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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
In late August 2007, as the Americas Championship began, basketball fans shifted their attention away from the betting scandal.
After more than half a month of fermentation, the American media unanimously agreed that this scandal would be a major blemish on David Stern's record, and the NBA's handling of the matter made many people laugh.
Tim Donaghy's lawyer, after receiving a hint from the judge, revealed a list of about 20 people, which included not only referees but also NBA officials.
What relieved the beleaguered commissioner was that ESPN/ABC and TNT's confidence in the NBA remained unshaken.
John Skipper, ESPN's Executive Vice President of Content, has been making frequent appearances recently, publicly stating more than once:
"We do not anticipate this will have a material impact on the broadcast agreements."
Sal Petruzzi, Turner Sports spokesperson, looked even more relaxed, and in the face of endless questions from reporters, he even joked:
"Those who question the fairness of the NBA should watch the New York Knicks' games from the past few years."
"We don't think a referee can affect Clay Lee. If I remember correctly, Clay Lee's true shooting percentage in this year's playoffs was 79%."
"This almost means he scores every time he shoots, so let's get back to basketball and continue to enjoy Clay Lee's performance. Don't forget he's already 30 years old this year, so cherish his playing time."
For New York fans, the betting scandal is old news.
Recently, the New York Knicks and the France Team have been at odds over Boris Diaw's insurance issue, causing unpleasantness between them.
While preparing for the EuroBasket, Boris Diaw experienced back tightness.
The team's trainer reported it immediately, and then the New York Knicks demanded that the France Team purchase insurance.
New York Times columnists predicted that this policy would exceed $100,000.
The France Team did not want to pay for it, insisting on buying insurance, which the New York Knicks had to cover themselves.
During the offseason, Boris Diaw had just signed a 5-year, $48 million contract with the team, with the last year being a player option.
The Phoenix Suns were the most aggressive in driving up the price, offering Boris Diaw a $45 million contract.
The new general manager, Steve Kerr, seemed to have a liking for New York players.
Ultimately, James Dolan acted decisively, directly spending money to finalize the deal.
Donnie Walsh, the general manager, is just beginning to face trouble.
Having given Boris Diaw an inflated contract, JR Smith, who is entering a contract year next season, will also demand a hefty sum.
Once this precedent is set, there's no turning back.
Unless they keep paying, they are bound to face poaching.
By the end of July, the New York Knicks had already paid the NBA over $30 million in luxury tax, which was in a league of its own, with the Dallas Mavericks, who were next, only paying over $9 million.
Although the opposing team paid a lot in salaries, they successfully and legally avoided taxes.
James Dolan even joked about them at the owners' meeting in Orlando, causing his former "friend" to turn into an enemy.
New York fans, however, don't care about these things.
Fans know how much money the New York Knicks make.
Ticket prices are almost hitting a hundred, and many people can't even afford to park their cars for a game.
Most young people can only walk there.
Every year, tourists from all over the world come to New York, and they definitely want to see a game at the basketball mecca, which leads to the team making a fortune from merchandise every year.
Even if the luxury tax exceeds $50 million in the future, most New York fans will have no sympathy.
They make so much money, they should give back, right?
On Thursday, August 30th, the Chicago Tribune and many other media outlets highly praised LeBron James's performance in the Americas Championship:
"LeBron James, who was lost in the Eastern Conference Finals, has transformed and delivered 'Lee-esque stats' for the national team."
As the Americas Championship has progressed, LeBron James has shot 47 for 59, with a field goal percentage as high as 79.7%, and 14 for 20 from three-point range, a 70% accuracy rate that also far surpasses all other players in the tournament.
In yesterday's game against Uruguay, LeBron James played only 14 minutes, going 11 for 11 from the field, including 4 for 4 from three-point range, and scoring 26 points by halftime.
Such a performance also made LeBron James a leader in the eyes of basketball commentators, as basketball still relies on strength, and this Excel-like performance is unmatched.
As for the team's other leader, Kobe Bryant, he was once again ignored by a host of sports reporters.
That morning, everyone interviewed the leader, LeBron James, who did not become arrogant but calmly stated:
"Now I have the best teammates, and putting up these numbers is nothing to be proud of."
"I've learned a lot playing with championship members. While I'm still frustrated by the loss in this year's Eastern Conference Finals, I've also grown from the defeat."
"Now I clearly know how to lead a team."
Los Angeles sports reporters, however, have been consistently following Kobe.
In August, the Celtics made continuous moves, successively signing free agents Eddie House and James Posey.
In the Eastern Conference, with the resurgence of this old powerhouse, the Heat were the first to fall behind.
Their existing roster was dismantled, and they signed Shaquille O'Neal's former teammate, Anfernee Hardaway.
It should be noted that Hardaway originally wanted to join New York to get a ring, but his agent's efforts were all in vain, as New York showed no interest, and even Boston politely declined.
Under such circumstances, the fact that this washed-up All-Star could still join the Heat strongly suggests that they have likely given up on a championship, as it has become a consensus that 'old man basketball' cannot win a title.
The Lakers made no moves in August.
There were no big trades as commentators expected, and Kobe Bryant, after one talk with Jerry Buss, stopped demanding a trade.
All signs indicate that the Lakers seem to be primarily focused on selling tickets next season, and as for Kobe's championship dream, there seems to be no possibility at all now.
Coach Krzyzewski, however, had always spoken highly of Kobe.
Concerned about misunderstandings, he proactively discussed past topics with reporters:
"In 2004, I had the opportunity to coach the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant left a deep impression on me back then."
"After meeting on the national team, I believe he is even better than I imagined. He never considers stats and demands to defend the opposing team's key perimeter player in every game."
"This spirit has always motivated the team, and Kobe Bryant has made the team better and better. He is an excellent leader."
Kobe, who was called a leader by the Head Coach, was in a bad mood.
Argentina successfully avoided the Team USA in the semifinals.
He had intended to focus all his attention on the final, but reporters saw it differently.
"Kobe, will you attend the Lakers' training camp in Hawaii this year? What are your thoughts on the team's offseason moves?"
"Bynum believes he is the future of the team. Is there still a conflict between you two?"
"Shaquille O'Neal believes Dr. Buss made the wrong choice, and now he claims Dwyane Wade has surpassed you."
Kobe, with a scowl, looked even worse when he heard the last question.
However, his agent team had already briefed him, so he merely glared at the reporter and replied expressionlessly:
"We haven't won the championship yet. Right now, I want to focus on the upcoming games."
"Kobe, do you need this medal to prove yourself?"
To the ESPN reporter's question, Kobe only showed his back, and also held up a finger, indicating that he had a championship.
However, such an arrogant response made many reporters dissatisfied.
Kobe had only walked two steps when he heard someone in the back muttering sarcastically:
"Lee has never boasted to us about his 9 rings, let alone his 9 FMVP trophies."
"He's not even the best player in Lakers history!"
When Kobe looked back, the voice disappeared, clearly someone was deliberately making things difficult for him.
Ever since the public trade, Jerry Buss and the Los Angeles media had been working together to undermine him, and Kobe Bryant noticed that many reporters lacked respect for him, with many even treating him as a joke.
Jason Kidd had zero points in a few games, and Kobe Bryant helped out a lot.
Seeing his teammate in a predicament, he immediately stepped in to help:
"Everyone can wait until the media day at the end of September to ask about the new season's issues. We cannot lose the championship again."
Kobe, who had been dragged away by Kidd, was still fuming.
He couldn't understand why he always encountered such problems, as if no one respected his championship.
On Monday, September 3rd, that evening, the EuroBasket officially began in Spain.
Lee, who had recently been in France for a Nike event, had already flown over, and Matt Parker, Nike's CEO, was also there.
The two were currently on vacation.
In a few days, Madison Square Garden would host its annual wheelchair charity game, and Lee would have to return to Manhattan then.
Scarlett and Katheryn also came to Seville.
The former had recently participated in Marvel's promotional activities in San Diego, while the latter had been helping look after the house at Peninsula Manor.
In the recently concluded game, Latvia narrowly defeated Croatia, with only 5,000 people attending the San Pablo City Hall Arena.
By 9 PM, as host Spain took the court, the arena, which could hold over 10,000 people, was finally packed with spectators.
Facing Portugal, the Spain men's basketball team naturally had a huge advantage, so the atmosphere before the game was very cheerful, and the organizers even invited Lee to give a pre-game speech to satisfy the curiosity of the onlookers.
Since arriving there, Lee and his entourage had been hosted by Real Madrid Club, and President Ramon Calderon was very enthusiastic, with related news always appearing in major newspapers.
Clay Lee's fluent Spanish surprised many fans, but this was Pau Gasol's home court, so after a simple greeting, he didn't try to steal the show.
Returning to the front row, Matt Parker, wearing a striped shirt, had an "it should be this way" expression on his face, and taking advantage of the final warm-up phase before the game, he said with a chuckle:
"This is the right approach in Spain. Pau Gasol should be the busiest player, one insurance policy, and both sides are satisfied."
"Mike D'Antoni must be having a headache in Alicante. The France Team is too stingy!"
Ever since the Knicks proposed that they must buy insurance for players, Spain has responded positively, while the France Team remains the same, claiming it depends on "the player's personal wishes."
Mike D'Antoni was originally enjoying his vacation in Spain, but after receiving news that Boris Diaw had a tight back, he reluctantly got involved in the dispute between the team and the national team.
Lee was also helpless in this situation.
The Knicks did not want Pau Gasol to participate in international competitions every year, especially during championship runs, as too many games would greatly increase the risk of injury.
However, most European players do not refuse call-ups, as those who play in the NBA become absolute core players when they return to their national teams.
"I'm not interested in participating in this debate. You want to support LeBron James? I thought you would choose Kobe Bryant in the end."
Lee, back in his seat, took the drink Scarlett handed him and casually chatted about gossip.
This attitude surprised Matt Parker, who had thought Lee would be displeased with the suggestion of not participating in the Olympics.
"We did a survey, and more people dislike Kobe than like him. Don't forget that group of feminists always protests."
"I don't want to see the advertisements we shoot sent back for reshoots, and most importantly, LeBron James is too young."
Matt Parker casually brought up the sponsor's plans, not even considering the female companion beside him.
The feminist protests about the illegal invasion issue still hadn't subsided.
Because of this, Nike was too lazy to invest more resources into Kobe, such as public relations for the new season's MVP.
It would likely become Clay Lee VS LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant would have no chance of winning the award.
The 3rd generation of sneakers will no longer continue the "old technology"; after two years of refinement, new technology has also received feedback, and this year, Lee's true signature shoes will return along with the MVP.
According to Nike's plan, new sneakers will be released before All-Star Weekend, and Clay Lee, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant will receive preferential resources, while Kobe Bryant was ultimately abandoned due to declining sneaker sales.
Lee shrugged and didn't comment further.
At the end of his career, Nike hoped he could continue to set records, achieve consecutive championships, and also achieve consecutive MVP titles.
The relevant plan was officially put on the agenda after Dirk Nowitzki, the current MVP, was eliminated in the first round.
With the quality of stars in the NBA declining, public relations would be even more effective.
The game officially started at 9:30 PM, with the first quarter ending 13:23, and at halftime, the score was fixed at 21:46, with the host dominating the game.
Lee, who was calmly watching the game, would occasionally whisper to his female companions.
During halftime, he participated in a shooting activity, and as he continuously hit three-pointers, the cheers quickly unified:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
From the sideline, Lee even made blind, one-handed throws, and the onlookers cheered enthusiastically.
Such a shooting touch looked even more incredible live.
Ultimately, the host's first game completely turned into a warm-up match.
Pau Gasol easily scored 19 points, and Marc Gasol also contributed a game-high 7 rebounds.
56:82, the game ended earlier than expected.
After the game, players from both teams crowded to the sidelines to greet Clay Lee, and some younger players even asked for autographs.
Communication between them was unobstructed, and flattery flowed smoothly.
Marc Gasol has frequently appeared in New York in recent years.
As a second-round pick, he naturally wouldn't attend this year's draft, and the still "unpolished" younger brother was still somewhat "chubby."
"If there weren't more games later, you really should stay at my house for a few days! Lee, thank you for your care."
During high school, he played for a few days under Coach Hurley.
Although this famous coach evaluated him as having "mediocre talent" compared to his brother, Marc Gasol was still very grateful for this experience.
Listening to the other party's gruff thanks, Lee could only smile and pat this younger brother, who still needed to lose weight, then turned to Pau Gasol and teased:
"Kobe will definitely urge him to lose weight. You know, he's going crazy now."
Pau Gasol, wearing his training uniform, shook his head helplessly, looked at his younger brother, and said with some regret:
"Marc doesn't want to play off the bench, nor does he like the Lakers' environment. He decided to stay in Spain for another year. He needs playing time to prepare for the Olympics."
When the two brothers mentioned the Lakers' locker room environment, they subconsciously showed "disdain".
A fishing team still had so many problems.
As Lee and his entourage were about to leave, Matt Parker, putting his arm around his female companion, said pointedly:
"This is why we didn't choose Kobe. e shouldn't have humiliated Kupchak, it made his reputation even worse, even Spanish rookies look down on him. LeBron James is clearly a better choice."
"Unless he wins another championship, do you think he has a chance?"
Their careers completely overlapped.
Lee chuckled softly, embracing Katheryn, and remembering the recent reports about the championship's ownership, he teased sarcastically:
"Unless he's also 23 years old. You know, time isn't on his side."
"ā¦"
It was late at night when they returned to their suite at the Alfonso Hotel.
All the shopping and sightseeing had left them wide awake, and Scarlett, changing into a black slip dress, untied her red hair while gossiping about behind-the-scenes movie work:
"What if the box office is dismal? Darling, the movie ending is terrible. They plan to reshoot that part."
Just as she had evaluated when she first read the script, the movie indeed turned into a "tin can fight".
Scarlett had complained to the director about this quite a bit in San Diego.
The result was that the comic con promotion went very well, but Merrill Lynch and Axe Capital both expressed dissatisfaction to Marvel behind the scenes, and the two sides had another unpleasant dispute.
Lee, fresh from a shower and wrapped in a towel, lay on the large bed, arms propped under his head, quietly enjoying the succubus's performance.
When she noticed Lee seemed unconcerned, she immediately straddled him and said seriously:
"If the first movie loses money, the stock price will definitely fall. That's tens of millions."
Perhaps it was because of too many daily mini-games, but Scarlett's voice, now a mother, had become increasingly hoarse.
After saying this, she began to calculate how much this investment would ultimately lose.
"Don't worry, it's not being released this year; investing in movies is just an experiment. Have you ever seen an investment that never loses money?"
When Katheryn came out of the bathroom, drying her hair, she heard Scarlett still complaining about the board's selection of people, and remembering Lee's plan to have the other party "bring capital into the group," she immediately teased:
"Commercial films are all like this. How do you like this lingerie?"
Seeing the succubus's beautiful figure, her attention finally shifted, and Lee also got up and praised her, and soon the three began tonight's confrontation.
Unable to resist the teasing, the succubus finally threw all her worries to the back of her mind.
As her huge, pale hands began to deform, she could only stammer a reminder:
"Kate! DV is at the foot of the bed."
On Saturday, September 8th, the victory in the Americas Championship once again helped Kobe reverse some of the public's perception of him.
In the game against Argentina, he had an extremely outstanding performance, scoring 27 points!
The Los Angeles Times highly praised Kobe, calling him the Team USA's "best leader," but sports reporters in Cleveland did not buy it, believing LeBron James was the best player on the team.
The two sides started a war of words from afar, and even Reddit became lively, setting up a 23VS24 showdown.
New York fans, however, didn't care about any of this, because Ron Artest and JR Smith had recently caused a big stir.
The two gathered their entourages for a wild party and ended up in a car accident in the middle of the night.
JR Smith's friend died almost immediately, Ron Artest suffered leg injuries, and several of their hangers-on were also seriously injured.
The main reason this incident attracted significant attention was because of Old Smith.
When he heard his son was in a car accident, he was terrified and distraught, and when he arrived at the hospital, he cried out to God.
Upon learning that his dear son had shoulder and leg injuries, as described by the doctor, he almost fainted directly.
Later, after being assured that it would not affect his basketball career, Old Smith was overjoyed.
Old Smith's indifference to his son's deceased friend caused a lot of trouble.
You have to understand that the hangers-on are "family".
Now that family is in trouble, and you act like this, the friend's mother almost scratched him on the spot.
After the news media sensationalized the report, it was revealed that the cause of the car accident was "too much marijuana."
Matt Battelstein, as the agent, had to clean up the mess.
The gossip had lasted for almost a week, and the two's predicament became the target of criticism from many sportscasters.
On Sunday, the 9th, that evening, Lee, who was attending a charity wheelchair basketball game at Madison Square Garden, saw two of his teammates in wheelchairs.
Every year, the charity game invites many famous sports stars to attend.
Marbury, who had been uninvited in previous years, also returned to his "original dream place" this time.
The main members of the Celtics were all present.
Before the game started, many reporters surrounded the Four Giants, and Head Coach Rivers, who also came to the event, enjoyed the spotlight.
As the host, Lee continuously greeted the socialites present, and Bloomberg and Georgina, the father and daughter, could not be neglected.
Many people came from City Hall. When she had to leave with her father, Georgina playfully touched her belly and chuckled softly as she left.
Initially startled, Lee let out a helpless sigh of relief after realizing what had happened.
Fortunately, the arrival of his friends distracted the onlookers, and many reporters followed Ray Allen over to him.
"How does it feel in Boston? I still remember you always wanted to play there."
After the two fist-bumped, Lee covered his mouth and whispered.
Ray Allen, dressed in sportswear, first punched his friend, then showed a bitter smile:
"It feels awful! The coach wants me to be a three-point shooter!"
As more and more spectators filled Madison Square Garden, the atmosphere became increasingly enthusiastic.
Perkins, attending the event for the first time, showed a happy expression on his dark face.
When a reporter interviewed him, he seized the opportunity and blurted out:
"I can't wait for the new season to start. We've been practicing together all summer. It feels wonderful!"
"I want to say a few words for Ray. Seattle shouldn't have let that rookie go. Talented players don't necessarily adapt to the NBA. Kevin Durant isn't a monster like Greg Oden."
"Rookies should learn to respect veterans. I know he made demands to the team. When the regular season starts, we will help Ray get his revenge."
The NBA is full of big brothers, so Perkins could only pick on the weak, angrily lashing out at Kevin Durant to make himself feel important.
Marbury's parents and brothers also came to the scene.
Being invited to such a large charity event was considered an "honor."
Perhaps it was his first time enjoying "protagonist" treatment.
An emotional Marbury had long forgotten the prepared platitudes.
After a few provocative questions from New York reporters, he quickly spoke his true feelings:
"I have always deeply loved this city. I dream of returning here. No matter where I am, I am New Yorks Son."
"Stephen, if you support New York, you can choose to join the New York Knicks! Become Clay Lee's helper, a mid-level contract, the Dolan Family will not be stingy."
The New York Post reporter revealed his true colors, once again targeting the "New Yorks Son" who had betrayed them.
Marbury, hearing this question, was speechless for a moment, and after a long pause, he could only say:
"I don't think I'm worse than Lee. I just lack a coach who appreciates me and a bigger stage."
One was a "bad team stat-padder," and the other was a true GOAT.
Hearing this answer, many New York reporters in the back were secretly laughing.
A "stat-padder" is not worthy of being "New Yorks Son."
Marbury probably still doesn't realize that New York fans have already stripped him of his "New York citizenship."
Unlike Marbury, who was all talk, former MVP Kevin Garnett was very low-key.
However, seeing Ray Allen abandon the others early to catch up with opponents, he frowned and said:
"Danger, family! Paul, you explain it clearly to him later. If you want to win, reduce your interactions with Lee."
"We'll be retired in a few years. He'll have plenty of time then. This guy must move with us from now on!"
Paul Pierce had no complaints about Kevin Garnett's assignment.
On the contrary, he felt his brother's words made perfect sense.
Becoming a focus in the NBA also made him a bit smug, and at this moment, he said boastfully:
"Look at those two guys in wheelchairs. The New York Knicks even gave a garbage-time substitute a $48 million contract."
"Our chance has come. Ray will realize this soon enough. 60 wins, I think we can easily achieve our goal."
Head Coach Rivers expanded his assistant coaching staff during the offseason, started mini-training camps early, and incidentally revealed the new season's goals to the players:
"60 wins, a championship!"
If the Four Giants don't win a championship, it's a failure.
In a few more years, their peak will be over, and the championship window will close directly.
This time, Pierce no longer resented the Head Coach's inspiring words.
Instead, he "drank" them with relish. When the exhibition game began, the four sat together, and Ray Allen quickly received a reminder:
"Ray, you know, our only opponent is the New York Knicks. You shouldn't talk so much with Clay Lee!"
"Sometimes friendship makes you weak."
"??"
Ray Allen, who was happily watching the game, was instantly bewildered.
Looking at Pierce's smug face, and then at the two unfortunate New York Knicks players in wheelchairs by the scorer's table, Ray Allen finally pulled a long face, covered his mouth, turned his head, and whispered:
"Listen, basketball is just a job. I don't like other people disturbing my life!"
"Lee will be my son's godfather. Take back what you said."
Head Coach Rivers was unaware of what was happening within the team.
By halftime, he was smiling like a flower, and facing the New York reporters, he even had the audacity to "declare war":
"Only we can defeat the New York Knicks. Lee is right, it seems God is on our side!"
"Kevin is the best leader. His energy will infect his teammates! Yes, we are ready!"
"..."
...
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