On Thursday, September 18, 2008, Allen Iverson, who had faded from the public eye, once again became a hot topic due to coach George Karl's sarcastic remarks.
According to the Rocky Mountain News, George Karl believed that under his coaching, the Denver Nuggets had a high probability of achieving 60 wins and becoming a championship contender!
To achieve this, the old coach also proposed a solution that made Iverson's fans uncomfortable:
"Allen must try hard to share the ball! We rarely lose when his assists reach double digits."
"He must find a balance between offense and organization, like Lee, and that's how the team will transform."
Iverson's salary this season reached $20.84 million, a truly high salary!
There were rumors two months ago that the Denver Nuggets planned to cut costs and wanted to trade Iverson, and it seems they haven't given up on that idea.
The aging Iverson seems to be embarking on his journey as a journeyman.
As the Head Coach of the team, George Karl's contract was also nearing its expiration.
Fans believed the old coach was just passing the buck, and social media began to voice their injustice for Iverson.
It was expected that Iverson would resist immediately as he always did, but after waiting all day, no reporter managed to interview him, which deeply saddened his loyal fans.
Even more interestingly, some fans hoped Carmelo Anthony would speak up for their idol, only to be disappointed again.
The gold medalist small forward also subtly stated:
"We certainly have the strength to win 50-60 games! We have a chance to be one of the best teams in the NBA."
"..."
Although he didn't directly criticize his teammate, everyone could hear the underlying message.
Anthony still agreed with the Head Coach's view that Iverson's playstyle in some games was indeed problematic.
Even the backstabbing from his Head Coach and teammates didn't prompt Iverson to give an interview.
Fans began to feel disappointed.
The rebellious "Son of Philadelphia" seemed to have disappeared.
Their idol had been mellowed.
It wasn't until the evening that Iverson posted a simple update on his Twitter:
"Loyalty is the most ridiculous attribute in the league."
His loyal fans were once again moved, clamoring, "The Denver Nuggets will definitely regret it," and "Without Iverson, they can't even make the playoffs."
Unfortunately, no matter how much the fans complained, the team management did not come out to refute the rumors.
It was clear they had made up their minds, and Iverson's countdown had begun.
Denver fans were criticizing the team management, while in Indiana, the Indianapolis Star's column article about Larry Bird's "leadership theory" also sparked considerable controversy.
"Just because you make the most money doesn't mean you're a leader!"
"People always say that the person who makes the most money is the leader, but that's not true. Leaders come from those who do the right thing."
"The team's leaders are those who train every day, who endure pain without complaining, and who do what's necessary to cope with all difficulties."
"..."
Ever since trading Jermaine ONeal and sending the former leader to the Toronto Raptors, Larry Bird, as the team's General Manager, had been criticized by fans.
And when Jermaine ONeal told Canadian sports reporters that he cried when he heard the trade news, it further garnered sympathy from fans, who felt sorry for him.
As the new season was about to begin, without a "superstar," Larry Bird, who was not known for his good temper, directly commented that Jermaine ONeal earned a lot but couldn't bear the responsibility of a leader, completely alienating himself from the fans.
Young Dallas Mavericks fans were also not to be outdone, criticizing their own player Josh Howard.
Someone uploaded a video clip on YouTube of Josh Howard disrespecting the national anthem.
In just one night, the video went viral, prompting the Dallas Mavericks' PR staff to issue a statement in the middle of the night.
Many traditional sports journalists realized that with the explosion of the internet and social media, the way news is consumed has changed.
More and more young people are accustomed to watching games online.
Players' actions are also magnified, and their public image becomes incredibly important at this moment.
Similarly, as one of the "best players," Kobe's fanbase grew stronger due to his persistence, while Iverson, who no longer persisted, was completely outdated and became an object to be traded at will.
Late at night, renowned sports analyst Bill Simmons updated his blog, offering his evaluation of the chaos before the new season began:
"Pure basketball is dying. Young fans are more focused on players' individual performances and lives. I'm starting to miss the past, to miss the initial emotion that basketball brought."
For such sentimental sports analysts, some highly active young internet users in New York quickly "overwhelmed" them online:
"Clay Lee brought a championship to New York, and we are moved every year!"
"..."
Bill Simmons' high-intensity Twitter debate with fans in the middle of the night caused immense amusement, while Durant, who was promoting the Thunder's new season jerseys on social media, continued his usual dual-screen "patrol."
"Zell is growing up so fast. Maybe he's also troubled by his brother's name. Dad is going to bring you new medals."
Scarlett, who shared a photo of her reading before bed on Facebook, had lost a lot of weight compared to a few months ago, regaining her slender figure.
Clearly, she had been exercising diligently these past few months.
Having officially settled in Oklahoma City, Durant recently got a new girlfriend, but his habit of lurking online remained unchanged.
In fact, he felt restless if he didn't post something every day.
Regarding the goddess's troubles, he commented again:
"Kevin is truly a good name."
On Friday, September 19th, Oklahoma City fans were ecstatic.
They finally welcomed their home team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team name that sounded powerful!
General Manager Sam Presti also promoted the team's jerseys at the press conference.
Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Jeff Green would all officially make their debut at Media Day.
Local fans were very excited about this.
The most practical benefit of an NBA team arriving is the increase in job opportunities, and it will also be closely integrated with the local community.
At this moment, Oklahoma City fans were happy!
Meanwhile, New York fans were divided into two factions.
Today was the New York Knicks' visit to the White House.
Ever since Ron Artest's awakening, some black fans had been calling for the team not to go to Washington.
Some even more extreme fans began to call for the team to endorse Obama, while fans who were proud of the President were particularly annoyed by this, and the two sides had been arguing for nearly a week.
James Dolan had no interest in getting involved in these messy affairs.
Early in the morning, he and the New York Knicks team visited the White House on time to receive the President's championship blessings.
Large events were held in the East Room of the White House.
For the New York Knicks players, who visited once a year, this ceremony was not unfamiliar.
Staff members were conducting routine checks, and family members had to wait in the reception area for a while.
Pau Gasol, leaning on crutches, became the focus of attention, and some people quietly asked questions out of curiosity.
"I feel pretty good, but the doctor told me I still have plantar fasciitis. Discovering the injury early, maybe God is looking out for me!"
To show respect, Gasol had trimmed his beard and hair.
Although he was on crutches, he looked much younger than he did at the Olympic Games, and there was no sense of dejection when answering the staff's questions.
He had a torn meniscus in his right knee, as well as plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis in his left knee.
The New York Knicks' team doctors complained about the Spanish national team's training regimen.
Gasol was healthy when he left the team, and this type of injury is highly related to fatigue.
Chandler was still excited to be at the White House.
He didn't care about the fans' sarcastic remarks and even dressed up specifically to look presentable for photos.
After the Olympic Games, Howard developed a chest injury, and Chandler also suffered from back tightness.
Fortunately, the problems were not serious, but they would miss the preseason.
The medical team was also somewhat dissatisfied with the national team, as injuries could still occur despite superior talent.
Coach Krzyzewski's training intensity must have been high.
The only consolation was that Prince was still very healthy.
D'Antoni's extensive rotation in the regular season reduced wear and tear, and the current injury wave was not severe.
Lee, trailing at the very back, was dressed in a black suit and blue tie, just like everyone else.
Seeing the staff's troubled expression, he almost burst out laughing on the spot.
"I want to talk to Mr. President. I've received feedback that many children in the community don't like the NCLB Act, and many parents also believe it's making things difficult for the black community..."
Ron Artest, who had transformed into a fighter, grew out his hair and beard.
However, his appearance was "fierce," and his attempts to look amiable were somewhat amusing.
Rajon Rondo was also very happy to visit the White House.
He considered himself the leader of the mood-setting group.
Seeing his elder brother acting up, he was dumbfounded.
Having just returned to New York, he thought those news reports were fake.
"What?"
"Does anyone know what's going on?"
Boris Diaw, who had gained some weight, had only been back for less than a week.
Outdoor sports, gourmet food and wine tasting, and developing new products for his bakery—his offseason was very exciting, apart from basketball.
With his suit bulging, the Frenchman saw Ron Artest's behavior, stroked his chin, and casually quipped:
"Maybe Ron is already thinking about retirement! But what is that act..."
JR Smith immediately shook his head.
Ever since he was reprimanded, he had been diligently acting as a "sycophant" within the team.
He hadn't given up on basketball during the offseason, but most of the time he was just crushing weaker opponents and showing off.
He knew where the hot girls were, but as for this crappy act, JR Smith felt he had never heard of it.
However, he didn't dare to make light of it and put on a serious expression, saying:
"As long as it doesn't hinder us from making money, I'm not interested in seeking justice for those little Niggas."
A 4-year, $22.5 million contract, although it didn't meet expectations, JR Smith was still satisfied.
His father had done the math: after the collective bargaining agreement expired in the future, he could opt out and sign a larger contract.
If he could secure a starting position with the New York Knicks, Old Smith also hoped his good son could help his younger brother.
If both brothers played for the New York Knicks, wouldn't that be a wonderful story!
Raja Bell smiled brightly, maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor.
Although he had been many times, he also enjoyed such events.
His championship photo and White House photo were displayed in the most prominent positions in his home.
Regarding the fans' protests, he only felt that those people were out of their minds.
90% of NBA players hadn't had such an experience.
For him to give up?
A pipe dream.
"It'll be fine once the money runs out! Ron asks Lee for money every year. He probably hasn't saved anything these past few years."
Raja Bell, upon entering the East Room, turned and whispered to a few people.
After signing a 4-year, $25.5 million contract, he had a good time traveling during the offseason, but he returned to New York earlier and learned about these "interesting stories."
Rookie Thaddeus Young tried hard to suppress the smile on his face.
He didn't want to lose face here.
Under the gaze of the staff, he puffed out his chest and followed the others to their seats to wait.
The mood-setting members Gadzuric, David Lee, Gary Neal, J.J. Barea, and Novak also seemed very happy.
This was a memorable moment in their professional careers.
Lee and James Dolan entered last.
The curly-haired owner had wanted to intervene in the recent upsetting matters, but it was election season, so he ultimately had to decline interviews.
"He's crazy! Who gave him that idiotic idea?!"
James Dolan, who had just witnessed another farce and discovered Ron Artest's change in temperament, was in a particularly foul mood.
Thinking of the fans' protests, he wished those opportunistic guys would just disappear...
"Ron will grow up. Maybe this isn't a bad thing."
After taking his seat, Lee responded with a relaxed expression.
He believed that once those entourages and hangers-on sucked all the money dry, they would completely settle down.
This kind of black culture cannot be criticized.
Everyone in the team understands this.
One person's success benefits the entire neighborhood, which is also a way of life.
D'Antoni was in a good mood, occasionally whispering with staff members.
The coaching staff and management staff were the same.
Everyone had been complacent for years and had grown accustomed to enjoying the accolades.
At 10 o'clock, with the staff's introduction, music and applause filled the air, and the New York Knicks officially entered from the side.
As George W. Bush appeared, everyone shook hands one by one.
After he came to the podium, the media and White House officials below applauded again.
Lee, holding a shiny basketball model, was the last to shake hands with George W. Bush.
In front of the cameras, Mr. President smiled happily, even giving him two friendly hugs.
After taking the model, he quipped:
"I haven't prepared any speeches today. The secretariat told me they couldn't find any more words of praise!"
"Lee, if you keep winning, you can come to Texas next year."
Laughter erupted.
It was his last time hosting the event, and the atmosphere was more relaxed than in previous years.
There was indeed no speech prepared today.
George W. Bush basically just called out names and then praised them profusely.
Perhaps the New York Media's hype had been so "deeply ingrained," George W. Bush clearly read newspapers often and even knew the latest popular "memes."
When he heard the other party brag about his baseball team operation also having a "family culture," Lee almost couldn't hold back his laughter.
At the critical moment, Ron Artest chickened out.
He only had a general understanding of the NCLB—No Child Left Behind Act and didn't know the specifics, so he could only chuckle sheepishly.
James Dolan then began his annual thank-you session, acknowledging the Governor, the Mayor, and the city council members involved in the work.
He nearly stumbled over his words at the end, having too many people to thank.
Once all the formalities were over, Lee presented the commemorative gifts.
For the New York Knicks, giving out jerseys was no longer an option.
They had simply won too much.
Below the stage, New York Governor David Paterson applauded repeatedly.
As the first African American and legally blind person to serve as Governor of New York, he was there to witness this moment.
Bloomberg, in front of the cameras, maintained a proper smile, but noticing that Georgina seemed happier than usual beside him, he couldn't help but curse under his breath.
However, he quickly put that matter out of his mind.
The mess on Wall Street was having a huge impact, and Lehman Brothers' outrageous actions were truly incomprehensible.
After the ceremony, everyone had to move on to continue the tour and photo session.
Georgina, wearing a slim-fitting blue dress, naturally linked arms with Lee, greeted her father, and then quietly departed.
Lee felt a chill down his spine, but Georgina quietly hooked her finger.
Receiving the signal, Lee inwardly groaned, knowing this weekend would mean another high-intensity training session.
But soon, a whisper came to his ear:
"My father plans to change fund companies. You can give it a try."
Georgina, tilting her head slightly, smiled appropriately.
Thinking that this would certainly be a large sum of money, Lee indeed felt he had to try to get it.
He also hooked his finger, and while following the staff, whispered:
"We need to talk in detail."
On sunday, September 21st, news media had been reporting on the New York Knicks' trip to the White House for the past two days.
Pau Gasol's appearance on crutches delighted some fans, sparking intense online debates.
For San Antonio fans, after the news confirmed Manu Ginobili's left ankle surgery, most of them felt their hearts sink.
The Argentinian would miss at least two months of games!
Coupled with Bynum's recent return from injury, his competitive form was still a question mark.
In the fierce competitive environment of the Western Conference, two months was enough to make them completely fall behind.
The San Antonio Spurs training camp was about to begin.
The new Head Coach, Mike Budenholzer, had been somewhat nervous in front of reporters, sometimes blushing when faced with difficult questions.
These sports reporters loved such scenes.
Everyone liked a soft target.
Each press conference, far from showing mercy, only intensified the grilling.
With Tim Duncan gone, the team's core had become Tony Parker.
The Frenchman had a very comfortable offseason, not only showing affection with Eva but also frequently appearing on television shows.
During a talk show, Eva even spoke freely about intimate topics, describing Parker as a "French veteran driver."
If Popovich were still with the team, the old man would surely have chewed Parker out after seeing his indulgence during the offseason once training camp began.
But the Rookie coach didn't do that.
Instead, he spoke favorably of the Frenchman, calling Parker "the San Antonio Spurs' true leader."
Putting aside the team's record, Parker's life had indeed been good since Duncan left.
He had Eva at home and Erin Barry on the team.
Brent Barry left the San Antonio Spurs for Houston this new season, but his family remained in San Antonio.
To better take care of his old teammate's family, Parker felt he needed to take on more responsibility!
Training camp would officially begin next week.
Before Media Day, Tony Parker took the initiative to give an early interview.
The Frenchman first worked up a sweat in the training gym, then, before lunch break, talked about how he would lead the team back to the NBA Finals:
"I know the team's problems! While Manu recovers, I will be more aggressive!"
Parker wiped sweat in front of everyone, incidentally showing a determined look, as if he was ready.
From his appearance, he indeed looked like a team leader.
"Tony, the San Antonio Spurs' salary this season might only fill the minimum salary cap. Will this affect the team's performance?"
"How would you comment on the trade of Marc Gasol? He had an excellent performance at the Olympic Games."
At the mention of the team's salary, Parker's eye twitched slightly.
Duncan's departure indeed saved a lot of money, and Bynum was still on a Rookie contract, but he hadn't expected the team to do so little in the offseason.
They didn't bring in a third All-Star, nor did they actively replace role players.
With Manu Ginobili injured, the San Antonio Spurs chose to stand pat:
"I just want to play my basketball! Salary cannot measure a player's strength. I have great confidence in the San Antonio Spurs! We can overcome all difficulties."
"As for Marc's choice, I talked to him. He wanted to get a starting spot and consistent playing time. I can understand that; it's not easy for international players to establish themselves in the league."
"..."
Watching Parker speak so eloquently, many reporters couldn't help but marvel at how much he had grown, but with Duncan gone, this team had most likely fallen out of contention for the championship.
The interview went smoothly, and Parker was very satisfied with his performance.
He found an opportunity to send a text message, and his new teammate Brent Barry immediately replied.
Mike Budenholzer was indeed working hard, having started preparing for the new season very early.
He watched a ton of game footage, but the more he watched, the more uncomfortable he felt.
Breaking out of the Western Conference was simply too difficult.
The San Antonio Express-News reporter didn't want to make things difficult for him.
Everyone just wanted to hear some bold declarations before the new season started, but this new Head Coach was very unromantic:
"I've seen everyone's physical examination reports. Their physical condition is not bad, but the team still faces huge difficulties!"
"I know what the fans expect, but with the current roster, it's very difficult for us to return to the NBA Finals."
"Tony is not Clay. Their playing styles are completely different. We shouldn't put too much pressure on him. In the first two months, all everyone needs to do is not fall behind easily."
The sports reporters were very disappointed.
The Rookie coach didn't even dare to brag.
After exchanging glances, a thought arose in their minds:
"The San Antonio Spurs are completely finished!"
On Monday, the 22nd, another coach from the San Antonio Spurs, Mike Brown, was very high-profile.
Even with Howard suffering a chest injury, he still led the way in hyping things up:
"We have enough roster depth to handle the first two months of games!"
"As for the news that LeBron James intends to leave, I only feel anger. This is simply an insult to Cleveland!"
"Upon arriving in this city, I was shocked by the basketball atmosphere here. I discussed the future with LeBron, and I am absolutely certain that he will stay here forever. He is loyal to his team."
The Cleveland Clinic Courts would officially open for training camp next Monday.
Mike Brown arrived early, socializing with the staff while also bragging to the local media.
Reporters in the training facility were very satisfied with this answer.
They believed the The Chosen One would wait for an opportunity, rather than planning to run off with his good friends as the Miami media suggested.
Since the Heat had no significant new signings, Wade, who had obtained the core technology of becoming a "tank," was very disappointed.
Perhaps stimulated by the New York Knicks' White House trip, he spoke through his agent:
"We are considering leaving Miami after our contract expires."
The news broke over the weekend, and sports reporters in New York, enjoying the show, immediately started fabricating stories, suggesting that Wade and James's short-term contracts signed years ago were a long-planned scheme, and that the two were very likely to team up.
Early in the morning, Cleveland newspapers began to attack the fake news.
Many young fans also expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, asking how the kid from Akron could leave:
"LeBron is not Kobe. He is loyal to his team. He has DPOY-level teammates! The two are destined to bring a championship to Cleveland."
"..."
The Boston Celtics' super team failed, and currently, the "one person, one city" concept is still the mainstream view.
Mike Brown, with his experience coaching the Houston Rockets, thoroughly understood how to deal with the media and knew what they wanted to hear:
"Perhaps you are all worried about Dwight's injury, but our medical team has made a detailed assessment. He will be able to return to play by mid-November."
The ESPN reporter wasn't very interested in hearing this and seized the opportunity to ask a somewhat sharp question:
"We have received information that the Cavaliers seem to be planning to trade Drew Gooden. It is rumored that the Lakers have already made an offer."
Drew Gooden's salary this season is 7.1 million. Currently, the Cavaliers' salary structure is somewhat similar to the New York Knicks', with too many mid-level contracts.
Owner Gilbert wants to lighten some of the burden.
His dark face didn't reveal too much emotion.
Mike Brown knew that James hadn't given the owner a definitive answer.
At this time, what he had to do was continue to be "loyal":
"Gooden is in great shape; he has completely integrated into the tactical system. The trade information is not true."
The owner was generous, and LeBron James was incredibly loyal.
Having gotten the answers they wanted, Cleveland's sports reporters all thought the new coach was pretty good.
Although he didn't have an outstanding resume, the players seemed to like him.
Mike Brown had completely gained their approval!
On tuesday, the 23rd, both the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers chose to open their training camps on this day, and set Media Day for the 30th.
Kobe Bryant also underwent surgery after returning to the United States.
With training camp starting, he could only be part of the atmosphere, and he would miss all of the preseason games in October.
The Los Angeles Times was a staunch supporter of Kobe.
True friendship is seen in adversity.
With the whole country mocking him, Kobe was also touched by these "loyal" reporters.
In the morning, facing the local media, Kobe kept a smiling face.
His mood was excellent when he was interviewed before lunch break.
He was absolutely certain that there were no more lazy dogs in the locker room!
"I don't know why there's so much controversy surrounding the news about me!"
"Since entering the league, all I've pursued is victory. That has always been my goal, and it has never changed."
Seeing Kobe's serious expression, the reporters didn't know what to say.
The "best player" seemed more like a single breath to them.
After seeing Allen Iverson's experience, they completely understood.
No one questioned him, and Kobe was even happier.
He moved his right hand in front of everyone, looking very confident:
"I won't miss too many games. Tim will ensure the team's record. I trust him. This new season, our goal is to be number one in the league!"
"We need to secure home-court advantage in the NBA Finals. This will determine the outcome of the series."
"As for my physical condition, I feel great."
Duncan, who was exercising on the training court, did not accept interviews.
Ever since he discovered issues in the locker room led by Kobe, he had voluntarily taken on this responsibility:
"Lamar, try to trust the coach's choice."
"I don't like playing off the bench either, but the team needs you. I support the coach, there will be no trade."
Huddled next to Duncan, Odom didn't appear particularly angry.
Whenever there were trade rumors, he was always the one injured.
In fact, he had gotten used to it:
"I'll listen to you, Bro! I don't like playing with Kobe. Maybe he's right, but he always manages to mess up the locker room atmosphere."
"..."
Quietly listening to his teammate's complaints, Duncan nodded occasionally to show understanding.
After coming to Los Angeles, he realized that the Los Angeles Lakers also had problems and were somewhat different from the championship team he had imagined.
Fisher and his good friend Barnes were both happy to be reunited.
They were together when taking their official photos.
After the morning's work, Old Fish even proactively promised:
"Matt, don't worry about stats. As long as I'm on the court, I'll definitely find you!"
"You can come over to my place sometime. I miss my days in New York..."
Barnes was very grateful for this.
Although he didn't like Kobe, his girlfriend loved life in Los Angeles, and for that, he was willing to make some compromises:
"I owe you one, Bro!"
"..."
At the Tarrytown Training Center, New York reporters, as in previous years, gathered early once training camp began.
However, after watching the physical tests this time, most reporters started to frown.
Injuries, weight gain—many players were not in good shape.
Ron Artest had even lost a circle, which surprised many people.
In contrast, Lee, standing next to Mike D'Antoni, was as strong as ever, his physique showing no signs of deterioration.
Many people even captured photos of him shirtless.
Mike D'Antoni, with his arms crossed, frowned as he watched the staff record data.
The New York Knicks' physical testing process was extensive, with blood tests still to come in the afternoon.
These technological equipment items had been added one by one in recent years:
"It's a bit bad, Lee! It seems everyone's desire for victory has decreased."
Looking at Diaw's flabby belly, Lee joined the crowd in a light chuckle.
Seeing his coach's frown, he softly comforted him:
"I still want to win, and that's enough!"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)