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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
Please give it a go đ
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The 2004-2005 season, affected by the Olympics, will officially begin on November 2nd.
Unlike previous years, this season is also the first year of the NBA's divisional realignment.
The NBA will be divided into 6 divisions, with 5 teams in each division, and the New Orleans Hornets will move from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference.
The New York Knicks are still in the Atlantic Division, and the other four teams in the same division are:
The Celtics, 76ers, Nets, and Toronto Raptors.
Compared to previous years, the changes are not significant, as divisional alignment still considers geographical location.
The highly anticipated Cavaliers are in the Central Division, while the Heat are in the Southeast Division.
Division champions will secure a top-three seed.
This outcome has its pros and cons, and compared to the Eastern Conference, teams in the Western Conference are a bit frustrated.
In the Southwest Division, the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets are still grouped together.
However, after so many years, these three teams have grown accustomed to this outcome.
The best way to achieve a higher ranking in the playoffs is to win the division championship.
On October 1st, Media Day, few teams discussed divisional alignment, and pundits stopped talking about the free agency market.
Everyone looked to the future, widely believing that this season was the best time to win a championship.
Shaquille O'Neal has rarely given interviews since joining the Heat.
Miami's local newspapers reported that the Big Shark was losing weight.
Although Pat Riley is not the team's Head Coach, the Heat is his team, and everyone has to listen to him, O'Neal included.
The two are currently in their honeymoon period. Pat Riley's grand promises have temporarily swayed O'Neal.
Of course, more than that, the Big Guy wants to prove himself again.
He doesn't want to see the Lakers rise again in the new season.
Starting in mid-September, Clay Lee was busy shooting new promotional photos for sponsors.
The 1st was also the day for the New York Knicks' photoshoot.
Since the team's roster changes were minimal, the New York Media focused more on interviewing the "defector" Derek Fisher.
When he was with the Lakers, Derek Fisher chose jersey number 2.
After coming to the New York Knicks, he chose number 4.
No matter how much the Los Angeles sports media mocked him, Derek Fisher was very happy after arriving in Manhattan.
He didn't feel awkward wearing the New York Knicks jersey, and he smiled brightly during interviews:
"After these days of training, I've fully adapted to the team. Honestly, I understand the New York Knicks' tactics very well."
"Perhaps Los Angeles fans don't like this team, but I know I'm suited to play here, and I have the ability to contribute to the team."
Derek Fisher truly wasn't lying.
After all, as an old opponent, the Lakers' film sessions had continuously dissected the New York Knicks' tactics for many years, and as a starting point guard, he naturally knew them very well!
Derek Fisher didn't mind his bench role either.
The coach staff had reassured him that due to Grant Hill's injury, Lee would play at the shooting guard position during specific periods.
This rotation would increase Derek Fisher's playing time.
Playing 25 minutes per game should be the norm this season.
Players in their contract year naturally need to show their commitment.
After undergoing minimally invasive knee surgery, Amar'e Stoudemire did not relax his demands on himself, and his muscles swelled over the summer.
Kurt Thomas's weight also increased with age, but he too was ready.
For a big contract, his physique was managed exceptionally well, with no excess fat visible on his body.
When interviewed, both naturally expressed confidence.
In a direct position competition, everyone needs stats in the new season.
Last year, the New York Knicks' luxury tax was very low.
With the team earning a fortune in recent years, the Tarrytown Training Center has also been continuously improved.
They replaced the old floor, installed new basketball facilities, the walls were no longer the original plain white, and the ceiling was also repaired.
Old facilities symbolizing history were phased out, and the gleaming training facility now has a touch of futuristic technology.
The most eye-catching feature was a collection of championship banners.
Division championship banners were all hung in the training facility, which is also the New York Media's proudest point.
Grant Hill, leaning on crutches, was being interviewed courtside.
When asked about the new season, he could only smile bitterly and shake his head:
"If all goes well, perhaps I can make it back for the playoffs. Of course, that depends on the medical team's diagnosis."
"I want to get back on the court as soon as possible. The knee injury will not affect my physical condition."
The sports media surrounding Grant Hill knew these were just pleasantries.
Considering his age, after such a major injury, his physical function would definitely decline.
On the other side of the basketball court, the atmosphere crew was still training hard.
Raja Bell felt he had received God's favor, a windfall!
In a contract year, entering the starting lineup, as long as he puts up good numbers, a million-dollar annual salary is within reach.
Although he didn't start training intensely at 4 AM, Raja Bell still increased his daily shooting practice.
A big contract was riding on this.
The team has players with abundant energy, as well as those whose physical condition is average.
After the Finals, Pau Gasol also played in the Olympics, and he was visibly fatigued.
Unlike last year, he exerted more effort in this year's Finals, and on the international stage, Pau Gasol also gave his all.
Although he rested for a month, the lingering effects of too many games still showed.
The training team didn't assign Pau Gasol too many tasks, but his physical condition has recently hit a low point.
Lee and Mike D'Antoni, both wearing blue and orange training gear, stood behind the hoop, watching everyone being interviewed.
After the morning training session, the two discussed their plans for the new season:
"There are only 13 games in November, so the schedule isn't bad. Before Christmas, we can make appropriate adjustments."
"Playing with fatigue is definitely a terrible thing. Pau really should get a good rest for a while."
After observing for about half a month, Lee could confirm that Pau Gasol was indeed exhausted.
Mike D'Antoni also didn't expect Grant Hill to get injured in the Olympics.
Hearing Lee's suggestion, he couldn't help but say in a low voice:
"We can increase the playing time of the rotation, lower the lineup's height, and play faster."
Although Mike D'Antoni would delegate control in the playoffs, during the regular season, he always managed to come up with new tricks.
What he meant was to have Amar'e Stoudemire play center, and Tayshaun Prince play power forward, to maximize speed, disregard Defense, and engage in constant back-and-forth scoring!
Lee patted Mike D'Antoni's shoulder and joked with a smile:
"Crazy experiments. Maybe the team will lose continuously, and then the New York sports media won't be lenient."
Having grown accustomed to 70+ wins and dominant home victories, New York fans wouldn't tolerate sudden losses.
After two years in this city, Mike D'Antoni had also come to understand the fans' nature, but he didn't intend to abandon his experiment.
Instead, he said in a low voice:
"We can increase rotation and change the lineup on the road. As long as we don't lose at Madison Square Garden, the fans definitely won't care."
Hearing Mike D'Antoni's cunning plan, Lee didn't object.
This was also a good thing for him.
He indeed preferred the chaotic, free-flowing style of run-and-gun.
Ron Artest saw the media reporters and went up to hug them, greeting them warmly.
His entourage had expanded a bit these past few days, and he even had a gold chain now.
The New York Media also showed great respect for their hometown player, joining in the boasting during interviews:
"Ron, you look great! The DPOY this season will definitely be yours again."
Ron Artest, who had been diligently working on his muscles, beamed with joy at their praise and continued to boast expansively:
"I'm going to win two more DPOY trophies! I can guard from point guard to center!"
The New York Knicks are participating in this year's China Games, and only 4 preseason games have been scheduled this year.
After the two China Games, the opponents for the next two games will be the Nets and the 76ers.
Since the New York Knicks needed to depart early, Lee wouldn't be able to watch this year's American League Championship Series.
On the evening of October 5th, Lee brought the girls to the old Yankees Stadium in the Bronx to watch this year's League Division Series.
The New York Yankees, who finished first in the regular season, were playing against the Minnesota Twins.
The old Yankee Stadium was a bit run-down, but there were many fans attending with their families.
Over 55,000 people had already packed into the old Yankee Stadium early.
Before 7 PM, the atmosphere in the stadium started to get rowdy.
Since it was a tuesday, Scarlett and Krysten Ritter were still accompanying Lee in the box to watch the game.
All three of them wore navy blue Yankees hats.
The game's outcome wasn't important.
Watching a game here was just a way to pass the time.
Scarlett, who would turn 20 in a month, seemed to still be in her rebellious phase.
She had a big fight with her mother recently after refusing a film role.
Although she had dyed her hair back to blonde, she hadn't been home recently and was simply staying with Lee.
Baseball games have a slow pace.
The girl, who was devouring M&Ms, made Lee's eye twitch slightly, forcing him to interrupt her 'feeding.'
Krysten Ritter giggled at the sight:
"Clay, she's been eating for half a month. One more day won't make a big difference, and anyway, the fat goes straight to her chest!"
Scarlett, wearing an oversized T-shirt, deliberately puffed out her chest, then snuggled up to Lee and looked up, saying:
"Darling, let's travel the world! I've wanted to do that since I was little."
Lee had indeed brought a significant influence to the girl beside him, but it was clear she was trying to escape family conflict at the moment:
"Once our yacht is delivered, we can go out to sea every year."
Hearing Lee's words, the girl knew it was possible and immediately gave him a generous kiss.
Her little follower beside them shook her head slightly, noticing that Scarlett preferred to show off in public.
"Clay, we spent a lot of money this year. Just renovating Peninsula Manor was a huge expense."
Lee patted the girl in his arms and turned to respond nonchalantly:
"It's fine. Maybe in a few months, we'll have another sum of money coming in. Peninsula Manor is a high-quality asset."
Scarlett's annual expenses were also considerable.
Before she was an adult, her acting fees were managed by her mother, but after knowing Lee for a few years, it eventually turned into a credit card lifestyle.
The two noticed Lee's unconcerned demeanor and knew that these expenses were still within his plans.
Lee watched the baseball game, occasionally interacting with the two, but his mind drifted elsewhere.
There was a high probability that the crude oil market would rise, but he had no specific corresponding memories in his mind.
Scarlett noticed Lee was distracted and immediately leaned in to his ear, provocatively saying:
"Tonight, I want to burn more calories!"
Hearing the girl's invitation, Lee snapped back to attention.
Feeling the vibrant body in his arms, he immediately cast other thoughts aside:
"I still need to enjoy life. It's enough to make a profit!"
The preseason was about to begin, and teams were signing free agents again, which was the final reinforcement before the season started.
The Knicks did not have these concerns.
Their 15-man roster was already confirmed, and the team had already applied to the NBA for a hardship exception.
Once the application was successful, they could sign a suitable free agent if one became available.
Currently, the Knicks' payroll had reached $69.79 million, and the team's salary structure remained very healthy.
The Mavericks' payroll was confirmed to exceed $90 million.
The Trail Blazers, after acquiring the past-his-prime Anfernee Hardaway, would also exceed $80 million.
The 76ers and the Timberwolves' payrolls would likely reach $70 million.
The teams with the highest payrolls had been in a state of spending money and taking beatings in recent years.
Although the Knicks' payroll would surge next season, overall, they were still winning big!
Compared to the Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs were the most outrageous.
For the new season, San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt had once again fulfilled his promise, filling the salary cap again!
According to sports media reports, the San Antonio Spurs' payroll for the new season should be as high as $47 million.
Manu Ginobili signed a multi-year contract with the team, and his salary for this season reached $6.6 million.
However, thinking of Manu Ginobili's dominant performance in the Olympics, everyone knew that the San Antonio Spurs' signing was definitely a huge profit.
No matter how the outside world ridiculed them, the San Antonio Spurs' management remained incredibly stable.
With the Lakers' collapse, they would be the team most likely to reach the Finals in the new season.
Recently, Gregg Popovich had been rallying for Duncan again.
Although he was criticized for his loss in the Olympics, as long as he clung to the big leg, he could secure his position as Head Coach!
Having been criticized by the sports media for a month, Duncan was naturally in a bad mood.
Gregg Popovich seized this opportunity and proactively stated to the outside world:
"Believe me, Tim will show his dominance in the new season!"
"The San Antonio Spurs will reach the Finals again under his leadership, and Tim deserves an MVP."
The New York Media also commented on Gregg Popovich's remarks:
"Honor thief!"
Although Lee did not give many interviews during the offseason, the sports media would not forget him.
The debate about the greatest of all time had been going on for over two months.
Clay Lee and Michael Jordan were both very low-key, but their fans were very vocal, and fueled by sports commentators, debates often erupted on the internet.
Of course, in addition to their fans, there were also fans who suddenly became fond of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and joined the discussion.
The all-time leading scorer had been almost forgotten by fans for some time, but unexpectedly gained a large number of fans during this year's offseason.
On Monday, October 11, the Knicks departed for Shanghai.
This week, they would play two China preseason games.
At the same time, the Houston Rockets also officially set off, and Tracy McGrady would make his debut in Shanghai.
The preseason games in China had been in preparation for many years.
The NBA used this opportunity to promote heavily, and the NBA became the first American professional sports league to hold games in China.
Chinese sports media had begun promoting these two games very early.
Yao Ming's status in the hearts of fans goes without saying, and Clay Lee and Tracy McGrady were also beloved stars by many fans.
Although Tracy McGrady no longer had his 'White sleeves', his dreamy eyes and captivating calves were still there, and everyone was eager to witness Tracy McGrady's one-handed ball-handling prowess live.
Lee's summer Asian tour only had a stop in Beijing, China.
This time, it made up for the previous event, and tickets had already sold out, with fans eagerly anticipating.
The Shanghai Sports Management Center wanted to host an 'authentic' NBA game, so naturally, they made many preparations.
Although it was a preseason game, for highly commercialized, high-paid players, every game they participated in would cost the host a considerable price.
Fortunately, to further expand the Asian and chinese market, the NBA proactively bore the basic costs, and coupled with Lee's cooperation, this led to the Houston Rockets and Knicks game.
The NBA management departed even earlier than the Knicks.
David Stern attached great importance to these two preseason games and had already led his staff to complete the preparations early.
The floor was provided by the NBA, the basketball stands had to withstand impact, and the hoops had to be able to bear hundreds of pounds of hanging weight.
The NBA hoped to use designated international brands, but ultimately compromised with the organizers.
High-quality domestic brands could also meet these requirements.
Regarding player treatment, although Lee did not make any demands, the Knicks were not polite, paying attention to every detail from towels to the bathroom.
The team did not compromise on this aspect, and James Dolan simply brought over the brands the Knicks cooperated with.
Minor details were easy to resolve, but court seating and skyboxes were major issues, requiring approval from multiple departments.
In NBA games, the best spectator seats should be located in the rows directly behind the coaches' and players' benches of both teams, right next to the court.
In addition to these front-row seats, dozens of small skyboxes also had to be set up.
At that time, this type of seating arrangement had never appeared in sports competitions in Shanghai.
Finally, after negotiations with the public security and fire departments, an exception was granted, which caused front-row ticket prices to soar to 3,000 yuan, and skybox prices to reach as high as 10,000 yuan.
Compared to the ticket prices for the fan events Nike held for Lee, the prices had multiplied several times, clearly a rip-off!
However, the high ticket prices could not deter enthusiastic fans.
According to sports media reports, fans lined up to buy tickets, and they ultimately sold out early.
On the plane, the Knicks players also discussed the relevant reports when they saw them.
During the offseason, everyone had seen Lee's terrifying popularity in China.
Ron Artest looked at his hat and couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Lee, are there many people who like the Knicks in China?"
Lee felt that these fans were more likely to be fair-weather fans, but hearing his teammate's question at this moment, he still gave an affirmative answer:
"Of course, these fans also like championship teams. We have already won six championships and have a deep fan base here."
"In any case, this preseason, the team will be more popular than you imagine!"
Ron Artest grinned upon hearing this, feeling a bit regretful that he hadn't brought his entourage along.
This was the perfect time to show off.
At this year's Olympics, Spain decisively defeated China, and Pau Gasol once again faced Yao Ming.
Thinking about his current physical condition, he couldn't help but whisper,
"It seems we need to play faster. I don't want to keep guarding Yao!"
Facing a super center, playing the 5 spot is naturally a tough job.
Pau Gasol's words were met with cheers from everyone.
In an exhibition game, everyone wants to show off.
Accompanying the two teams were not only players and management, but also the cheerleading squad.
The cheerleaders didn't earn much, but the New York Knicks have consistently made it to the Finals in recent years, so their salaries are the highest in the NBA compared to other teams.
Sweeping opponents year after year, the New York Knicks cheerleaders earn $2,000 per game during the playoffs, and they also receive bonuses when the team wins.
Although racial considerations are still a factor, there have been more blonde cheerleaders in recent years, which is a personal preference of James Dolan.
The curly-haired owner, who flew to Shanghai early, has also been listening to Grunfeld's "report" recently.
He hadn't given much thought to salary issues:
"Why can't the team have three max contracts? We don't need to worry about the luxury tax at all."
After staying in the hotel for a few days, Grunfeld didn't put down his work.
He had already sensed that something was amiss:
"We can certainly offer three max contracts, but that means the salary cap will be occupied by three players."
"In the short term, the team won't have problems, but as players age and injury risks increase, the competitiveness of such a lineup will decline."
"Once a player gets injured, it will be difficult for us to make effective reinforcements. If we fail to trade them in time, after their contracts expire, large contracts will eat up the salary cap."
"We are very likely to encounter the same problems the Chicago Bulls faced back then. Once Lee turns 30, one person could potentially take up half of the salary."
James Dolan still didn't care about these things.
He looked at his hardworking general manager and casually drew a big picture:
"It doesn't matter, as long as Clay Lee is here, everything is not a problem. Besides, I also believe in your ability, and we will always appear in the Finals!"
"âŚ"
The curly-haired owner, dressed casually in a New York Knicks blue T-shirt, walked out with a voluptuous blonde.
Grunfeld shook his head secretly and finally sent a text message to his own girl.
Thinking about how he hadn't been able to trade Knight for two consecutive seasons, Grunfeld felt he should also relax.
Looking at the energetic young woman who walked in, Grunfeld slapped his thigh, casting his worries aside:
"Anyway, Lee doesn't care about these things, so I should enjoy myself too!"
On October 14th, the China Game proceeded as scheduled at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
David Stern didn't expect this game to be so popular.
According to the agreement before the game, he and the NBA staff would sit on one side of the VIP platform, but now there were no seats.
The main leaders of Shanghai City all came to watch the game, and the number far exceeded expectations.
Before the game started, all the seats on the VIP platform were already filled.
These past few days, Lee once again entered a state of smiling and greeting, meeting various leaders, mostly for photos and autographs.
Tracy McGrady didn't expect to have such high popularity in China.
After a few days, he couldn't stop smiling.
His skills had indeed conquered the world.
The China Game fully recreated the atmosphere of an NBA game, and the New York Knicks' DJ also came along.
To highlight the prestige of the basketball mecca, he is the only DJ in the NBA who plays sound effects live and hypes up the atmosphere.
The cheers of tens of thousands of fans echoed through the Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
Sitting in a temporarily added staff seat, David Stern smiled.
The atmosphere was better than he had expected.
This was considered the Houston Rockets' home court.
Tracy McGrady, who had not yet entered the game, felt a pang of jealousy when he saw the crowd erupt after Clay Lee waved.
Although he was only the "second option" for one season, McGrady felt he was no worse than Clay Lee, and his previous teammates had held him back.
The cheerleaders began their hot dance. Mike D'Antoni on the sidelines didn't even set up tactics.
Although he held a clipboard in front of everyone, what he said was inspirational:
"You know what to do. Show the fans here the demeanor of a championship team!"
On the other side, on the Houston Rockets' bench, Mike Brown had high expectations for the current team.
The team's core has been determined.
Although the backcourt is a bit weak, the overall strength of the team has improved significantly.
Tyronn Lue was the starting guard tonight.
When Lee stepped over Kobe back then, he was just a spectator, so no one remembered the minor character.
Having wandered the NBA for several years, Tyronn Lue had assisted many stars, but he wanted a stable contract even more.
Even though it was a preseason game, he wouldn't relax his demands on himself and would still try his best to perform!
As Yao Ming successfully won the jump ball, the game officially began, and cheers instantly filled the arena.
Raja Bell, who got a starting spot, was a bit nervous, but seeing Lee clap his hands and direct the Defense, he quickly stabilized his emotions.
Ron Artest, eager to show off, naturally wouldn't hold back at this moment.
Tyronn Lue brought the ball across half-court and had just passed it to Tracy McGrady when Ron Artest immediately stuck to him.
Constantly interfering with his hands, repeatedly trying to steal the ball, Tracy McGrady, protecting the ball on his right side and maintaining a triple-threat stance, did not easily put the ball down.
After observing the defensive position, he finally put the ball down with his right hand.
While protecting the ball with his body sideways, Tracy McGrady signaled Tyronn Lue for a fake screen.
He didn't pass the ball to Yao Ming.
Tracy McGrady, wanting to show off his moves, shuffled sideways.
When he saw Clay Lee directly switch after the screen, he immediately became energized.
Waving his hand to direct Jim Jackson on the right wing to move to the baseline to open up offensive space, Tracy McGrady lowered his center of gravity and began continuous between-the-legs dribbling.
The first possession was a matchup of core players.
When fans saw Tracy McGrady's beautiful dribbling moves, they cheered excitedly!
He dribbled between his legs repeatedly, trying to shift Lee's defensive Center of Gravity.
The moment he switched to his left hand, Tracy McGrady feinted to his front-left, then dribbled between his legs again.
Attempting to shake off the Defense with his first-step explosiveness, McGrady, with the ball in his right hand, lowered his shoulder and accelerated, actively initiating contact.
Lee easily anticipated his opponent's offensive direction.
Although he had only recently touched a basketball, his physical condition was excellent.
After the collision, he blocked the breakthrough path.
As Tracy McGrady swung his ball-protecting hand and leaned back slightly,.Lee suddenly exerted force with his feet, lunging forward fiercely, and his left hand followed through with a powerful swipe at the ball.
The moment he reacted, Tracy McGrady lost control of the ball, and then Clay Lee brutally squeezed past him.
Before he could even grab him, Lee took the ball forward, shaking off Tracy McGrady behind him in the blink of an eye.
"Wow!"
Amidst the cheers of the fans, Lee rushed faster and faster.
The front-row fans beneath the basket stood up one after another, watching Lee jump up and soar in the paint.
After a brief hang time, he smoothly completed a between-the-legs switch, grabbed the ball with his left hand, and after extending his body, Lee easily slammed the ball into the hoop!
"Holy crap!"
"Oh!"
A between-the-legs dunk with his head at rim-level made the front-row fans gasp, followed by cheers that erupted through the arena, not stopping for a moment.
After landing, Lee smiled at the fans in the front row, patted his chest, then shook his head and jokingly shouted,
"Don't dribble fancy in front of me."
Tracy McGrady, who had chased back on Defense from behind, looked displeased upon hearing the laughter from the front-row fans.
Looking at Lee's back, he immediately cursed inwardly:
"Damn it! This is an exhibition game!"
.....
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