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On Monday, June 19, 2006, New York fans planning to attend the championship parade had to plan their routes in advance due to traffic controls on Broadway and its surrounding areas.

Too many championships also brought problems, and the parade routes for the past two years had begun to draw complaints from some fans.

Not everyone liked the City Hall ceremony, and the narrow streets were indeed unsuitable for celebration.

Regrettably, ever since the Dolan Family scuttled the Olympics, MSG began to compromise in order to mend relations.

The promise made to fans years ago to parade downtown was put on hold, and this year, the New York Knicks team and staff still had to board their vehicles at Battery Park and parade along Broadway.

Year after year of championships had not diminished the fans’ enthusiasm.

Fans from nearby New Jersey and Boston, who loved to join in the fun, would not miss such a large event.

Fans from Philadelphia, not far away, had also switched allegiances in recent years.

While their hometown team had many loyal supporters, there were also many fair-weather fans.

As long as they set aside their prejudices, they could enjoy the fun that championships brought, and if they were young fans, becoming “noble” New York Knicks fans would even give them an advantage in online arguments!

Allen Iverson was about to be traded, Philadelphia was starting its rebuild, and a championship was a distant dream, so experiencing the championship atmosphere in advance was considered gaining experience.

The New York Knicks team and most of the staff had only returned from Las Vegas yesterday, and the trophy had also officially arrived yesterday.

Fans who went to pick them up saw Ron Artest, shirtless and excitedly shouting while holding the O’Brien Cup, while the FMVP trophy was held by Grant Hill.

After a season of hard work, the championship was a perfect reward.

At 9 AM, confetti began to flutter on Broadway, and a huge cheer erupted from the surging crowd as New York local radio and ESPN staff circled the floats.

Ron Artest, wearing an orange championship hat, maintained his previous image: shirtless, holding the O’Brien Cup, and hoarsely shouting at the top of his lungs:

“Champions!”

Three family members surrounded Ron Artest, standing on the float, continuously waving their arms to the fans below.

Grant Hill and Tamia were also on the same float, but they merely smiled and waved, watching the lively scene.

Tamia, wearing a white championship T-shirt, couldn’t help but whisper:

“If you still want to play, stay in New York.”

Others rarely discussed this topic before, and Tamia didn’t want to see Hill playing as a substitute for someone else.

It was a matter of pride.

Tamia tossed her brown long hair, continued to smile at the camera, then leaned into Hill’s ear again, softly reminding him:

“The salary can’t be too low.”

Having already decided to exercise his player option, Hill found his wife’s words both funny and frustrating.

He wouldn’t enter free agency at all, the media reports were all false, and he hadn’t thought about proving himself again:

“I already said I would exercise my player option. We’re not going anywhere next year.”

Derek Fisher and his wife Candace also stood at the edge of the float, smiling and waving repeatedly to the fans, though Old Fish occasionally glanced aside, his eyes somewhat unfocused.

Gloria tied her oversized championship T-shirt in a knot in front, revealing her slender waist, and her shorts barely concealed some contours.

On this float, she was the most dazzling girl.

She was completely draped over Barnes, and the two openly displayed their affection in front of everyone.

Gloria would occasionally giggle and kiss her shirtless boyfriend.

Pau Gasol, however, didn’t pay attention to the movements on the other side.

At this moment, he was bragging to Boris Diaw next to him, and both had confirmed their participation in the national team:

“I don’t care if you have more NBA players. The Team USA still loses, and this year I’m going to win another championship!”

Looking at the FMVP trophy in Pau Gasol’s hand, the championship was easier than he had imagined.

Diaw, sitting by the railing, chuckled and continued to tease:

“I told you, your early training camp isn’t a good thing. Look around, some people are calling for you to withdraw from the national team.”

Indeed, some New York fans were holding whiteboards, contradicting the Spanish Basketball Federation.

Ever since it was revealed that the training camp would start early, some fans strongly opposed it.

Not just Spain, but the Team USA would also start their training camp earlier this year.

After training in Las Vegas, warm-up games would begin in early July.

Related news had already been confirmed after the Finals.

To prepare for the World Championship in Japan in August, Pau Gasol had to return to the team early after participating in the championship parade.

Waving to the fans, Pau Gasol didn’t mind.

The Finals were easier than expected, and he trusted his physical condition.

David Lee participated in the championship parade for the first time, with an excited expression on his face.

In fact, most fans didn’t care who was waving to them, everyone just wanted to cheer.

On the float behind, the coaching staff and team personnel gathered together.

Clay Lee was currently chatting with Bloomberg and others, the topic revolving around the newly appointed Council Speaker.

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn had just taken office in January and was currently on a float behind them.

As a Democrat, 40-year-old Christine Quinn was also a lesbian and had many “buffs” on her.

In recent years, she had been protesting the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York.

Lee was not a dollar.

It was impossible for everyone to like him.

Christine Quinn had previously criticized Lee’s private life in the media, believing that he objectified women and lacked respect for independent women.

Regarding this, most New York onlookers didn’t care at all.

Those who enjoyed celebrity lifestyle photos instead turned to criticize the lesbian:

“I advise you not to meddle!”

There were also some who liked to be unconventional and began to support her.

Her election as City Council Speaker was the best proof, and the “Irish Echo” was this Irish-American’s number one sycophant.

Since Georgina was recently injured in an equestrian competition, Bloomberg was in a bad mood.

Discussing this feminist fighter, he subtly reminded Lee:

“Don’t speak publicly or get involved in these sensitive topics. We all know about the changes in New York!”

Bloomberg smiled for the camera, but his gaze was directed towards a special group holding whiteboards; whenever there was a large event, protests from these LGBTQ+ individuals could always be seen.

Lee silently complained in his heart, fortunately he was still single at the moment, otherwise this female fighter would criticize him:

“I won’t even participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I don’t have time to care about her rights advocacy!”

James Dolan, standing nearby, also disliked this new Council Speaker, or rather, he disliked most of the current City Hall officials, who had caused him to lose over $8 million:

“Boring little tricks, she should focus on this year’s city budget. MSG doesn’t welcome her.”

The curly-haired owner tugged at his championship T-shirt, glanced back, with a hint of disdain in his eyes.

These people who hogged the spotlight were utterly oblivious.

Not only did they not help with the hype, but sometimes they even called him a “lucky billionaire,” and James Dolan didn’t like them calling his success luck.

The three conversed in low voices with smiles on their faces.

Later, at City Hall, Christine Quinn still had to speak.

This year, she had secured 18,000 bulletproof vests for the New York police.

Some of the police officers maintaining order at the scene would also participate in the event later.

Before the announcement of this year’s city budget, this parade also served as an opportunity for a public statement.

Large amounts of confetti rained down from the buildings along the route.

This was a moment of carnival belonging to New York fans.

The Rookies invited to the Green Room this year would be questioned at the media day held at the Westin Hotel in Times Square tomorrow, and they also took this opportunity to join the championship parade.

Several players from the University of Connecticut would participate in this year’s draft, with Rudy Gay having the best prospects, a top-ten pick being almost certain.

During his time at the University of Connecticut, Rudy Gay heard Clay Lee’s name the most, and the first thing new Rookies did upon entering was to follow him on Facebook.

The scene of being surrounded by people made Rudy Gay’s face show envy, while Marcus Williams, also a guard, was still wearing a New York Knicks championship T-shirt, and all 5 people came to join the fun.

Noticing the expression of his teammate beside him, Marcus Williams, also a guard, couldn’t help but excitedly say:

“Winning a championship isn’t that hard. Coach Calhoun said that once we enter the NBA, we can also achieve success!”

The few big guys didn’t say a word.

Rudy Gay stood on tiptoes, looking at the bus slowly driving away, and casually responded.

If possible, he would rather play in New York.

Not far from them, Brandon Roy of Washington University listened to the chattering discussions of the fans around him, looked in the direction of the bus, and a resolute expression appeared on his face:

“I will succeed.”

On the morning of the 20th, the New York Times continued to report on the championship parade, and cloud fans also saw the much-anticipated bragging session:

“For the next 6 years, no one will be our opponent! Clay Lee has already surpassed Michael Jordan, and even at 34, he can still dominate the NBA!”

Ron Artest’s big mouth never stopped, and his speech in front of City Hall made the fans present ecstatic.

Prince, who had secured a big contract, would become the most expensive backup forward in the NBA and would play in New York for the next few years.

This honest man also began to cater to the fans:

“We are a family! Lee has changed basketball. In the next few years, everyone can still maintain a very high level of competition, and the road to the championship has not yet reached its end.”

In contrast, Mike D’Antoni, who had already been promoted to a historically famous Head Coach, did not completely inflate, but he also did not spoil the fun, bragging wildly as if he had drunk fake alcohol:

“Cheer for the New York Knicks! I love everyone’s praise! The combination of ‘Tactical Master and Superstar’ will achieve greatness!”

“…”

Mike D’Antoni, while somewhat restrained, still caused some resentment among industry insiders with his blatant bragging as he celebrated with his family.

In the afternoon TNT program, in addition to warming up for the Draft, Coach K was also invited.

The Team USA training camp started early, and fans also began to pay attention to “revenge.”

After the 2004 Athens Olympics, Tim Duncan announced his permanent retirement from the Team USA.

As the team’s leader at the time, Duncan was undoubtedly unqualified.

This time, the Team USA recruited Kobe, but unfortunately, due to confirmed knee surgery, Kobe would miss 8 to 12 weeks, which would undoubtedly cause him to miss this year’s World Championship.

Under such circumstances, who would lead the team became a hot topic among basketball commentators.

ESPN was still bragging about Lee’s historic data this year, while TNT seized the opportunity to bring up a new topic.

In the studio, Kenny Smith showed a regretful expression when talking about Kobe’s withdrawal from the Team USA due to injury.

After a brief comment, he quickly changed the subject:

“I remember not long ago in an interview, you thought the team lacked experienced veterans. For this current team, who would you choose to lead the team?”

Two months ago, Coach K and Kobe attended an ESPN program together.

At that time, the Duke Head Coach publicly expressed his appreciation for Kobe’s fighting spirit.

Now that Kobe was out due to injury, Coach K did not change his opinion, saying with a somewhat regretful tone:

“The team does have good talent, but I still hope that the veterans will lead the team. Kobe is undoubtedly the best candidate.”

“Now the young people need to step up. I might assign this task to multiple players. In this year’s playoffs, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade both performed excellently.”

“As long as we are united, I believe we can win back the gold medal.”

Dressed in a black suit with his black hair slicked back, Coach K also had a confident look on his face after saying these words.

Charles Barkley seized the opportunity.

As soon as the other party finished speaking, he immediately turned to the Head Coach beside him and continued to ask:

“Why is Kobe Bryant the best candidate? We all know that Clay Lee is the real winner. Although I don’t want to admit it, he is undoubtedly the true GOAT.”

Barkley’s serious question, however, was ill-intentioned.

Coach K had probably read the recent reports and had a tiny bit of an opinion:

“The NBA and international courts are very different. I have been following Clay Lee. After entering the NBA, his playing style has changed greatly.”

“His usage rate remains high. I’m not saying this is a problem, but this phenomenon is easily restricted in college basketball and on international courts.”

“I don’t want this Team USA to play around one superstar. This is not the right way.”

Ernie Johnson’s face showed a hint of surprise.

He really didn’t expect that someone would still deny Lee’s playing style in this day and age, and instinctively retorted:

“Will a high usage rate affect the team? I mean, why are the New York Knicks so successful under such circumstances?”

Although Lee increased more off-ball actions this season, his usage rate remained high, ranking second in the NBA at 36.4%.

“The court environment is different. The team has more star players, and everyone has different playing habits. At this time, what needs to be done is to sacrifice for each other.”

“Coach DAntoni’s changes to Clay Lee have undoubtedly been successful. They completed a 4-peat, but there is no perfect player in the world, and everyone has limitations.”

Coach K said these words with a slight frown, feeling a bit sour inside.

He paused to adjust his thoughts and then continued:

“Compared to Kobe, the current Lee lacks a certain desire for victory. Kobe will lead by example and motivate teammates in training, but Lee will not do that.”

“I have communicated with Mike. I understand the New York Knicks’ training environment. The two lead the team in different ways. Clay Lee is the historical best, but Kobe Bryant is more suitable for this team.”

Mike D’Antoni was an assistant Head Coach before, but recently he withdrew from the coaching staff citing health reasons.

The veracity of Coach K’s words was not to be doubted, which immediately delighted the three people in the studio.

For the next few days, they wouldn’t have to worry about ratings.

Although Charles Barkley didn’t like Excel, he privately kept an eye on various data rankings.

He should have stopped there, but his contrarian instinct made him subconsciously retort:

“Kobe Bryant’s usage rate this season was as high as 38.7%. With the highest usage rate in the NBA, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round.”

“Does this mean that a high usage rate also depends on the player’s strength?”

“In my opinion, this year’s Kobe Bryant is a team cancer. Perhaps he performed well in the regular season, but without Shaquille O’Neal, he achieved nothing in the playoffs.”

The studio suddenly fell silent.

The data slapped him in the face. Coach K felt a bit awkward.

He was just a little sour, Lee’s refusal to be called up made him unhappy, and someone actually took it seriously:

“You know, the two teams have different configurations, Kobe Bryant has to play like that!”

“…”

The unintentional double standard almost made Kenny Smith on the side laugh out loud.

He knew the reason behind it.

Clay Lee’s disrespect indeed hurt Coach K’s self-esteem.

Listening to the Team USA Head Coach’s defense, Ernie Johnson’s face also showed a smile.

For the first time, he began to look forward to fan complaints.

As for the Team USA, the championship was actually a foregone conclusion:

“Having offended New York fans, who knows what kind of jokes will come out in the future!”

On Friday the 23rd, the NBA held its Media Day at the Westin Hotel in Times Square, and the invited Rookies also made another appearance at this time.

Recently, Lee has also been a bit busy.

Last night, he had just accompanied Kim and Katheryn to Bruce Springsteen’s concert at Madison Square Garden.

The World Cup Round of 16 was about to begin that weekend, but he didn’t have time to watch the games live.

The NBA invited him to attend this year’s Draft to announce the new gift for next season.

This item had been hyped for several months, but in reality, it was just a brand new Spalding basketball.

Unlike the previous game balls, it was no longer made of leather.

The new basketball’s material was a microfiber composite, allowing for better grip.

When Lee first entered the NBA, he even collaborated with Spalding, but now his value was too high, and they couldn’t afford his endorsement fee anymore.

Dressed in a smart dark blue suit, Lee and the New York Knicks staff arrived discreetly at the hotel.

He didn’t steal the Rookie’s thunder.

For the Rookies, this was also a highlight moment in their lives.

Aside from promoting the NBA, his main purpose for coming here was to visit an old friend.

Michael Jordan, who was officially involved in the Bobcats’ operations, also arrived in New York quietly.

In the suite, the Bobcats’ staff were still communicating with Michael, and the two sides had some disagreements about this year’s Draft.

“Uncle Lee!”

Marcus Jordan immediately greeted Lee happily.

The little guy who used to circle his aunt had grown up.

Jeffrey Jordan, on the other hand, coolly bumped fists before calling out “Uncle.”

No longer arguing with the staff, Michael Jordan, wearing a grey shirt, waved his two sons aside and invited Clay Lee to “enjoy cigars” in the next room.

Lee, unbuttoning his shirt, feigned a sniff at the new cigar in his hand, then joked:

“Nike gives you a large sum of money every year. You should treat me with better stuff!”

Michael Jordan, puffing on his cigar, showed an indifferent smile on his dark face, sinking into the sofa, and once again complained about Nike’s management:

“They will regret it sooner or later. I am the best person to manage my own brand. Look at the signature shoes they’ve made for me these past few years. Sales have always been worse than the old models.”

“Remember to bring professionals when settling the accounts. You know, business is business. Personal friendship doesn’t work here.”

“This is my treasured collection. Remember to savor it!”

For dividend settlements, Lee chose Deloitte accounting firm.

They had established a friendship when he first entered the NBA, and their cooperation had been pleasant over the years.

Lee simply acknowledged him, then, puffing on his cigar, he looked at the staff leaving the suite and asked curiously:

“What are you arguing about? The second pick, there’s no need to choose. LaMarcus Aldridge, this big man is the best choice. Of course, you have to pray the Toronto Raptors won’t pick him.”

When his work was brought up, Michael’s face showed a confident smile again.

He shook his head, displaying a “you’re too naive” expression, and said proudly:

“I know him, but I have a better candidate. I’ve been following the NCAA, and Adam Morrison is the player the team needs.”

“When he lost to UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen, I saw a superstar quality in him.”

“Skills can be continuously polished, but a love and desire for basketball cannot be cultivated later in life.”

Hearing this answer, Lee was stunned.

Although Adam Morrison’s template was Larry Bird, he had already been diagnosed with diabetes, and his professional career was destined not to be too successful:

“Perhaps you should listen more to your staff’s opinions. Forming a twin-tower lineup can guarantee the team’s floor. This isn’t college basketball.”

Michael, whose judgment was clouded, again showed an expression of “you don’t understand.”

He firmly believed in his drafting vision and waved to Jeffrey Jordan, changing the subject:

“Lee, let Jeffrey go to your training camp to learn a few tricks. He loves basketball, and although he might not make it to the NBA in the future, having a good experience in college is also good.”

Michael had already spoken to the sports media in Chicago.

He didn’t want his eldest son to receive too much attention and had been very low-key all these years.

But children eventually grow up, and Michael still hoped to provide his eldest son with the best resources.

Besides work, this matter was the most important during this trip to New York.

“Uncle Lee! I want to play basketball; it’s always been my dream!”

Jeffrey Jordan didn’t inherit his father’s “superstar face”.

His first impression was that of a role player.

In fact, his talent was indeed mediocre, otherwise, the sports media would have hyped him up long ago.

Looking at his eager nephew, Lee smiled and agreed.

Marcus Jordan also seemed to love basketball and requested:

“I want to go to the training camp too. Aren’t there many talented players this year? I want to compete with them too.”

Perhaps not wanting to discourage his second son, Michael did not agree to his request.

Instead, he waved his hand with a serious expression and simply said:

“Go talk to your high school coach. I don’t want to hear about you missing practice or skipping classes anymore.”

His two sons were scolded into silence by Michael.

Their affluent life had made their “ball skills” improve by leaps and bounds, and Michael’s pocket money was crucial, so they didn’t want to be cut off.

“David can talk to Mark when he has time. Everyone can cooperate. There’s no need for conflict over business.”

After his eldest son left, Michael chuckled when he heard Lee’s words, then said meaningfully:

“I know Mark has signed many players, but he shouldn’t meddle with North Carolina’s resources, just as David wouldn’t sign players from the University of Connecticut. This is a tacit rule.”

“Lee, you don’t need to concern yourself with these things. Even if you want to open an agency in the future, you should accept these rules.”

Lee, puffing on his cigar, secretly curled his lips.

In the free market, where were all these rules?

It was then that he understood why Schwartz had been so successful these past few years.

He wasn’t someone who played by the rules either.

No longer discussing work, Michael, who hadn’t been seen for a long time, had his gambling addiction relapse, clamoring to play a few hands and swing a few clubs, then started talking about “small ball.”

It seemed his relationship with Juanita had reached its end.

Michael Jordan no longer hid the fact that he was about to be “single” again, and eagerly chatted with Clay Lee about recent pretty girls.

The Rookies, still being interviewed, were eagerly awaiting the appearance of the two on the scene, and many were still fantasizing about the true GOAT and the vice GOAT clashing.

On Wednesday, June 28, 2006, the NBA Draft was held at Madison Square Garden that evening, with ESPN providing live coverage.

Before the Draft began, Clay Lee and David Stern, both wearing black suits, appeared together in front of the camera. Soon, staff brought out a black square box.

“This is our gift for everyone next season!”

Lee uncovered the lid, held the basketball in front of him, and facing the camera, also smiled and said:

“A brand new basketball, thanks to Spalding’s new technology. I have a feeling that the future superstars are right below the stage!”

“…”

After a brief opening, Lee had to go to the ESPN broadcast booth to comment on the players.

While a group of Rookies eagerly awaited, David Stern announced the draft results:

“With the first pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select Andrea Bargnani from Benetton Treviso.”

“With the second pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select Adam Morrison from Gonzaga University…”

“…”

“With the 22nd pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select Rajon Rondo from Kentucky University.”

….

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep