NBA: The Basketball Miracle

On Saturday, October 4, 1997, the preseason was about to begin, and the Knicks gave their players a day off.

After breakfast, Lee continued to browse the news in the newspaper.

Compared to watching TV, he prefers reading text messages.

Ivanka, who sneaked out of school, looked around the apartment casually.

She noticed that Lee had specially marked the news about Apple's stock, and then she whispered,

"Microsoft bought 150 million non voting shares, but the stock price still didn't rise. You must be losing money. Apple's stock price may fall further."

Putting down the newspaper, Lee looked at the blonde girl in jeans and a red T-shirt and deliberately teased,

"Has Chapin School started teaching high school students to trade stocks?"

Ivanka seemed to dislike being treated as a child, and she argued:

"The product is the key. Will you buy Apple's new product? There is no market for their new product."

Looking at the wavy blond hair, Lee felt that the other party must be overnourished:

"Go to school obediently, and wait until you go to college, then study stocks!"

Lee took out the ladies' cigarette he had prepared, lit it, raised his eyebrows and handed it over.

After hesitating for a moment, Ivanka took it, took two puffs, and started coughing again.

Lee noticed that the blond was in a bad mood and was not interested in being a spiritual mentor.

He hooked his finger at the other party and whispered in her ear:

"I'll take you to a nice place tonight!"

Although she seemed to feel that she was making a mistake, Ivanka finally did not refuse.

Tobacco and alcohol, combined with a dazzling nightlife, can always make people forget their worries.

The New York media also noticed some problems within the Knicks.

Oakley's salary this season is 2.85 million US dollars, and the old guy's contribution is definitely much greater than that.

There's nothing wrong with seeking a big contract at the end of a career, but it's difficult for the Knicks to meet the veteran's needs.

However, unlike Pippen, although Oakley had conflicts with the management, the old guy adjusted his mood and still worked very hard in daily training and preseason games.

After playing in New York for many years, Oakley still has expectations, hoping to get a big contract here through his outstanding performance.

On the evening of October 9th, at Madison Square Garden, 92:106, in the preseason game, the Knicks easily defeated the Celtics.

In the MSG commentary booth, "The Voice of New York" Marv Albert disappeared, replaced by Mike Breen.

Commentator Marv Albert, who was involved in a sex scandal, was fired by MSG.

In the new season, New York fans will no longer be able to hear his commentary.

Knicks legend Walt Frazier also appeared in the commentary booth.

The legendary guard will partner with Mike Breen to become the home commentator for the Knicks in the new season.

The loud cheers of the New York fans seemed to make the legendary player fall into memories.

Mike Breen suddenly said:

"Lee is in great shape. Compared with last season, he seems to have fully adapted to the intensity of the league's confrontation."

Coming back to his senses from the memories, Walt Frazier also whispered his praise:

"Last season, I witnessed Lee's performance in the playoffs, and the statistics cannot fully demonstrate his ability."

"It is worth noting that after increasing his shots and playing time, Lee's efficiency has increased instead of decreased, which means that Lee can handle more ball possession!"

"Head coach Van Gundy can enrich the team's tactics. Different opponents can use different tactics, which is beneficial to the team's championship."

Mike Breen nodded. Having seen Lee play, he completely understood why the Nike offered a large shoe contract:

"Several new players have performed well after they came on the court. Chris Mills was the starting forward for the Cavaliers last season and currently serves as a substitute in the team."

"Averaging 13.4 points per game, I think we don't have to worry about the firepower of the bench this year."

Walt Frazier was also very satisfied with this, and said with some pride:

"Chris Childs, John Starks, Chris Mills, such an outside combination can even become the starter in some weak teams!"

"This year is the best time for the Knicks to win the championship. General Manager Grunfeld has done an excellent job and we have enough roster depth."

"."

Chris Mills was a starter for the Cavaliers last season, but when he came to the Knicks, he became a substitute.

Naturally, he was in a bad mood.

In the starting lineup, Larry Johnson firmly occupied the small forward position.

The new player was full of grievances, but he dared not speak out in the locker room.

It was an easy preseason where everyone had a chance. Lee also got to see Chauncey Billups, the third overall pick who is currently doing well with the Celtics.

Although the Celtics had previously planned to trade all of these new players in exchange for Tim Duncan, the deal was quickly rejected by the Spurs.

"This is our best chance! I have a feeling we will win the championship!"

Back in the locker room, Oakley started yelling from his seat, and the new atmosphere group led by Pete Myers immediately followed suit:

"The Bulls are no longer good, we will win the championship!"

Lee certainly knew what Oakley was thinking.

If they won the championship this season, perhaps the management would keep the roster, and a big contract would become within reach:

"We should establish home-field advantage in the regular season."

Compared to the noisier atmosphere group, Lee simply gave his suggestions.

At the beginning of the season, the Bulls were missing Pippen, and their record was bound to fluctuate.

As long as the Knicks seized the opportunity and widened the gap in wins, they would be able to rush to the first place.

Ewing is also very satisfied with his substitutes.

Chris Dudley is not a rookie, and with veteran Buck Williams behind him, the inside strength has also increased a lot compared to last season:

"We can play in the Christmas game again this year, and the league also recognizes our strength. Lee is right, we must seize these two months!"

The gorilla is still the core leader of the team.

He took the initiative to speak out and was flattered by many people.

Several new players are also convinced by Ewing.

As one of the top 50 superstars and four major centers, the gorilla is a qualified leader most of the time.

Larry Johnson looked at Lee depressedly.

The "grandmama" had anticipated this situation a long time ago.

The bald young coach failed to make any changes, and the gorilla had to continue to be the core.

Alan Houston didn't notice the depressed look on "Grandmama's" face.

As long as he could win, he was happy to accept his current role.

Starks also encouraged them. For a while, the atmosphere group of the Knicks simply borrowed the championship, and several people were just bragging!

In the next few preseason games, the Knicks kept winning.

Their excellent state also excited New York fans and the media.

The Bulls are in internal strife, and the Knicks are in great form. It's obvious who is stronger.

On October 17, after the preseason game with the New Jersey Nets, the New York media began to speculate on the championship!

However, no one paid attention to the Knicks at that time.

Everyone was waiting for the news about the Chicago Bulls.

No one wanted to miss the news about Michael Jordan.

This season, Michael Jordan's salary is as high as 33.14 million US dollars, currently the highest paid player in the league!

Pippen's salary this year is only 2.78 million US dollars, which makes him the second most conscientious player in the league.

The conflict brought about by the US dollar is irreconcilable, and more and more trade rumors are appearing in the Bulls.

Before each season begins, MSG will interview the core players of the Knicks.

The purpose of broadcasting such a program is mainly to let New York fans understand the strength of the team and the status of the core players.

Last season, Lee was just a rookie and naturally had no right to be on TV, but the new season is different.

As the star player of the team, with a large sponsorship from the Nike, it was Lee who appeared on TV.

The 19th happened to be a weekend, and Clay Lee wore a light blue suit and accepted an exclusive interview with MSG.

The program was mainly about bragging, which is what New York fans like.

Mike Breen interviewed Lee for the first time after becoming a commentator:

"Lee, can you talk about the Knicks' goals for the new season? Without considering external factors, just talk about the changes in the team's strength."

Lee is of course aware of the preferences of New York fans.

After hearing the question, he answered confidently:

"Compared to last season, our bench lineup can take on more scoring tasks."

"Expanding the rotation will allow us to better control our physical strength. Last season, in the Eastern Conference Finals, physical strength was also the reason why we lost. Now, this has been improved."

"Our goal is very clear, the championship!"

"I don't think the Knicks are worse than the Bulls. In terms of lineup, we are younger, and the future is destined to belong to the young!"

Walt Frazier on the side was overjoyed.

As a legendary player of the team, he had a crooked butt and said happily:

"As Lee said, this year is indeed a good opportunity for us to win the championship!"

"I believe Lee will be selected as an All-Star in the new season! New York fans, don't forget to vote!"

The 1998 All-Star Game will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York, and Walt Frazier helped Lee to canvass votes in advance.

Christmas Day game, All-Star Game, the new season has not started yet, but New York fans are already having fun!

In addition, major sports media have occasionally revealed news of the Bulls' internal strife, and more and more articles are being written about the loan championship.

Although the Knicks also have contract issues, they are not troubled too much this season.

On the morning of October 20, the Knicks completed their training session step by step.

There was basically no tactical adjustment, and they continued to use the playing style of last season.

Jeff Van Gundy and the coaching staff were basically idle, only occasionally directing the new players on their positioning.

Before lunch break, everyone started to move around.

Oakley saw Ben Wallace was going to lift weights again, subconsciously shook his head, and then said to Lee beside him:

"Ben is a very talented player but it is difficult for him to get many opportunities in the team at the moment."

"I may not be on the team next year. Please help me take care of him for two years. If you can't get a contract by then, forget it."

Lee was a little surprised.

The old guy wanted to leave the team for a big contract?

"We really have a chance to win the championship. Staying with the Knicks is actually a better choice."

Oakley didn't pay attention to Lee's words, but just whispered:

"This is my last chance to get a big contract in my career."

"At 34, my physical condition has begun to decline. One injury and I might leave the league."

"Maybe Pat gets preferential treatment, but I don't get that."

"Players earn money by playing, so go wherever there is more money. Never cut your salary, and never compromise with the team!"

Lee nodded. He felt the conflict between the players and the team firsthand.

Players hope to get a considerable salary for good performance, and the team will naturally exploit the players in order to make a profit.

The memory in his mind tells Lee that the labor-management agreement will soon have problems.

Suddenly thinking of his own situation, Lee knew that the Knicks had a bad future, but the team was very rich!

"Can't you have both a big contract and a championship?"

...

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