On May 30, 1997, after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York media entered a state of self-comfort.
At the press conference after the game, Li You was wearing a light gray formal suit, sitting at the top and looking at the media in the audience asking friendly questions.
Ewing, who was wearing a black formal suit, seemed to have not recovered from the defeat, and still had a depressed look on his face.
"Lee, how would you describe your first season? You had a perfect performance!"
Everyone in the audience made a tacit agreement not to mention anything about the Bulls, and laughed and asked questions that had nothing to do with tonight's game.
"In my opinion, Magic Johnson really had a perfect first year."
"As for my performance, it was quite satisfactory. I think I at least deserve to be an All-Star."
Li You was also happy to cooperate, but when he thought of Michael Jordan's proud black face, he couldn't help but curse in his heart:
“Damn Black Jesus!”
The gorilla looked slightly stiff. He also knew Magic Johnson's experience of winning the FMVP, and he felt that there was something in Li You's words.
Ewing also received a lot of praise. Regardless of victory or defeat, Gorilla worked hard on the court. Every time he played in the low post, he was very head-on. The media and fans knew this.
"Pat, do you think we have a chance to win a championship next season? With 64 wins, the Knicks seem to be back at their peak."
The reporter from the New York Times still asked the question that everyone is most concerned about, who will win the championship.
"We will win the championship. We have only one goal every year. The team is on the right track. Next season, our state will be even better."
"This is only our first year as a team and we won the division championship. Next season, the team will go even further."
Ewing continued to paint a cake for the New York media in the audience. Although the cake was not delicious, most people were very satisfied with such an answer.
Li You looked at this scene and felt a little funny in his heart. No one mentioned defeating the Bulls. Throughout the Eastern Conference, the defeated teams were thinking about the future:
“Wait until the Bulls disintegrate themselves!”
"."
On May 31st, in several newspapers in New York, most of the articles in the sports section had the same meaning, "the future is promising", and the loss was selectively forgotten.
Since the Knicks had 64 wins this season, they only picked the No. 26 pick in the recent lottery.
There is no need to expect this pick to become an immediate player. The Knicks' future depends on the team's current lineup.
The New York media, who like to have fun, did not forget to tease the Celtics at this time. They acted like crazy and ended up taking the 3rd and 6th picks.
Since the Grizzlies and Raptors were not eligible to draw the No. 1 pick that season, the Celtics, like the 76ers last season, had a probability of winning the No. 1 pick as high as 36.3%.
This is the highest probability in the league, and the Spurs' probability of winning the No. 1 pick is 21.6%. As a result, on the day of the New Jersey draw, Spurs owner Peter Holt became the biggest winner and successfully counterattacked.
Perhaps it was a metaphysical bonus. Peter Holt specially wore the Spurs' exclusive tie and horseshoe-shaped lapel pin. After receiving the No. 1 pick, he proudly introduced it to the media:
"These Spurs exclusive accessories bring us good luck!"
Everyone knows who the Spurs will draft. No one will miss Tim Duncan, and the Cardinals have not given up. They still have a chance. If not, they can still trade.
There are a lot of people who like to see the Celtics down on their luck, and lemons all love to watch.
Every weekend, Kristen Little comes to New York part-time to take photos.
The little follower plans to become a professional model in the future, and his family is very supportive. After all, it is a good thing to make money early.
Today happened to be Saturday. Although I didn't work this week, the bustling Manhattan was too attractive, so I came to Li You to eat and drink as always.
"Are we going to Chicago? I haven't been there yet?"
The little follower looked expectant. The third largest city in the United States, young people always like bustling cities.
Li You, who was leaning on the sofa and reading the newspaper, saw the fatter Kristen-Litte blinking her big eyes, looking at him expectantly, and responded casually:
"I have to go to Chicago to deal with some contracts, and by the way, I can watch a football game and give you some exposure opportunities."
"Don't dress up deliberately, don't forget your age."
Young people always like to dress themselves more maturely, but in order to cater to Li You's preferences, Kristen Ritter has never dressed up deliberately.
With her black ponytail and bangs cut in the same style as Hepburn, the little follower has regained the image that a girl should have.
She came close to Li You and also read the news above. Soon, Kristen Litte curled her lips in boredom, and then whispered in her ear:
"Li, let's go watch a movie! "Jurassic Park 2" is said to be super good!"
Trying to show off his little bean bag, the little follower folded his arms and started acting coquettishly. Li You rubbed his brows helplessly. As soon as he heard the name of the movie, he had already been spoiled:
"The movie may not be as good as you think!"
"Yes!!"
The little follower was so happy that he kissed Li You and started to put on his coat with great interest. How could Spielberg's masterpiece not look good?
On the evening of June 1st, Li You and his agent Mark Bartelstein appeared in the front row seats of the United Center in Chicago.
Next to her, Kristen Little, like Li You, wore jeans, a white T-shirt, and Converse All Star 70s retro sneakers.
The little follower looked around and sat in the front row for the first time, feeling like he had become the center of attention.
In fact, the three of them really attracted attention. Even though they were not opponents on the court, Chicago fans really liked Li You who had a gorgeous playing style.
The front-row tickets were given away for free by Michael Jordan, which was regarded as a family area for players, not an opponent. Michael Jordan was a nice person, at least he took good care of his friends.
Li You rarely makes friends with men of the same age. Ray Allen is also older than him. Even in the Knicks, he can talk to the old guy.
Winning the game with a smile on his face, and not forgetting to pretend to be X when he gave away tickets:
"The Finals will not come back to Chicago, tickets for two games are enough!"
"."
Wearing a black formal suit, Mark Bartelstein was in a good mood. With his performance in the playoffs, Li You didn't have to worry about his sneaker contract.
It’s a consensus that defenders are easier to sell shoes. If you work hard in the off-season, it will be a big deal!
"It's such a shame. If the Knicks can reach the Finals and NBC broadcasts it, it will add more popularity to you."
Li You didn't care when he heard Mark Bartelstein's words. ESPN promoted him every day. Killing Michael Jordan was his best advertisement:
"It is indeed a bit regretful, but the Bulls have declined and there will be a chance next year."
The director will also point the camera here. In addition to the celebrities watching the game, Li You can also be regarded as a walking hotspot.
Li You continued to set records throughout the season. He scored 24 points in a single quarter in the playoffs and completed a buzzer beater in the Eastern Conference finals, which once again refreshed everyone's impression of him.
Li You greeted the three people in the NBC commentary box before the game. At this time, Isiah Thomas recalled the Eastern Conference finals with a smile:
"G2 was the turning point of the series. The Knicks had a chance to win the game, but Michael Jordan did respond and made several free throws, which affected the trend of the series."
"Alan Houston is inexperienced in the game. Every fourth quarter of the game, Michael Jordan will always find an opportunity, but in the finals, the Jazz will not make such a mistake."
Bob Costas on the side always felt that his partner was trying to keep the whistle in a strange way, so he immediately changed the subject and said:
"Isiah, how would you evaluate Lee's performance in the playoffs? Although he is only a rookie, he really produced incredible data this year!"
Isiah Thomas didn't care when the topic was changed, and continued to say with a smile:
"Some talents will shine when they enter the league. There is no doubt that Lee is such a player. Basketball has nothing to do with skin color, but I think his shooting talent is better than many young black players."
"He still has room for improvement in terms of physical explosiveness and confrontation. Facing the defense of flexible and tall forwards, his efficiency will also decrease. I know how difficult it is for a small man to play in the league, but Lee proved himself in the playoffs!"
"."
The two were chatting in the commentary box, and Isiah Thomas also didn't forget to tease Karl Malone. The MVP's statistics shrunk in the playoffs.
The Bulls fans at the scene were very involved in the game. The scores of both sides increased alternately, but the Bulls were unable to widen the point difference.
Although he only rested for one day, Michael Jordan was in very good condition, and his inhuman physical fitness once again played a huge role.
Li You, who is watching the game from the front row, sometimes applauds the Jazz's beautiful coordination and also cheers for the Bulls' wonderful offense.
The pace of the game was no different from the Eastern Conference finals. The Bulls still slowed down, which allowed the two sides to play until the last minute.
"oh!!"
With the final 9 seconds left in the game and the score between the two sides at 82:82, Karl Malone stood on the free throw line and the noise at the scene became louder and louder.
Not long ago, G1 was defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals, and some fans started covering their faces.
Soon, Li You witnessed a classic moment. Pippen said something to Malone at the free throw line. Then, the MVP missed both free throws.
The backcourt rebound was protected by Michael Jordan, and a huge cheer erupted in the United Center.
Li You smiled and clapped his hands. It was very interesting to witness history:
“The postman doesn’t work on the weekends!”
At the last moment, from the left wing, Mai Dun made a simple change of direction in front of his body, passed Brian Russell, and made an emergency stop jumper from the mid-range to kill the game!
"Wow!!"
The little followers also cheered beside Li You. Everyone likes to watch superstars dominate the game and kill their opponents.
Michael Jordan hit one of two free throws before and almost took the blame, but at the last moment, he completed the game-winner and everyone forgot about the free throw performance.
Mark Bartelstein shrugged and said to Li You beside him:
"This is Michael Jordan. I've seen this happen many times in Chicago."
Looking at Maikou who was shaking his fists, Li You said nothing, but the memory in his mind became clearer and clearer:
"History is repeating itself!"
The trend of the finals was exactly as Li You remembered. Pippen, who was troubled by back and knee injuries, had ups and downs, and McQueen also suffered from diarrhea in the away game.
But the above situation did not affect the Bulls' championship, it was just that McDuck blew it this time, and the finals eventually returned to Chicago.
With the 2-3-2 schedule, the Jazz had a chance to get the match point in one go, but unfortunately Utah failed to seize the opportunity and lost in G5.
On June 13th, the Bulls returned to their home court again. They didn't give their opponents any chance, and successfully won the championship with 86:90!
After his comeback, he won two consecutive championships again. Michael Jordan was praised to the sky, but the championship also brought conflicts. At the press conference after the game, Michael Jordan made it clear:
"I will only play for Phil, and next season, the Bulls will continue to challenge for the championship."
The conflict between general manager Krause and Phil Jackson has long been made public, and Pippen, who has frequently been involved in trade rumors, seems to be sent away.
Aim for the sixth crown? Trade Pippen to rebuild?
The new season hasn't even started yet, but the sports media can't wait to follow suit.
Priority Sport's headquarters is on L.S. Seal Street in Chicago, not far from the old Chicago Exchange Building. This area is also Chicago's financial district.
In addition to reading newspapers and training these days, Li You also attended many parties.
With the finals over, ESPN took advantage of the heat and announced the playoff data rankings for the 1996-97 season on the show.
The moment of understanding that fans love to see comes again, and then New York fans are happy.
In the 1996-97 season, Li You played in a total of 14 playoff games, averaging 37.9 minutes per game, 20.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 turnovers per game;
He averaged 15.7 shots per game, shooting 47.1% from the field, 7.0 shots from outside the three-point line, 41.9% from three-point range, 4.2 free throws per game, and 84.5% from the field.
This data officially declares Li You to be the league's top point guard!
In 14 games, he scored a total of 292 points, ranking 8th in the playoff scoring list and 13th in points per game;
122 assists, ranking 2nd in the playoff assists list, and ranking 3rd in assists per game;
40 three-pointers, ranking second on the three-point list, and averaging 2.9 three-pointers per game, also ranking second on the three-point list;
In the three-point shooting percentage list, even though Li You played a lot of playoff games, he still ranked 9th;
60.3% true shooting percentage, ranked 17th;
The PER of 22.8 surpassed Stockton and Karl Malone, ranking 7th!
Compared with the regular season, with the increase in playing time, Li You's efficiency has increased slightly.
In this regard, the New York media does not need to compare peaks. The comprehensive comparison of these data can be summarized in one word:
"win!"
The voice of "No. 1 point guard" is getting louder and louder. The losing New York media has found a topic again, and it's over!
Excel has a great influence on how to compare the strength of players. Fans and sports commentators like to look at data, and Li You's data is as beautiful as a superstar.
Beautiful data and high popularity have also brought huge rewards to Li You.
I just met with Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armor, two days ago.
The brand had just been founded in 1996. The founder had no money, but hoped that his sports bra could develop in the basketball field. Therefore, the cooperation between the two parties ended up with Li You taking shares.
10% is no more and no less. If it can be IPO listed in the future, it will be diluted several times and it will eventually become single digits.
Mark Bartelstein has been busy with Li You's news these days. If he wants these football commentators to say nice things, some public relations are naturally indispensable.
"I don't think Under Armor can develop. Athletes are not suitable for entrepreneurship. Li, you know what I mean. Not every athlete likes to read and think."
Thinking of Plank's boastful talk and his efforts to criticize Plank, Mark Bartelstein in the office couldn't help but shake his head and complain.
Mark Bartelstein, who previously worked at the Morgan investment bank, had seen too many founders who liked to paint cakes.
Li You, who was still reading the newspaper, was still happy to accept this kind of beautiful knife delivered to his door:
"Don't worry about these details. In fact, many people are looking forward to professional sports equipment, including football and basketball. I think this can be done."
Mark Bartelstein sighed helplessly, then looked at the schedule and reminded him:
"We have to go to a cocktail party in the afternoon. Mark Parker, the vice president of Nike, admires you very much!"
"As you know, Adidas has made a lot of moves. After giving the high school defender a six-year, $48 million contract, it recently signed another high school student."
"This is an opportunity to make a lot of money, definitely more than your rookie contract!"
After hearing the news about Mei Dao, Li You on the sofa raised his eyebrows and asked teasingly:
"How much? I don't think the other party will give away a large contract. Anfernee Hardaway is worth 40 million in 10 years. This is Jordan's successor."
Mark Bartelstein is naturally aware of the fake Jordan successor contract, but with the support of Excel, he is confident that he will get a good contract:
"$25 million in five years? Li, you will become a millionaire soon!"
"."
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Taking it apart is also convenient for book lovers to subscribe.
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At 22:00 in the evening, there are 2 more updates ~
(End of chapter)
