Chapter 889
"You know, I essentially belong to New York"
On Friday, July 11, 2014, the Knicks officially announced the contract extension with Kyrie Irving. MSG reported the news immediately, adding a pointed caption:
"Sending my sincerest blessings to Carey, who is about to lead Team USA!"
New York media had already explained Kyrie Irving's contract to the general public after the Finals: if he is selected as an All-Star starter again next season, the young man will sign a maximum contract.
In response, some players, feeling envious, were sarcastic, suggesting that Irving was taking shortcuts, arguing that according to the supplementary clauses of the new collective bargaining agreement, being selected for the All-NBA Team is the only way to earn a maximum salary based on merit.
Kyrie Irving only started about 40 games in his season with the Knicks, and most of the time he wasn't specifically guarded. His high-performing stats are all inflated!
Getting an All-Star starter is always a difficult task, as it's very hard for American fans to get to know a rookie. But in New York, the situation is completely different.
The largest basketball market on the East Coast, with the most nationally televised games each season, and never missing the NBA Finals since entering the league.
These factors contributed to Kyrie Irving's smooth-sailing career. Coupled with the strong promotion from Pepsi and the "hook," almost all young people fell in love with the flashy rookie.
In the new season, Kyrie Irving doesn't actually need to pursue high stats. As long as Li You gets him another vote on social media, he'll be a shoo-in for an All-Star starter!
This also means that Irving can get a max contract without competing like other players. While some players are still struggling for minimum contracts, the young man already has everything.
After the news was reported on mainstream media such as ESPN, the comment section was full of "sour grapes" complaining, and some trolls were also stirring up trouble. The US team was so dominant that many people wanted to see the Dream Team crash and burn!
Even renowned sports commentator Bill Simmons joined in the sarcastic remarks, commenting on the national team's lack of star players on Twitter:
"It would be difficult for Kyrie Irving to lead this Dream Team. I wouldn't be surprised if Team USA loses the championship."
"."
Jimmy Butler, who was still in Las Vegas for training camp, also saw the news. As the Knicks' "King of Rolls," he was green with envy. Irving got everything he had ever imagined.
Head coach Krzyzewski also gave Irving special treatment, allowing the young man to return to New York this weekend to celebrate with his family. Thinking about this, Butler trained even harder!
Although Anthony Davis had been fishing with his team since entering the league, this wasn't the first time he'd received an invitation to national team training camp. Seeing Butler's state, he couldn't help but offer some advice after training:
"Buddy, you don't need to work so hard. Those media reporters are reporting nonsense. The World Cup matches aren't difficult. We can handle everything."
The roster has not yet been finalized, and Anthony Davis is not particularly motivated to play for his country. For him, a place on the national team is "within easy reach."
Paul George, who also signed a max contract, seemed to understand what Butler was thinking. Having played alongside Stephenson for so long, he had picked up some bad habits, and at this moment, he subconsciously stirred things up with a chuckle:
"I heard the Knicks only have two max contracts, Bro, I believe you'll get a big contract!"
Everyone present knew this was nonsense. If the Knicks were going to offer Butler a max contract, he should have returned to New York by now. The result was obvious: the management only had eyes for Kyrie Irving.
All the players participating in this training camp are young players; none of the veterans are here. To select Captain America, we'll naturally have to compare contracts.
Whoever earns more proves who is stronger. After several years in the league, the young players are no longer as pure as they used to be. With top salaries increasing by several million dollars, it would be a lie to say they aren't envious.
Seeing everyone egging him on, Jimmy Butler remained silent, while Stephen Curry stepped in to offer a few words of comfort:
"Dude, your first contract isn't that important. There will be plenty of opportunities to make money in the future. Just being able to play in New York already puts you ahead of 80% of the players in the league."
"."
Perhaps it's due to childhood nostalgia, but Curry has always been envious of the basketball environment in New York. Even though the fans in the Bay Area are just as enthusiastic, he always felt that they lacked a certain "loyalty" quality.
Klay Thompson, who was recently embroiled in trade rumors, also spoke a few fair words, ignoring Cousins and others who were still egging him on, and sat down on the sidelines to say seriously:
"I think you should aim for the All-Star game. LeBron James leaving the Eastern Conference is a great opportunity for you."
"Hey! I'm the best forward in the East!"
Paul George, who had just taken off his training T-shirt, immediately chimed in, and the crowd booed loudly again upon hearing "first place." Rudy Gay shook his head and mocked:
"The top forward's field goal percentage in the playoffs is less than 40%!"
University of Connecticut alumnus Andre Drummond joined in the joke, grinning widely and mimicking the expression:
"I made more moves than Li, I passed the test!"
Cousins laughed so hard he fell off his seat and onto the floor. Mentioning Paul George's "outstanding performance" in this year's playoffs made the atmosphere even more joyful, and even Harden and DeRozan couldn't help but laugh along.
Paul George, still yelling as he was being shoved by the crowd, was getting back to his senses when Butler, recovering from his initial frustration, quipped:
"I remember this guy didn't score a single point during my defensive possessions!"
Feeling embarrassed, Paul George again demanded a one-on-one match, believing he could dominate everyone in the arena.
Assistant coach Tom Thibodeau didn't interfere with the young man's "bet." He had seen Butler's efforts and greatly admired this tough player.
The championship assistant coach couldn't help but sigh as he thought about Derrick Rose, who even had to be evaluated to participate in training camp.
"If the Bulls had a player like Jimmy Butler, he probably wouldn't have lost his job."
-
On Sunday, July 13, ESPN suddenly reported on the training camp's injury situation: Jimmy Butler, who had been practicing over the weekend, suffered a groin strain and is likely to have to withdraw early.
As soon as the news was reported, New York fans began attacking several assistant coaches, including Tom Thibodeau, who was also targeted. The Reddit forum has already "expelled" the championship-winning assistant coaches from New York.
"If Tom Thibodeau's second eight-peat is affected, he is the culprit!"
The Knicks have a huge following on Reddit, which has become a hub for fun-loving people on the internet over the years.
Even those who don't watch basketball enjoy surfing this forum, because the New York fan club is truly "active," discussing all sorts of abstract topics with great amusement. In the past two years, during the offseason, casual observers have liked to discuss a few things:
Should Lee serve as mayor of New York City?
"Who is stronger in combat, Li or Shi Zi?"
"."
Those keen on local politics believe that Lee Yu should replace Bill de Blasio, arguing that the new mayor's "walking" is too poor and doesn't fit New York's "class."
Those who admire "fighting prowess" consider Lee Woo a real-life "Superman." Many drug addicts don't have such perfect muscle definition; at 36, he can still "fly," so his fighting ability must be off the charts.
Just as onlookers were still surfing the internet as usual, Carmelo Anthony, having completed his "parade," suddenly updated his Twitter with a post:
“I belong to New York, and I look forward to continuing my career in Brooklyn, where the Barclays Center will become the future mecca of basketball, and Brooklyn has the best fans in the world.”
"."
Adrian Wojnarowski later revealed on Twitter that the new Fox Sports TV guest seemed quite surprised, posting two tweets in quick succession:
"The Brooklyn Nets have reached an agreement with Carmelo Anthony, finalizing a new five-year, $1.22 million contract."
"The Bulls waived Carlos Boozer, and now it seems Chicago might regret its decision; it may have been a bad one." Carmelo Anthony has been flirting with the Bulls lately, which most onlookers can understand.
After all, the Nets have a "bleak future," and staying with a team that lost $1.1 million this season is not in line with the prestige of a star player. With the Heat breaking up, Anthony should indeed leave New York.
The general public and Anthony's fans all considered the issue from the perspective of "winning," but ignored the fact that the Bulls could only offer a 4-year, $9600 million contract.
Ultimately, when faced with the choice between winning the game and making money, Anthony honestly chose the latter.
Since the announcement on Twitter, the comment section has been flooded with New York fans. Although Carmelo Anthony was born in Brooklyn, he has been stripped of his "New York citizenship" after playing for the Nets.
"Joker! We all know you're only staying in New York for the dollars!"
"That's why the Lakers chose LeBron James. Carmelo Anthony lacks the desire to win. He and Lara only like dollars; they don't like basketball."
"Give the scoring title trophy back to Lee. You don't deserve it. Your existence is a disgrace to New York!"
"Lee should stick with the team until Anthony retires. I'd love to see this clown dominated by the Knicks."
"."
Back in New York, Carmelo Anthony was in a good mood after signing a big contract, but after reading the comments section, he was completely upset. Besides the vicious comments, there were also people showing off their photos.
Seeing himself retreating while fighting, Anthony cursed under his breath in anger. Lala, who was constantly refreshing Twitter, couldn't hold back either. She couldn't understand why some New Yorkers were attacking her husband like they were possessed.
"Tomorrow we're going to Los Angeles, to see LeBron and Chris, don't let these idiots affect us."
After calling his wife, Anthony tossed his phone aside. The basketball environment in New York is beyond saving, and he has no interest in "arguing" with the fans.
Lala couldn't help but roll her eyes. Her whole family was practically a laughingstock, even her eldest son was affected. She wanted to complain, but thinking of the huge contract, she finally nodded and replied somewhat angrily:
"Now I understand why LeBron hasn't received as much criticism."
Anthony remained silent upon hearing his wife's complaints. His good friend LeBron James, a well-known "Li Yu fanboy" from the 03 draft class, became a sycophant after joining the team, so naturally, Li Yu's team of commentators wouldn't criticize him much.
If he hadn't stood up for his idol Allen Iverson back then, things might have been completely different. Anthony also felt a little sad when he thought about his choice.
Fortunately, the big contract eventually dispelled these unpleasant feelings, and the couple started talking about their vacation plans. The rude fans were clearly unhappy with their lives, and the green dollars were the foundation for a good life!
-
On Wednesday, July 16th, the 22nd annual ESPY Awards ceremony will continue at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, and Kevin Durant, nominated for Best Male Athlete, is also making an appearance.
Having suffered his first major injury in his career, Durant has been very frustrated lately.
Fortunately, advanced medical technology saved his right foot. The doctor told Durant that his athletic ability would not decline too much after he recovered from the injury, which put the young man at ease.
At the red carpet event outside the theater in the evening, Durant appeared in front of the media wearing a green suit jacket, a white shirt, and black trousers. The young man wore glasses and used a cane.
Apart from model Chris Teigen, who was practically showing off her breasts by going braless, none of the other attendees were as stunning as Durant. Reporters around him frantically snapped photos, proving that the young MVP was indeed extraordinary!
An ESPN reporter approached for a brief interview, asking about his right foot injury. Durant, no longer as dejected as before, smiled and assured the reporter:
"I saw the fans' well wishes, and I will definitely be back on the court as soon as possible for the new season. You know, the Western Conference has a 'big guy,' and I love that kind of challenge!"
After a brief appearance to shake off the paparazzi incident, Erin Andrews, a well-known blonde ESPN reporter, looked around and, noticing that Li You was also absent this year, seemed somewhat disappointed.
Back then, it was still possible to interview Li You, but after his wealth grew to a certain level, media people who weren't "loyal" enough lost their chance.
Over the years, ESPY has evolved into a huge party, and actors love to join in. Everyone has a smile on their face, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson even strikes a tough guy pose.
The Knicks' young players were all there. Although they weren't portrayed as very united in the reports, when they went out together, they were all dressed in matching black suits, clearly a "family."
Kyrie Irving remains the most popular. Don't ask why, just know that "Uncle Lee" is taking care of him. This made Butler so angry that his groin ached and he almost rolled his eyes on the spot.
Artest, along with commentators like Jalen Rose, joined in the fun. Unlike the younger players who only wore a few rings, the championship forward made a necklace from his classic dual-use championship ring.
The pile of rings around his neck made Artest the most eye-catching guy in the photos, and the championship forward proudly showed off his arms around Jalen Rose:
"That's Lee's dominance! The Joker back in Los Angeles doesn't even dare to show his face in front of me."
"Stop talking big on TV, he can come to the venue and talk to me about his championship experience."
"."
Jalen Rose, who was being hugged, gave an awkward smile. Just a few days ago, he was praising Kobe's 81-point performance on a show and had a long chat with Kobe. Today, he was "warned" on the spot.
Anyone who praises Kobe's Mamba Mentality is considered Li You's "enemy," and Jalen Rose also finds it difficult to comment on the current basketball environment.
When LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Channing Frye, and James Jones appeared together, Los Angeles reporters swarmed around them, all asking about Kobe Bryant.
Showing off a set of white teeth, Howard answered the question in a strange voice, showing no mercy to the Mamba:
“I’m not sure about Kobe’s recent situation. Maybe he’s at the Toyota Center training facility? You know, he’s a leader at the training facility.”
"The Lakers will soon have a new piece of the championship puzzle, and I think you will like this player."
In high spirits, James didn't reveal his name when asked by reporters; the chosen one simply smiled and gave a brief response.
"I just want to praise Kupchak's work! We've got another perfect piece of the championship puzzle."
"."
In front of a host of media, James and Howard showed their brotherhood, proudly leading their teammates on a grand appearance. Clearly, Kobe, who only received a mid-level exception contract, had completely lost his voice.
At the awards ceremony that evening, Kevin Durant won the Best Male Athlete and Best NBA Player awards, while the Knicks once again took home the Best Team award.
Kyrie Irving won the Best Championship Performance Award, while Mike D'Antoni happily accepted the Coach of the Year trophy.
Although LeBron James, who was nominated, didn't win anything, he was still the focus of sports media attention at the party after the awards ceremony.
In a brief interview with ESPN, when asked about his good friend Carmelo Anthony's choice, James smiled slightly and responded with a relaxed expression:
"Just like Li said, basketball is a job!"
"Messi and Ronaldo only need to play hard; that's the best reward for the fans." (End of Chapter)