, grabbed the ball with his right hand, and quickly tossed up a floater.

The moment the basketball left his hand, Lee in the air, unaffected by any contact, swung his left arm for a volleyball-like block!

Hill reacted incredibly fast, charging out immediately, securing possession, and accelerating towards half-court.

Having completed the block, Lee didn’t even look at the fallen Iverson, accelerating towards the left wing.

Andre Iguodala was stretched thin and could only watch Hill deliver the pass.

Korver, retreating on Defense, saw Lee receive the ball and fake a shot, instinctively jumping to block, flying directly out of bounds on the left side.

In transition, Lee made a slight adjustment and then took another jump shot from beyond the three-point line!

“Swish!” The three-pointer went in again.

55:61, the lead instantly stretched to 6 points.

As Chris Webber missed a jump shot from the right elbow after a pick-and-roll, Madison Square Garden erupted completely.

In transition, Iverson tried to delay Lee’s progress, constantly reaching out to interfere.

Lee easily shook him off with a behind-the-back dribble at the top of the arc, and after another pull-up three-pointer went in, the 76ers were forced to call a timeout.

Walking towards the sideline, Iverson’s mind was filled with painful memories, and he returned to his seat without a word:

“Why is it like this again?”

…

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep