On Thursday, September 4, 2008, all members of the New York Knicks departed early and gathered in Springfield, Massachusetts.
At the same time, many NBA legends also joined them.
Tomorrow night is the 2008 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a significant moment for many players.
This year's Hall of Fame inductees are Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Adrian Dantley.
The coaches are Pat Riley and Cathy Rush, and the basketball contributors are Dick Vitale and William Davidson.
Among the three players, two are Champion Coaches. Ewing, in particular, achieved four consecutive championships. Such an accomplishment commands respect from professionals, as a player only experiences this once in their lifetime.
Tomorrow night at 7:30 PM, NBA TV will broadcast the entire event.
On TNT, Kenny Smith will naturally be present, while Charles Barkley is somewhat reluctant.
After all, the Houston Rockets do not hold good memories for him.
That teaming up was a huge loss.
As the ceremony will be held in the Symphony Hall, the place was already bustling the day before, with old-timers gathered, laughing and reminiscing about the past.
Many Los Angeles Lakers legends also came.
Although they 'eliminated' Pat Riley back then, "Show time" remains a beautiful memory, and no one would deny the coach's contributions.
While the NBA staff were still arranging seats, Magic Johnson, in a formal suit, pretentiously looked around and then chuckled, teasingly:
"Why don't I see Michael! Has he not arrived yet?"
"Is this guy worried that Pat Riley will tease him at the event, so he's not coming? Shit, I have to call him!"
All the old-timers burst into laughter.
Ewing had just become a member of the Bobcats coaching staff.
He knew Michael Jordan would definitely be there, but at this moment, he still grinned widely and mocked:
"Ever since the New York Knicks released their new documentary, this guy hasn't been in a good mood. The Bobcats' performance is terrible, and fans are complaining about his eye for talent."
"..."
Ewing, who had become round as a ball, smiled even more brightly.
Olajuwon and Dantley also shook their heads with a smile.
Michael Jordan's poor drafting vision was already well-known.
He had practically ruined the Bobcats.
Players with championships are indeed somewhat different from those without.
In 2006, when Charles Barkley was inducted into the Hall of Fame, he was not as 'arrogant' as Ewing.
Now, seeing the other party's appearance, his heart began to sour, and coupled with the face of his former teammate bringing back bad memories, the big mouth became somewhat silent.
It wasn't until NBA TV staff began interviews that Charles Barkley perked up again.
When talking about Ewing's championships, he joked sourly, making everyone laugh:
"If Lee had entered the NBA 10 years earlier, I could have been as successful as Ewing."
"..."
In the past, Gorilla would have been displeased to hear such words.
But after many years of retirement, re-examining that experience, plus his good son being looked after by Lee, Ewing just smiled knowingly.
He would not deny those words.
Of course, Barkley deliberately acted like a sourpuss, mainly because his relationship with the New York Knicks back then was really not good.
Charles Oakley had always disliked him, and the two had deep conflicts.
After Lee joined the team, both were at the end of their careers, yet they still fought on the court.
Even during the lockout, they had a verbal altercation in the Players Union hall.
Although most of these grudges have faded with the wind, it is still difficult to make Barkley bow down and praise.
The 'Core Champion Theory' invented by the big mouth was precisely to denounce those who clung to coattails!
It was a time for the old-timers to celebrate, and Lee naturally wouldn't join the fun or steal the spotlight.
Although the other party said they didn't care, he actually liked the spotlight.
His presence tomorrow would be the greatest respect.
Also arriving a day early, Michael Jordan had organized a card game at the hotel.
By the afternoon, Michael Jordan's eyes were red from gambling, and finally, he threw down his cards:
"Damn bad luck..."
Clenching a cigar, slumped in his seat, Michael Jordan looked a bit dejected.
Seeing Lee leisurely counting rolls of dollars, he couldn't help but complain:
"You shouldn't lend money to Charles. That guy talks bad about me every day!"
Ever since Lee wrote the check, Michael Jordan held a grudge again, but after more than a month, his anger had mostly subsided.
Barkley was an old brother after all.
He just wanted to teach him a lesson.
"That's his job. Fans like to hear those things. He has to ensure ratings. The Bobcats are indeed a bit rotten. You should hire a professional general manager."
Michael Jordan, puffing on his cigar, looked a bit unnatural.
Most of the people he hired were sycophants, and he knew this himself.
It's just that he liked to control the team, and he felt uncomfortable letting go:
"Do you have any good candidates?"
This time, it was Lee's turn to raise an eyebrow.
He had suggested to the other party to hire Grunfeld a long time ago, but after one discussion, Michael Jordan was reluctant to let go and ultimately politely declined.
"OK! Let's not talk about that. You want to sign OJ Mayo? I've seen that kid. His strength isn't that great."
"As for Russell Westbrook, he looks even worse!"
As sub-brands, both have the opportunity to participate in sneaker contract issues every year.
After Nike signed OJ Mayo, due to Kobe's popularity exploding across the ocean, they prepared to 'harvest another wave of leeks' there.
Mayo, who had already signed, would most likely not get his own signature shoes.
The solution Nike offered was to have the Rookie wear Lee's shoes.
They only needed to change the color scheme to the Grizzlies'...
During the tryout, Michael Jordan personally took the court and taught the star high schooler, 'the next Lee,' Mayo, a lesson, effectively humiliating the Rookie.
Listening to Michael Jordan start to disparage the two, Lee pursed his lips, noticing some of the accompanying staff already secretly chuckling, knowing that this situation was not the first time it had happened:
"I don't have high hopes for Mayo, but I'm willing to help Matt Parker a favor. He's been under some pressure recently. Revenue has had a small issue."
"As for Russell Westbrook, you can sign him. Young fans like to watch him play, and maybe in the future, he could even become a triple-double king."
"Ha!..."
As if he had heard a huge joke, Michael Jordan almost choked.
Ever since becoming an owner, he liked to give directions and would pay special attention to some potential Rookies:
"Triple-double? If he can make the All-Star team, I'll agree to sign him! Not every player is qualified to wear my shoes!"
"I don't think these young people are very good!"
Always appreciating players from some strange angles, Michael Jordan hadn't realized that his views were problematic.
After chatting for a while, his hands started to itch again, and he pulled out his phone to call people.
Before the call connected, Michael Jordan's dark face showed a curious expression, and he asked again:
"After signing him, how do you plan to introduce him?"
When the Jordan Brand signed Ray Allen back then, Michael Jordan, when attending events, had high hopes for this low-key star, constantly praising him.
Now it was Lee's turn.
The two would also have to hold a press conference.
Compared to Ray Allen, the Rookie's fame was currently insufficient.
From a brand perspective, this signing wasn't actually that great:
"I hope he becomes the 'Memphis Mamba'! I think everyone will like that name."
"You're targeting my little brother again!"
On Friday evening, September 5th, after some arrangements, the Symphony Hall in Springfield had transformed into a different scene.
The large screen in the upper right of the podium was particularly striking, and the induction ceremony was just half an hour away.
This was one of the NBA's moments of celebration.
For old fans, such a ceremony was not to be missed.
Those stars represented their youth, and no one could refuse those beautiful memories.
Jeff Van Gundy was again dressed in his signature red tie.
Besides becoming bald, his dark circles had completely disappeared.
Since returning to the commentary desk, he had regained his confidence, and his public image had also recovered quite a bit.
When interviewed by NBA TV, Van Gundy smiled happily and spoke very humbly about Ewing's achievements:
"Patrick is the most hardworking player I have ever witnessed! He was not defeated by injuries, and God finally answered him. I am very happy to have witnessed his professional career!"
"As for those championships, I am proud of him. God saw his perseverance."
Michael Jordan and Clay Lee's arrival, one after the other, quickly caused a huge sensation.
However, neither of them stole the show.
After brief interviews, they each found their seats.
Lee was seated in the very front row, along with Van Gundy, old teammates, and all the New York Knicks staff.
Jordan, on the other hand, sat with the legends, and they quickly greeted each other with laughter.
Charles Oakley was still the same.
After exchanging a few taunts with Barkley, he shook his head and returned to their side.
Seeing Starks's bloated appearance, he immediately burst into laughter:
"What do the team feed you guys every day? Shit, you're so fat! Look at Allan, now that's how a champion member should look."
"Grandmama," who was also round as a ball, cursed twice under her breath.
The two old-timers were still very happy to be part of such a moment.
Although Starks smiled, he still whispered:
"Lee, do you need me to warn Ron Artest? That guy has been playing political games, and sooner or later, he'll be swindled out of all his money by those sons of bitches."
Allan Houston, who also worked for the team, was also shocked by this bizarre operation.
The management was very displeased, and with the media's sensationalized reporting, everyone seemed to be represented.
Political affiliation is a very private matter.
Ron Artest, who had signed a big contract and then caused trouble, finally incurred public wrath this time.
"I can also talk to him! He needs to focus on basketball. Lee, what do you think?"
Allan Houston, sitting to Lee's right, spoke with a serious expression when he brought up the matter.
As soon as he finished, Charles Oakley, also seated, immediately added:
"I can go find those hangers-on, those niggas are treating him like a fool."
Except for Larry Johnson, who didn't live in New York very often, the other old teammates were all here, some working for the team, some for subordinate community work.
Whenever a New York Knicks player messed around, they would get the news.
JR Smith was taught a lesson and completely settled down, becoming a "sycophant."
"I plan to help him set up a family trust so he won't go bankrupt in the future. Guys, this is a personal choice, you can't stop Ron from expressing his political views."
Lee, dressed in a formal suit, had only recently paid attention to these messy affairs, but he could guess that the money was the culprit.
Over the years, Ron Artest's relatives and friends had been constantly "sucking his blood."
"Training camp hasn't started yet, relax. Maybe Ron's condition is better than you imagine. We have to respect him!"
Oakley, hearing Lee's words, wanted to say something more.
He was a hardliner who liked to put on airs as a former star, but Starks quietly waved his hand, his fat face trying hard to raise his eyebrows and give a meaningful look.
The old guy finally didn't say anything more, but he could tell that Lee was also unhappy with those questionable actions.
Van Gundy greeted everyone and then sat down, looking at the former Champion Coach members, a nostalgic expression involuntarily appearing on his face.
Compared to James and Howard, who had stabbed him in the back, these were his "family."
"This is the NBA, Lee! I've seen too many lost players. Even Pat Riley, back then, left Los Angeles because he was obsessed with Vanity Fair!"
"."
Van Gundy also sat down and talked about this topic, and incidentally, he also popularized history.
It was only because this area was full of New York Knicks insiders that his gossip about the slick-haired boss wouldn't be exposed.
Retired staff members also sighed, no one expected such a change to happen to the naive Ron Artest back then.
At 7:30, as the Hall of Fame members appeared on stage, the scene immediately erupted in applause and cheers.
Pat Riley pressed his hands down several times, finally becoming so emotional that his eyes turned red.
Dressed in white trousers and a black suit, the usually low-key slick-haired boss began his speech.
When recalling his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, he appeared quite proud, but for his later experiences with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, Pat Riley, after expressing gratitude, voluntarily admitted his "mistakes."
"."
"The basketball world is constantly evolving. I want to thank Clay Lee. He strengthened my belief. I am absolutely certain that a team composed of 5 forwards is the future!"
"At least they limit the super guards!"
Everyone present immediately chuckled.
For so many years, the Miami Heat had always fallen to Lee's side, struggling to win a single playoff game, and Pat Riley's reputation had declined because of it.
"Thank you again to everyone in the Miami Heat. I will not stop. Thank you for your efforts."
When the camera focused on Alonzo Mourning, the tough guy, hearing his revered coach say these words, was also moved to tears.
The Miami Heat's team culture had already integrated into his body.
Hakeem Olajuwon and Adrian Dantley's speeches were not long.
The latter even had a tiny bit of awkwardness, after all, he didn't have a championship.
When Ewing appeared on stage, his introducer, Head Coach John Thompson, led the applause, and everyone rose to their feet.
Soon, applause resounded throughout the entire concert hall.
Ewing, pulling out his speech, couldn't control his emotions, and tears streamed down his face.
In the twilight of his career, he had never imagined he would receive such recognition.
"Thank you!"
"First, I want to thank my 2008 Hall of Fame classmates."
"It's truly surprising that a little kid from Kingston, Jamaica, could come to the United States and achieve success in a sport!"
Unlike Pat Riley's style, Ewing's speech was more about gratitude, constantly thanking everyone from the coach who introduced him to basketball to his high school and college.
He spoke of his success at Georgetown University, the help John Thompson brought him, recalled his good brothers Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning, and praised his opponents, the Chicago Bulls members.
"In the twilight of my career, the one I want to thank the most is my little brother!"
"Clay Lee's arrival changed New York and also changed my career. He changed everything!"
"Although at first, none of us liked this guy who was always pointing fingers at the tactical board, he even made coach Van Gundy listen to him, but we quickly realized that he was a genius, he was our savior!"
On camera, the New York Knicks members all laughed heartily, and Van Gundy even wiped away tears.
Ewing was right, Lee truly changed all of their careers.
"Now that I think about it, the coach was right, Michael Jordan on the court was a jerk."
"When we actually defeated the Chicago Bulls, I went back to the hotel and locked myself in my room, secretly crying for a long time! Even now, I can't forget that feeling. At that moment, I just wanted to thank Lee."
"I will always support my little brother. In my heart, he has long been the greatest of all time! I respect my predecessors, but I still believe Clay Lee is the true GOAT!"
"."
Facing the NBA TV cameras, Lee wore a shy smile, seemingly a little embarrassed by his old teammates' praise.
Cheers erupted again in the venue.
Only Michael Jordan, sitting in the front row on the other side, forced a smile.
He didn't like this part of history.
The game where they lost at the buzzer was a nightmare.
Attentive reporters noticed a problem: half of the speakers had thanked Lee.
Even the two basketball contributors, when discussing the development of modern basketball, constantly praised him.
When the six people completed their group photo on stage, applause erupted again.
After the ceremony ended, a large group of reporters squeezed towards the New York Knicks team.
Not only sports reporters, but also many people from Fox and other media outlets came.
As they left the symphony hall, everyone crowded around Lee.
"Clay, after the Republican Party convention ended last night, will you support presidential candidate John McCain?"
"The other side criticized Obama for lacking the ability to deal with complex situations. Do you also agree with this view?"
"."
Ever since they discovered Lee's "girlfriends" appearing at the convention held in Minnesota, some reporters were ecstatic.
They began to anticipate which side he would take, and at this moment, they were even more eager to label him.
"Gentlemen, I must remind you, I am just an ordinary basketball player."
"I fight for my fans who support me. These matters are not within my consideration."
Lee answered these highly suggestive questions with a smile.
On the other side, Michael Jordan quickly slipped away after a brief comment:
"Obama becoming president is a good thing."
Fortunately, sports reporters quickly squeezed in.
The preseason hadn't started yet, and TNT's antics couldn't compare to ESPN's.
At this moment, they seized the opportunity and suddenly asked:
"Lee, will the New York Knicks trade World Peace?"
The name made everyone pause, then they realized it was about Ron Artest.
Lee also feigned a look of sudden understanding, then said in a relaxed tone:
"No, the team has maintained its championship roster. We are family, and everyone will charge for the championship again. We still have unfulfilled achievements, and we won't abandon anyone at this time!"
"Buddy, everyone has the right to express their own opinions. For basketball players, you just need to speak with basketball!"
"This year, the New York Knicks will start training camp early. At that time, everyone can come to New York to watch our training. Now, you should interview Pat and them."
Seeing Lee's retreating figure under the protection of staff, everyone still felt a little reluctant, as they hadn't even asked about the party yet.
On the other side, besides the current Hall of Fame members, Van Gundy became the "most dazzling guy" at the scene.
Many reporters gathered around the former Champion Coach, wanting to hear his opinion:
"Gasol's injury will cause a chain reaction. I think it's caused by fatigue. This season, the New York Knicks are very likely to experience an injury wave!"
"As for the championship? I believe it still belongs to New York. Lee is far from reaching his limit!"
"Among active players, only Lee can influence the outcome of a game with his absolute individual ability."
Van Gundy was praising Lee, Ewing was also highly praising him, Olajuwon was also saying that Lee would definitely win, and even Pat Riley was praising him, stating that in the next two years, no team would be able to shake Lee's dominance.
The Yahoo Sports reporters were already bewildered.
Why was everyone praising Lee?
Where was Captain America?
How did Kobe, who caused a sensation in china, "disappear"?
On the other side, Charles Barkley was still speaking out.
On the same issue, this guy directly said in front of Magic Johnson:
"I always thought Magic Johnson was the best player in Los Angeles Lakers history! Kobe should learn to respect and not try to attract attention. He should improve his shooting percentage more."
"If he learns to pass the ball to Duncan, maybe the Los Angeles Lakers still have a chance!"
"."
When reporters found that none of the former stars were optimistic about Kobe, they couldn't help but secretly click their tongues.
A few years ago, some former stars were criticizing Lee, but now there was only praise.
A young Yahoo Sports reporter, a die-hard Kobe fan, heard too much thanks to Lee tonight and couldn't help but complain to his companion in a low voice:
"Are they all crazy? Why is Captain America being ignored by everyone?"
"Because he was blown out in the NBA Finals."
...
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)