NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 63 The Unavoidable Vanity Fair

On January 1997, 1, the Knicks returned to New York to rest for more than a day, and that night they welcomed the Washington Bullets at home.

As the results of the All-Star voting are about to be announced, most players in the league take advantage of this stage to express themselves desperately, and the media frequently withdraws the topic to the All-Star Game.

Although Li You is a new player, since he entered the league, he has kept breaking records, and he has earned enough attention in the past few months.

In the Knicks locker room before the game, the New York media circled Li You twice. This kind of scene happened frequently recently, and the atmosphere group could only silently pick lemons.

"Li, will you be selected for this year's All-Star Game? New York fans voted for you!"

Li You, who had just changed into his training uniform, saw everyone throwing recording equipment in front of him, so he could only say big things:
"Thank you to the New York fans who voted for me, but I am still a rookie player with little game experience and many technical shortcomings."

"It's great to be able to participate in the Rookie Challenge. For the All-Star Game, I just want to be a spectator and go to the scene to get some autographs."

Obviously, this answer did not satisfy the reporters on the scene. As young experts in the fight, these reporters hoped to get more exciting news from Li You:

"Now we can already conclude that your vote will definitely surpass Tim Hardaway!"

"The current record of the Knicks is also better than that of the Heat. Lee, do you think you will be selected for the All-Star bench?"

Li You was powerless to complain, the substitute lineup had nothing to do with votes:

"The coaches in the league will give the best answer. Tim Hardaway is a star guard in the league. I have learned a lot of skills from him. The opponent is definitely worthy of being selected as an All-Star."

The reporters in New York were a little disappointed to see that Li You didn't speak up for himself, but everyone quickly adjusted their emotions:
"It doesn't matter how you say it, what matters is how you write it!"

There were also many New York reporters in front of Ewing. These people seemed to have collectively lost their memory. They forgot what they had belittled Ewing a few months ago, and began to follow suit.

The gorilla was also blown away, and this year he has reached the pinnacle of his life again, happily exchanging business with the reporter in front of him.
Larry Johnson pulled his face and stayed silent. The All-Star Game must have nothing to do with him. This season's data has shrunk severely, and it is not his turn to be a substitute.

"Auntie" is out of breath!

Perhaps the flattery of the New York media played a role. In the game that night, Ewing had a strong presence and performed well on both offense and defense.

At 32:53, at the end of the half, the Knicks had led by 21 points.

"The 34-year-old Ewing can still dominate the inside! As long as he maintains this state, I believe the Knicks are still a strong contender for the championship."

In the MSG commentary booth at the scene, the commentator Mafu Albert couldn't hold back, and began to blow the home team again.

Commentator John Andaris knew that his old partner had said too much, so he changed the subject calmly:
"I want to praise Lee's performance. It's hard to believe he's just turned 19. Look at those records. Anyone who doubts him can shut up!"

"Two years of college basketball helped Lee lay a solid foundation. Give him another two years to become stronger. I don't think the Knicks will have to worry about the back line for the next 10 years."

The crushing game made the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden more and more heated, but Jeff Van Gundy did not dare to be careless, and increased the rotation after the second half began.

This week's schedule is too dense, the coaching staff does not want the team to have injuries
In the end, 79:100, the Knicks returned to the home court to beat the Bullets, making a good start for this week's game.

Tonight's Chris Webber of the Bullet team is sitting on the bench in formal attire. The schedule is about to pass halfway, and there are also injuries.

Madison Square Garden was still very noisy. Ewing, who was in a good mood, took the initiative to greet the injured Webber after the game, and Ben Wallace, who played only 3 minutes in the game, was being taught by Oakley at this time:

"Grab a rebound after coming on the court, and only know to run back and forth?"

Seeing that Wallace was silent, Oakley turned his head and introduced to Li You:

"If this guy can't get a contract in the future, remember to bring him to the Knicks."

"Ben is very talented. Of course, I don't mean offensive talent. As long as he has the right platform, he can make a name for himself in the league."

Perhaps because he felt that his words were not convincing, Ben Wallace had played very little time this half of the season. When he played against the Knicks, he couldn't even play. Oakley added:
"Defense also needs talent, he just needs one chance!"

Li You looked at Ben Wallace, who had a flat head and lowered eyebrows, and said in a brisk tone:
"You can run, jump and defend. As long as you do these things well, you don't have to worry about statistics. Man, this must not be difficult for you!"

Ben Wallace looked at the two of them, and finally nodded obediently. Although it was a bit embarrassing to go through the back door, he really couldn't sign the contract next season, which was also a way out.

After the home game is over, there will be three consecutive away games. That night, the Knicks will fly directly to Chicago, and tomorrow they will challenge the Bulls back to back.

As the All-Star game approaches, the discussion of the NBA's 50 superstars has risen again.

The American sports media, who like to watch the excitement, brought up old stories again, and dug up Chamberlain's point of view:
"In my opinion, the greatest basketball player is neither Michael Jordan nor Magician, but Robertson. It's a pity that he didn't catch up with a good era."

Of course, the sports media did not forget to mention Bill Russell’s remarks:

"In the 60s, there were a lot of talented players in the league, but we didn't catch up with better times, especially Jerry West, he should have more rings!"

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Havcheck also agreed with Russell's words, and Pat Riley also followed suit. In an interview, he said that Jerry West is the real "Mr. Key".

The past is thinner than the present, and the American sports media continue to consume Michael Jordan:

"Lucky Ones Protected by Rules", "Enjoy the Dividends of Modern Basketball".
As the All-Star game approached, Magic Johnson also came out to join in the fun at this time. This good old man did not spend money on his friends, but made a more objective statement:
"Basketball is a team sport. There are 5 positions on the court. Everyone is indispensable. It is absolutely unfair to make a player the best in history!"

The old guys are obviously relying on the old to sell the old. At the beginning of October 96, Michael Jordan was so angry that he was approaching the All-Star Game and was almost blown up again.
In this context, the Knicks became a doormat. On the afternoon of the 21st, the Chicago media interviewed before the routine game:

"Michael, have you noticed the Knicks' rookie? Lee has broken many records since entering the league!"

Wearing the Bulls' training uniform, Michael Jordan, who was in a bad mood, showed a smiling face to the media, and by the way, voided the enemy:

"Charles and I talked about Li, a very good young man with good basic skills, he also knows the rules and knows how to respect veterans."

"But I don't want to judge young players. We played in different eras. I respect his style of play!"

"Tonight I accept the challenge of young people, I will go all out, the rookie should also undergo the real baptism!"

Michael Jordan's eccentric answer made the Chicago media almost laugh out loud. Obviously, the vengeful Jordan was very concerned about the opinions of the old guys.

Naturally, the sports media who like to fight the fire will not let go of this opportunity. Li You, who had finished warming up before the game, was blocked when he returned to the locker room:

"Li, how many points will you score tonight?"

"?"

Li You had a question mark on his face, and the Chicago media repeated Jordan's words with a smile, emphasizing the "challenge".

Although he knew that the sports media in front of him was exaggerating, Li You was still a little puzzled. He didn't remember what he said about challenging the marinated egg:

"Make up your own brain, search for enemies in the void?"

"."

　Thank you book friends for your collection ￣﹣￣
　　
　
(End of this chapter)