On June 14, 2001, the Knicks had been in Las Vegas for nearly two days.
Most people choose to take care of their families and take this opportunity to take a vacation. They will not return to New York until Sunday. After a busy season, it is time to enjoy life.
When I came to the Bellagio Hotel last year, Steve Wayne, the big boss, said he would come here often when he had time. This time he chose to stay here, and the teammates Li You brought had a great time gambling in just two days.
In addition to spending time on vacation, Li You chose to come here to attract business for his agent Mark Bartelstein.
After signing the talented high school student Kwame Brown, Mark Bartelstein was also somewhat proud. This was the first "number one" pick he signed.
Having become famous in the industry, Mark Bartelstein naturally wants to take the opportunity to expand his business. This is just the beginning. For the future development route, he can refer to his agent David Falk.
On the night of the 14th, the gamblers were not in the mood to watch the Cirque du Soleil performance, so they just started playing when the time came.
It's still the same VIP room as last year, but this time there are more people, and many people gather to gamble, and naturally it's Texas Hold'em.
Only Michael Jordan was the most serious person at the gambling table, and he would disturb everyone with trash talk from time to time. However, Michael Jordan was too unlucky and lost a lot in the past two days.
Maikou, who rarely folded, planned to hold on to the end in this round. Oakley, who had already folded, saw his friend start to follow again, and he couldn't hold back for a while and complained twice:
"If we keep losing, I'm afraid we'll have to sleep on the gambling table in the next few days!"
"I don't have time to participate in the Texas Hold'em tournament this year, so of course I want to have a good time now!"
Michael Jordan didn't pay attention. After taking a sip of the wine at hand, he acted like he wanted to bet and be happy.
Ewing was a show-off throughout the whole process, and several of them were dressed casually, just loose short-sleeved T-shirts and shorts, and their fleshy orangutan belly was protruding:
"You should enjoy life after retirement. I am not optimistic about your comeback. Times have changed!"
Li You's trump card happened to be a pair of aces. After the public card was dealt, he became very happy and in a good mood. He drank the whiskey in his hand and joked:
"The Wizards have no hope. There is a high probability that they will keep losing. After coming back, in addition to increasing ticket revenue, it can indeed make the team profitable again."
"If you really choose to return to the court next season, I believe everyone will welcome you. As long as it is a game against the Wizards, there will definitely be no worries about selling tickets."
Maikou naturally heard that Li You was joking that he had become a mascot selling tickets. Although he was older, he still did not forget to pretend to be X at this time:
"When I came back to Chicago last year, I taught the Bulls rookies a lesson! I can still beat those softies!"
On the other side of the card table, Stephen A. Smith, who was invited by Li You, pricked up his ears and listened intently. He was almost shocked when he realized that Michael Jordan wanted to return to the court to play.
Another agent, David Falk, is also at the poker table. He knows the thigh situation better and hopes that everyone can persuade McNair. He is not optimistic about this comeback at all.
"There are still some problems with the knee, and the recovery speed is getting slower and slower."
"Li is right. Apart from helping the team make money, there is no possibility of going further."
Mark Bartelstein especially hopes that McNuckle will come back. He also hopes that the "number one pick" will take advantage of the opponent's popularity. He doesn't care about the cards and continues to follow the bet. At the same time, he also suggests:
"As long as you strictly control your playing time, there should be no problem. Grant Hill only played about 25 minutes per game this season, and he recovered well after a serious injury."
Most of his friends are trying to dissuade Michael Jordan, perhaps because he misses basketball too much, but Michael Jordan himself is particularly determined:
"I have decided that I will also hold a private training camp in Chicago during the offseason."
Determined to return, Li You smiled and stopped trying to dissuade him.
He was not interested in knowing whether the other party had reached an agreement with the Wizards management. Anyway, they were both in the Eastern Conference and they often played against each other in the regular season. It would be good to beat the "old man" violently.
Ewing did not understand his friend's choice. He has won five championships in his career. Although he failed to achieve three consecutive championships for the second time, this achievement is already perfect.
The gorilla wanted to say a few more words. As the dealer dealt the cards, an ace appeared on the fifth card. Li You laughed loudly. Four aces, another big win.
When Michael Jordan saw Li You's trump card, he was so angry that he cursed:
"What the hell! Why does this guy keep winning!"
After the Wizards sent out a trial invitation, Kwame Brown defeated Tyson Chandler in the trial and even boasted in front of the Wizards management:
"Choose me, you won't regret it!"
That's what Maikou is. This guy is so tough and doesn't care about other people's suggestions. It's the default decision!
Agent Mark Bartelstein is overjoyed. Combined with McDuck's comeback next season, he will be able to reap a wave of dividends, and the attention will be overwhelming.
If the subsequent No. 1 pick performs well and establishes a foothold with the Wizards, Mark Bartelstein can slowly eat up some of the Wizards' market.
Because of the presence of Ewing in the Knicks, David Falk reaped the most dividends.
Now that the Gorillas have retired and completely become Li You's team, Mark Bartelstein can also take the opportunity to make some money as long as there is a chance.
On the 15th, because the card game was too late last night, Li You and Mark Bartelstein did not have time to chat with Stephen A. Smith about work topics until the afternoon.
Little brother Iverson can no longer play. It is respectable to play injured in the Eastern Conference finals, but it is also an ironclad fact.
If everyone was playing hard, it would be fine. It can be said that the general environment is like this. However, the appearance of Li You made Iverson's reputation only "tenacious fighting spirit" and "resolute eyes".
Iverson was about to "sink," and Stephen A. Smith felt that the 76ers' patience would run out sooner or later, so he decided to find another thigh.
When it comes to work, Stephen A. Smith has changed into formal clothes again. Although he is a die-hard Knicks fan, he has been in Philadelphia in the past few years.
Mark Bartelstein noticed that the other party was sitting upright and immediately explained in a brisk tone:
"Relax, man! We have no interest in forcing media people to report some fake news."
"We just need to pay more attention to Lee after leaving Philadelphia. I believe this is definitely a win-win result. You can get first-hand news about the Knicks!"
The air-conditioning in the suite was sufficient, but the pie falling from the sky made Stephen A. Smith feel hot. Getting first-hand information would definitely bring him huge attention.
If you want to become a superstar, playing honestly is not enough. Drexler is always belittled by ESPN because he doesn't like to be interviewed by the media.
In the MVP voting that year, despite a better record, Glider didn't get a single first-place vote, and couldn't even make it into the top five of the MVP rankings.
Let’s look at Michael Jordan. Throughout his career, he has had in-depth cooperation with the three major TV stations: NBC, ABC, and CBS. Queen reporter Ahmed Rashad has always had exclusive information about Michael Jordan.
The TV station followed suit, and the royal reporter led the team to brag about it. Combined with the data that crushed everyone, the final influence was completely overwhelming.
Although Hook worked hard to support Li You, it was not enough.
Naturally, Li You wouldn't talk about the specific work. How to brag about this matter was not his responsibility. At this time, he just gave the other party a suggestion:
"Print media will definitely decline in the future, and television and online media will become mainstream. If you want to expand your influence, either TNT or ESPN are good choices."
Stephen A. Smith will naturally not refuse such a good opportunity. If he leaves Philadelphia, he can find a job in New York at the worst.
However, Stephen A. Smith also has higher aspirations. After all, he is only 34 years old. Considering Li You's age, he only feels that the future is bright:
"Yes, times are developing, and many fans already prefer to watch news online!"
"I promise I won't talk nonsense."
Li You shook his head, looked at the other party, and said pointedly:
"I don't care what the critics will say, I just hope more fans will remember me."
"So, there is no need to always promote a star. Show your professional ethics on TV. You will be more popular, and this will not affect our cooperation."
"I'm only 23 years old and I still have a long career ahead of me. There's no need to consume the fans' emotions just for the sake of temporary popularity. After all, time will give the real answer!"
Li You said it in an understatement, but Stephen A. Smith nodded secretly and maintained professional ethics. He seemed to have some ideas.
However, he is still a small character at present, and he can only continue to express his position at this time:
"I will cherish this opportunity to cooperate, Li, I believe you will become the best in history!"
Hearing the other party start to express his flattery in a unique tone, Li You and Mark Bartelstein looked at each other:
"The plan went very smoothly!"
The Knicks won four consecutive championships, and Li You also gave up the bonus, all distributed to staff and role players.
Over the weekend, there were more and more family members of the players. When Milinda and Jin showed up at the hotel in the morning, Li You had just woken up from a hangover.
As the draft approaches, McQueen is in a better and better mood as he decides to come back. Last night, everyone was having fun again, and then Mark Bartelstein followed McQueen back to New York.
For the number one pick he personally selected, Maikou also felt that he should give him better treatment.
Compared to Kim at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District, Milinda has been even busier since joining Skadden.
Noticing the dark circles under Li You's eyes, Milinda approached the bed, widened her eyes and joked with a smile:
"Did we kill 10 people last night? We are so exhausted!"
Milinda, who had short hair, became more and more naughty. Li You hugged the big girl, then buried his head and said in a low voice:
"Don't even think about running away tonight!"
Milinda didn't care as she hugged Li You to her chest. Instead, she used head-touching to kill and continued:
"Kim is very worried about you. Ax Capital's plan to short Enron has a huge impact!"
Jin on the side was still wearing a dark blue professional suit. Looking at the two people making a mess, he also whispered:
"Some people have begun to notice Bobby. This time is no different than before. It's okay for him to short those Internet companies, but Enron is really not a good choice."
Li You raised his head and saw the worried look in his eyes, shrugged his shoulders and said nonchalantly:
"I am just one of many investors. Although I provided some high-level connections to Enron, it was Bobby who came forward. I believe in his vision."
With his shoulders held down, Jin could only sit on the bed. If he wanted to bring down a giant company, words alone would not be enough.
Thinking of the old Mike and Nacho who had been away for most of the past six months, Jin knew that some small tricks must have been used when collecting information.
"We should be able to gain something by the end of the year. Who wants to go to the UK next month?"
Hearing Li You's question, the two of them rolled their eyes at him at the same time. It is not easy for women to achieve more in the workplace, and there is no time for wandering around.
When he didn't get a response, Li You could only rub his nose. It was not good to be too ambitious. Finally, he simply suggested:
"In a few years, after we have more connections, we will open our own law firm and focus on serving start-ups."
Milinda clasped her fingers and pretended to count, and then said playfully:
"It will take at least 5 years. Then maybe I will want to have children and go home to enjoy life!"
Thinking of the current chaotic relationship, Jin held his forehead and joked:
“Don’t forget to prepare multiple prenuptial agreements!”
"."
Li You rewarded the two hard-working girls, and Artest also took his seven aunts, eight aunts, and various relatives and friends to visit Las Vegas.
Of course, Artest paid for the trip out of his own pocket. He considers himself a big star, but he can't lose face in front of his family and friends!
Even friends of neighborhood friends were invited. As a kid from Queens, life after becoming famous is like this.
Artest feels like his wallet is getting thinner and thinner, but he still has to act like "I'm a big star and I'm rich."
After returning to the hotel, Artest felt a pain in his body. When he thought about having to pay for the return ticket, he suddenly felt that he had to advance his salary in advance.
When Kurt Thomas greeted Artestus, he also noticed that the other person was not in a high mood, and he sighed in a low voice:
"Ron, Ben seems to want to leave the team. He feels that he is not respected in New York. In fact, I feel the same way."
Upon hearing the news, Artest suddenly became energetic and almost laughed out loud. After calming down, he simply responded:
"I know, Bro! Isn't it just a matter of starting? He wants better data! For this, I can only wish him the best. I love playing on the Knicks."
"."
Kurt Thomas was speechless. Then he remembered that the two had bad tempers. He sighed quietly when he mentioned the starting issue, and finally changed the subject and said:
"Glenfield came to chat with us. It may involve some transaction issues. We need to consult everyone in advance."
Artest doesn't care about this. The draft pick is not a striker, and Alan Houston may leave the team. Various circumstances indicate that he has a chance to enter the starting lineup next season.
No need to be involved, he can get the starting position while lying down. When the team option comes, if he delivers some good data, the big contract will be stable.
Seeing Kurt Thomas's unhappy face, Artest didn't bother to comfort him, and he was even more happy in his heart:
"Everyone is gone and I am the core player!"
Both Lewis and Kurt Thomas have player options next season, and whether they can get big contracts depends on this.
The two are in a competitive relationship. If Lewis doesn't leave, Kurt Thomas will naturally feel uncomfortable. He is overpowered by a second-round pick. This is really uncomfortable.
Taking advantage of the vacation, Grunfield also began to prepare for the subsequent draft.
It's not that simple to achieve the goal. As long as Li You is around, the Knicks' draft picks are worthless.
There will naturally be preferential treatment for players who follow the team to win the championship. After Ben Wallace appeared in Glenfield's room, the two briefly exchanged greetings, and "Little Ben" made a request:
"I hope to get the starting position next season! I like the Knicks and I think I have the ability to become a qualified center."
There is not much difference between the regular season and playoff statistics, averaging 5.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.8 blocks and 0.8 turnovers per game.
Having read the technical statistics a long time ago, Grenfield could not guarantee this request and could only respond helplessly:
"The starting lineup is decided by the coaching staff. Ben, you have always been in the team's plan."
"."
Unable to get the promise he wanted, Ben Wallace did not eat these colorful pie. He is not the "next Ewing".
The next exchange was about the offseason. Looking at the back of Ben Wallace leaving, Glenfield sighed secretly:
"It's hard to find a second cheap, tough backup center."
In the atmosphere group, Kukic and Longley were clearly informed that they were not in the team's plans, and the Knicks did not intend to renew the contracts of several new big men.
Although informing these matters before the championship parade will affect the players' mood, Grunfield still feels that they should get together and relax.
By notifying agents in advance, they can also be more fully prepared. As long as the bargaining chips are decent, the Knicks will send these heroes to their favorite teams.
Older fishermen are not suitable for the 23-year-old Li You. Anyone who is not a fool knows that the team should hoard young talents at this time.
Rashard Lewis is also polite. Although he is a second-round pick, he believes that he has the ability to become an All-Star player.
Grunfield marked it in his notebook, "Starting, numbers, Rockets."
He really didn't expect that the player who was let go by the Rockets would still want to return to his "hometown" to continue playing.
Even more unexpected is Billups. Grunfield has prepared a contract suitable for the other party, and Van Gundy also recognizes the other party's strength.
But Billups seemed to have a higher pursuit, and finally simply said:
"I want to go to a team that can start me. I am very grateful to the Knicks for this experience. I have learned a lot, but I don't want to continue to be a substitute."
The conversation between the two was quite pleasant. When it came to Billups at the end, Grunfield frowned:
"After winning the championship, no one likes playing with Lee anymore?"
On June 18, the Knicks returned to New York. Different from the previous parade route, more people participated this year.
Starting at 10 a.m., we set off from Madison Square Garden and drove north along Eighth Avenue, passing Times Square, then turning onto Sixth Avenue and finally arriving at Rockefeller Center.
Mayor Giuliani and others will receive everyone at the end of the parade and celebrate with the fans.
Even though it was a Monday, there were huge crowds of people near noon. Fans who like to have fun would not miss such a large-scale event.
A huge Christmas tree will be erected in Rockefeller Center on Christmas Day, and people will dance in Times Square on New Year's Eve. The annual championship parade seems to have become a fixed program.
There were also many New York fans holding "GOAT" banners, and when they reached the finish line, the scene was already in chaos.
Ewing enjoyed this moment very much, and Li You didn't care about the gorilla stealing the show. After all, starting next season, the "Ewing era" will be completely over.
There are still many old fans wearing Gorilla jerseys coming to the scene. This is also the last carnival moment of the "Sentimental Party".
Both ESPN and TNT participated in the broadcast of the championship parade. After the mayor finished his speech, the camera frequently focused on Li You.
In the studio behind, the three people from TNT started gossiping about Li You's data again.
After the finals, ESPN announced this season's playoff rankings. During Li You's rest days, the sports media became a quarrel:
"PER exploded again."
In the playoffs, Li You ranked first with 568 points, only 12 points ahead of O'Neal.
In 17 playoff games, Li You averaged 35.7 minutes per game, 33.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.4 blocks and 1.8 turnovers per game;
He averaged 21.1 shots per game and shot 54.3% from the field. He took 7.9 shots per game from beyond the three-point line and shot 46.6% from three-point range. He averaged 7.5 free throws per game and made 92.5% of his free throws.
Handing over this data, major sports media have reported wildly in the past few days:
"Reaching the 180th club in the finals for two consecutive years!"
"Reaching the 180 club in the playoffs for two consecutive seasons!"
"The only one in history, the king of efficiency!"
"."
Compared with last season, Li You's true shooting percentage in this year's playoffs has reached 68.5%, far ahead of all players.
Although Pat Garrity, ranked second, has a true shooting percentage of 62.8%, the data sample is too small and cannot be compared with Li You.
Interestingly, Li You averaged 3.7 three-pointers per game in the playoffs, ranking first;
Second place Ray Allen averaged 3.2 three-pointers per game. In terms of average hits per game, the gap between the two is not big.
In the three-point shooting percentage list, aside from Dee Brown's 54.5% three-point shooting percentage, which is too small in the data sample, Ray Allen just beats Li You with his 47.2% three-point shooting percentage.
It’s no wonder that Ray Allen has a big mouth. He averaged 25.1 points per game in the playoffs and had an explosive performance from beyond the three-point line, but no one discussed the results.
On the efficiency value list that many media reporters like, after seeing Li You's value, many people shouted that it is impossible!
In 17 playoff games, Li You's PER reached 38.8, second only to Olajuwon's 39.0 in the 1987-88 season.
What horrified the commentators was that Olajuwon only played 4 games that season, while Li You played 17 games this year.
Head coach Calhoun has become popular again recently, training two super three-point shooters in Li You and Ray Allen, which also makes it possible for the University of Connecticut to recruit more talented players in the future.
Kenny Smith had just explained Li You's scoring composition and why he performed so efficiently. Charles Barkley on the side said bluntly:
"There is no need to analyze too much, the teams in the Eastern Conference are too weak!"
"Looking at the Knicks' opponents in the Eastern Conference, no one can make any impact on them."
"I wouldn't be surprised if Lee puts up any statistics. This season, the West is strong and the East is weak, and the data cannot reflect the true strength of the players."
Ernie Johnson also likes to look at the so-called high-end data. O'Neal's efficiency value is 28.7, and Li You is indeed far ahead this time.
This exaggerated value also made Ernie Johnson doubt Excel:
"I think what Kenny said makes sense. In the Eastern Conference playoffs, Lee's high efficiency was due to his large number of attacks on the basket. His finishing at the basket was no weaker than his performance in the regular season."
Kenny Smith did not pay attention to his loud-mouthed partner, but continued his serious analysis:
"Li provided us with an idea. With small players as the core, we don't need to play like McDuck, but we can still be dominant!"
"Look at those three-pointers with the ball. If I were still playing in the league, I would definitely thank Lee. He changed people's stereotypes."
"Basketball is ultimately about putting the ball into the basket. In transition attacks, three-pointers can also dominate the game!"
When the three of them were discussing in the studio, at Rockefeller Center, after Ewing finished his touching speech, Li You, who was wearing a championship T-shirt, also took the microphone and said loudly:
"Thank you Pat for your perseverance. I promise everyone that I will always stay in New York!"
"By the way, I have no plans to retire. I like the feeling of pursuing victory!"
There was a burst of cheers from the crowd. The fake news of the past two days was finally answered. They were happy and shouted loudly again:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Before the draft, Li You had to discuss the offseason schedule with Mark Bartelstein. There were more sponsor activities and personal promotions than in previous years.
As the draft approaches, the Knicks are getting busy.
On June 27, Madison Square Garden, the 2001 draft officially opened at 19:30.
The on-site director frequently pointed the camera at Michael Jordan and the management staff.
Although the Wizards have suffered losses in the past two seasons, this year's No. 1 pick may reverse the decline.
For the Knicks, curly owner James Dolan, general manager Glenfield, and Li You also received attention.
The director didn't forget to stir up trouble and turned his camera to the Bulls.
When David Stern appeared in the front, there were scattered boos, mostly from Lok fans.
Not paying attention to the atmosphere at the scene, David Stern soon announced the Wizards' selection with a decent smile:
"In the 2001 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Kwame Brown from Glynn Academy High School with the first overall pick!"
Kwame Brown was very excited when he was selected. After hugging his family, he also did not forget to hug his agent Mark Bartelstein.
When he walked onto the stage, took the hat and put it on his head, Kwame Brown officially became the first high school player in NBA history to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick.
Maikou seemed very happy and chirped along with the staff.
The Los Angeles Clippers selected high school big man Tyson Chandler with the second overall pick;
The Atlanta Hawks selected Pau Gasol with the third pick;
The New York Knicks selected high school big man Eddie Curry with the fourth pick.
The draft is still going on, but the attention of media reporters is focused on the upcoming trade.
Although it was announced that it was a big year for the draft, after three talented high school big men were selected, most media reporters did not care about what happened next.
As one might have guessed, the deal happened quickly:
The Bulls traded away Elton Brand and acquired Tyson Chandler and Brian Skinner from the Clippers;
The Hawks traded Pau Gasol, Glenzen Wright, and Brevin Knight to the Knicks in exchange for Eddie Curry, Ben Wallace, and Tony Cook.
"Four teams swapping centers?"
Many sports reporters have this thought in mind.
After the deal was concluded, a smile appeared on James Dolan's face. He turned to Li You and whispered to Li You beside him:
"Trust me, Lee! This is definitely a good deal."
"Although we still need to spend 2.5 million US dollars to buy out Gasol, this guy is definitely suitable for the Knicks!"
"."
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(End of chapter)
