On Saturday, October 4, 1997, the preseason was about to begin, and the Knicks also gave their players a day off.
After Li You had breakfast, he continued to browse the news in the newspaper. He preferred reading text messages to watching TV.
Ivana, who sneaked out of school, casually took a look in the apartment and noticed that Li You had specially marked the news about Apple stock, and then she whispered:
"Microsoft bought 150 million non-voting shares, but the stock price still hasn't risen. You will definitely lose money, and Apple's stock price may fall."
Putting down the newspaper, Li You looked at the blond white rabbit wearing jeans and a red T-shirt, and deliberately teased:
“Has chapin School started teaching high school students how to trade stocks?”
As if she didn’t like being treated like a child, Ivana argued with reason:
"Products are the key. Will you buy Apple's new products? There is no market for their new products."
Looking at the choppy blond white rabbit, Li You felt that the other party must be over-nourished:
"Go to school and wait until you get to college to study stocks!"
Li You took out the prepared ladies' cigarette, lit it, raised his eyebrows and handed it over. After hesitating for a moment, Ivana took it, took two puffs, and choked again and coughed.
Sensing that the blond white rabbit was in a bad mood, Li You was not interested in becoming a spiritual mentor. He hooked his hands at the other person, then whispered into his ear:
"Take you to a nice place tonight!"
It seemed that she was making a mistake, but Ivana did not refuse in the end.
Tobacco and alcohol, combined with the fascinating nightlife, can always make people forget their worries.
...
The New York media also noticed some situations within the Knicks. Oakley's salary this season is US$2.85 million, and the old guy's contribution must be far greater than that.
There is nothing wrong with seeking a big contract at the end of his career, but it will be difficult for the Knicks to meet the veteran's needs.
However, unlike Pippen, although Oakley had conflicts with the management, he still worked hard to adjust his mood in daily training and preseason games.
After playing in New York for many years, Oakley still has expectations and hopes to get a big contract here through his outstanding performance.
On the night of October 9th, Madison Square Garden, 92:106, in the preseason game, the Knicks easily defeated the Celtics.
In the live mSG commentary box, "Voice of New York" Marv Albert disappeared, replaced by Mike Breen.
Marv Albertan, the commentator involved in the sex scandal, was fired by mSG. In the new season, New York fans will never hear this commentator again.
Knicks legend Walter Frazier also appeared in the commentary box. The legendary guard will partner with Mike Breen to become the Knicks' home commentator in the new season.
The loud cheers of the New York fans at the scene seemed to make the legend fall into memories. At this time, Mike Breen suddenly said:
"Lee's condition is so good. Compared with last season, he seems to have fully adapted to the intensity of the league's confrontation."
After recovering from his memories, Walter Fraser also praised in a low voice:
"Last season, I witnessed Lee's performance in the playoffs, and the data could not fully demonstrate his ability."
"It is worth noting that after increasing the number of shots and playing time, Lee's efficiency increased instead of falling, which shows that Lee can absorb more ball rights!"
"Head coach Van Gundy can enrich the team's tactics. Different opponents can use different tactics, which will help the team compete for the championship."
Mike Breen nodded. He had watched Li You play live, and he finally understood why Hook offered a large sneaker contract:
"Several new players have performed well since they came on the scene. Chris Mills was the Cavaliers' starting forward last season and currently plays a substitute role in the team."
"As a forward player who averages 13.4 points per game, I think we don't have to worry about the firepower of the bench this year."
Walter Fraser was also very satisfied with this and said somewhat proudly:
"Chris Childs, John Starks, Chris Mills, such an outside combination can even become a starter on some weak teams!"
"The Knicks have the best time to win a championship this year. General Manager Glenn Field has done a great job and we have enough depth."
"..."
He was a starter for the Cavaliers last season, but became a substitute for the Knicks. Naturally, Chris Mills was not in a good mood.
In the starting lineup, Larry Johnson firmly occupies the position of small forward. This new player is full of grievances and dare not speak out in the locker room.
In the easy preseason, everyone has a chance. Li You also got to see Chauncey Billups. The No. 3 overall pick is currently doing well with the Celtics.
Although the Celtics planned to trade all these newbies in exchange for Tim Duncan, the deal was quickly rejected by the Spurs.
"This is our perfect opportunity! I have a feeling we will win the championship!"
Back in the locker room, Oakley shouted loudly in his seat, and the new atmosphere team led by Pete Meyers immediately followed suit:
"The Bulls are gone, we will win the championship!"
Li You certainly knows what Oakley is planning. If he wins the championship this season, perhaps the management will retain the lineup for this purpose, and a big contract will become within reach:
"We should establish home-field advantage in the regular season."
Compared to the louder atmosphere group, Li You simply gave his own suggestions.
At the beginning of the season, the Bulls lack Pippen, and their record will definitely fluctuate. As long as the Knicks seize the opportunity and widen the winning gap in one fell swoop, they can rush to the first position.
Ewing is also very satisfied with his substitute. Chris Dudley is not a rookie. In addition, there is veteran Buck Williams behind him. The inside strength has also increased a lot compared with last season:
"We can play the Christmas war again this year, and the alliance has recognized our strength. Li is right, we must seize these two months!"
Gorilla is still the core leader of the team, taking the initiative to speak out, and for a while, there was a flood of flattery.
Several new players are also convinced by Ewing. Among the top 50 superstars and the top four centers, Gorilla is a qualified leader most of the time.
Larry Johnson glanced at Li You in frustration. "Auntie" had anticipated this situation a long time ago. The bald young coach failed to make any changes, and the gorilla had to continue to be the core.
Alan Houston didn't notice the depressed look on "Big Mom's" face. As long as he could win, he was happy to accept his current role.
Starks also spoke out encouragement. For a moment, the Knicks atmosphere team simply loaned out the championship, and a few people were bragging!
In the next few preseason games, the Knicks worked hard and kept winning. Their excellent form also excited New York fans and the media.
The Bulls are in internal strife and the Knicks are in great shape. It goes without saying who is stronger and who is weaker.
On October 17, after the preseason game against the Nets, the New York media couldn't hold back and started loaning out the championship!
It's just that no one is paying attention to the Knicks at this time. Everyone is waiting for news about the Bulls. No one wants to miss out on the McDuck.
This season, Michael Jordan's salary is as high as $33.14 million, currently the highest salary in the league!
Pippen's salary this year is only $2.78 million, making him the league's second most conscientious player.
The conflicts caused by the U.S. knife are irreconcilable, and more and more trade rumors are appearing among the Bulls.
...
Before the start of each season, mSG will conduct exclusive interviews with the core players of the Knicks.
The main purpose of broadcasting such a program is to let New York fans understand the strength of the team and the status of the core players.
Last season, Li You was just a newbie and naturally not qualified to be on TV, but the new season is different.
As the star player of the team and with a large sponsorship from Hook, it was Li You who appeared on TV.
The 19th happened to be the weekend. Li You was dressed in a light blue formal suit and accepted an exclusive interview with mSG. The show was mainly about bragging, which is what New York fans like.
Mike Breen interviewed Li You for the first time since he became the commentator:
"Lee, can you talk about the Knicks' goals for the new season? Ignore external factors and simply talk about the changes in the team's strength."
Of course, Li You knew the preferences of New York fans. After hearing the question, he confidently answered:
"Compared to last season, our bench can shoulder more scoring tasks."
"Expanding the rotation can better control physical fitness. Last season, in the Eastern Conference Finals, physical fitness was also the reason why we lost. Currently, this has been improved."
"Our goal is very clear, championship!"
"I don't think the Knicks are worse than the Bulls. In terms of lineup, we are younger, and the future is destined to belong to young people!"
Walter Frazier on the side was very excited when he heard this. As a legend of the team, his buttocks were already crooked. At this time, he also said cheerfully:
"As Li said, this year is indeed a good opportunity for us to win the championship!"
"I believe Lee will be selected as an All-Star in the new season! New York fans, don't forget to vote!"
The 1998 All-Star Game will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York, and Walter Fred helped Li You canvass votes in advance.
...
The Christmas game, the All-Star Game, and the new season haven’t even started yet, but New York fans are enjoying themselves first!
Coupled with the fact that major sports media broke the news of internal strife in the Bulls from time to time, there were more and more articles about loan championships.
Although the Knicks also have contract problems, they are not troubled too much this season.
On the morning of October 20, everyone in the Knicks team completed the training session step by step. There was basically no adjustment in tactics and they continued to use the style of play from last season.
Jeff Van Gundy and the coaching staff are basically on hold, only occasionally guiding the new players' movements.
Before the lunch break, everyone started to do casual activities. Oakley saw Ben Wallace planning to play iron again, and subconsciously shook his head, and then said to Li You beside him:
"Ben is really talented, but it's hard to get many opportunities in the team at the moment."
"I may not be on the team next year. He will help me take care of him for two years. If I can't get a contract by then, forget it."
Li You was a little surprised. The old guy wanted to leave the team for a big contract? :
"We really have a chance to win the championship, and staying with the Knicks is actually a better choice."
Oakley didn't pay attention to Li You's words, and just whispered:
"This is my last chance to get a big contract in my career."
"At the age of 34, my physical condition has begun to decline. If I get injured, I may leave the league."
"Maybe Pat will get preferential treatment, but I don't have that kind of treatment."
"Players make money by playing. Go wherever there is more money. Never cut your salary and never compromise with the team!"
Li You nodded. He felt the conflict between players and the team firsthand.
After performing well, the players hope to get a decent salary, and in order to make a profit, the team will naturally squeeze the players. The memory in his mind tells Li You that the labor agreement will soon have problems.
Suddenly thinking about his own situation, Li You knew that the Knicks would be terrible in the future, but the team was very rich!
"Can't you have both a big contract and a championship?..."
Thank you book friends for your support (ˉ﹃ˉ)
