Sunday, August 10, 2008, was a happy day for NBA fans in Asia, particularly china, as it was the Team USA's opening game tonight, and their opponent happened to be the host country.
The local Chinese sports media remained the same.
Although they knew the current version was outdated, fans enjoyed the fan-fiction-like articles, so why completely expose the true situation of the big stars?
Whatever fans wanted to see, they reported.
It was the same for media worldwide.
Making money isn't shameful!
On the other hand, ESPN and many other sports media outlets were a bit confused at this time.
Tyson Gay was a superstar in the delegation, yet Kobe Bryant seemed to have higher popularity.
If one were to look at the Chinese internet, one could even find the wild celebrations of Kobe's die-hard fans.
Who was that long-lens track and field guy?
Their idol was the biggest star!
The extreme reversal baffled some sports reporters.
Everyone initially thought the whole world was watching a "joke," but they didn't realize they were the ones who couldn't see the situation clearly.
The highly-touted advanced statistics and analysis were ignored here.
Even efficiency ratings were disregarded.
In recent years, ESPN, considering cloud fans, actively developed data models, but now they found that this stuff was not discussed here at all, which made many reporters doubt themselves:
"Are the statistics we promote really problematic?"
(A/N: Of course, it'd be ignored lol. That's a communist country exactly like North Korea. They preach that they're saint but they are the one who leaked COVID. Don't forget that.)
As the opening game approached, fans also celebrated.
The discussion about who was better, Kobe Bryant or Tracy McGrady, "re-emerged."
The "The Big Four" of shooting guards experienced a second spring, with Kobe becoming the undisputed leader among the four.
Whether it was individual statistics or honors and achievements, he was far ahead.
In comparison, what stood out was a simple "win"!
"One championship is enough," "MVP is just a regular season stat-padding award," "The FMVP selection rules are problematic," "In terms of skill alone, Kobe surpasses all players"...
The backlash of public opinion regarding Kobe on the Chinese internet was incredibly fierce, even the vast number of bandwagon fans couldn't withstand it.
You talk about championships and honors, while fans praise posture and skill.
In short, after Kobe's tears, this big star became incredibly popular across the ocean, so popular that even Nike changed their marketing strategy.
They seemed to have underestimated Kobe's popularity and ability to drive sales.
Before the game across the ocean began, it was morning in New York, and soon the curious public saw "abstract news" on the morning Sports Center program.
After ESPN's program was revamped, more entertainment elements were added.
When the host reported the news with a puzzled tone, he almost couldn't keep a straight face at the end:
"The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that when Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce was arrested for drunk driving in the area and handcuffed, he shouted at the police officer:"
"'You can't do this to me, I'm the best player in the NBA.'"
Host Josh Elliott had been writing for MSG for the past few years and won an Emmy Award in New York City in 2005, making him a die-hard New York Knicks fan.
When Elliot, dressed in a black suit, looked at his partner Hannah Storm with a confused expression, the female reporter, who had worked for NBC for many years and covered numerous NBA Finals, also covered her mouth.
"God! It's hard to imagine why these players don't feel embarrassed when they say these things!"
"This program was originally supposed to report on the Olympic events, but after seeing this news, I think I should share it with everyone."
"God-Lee is the best basketball player. These losers should stop grandstanding. When they come to Madison Square Garden, they should bow their heads to the championship banner out of respect."
"..."
The 9 o'clock program made fans in front of their televisions burst into laughter, but they still underestimated Pierce's thick skin.
This "leader" who had finally made it responded at noon:
"Kobe Bryant can express his opinion, and so can I!"
"For so many years, I've been competing against the best players in the world. I made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and even almost won the game. Now I feel like I'm the best player."
Thanks to Twitter's rapid updates, otherwise Pierce's lengthy discourse would have to be broken into several parts to be posted.
Under this post, traffic exploded in less than a minute.
Comments like "Boston's clown" and "got his ass kicked" began to sweep the comment section.
After expressing his personal opinion, Pierce buried his head in the sand.
Although everyone was laughing at him, compared to the situation two months ago, at least the number of curious people discussing his basketball skills significantly increased.
Being infamous is still being famous.
Noticing Kobe's gains across the ocean, Pierce also wanted to get in on the action, perhaps he too would gain fans there.
The Grizzlies, with huge cap space in the offseason, did not participate in these gossips.
They quietly bid for the Atlanta Hawks' restricted free agent Josh Smith, officially offering a contract worth $58 million!
Local Memphis sports media proactively broke the news.
Starting Monday, the Atlanta Hawks would have 7 days to decide whether to match this offer.
Previously, the Grizzlies had verbally wanted to recruit JR Smith, but in the end, they "chickened out."
The New York champion guard had a bad reputation, and Chicago fans were still cursing Sprewell.
Josh Smith had a standout performance in the playoffs, dragging the "The Big Four" into a Game 7, so it was reasonable for him to receive an offer from the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies, who had been continuously tanking, had accumulated excellent young talent and were showing signs of rising, but the Dallas Morning News was pessimistic about their home team, with some columnists conveying "gloomy" emotions to fans:
"The Dallas Mavericks once opened a championship window, and now that window has closed."
Without cap space, Mark Cuban was unable to bring in another All-Star for the team.
Seeing that even the Grizzlies were on the rise and making offers everywhere in the offseason, many Dallas fans were envious.
The NBA announced the schedule for the new season two days ago.
The opening game on October 28th would see the Boston Celtics challenge the New York Knicks on the road.
Although it was difficult for the team to continue strengthening its roster due to salary constraints, Boston fans remained confident, firmly believing that the "The Big Four" would improve further after gelling.
Many fans attributed the failure to win the championship this season to the Game 7s in the first two rounds.
When Marbury posted his physical condition on his personal social media and YouTube, fans were ecstatic!
Older players should lose weight appropriately, as their physical explosiveness declines, and players also need to reduce their physical burden.
However, Marbury went against the norm, making his body even stronger:
"Revenge season, I'm ready! #Outdated New Yorks Son #Brooklyn Kid #Chasing A Championship #Boston Gang"
Currently, Twitter categorizes certain topics with a "#" symbol, but Marbury found a unique way to play, starting his own distinctive style, which left fans surfing online dumbfounded.
After Wade, Marbury also became a "tank."
Basketball commentators couldn't know if such a change could defeat Lee, but they could be sure that his previous "weakling" physique would definitely fail.
Suddenly, this weekend seemed particularly lively.
After Kobe suddenly became hugely popular across the ocean, more and more NBA players began their "personal shows," all hoping to gain more attention.
After officially moving to Oklahoma City, it took the team some time to determine its official name.
Compared to the Grizzlies, who were making moves everywhere, the Thunder, who also had huge cap space, were very quiet.
General Manager Presti came from the San Antonio Spurs, and to dispel fans' doubts, he also explained through local media:
"The team has already accumulated enough excellent talent. Kevin, Jeff, and Russell are far better than everyone thinks."
Durant, who returned from Las Vegas, organized pick-up games in the area, invited his teammates, and mingled with local fans every day.
This was undoubtedly a blessing for Oklahoma City fans who didn't have any of the four major sports leagues, as the team's star player didn't have a superstar's airs.
On the afternoon of the 10th, before the game ended, Durant, who left early, was already browsing social media in the arena.
Besides practicing, he had been intensively surfing the internet recently.
Seeing his goddess post another photo on Facebook of her enjoying afternoon tea with the Olsen Sisters on a cruise, Durant was in a great mood and was again the first to comment through his other alt account:
"Independent girls are the most beautiful!"
"..."
Recently, after the Olsen Sisters appeared, photos of Lee began to decrease.
Durant, who had imagined many scenarios and just dumped his 12th temporary girlfriend, became even more addicted to online surfing.
When the game ended, Rookie Russell Westbrook was drenched in sweat, a bright smile on his face, constantly high-fiving the practice players, and also accommodating the Watch fans' requests for photos.
Seeing his teammate constantly glued to his phone, Russell Westbrook, who was wrapped in a towel and rehydrating, couldn't help but gossip.
"Did you see the news, Bro! Kobe Bryant is incredibly popular in china, and ESPN has been too much these past few years, ranking him 40th. Our journalists lack respect."
Durant, who was still sitting nearby, engrossed in his goddess's Twitter, didn't even lift his head from his phone.
Hearing his new teammate's words, he responded nonchalantly, "I remember you're a Michael Jordan fan. Why are you always focused on Kobe Bryant?"
"There's not much difference between 40th and 20th. Everyone knows that without Shaq, Kobe couldn't win a championship, even if he had an MVP teammate."
Sensing the disrespect in Durant's tone, the Rookie Russell Westbrook frowned slightly, but he didn't want to argue.
He proactively changed the topic, saying, "After the new season starts, I plan to pursue Rookie of the Year. You know, man, I don't like that Chicago Rookie."
"I'm going to be the best player in the NBA. How do you think I should answer some questions?"
Durant, who had lost to Rose in the NCAA, naturally knew about this.
However, when he heard the Rookie bragging, he finally looked up and then earnestly advised, "Don't say that, man! You're a point guard, and Lee is also a point guard. Although we'll probably only play each other twice in a season, if you say that, he'll teach you a harsh lesson!"
"You think you're strong, but Clay Lee's physique can overpower you, and his skills are on another level."
"When he starts to decline like Michael Jordan, we can take over the NBA, just like the New York Knicks did back then."
"Everyone is waiting for this opportunity. I only needed one season to understand this. Provoking him now will only make you lose face in front of the media. You absolutely don't want to experience being mocked!"
Russell Westbrook, who hadn't attended Lee's personal training camp, naturally couldn't share Durant's feelings.
Kobe had set an example for everyone, gaining more attention, and the Rookie greatly admired this.
"Yeah, maybe you're right, but I'll still show off like Kobe!"
"There will always be fans who support us. I don't care about those trash media reports."
Durant shrugged.
After playing freely in his first season, he had a deeper understanding of the NBA.
Lee's effortless 30+10 performance was simply monstrous.
The regular season was harder than he imagined.
As the surrounding fans and family groups gathered, Durant scrolled to the Twitter post asking, "What should the little cutie be named?"
Recalling the "stunning" first encounter at New York University, he instinctively commented, "Kevin is a good name."
On Monday, August 11th, at the Congressional Country Club, Lee and his group, back in Washington, played golf again.
With the party convention approaching, the city was starting to buzz with activity.
Despite being a weekday, the club had many members early in the morning.
As an "old member," Lee had already become acquainted with some people.
This time, the main purpose was to communicate with the Cheney family.
At the weekend gathering, Liz was still the same, not particularly fond of Lee and Kim.
Old Cheney's body was becoming increasingly frail, and his eldest daughter worried that she would lose support in the future.
Within the party, women had always been a "disadvantaged group."
In contrast, Mary was as enthusiastic as ever.
Last year, she and her "husband" had a child, but she didn't have much desire for power.
Instead, she preferred gossip.
At times, when discussing past love stories, she would even miss her "worker" days.
In formal settings, Melinda's voice would automatically shed its "sultry" tone and become "crisp and clear."
She also played golf very well, and her white suit inadvertently revealed her good figure.
Seeing Ms. Heather, with her short hair, looking a bit reserved, the big-breasted girl, after another swing, proactively started talking about children with Mary, praising her "sincerely":
"I read the article in Glamour magazine! The little one is truly adorable!"
Mary, with her short golden hair, was 39 years old, but she was well-protected by her family.
After giving birth to her son, her mindset also changed, and she began to think more about the next generation.
The praise made her smile involuntarily:
"Heather thinks we should have another child, Melinda. I truly envy your relationship."
"..."
With the two ladies married, Lee could barely get a word in at these gatherings.
In earlier years, Mary gossiped about celebrity lives, but after the 2004 election, she became increasingly mature.
If it were the Bethesda Berkeley Country Club, a bunch of perverts would just brag and talk about women and sports after their swings, but the situation was different now.
He could only listen to the ladies chat about everyday life.
As lunchtime approached, Melinda generously greeted Lee, intimately linking arms with him.
The four walked on the green grass, and Ms. Heather also relaxed, beginning to enjoy the fresh environment.
"Mary, have you considered forming some non-profit organizations? This could help children grow up better."
Holding her "husband's" hand, Mary took off her hat.
She was surprised by the suggestion at first, then realized that the other person was referring to political organizations that could advocate for same-sex parenting.
In this not-so-diverse era, special families were prone to discrimination.
Perhaps thinking of future situations, Mary did not refuse. Instead, she glanced at her "husband" and said seriously:
"This is indeed a responsibility we should bear. Perhaps we should discuss it in detail during lunch."
"Lee, don't disappoint Melinda. I hope to attend your wedding in a few years. Your love story, from university until now, is truly enviable. I still remember the first time we all gathered..."
Looking at the big-breasted girl who deliberately raised her head, Lee lowered his head and kissed her fiercely.
Amidst the laughter of the others, he promised, "I will make Melinda the most dazzling bride in the world!"
"..."
That night, the two, having largely achieved their goals, boarded a private plane and returned directly to New York without stopping.
When the plane was in the air, Lee quietly asked, "How was it, my dear? Did they refuse in the end?"
Melinda took off her suit jacket and unpinned her golden hair.
Lee diligently massaged her, and only then did she comfortably purr, "Why would she refuse? She published an autobiography in 2006. That's when Mary changed. She started worrying about her future life. They need money."
"Form a consulting company, then establish two non-profit organizational networks. We only need to speak for minority groups, and they will receive a continuous stream of income."
"Is there an easier job than this?"
"If the Political Action Committee rules change in the future, Cheney will push for this judicial ruling. They guarantee they will arrange the best campaign team for Kim."
A smile appeared on Lee's face.
He proactively freed a pair of white rabbits, lowered his head to kiss the mature girl who had helped so much, and finally whispered:
"If Kim successfully becomes governor in the future, I'll let Governor-Madam repay you, always from below..."
Melinda, with a hint of mischief, involuntarily blinked her big eyes twice, then pushed Lee onto the seat.
After straddling him, she gently bit him and mumbled in his ear, "This week, I want to be on top the whole time!"
"..."
When the young flight attendant brought coffee to the two, she saw the familiar scene and blushed slightly.
However, at Melinda's charming greeting, she eventually, somewhat shyly, released her inhibitions.
This bronze-skinned Latina girl was not new to the game, and she quickly became completely immersed.
Lee, controlling the ball with both hands, was not at a disadvantage against two opponents.
He was already adept at handling such double-teams, and even in intense confrontation, his body would feel a sense of liberation.
The long-dormant talent panel had subtly changed a tiny bit.
Hard training would eventually pay off.
On Thursday, August 14th, Spanish sports media reported on the meeting between D'Antoni and Serge Ibaka.
This news did not attract much attention.
Charles Barkley, who had been diligently losing weight through boxing training during the offseason, once again aimed his criticism at Kobe during an interview:
"I watched two games, and Kobe Bryant is not the best player on the Team USA! This is the same as his role on the Los Angeles Lakers."
"I don't like those brainless chinese loudmouths nowadays. Kobe should be held responsible for this!"
"..."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)