Check out my new fanfic.
12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
Please give it a go đ
***
Every year by the end of May, NBA fans turn their attention to the Conference Finals and the upcoming Finals.
Local sports media also set aside their biases and begin to ride the hype, analyzing the remaining teams.
For the perennial cellar-dwellers who went fishing early, most of their star players have already begun to enjoy life.
Those with ambition might participate in team drafts, but most simply lie flat.
Regardless of performance, there are always players on a team who can secure a large contract.
As long as they play steadily, they can always survive for a few years.
The attitude of 'I've got the money, what's there to fear?' is commonplace.
As long as they can outperform the bottom-tier players, most team core members live comfortably.
In contrast, the Boston Celtics are in a different situation.
As the team with the most championships in the NBA, they have established a deep fan base.
Whether it's tradition or inertia, Celtics fans are extremely loyal, and at the same time, they have very high expectations.
Before the start of the regular season, Celtics legend Red Auerbach passed away due to heart disease.
It was from that moment that many loyal fans began to call for fighting for Red Auerbach.
Regrettably, under the leadership of Head Coach Rivers, the team still showed no improvement, and the slogans became empty words.
After the All-Star Weekend, another Celtics legend, Dennis Johnson, also passed away due to heart disease, at the young age of 52.
At this point, fans were powerless to even shout slogans.
The team suffered injuries, and they ultimately endured an 18-game losing streak, a result that broke the hearts of veteran fans.
Watching the New York Knicks relentlessly win, many Celtics fans wrote letters of protest after the draft lottery.
On Reddit's dedicated forum, young people also began discussing the feasibility of trading Paul Pierce.
Although this tough guy, who survived 11 stab wounds, was extremely loyal, his team's performance was simply too poor.
In recent seasons, he hasn't even made the All-Star team, which completely goes against the team's prestige.
If you look at the newspapers in the neighboring cities of New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, it's not hard to find that most sports reporters have already removed Pierce from the ranks of star players.
In the eyes of many fans, Pierce is not only past his prime but has also become like those salary thieves on bottom-tier teams, one of the players who just goes through the motions.
On Friday, May 25, 2007, Boston's Grill 23 & Bar restaurant welcomed the Celtics entourage.
During dinner, the reserved 10-person private suite quickly filled to half capacity.
This historic restaurant is popular among sports figures, known for its steaks and seafood.
Pierce, wearing a plaid casual suit, took off his sunglasses after sitting down.
Noticing that Rivers and Danny Ainge were quietly reading newspapers, he self-deprecatingly said:
"Nothing good to see, it's definitely more news about the New York Knicks."
"48 points. These reporters are praising Clay Lee again. Maybe they regret it this year, voting for the German made these media outlets a joke."
"I haven't read the Boston Globe lately. If there's any other news, be sure to let me know."
Pierce had previously been somewhat dissatisfied with Danny Ainge because he actively recruited Allen Iverson, only to be directly rejected by him.
The General Manager calmly retorted at the time:
"The Celtics need championship pieces."
Facts proved Danny Ainge's decision was correct.
Allen Iverson once again proved he was a Rookie, teaming up with Carmelo Anthony for another first-round exit.
For Pierce, a first-round exit was acceptable.
He just didn't want to keep losing.
Loyalty was good, but fans' passion couldn't withstand such constant attrition.
Every season, he was cursed by fans.
Although they deliberately tanked this year, after 18 consecutive losses, Pierce also broke down with the fans.
Rookies simply couldn't help the team.
Noticing Pierce's disheartened look, slumped in his seat, Rivers, across the table, had no choice but to put down his newspaper, staring at him and saying in a deep voice:
"No one wants to see you like this. You know how important this recruitment is."
"..."
The Head Coach again delivered a motivational speech in a hoarse voice, interspersed with a few "motherfucker" words, but Pierce still couldn't lift his spirits. He had been listening for years and was long used to it.
The conflict between them had never been resolved.
At the long dining table, five people sat opposite five.
Danny Ainge didn't look at either of them.
After a quiet word from a team staff member nearby, he immediately checked the time.
There were still a few minutes until 7 PM.
As Kevin Garnett, tall and dressed in a black casual suit, appeared in the private room with two attendants, the small space quickly became lively.
Rivers immediately broke into a smile, stood up to welcome him, and stepped forward to embrace him, patting the tough guy's chest, saying cheerfully:
"Kevin, how have you been? You really should let those lazy guys on our team see your physical condition. This is a true MVP."
Kevin Garnett, who had taken off his jacket, didn't put on airs.
Hearing Rivers' compliment, he showed his white teeth and said happily after a fist bump:
"I arrived in Boston very early, and it feels good, at least better than New York. The fans here respect me a lot."
Kevin Garnett's pleasantries sounded good.
In fact, New York fans were also friendly and would actively ask for autographs and photos when they saw him.
As long as he didn't appear at Madison Square Garden, everyone liked the tough guy, the 'Wolf King,' who liked to fight and retreat.
"Mr. McHale asked me to send his regards. You know, he's in some trouble right now and can't be here."
Hearing Kevin Garnett's words, Danny Ainge's usually serious face also broke into a smile.
He stepped forward to hug Kevin Garnett, and seeing his good mood, he joked:
"I won't sympathize with that guy's plight. He shouldn't have wasted an MVP's time."
The Timberwolves' criticism session, after they went fishing, had been going on for almost a month and a half.
McHale, who fired Coach Casey, took the brunt of the blame.
Minnesota fans were very worried about Kevin Garnett leaving.
With an MVP, even losing games would still draw an audience.
If the core was gone, what would fans watch?
Role players missing shots?
Pierce, now invigorated, also forced a smile and fist-bumped Kevin Garnett, showing his friendly attitude:
"Hey! Bro, have fun in Boston. If you don't mind, I can be your guide."
"I still have plenty of time!"
Kevin Garnett sat next to Pierce with a slight smile.
The five people opposite them were all Celtics management.
He didn't bring his agent tonight, and both sides talked openly about basketball.
The dishes were exquisite and delicious.
During the meal, everyone chatted happily, complaining about the NFL, gossiping about baseball, and praising Senator Obama, the black candidate running for office.
When they had eaten enough, Rivers' smile faded, and he seriously brought up the most crucial topic of the night:
"Kevin, what do you think of the NBA right now? I know you prefer Minnesota, and I respect that, but it's very difficult for you guys to succeed."
For this question, the answer was obvious: "one team dominates."
What was even more terrifying was that the Knicks didn't care about the luxury tax.
Even inflated contracts couldn't restrict them.
Kevin Garnett saw Rivers signal to a staff member for a folder and didn't immediately refute him, simply responding calmly:
"I know, but I don't care. No one says a championship is the only success. I just want fans to remember me."
"Yes, a championship doesn't mean everything, but what I want to say is that the Timberwolves' team-building philosophy has always had huge problems. They wasted your potential!"
Rivers put on a "only I understand you" expression, and seeing Kevin Garnett listening, he immediately added:
"When you reached the Western Conference Finals, you relied on Defense. Sprewell and Sam Cassell provided tremendous help."
"In today's NBA, you can't win a championship relying solely on offense. Those commentators mock Van Gundy, but they don't know he made the right choice."
"I don't want to comment on the Timberwolves' subsequent team-building operations, but in my opinion, you can perform better. For that, we've designed many tactics centered around you."
The Celtics delegation didn't explain but instead, Rivers handed a folder to Kevin Garnett, stating it was a special gift.
Pierce felt a pang of bitterness, but thankfully, Danny Ainge chuckled and took over the conversation.
"The right tactics are just the first step. In my opinion, you fit the Celtics' team culture very well."
"I know the team isn't performing well right now, but once you join, you'll be the absolute core. Paul will help you take the next step."
These words didn't move Kevin Garnett, as he looked down on the past-his-prime Pierce, but Rivers's subsequent grand vision stirred something in him.
"Sometimes we have to accept reality. Relying on just one or two All-Star players simply won't lead to success."
"I will convince Ray Allen to join our cause. If you agree, we even want to recruit your old friend. The Celtics have enough leverage."
The mention of an old friend puzzled Kevin Garnett, and Pierce, standing nearby, nterjected in time.
"Marbury and I have been talking. You know, that guy hates Clay Lee's style. He's even starting to dislike New York. For the sake of winning, he's willing to make sacrifices."
Kevin Garnett was indeed surprised at this point.
He had almost forgotten this old friend and didn't expect him to agree to such a plan.
"Kevin, it all depends on your decision. You are the MVP, with enough appeal in the NBA, which is why we hope you can come to Boston."
"We can end the Knicks' era. Honestly, seeing these arrogant guys perform next door just sickens me."
"Clay Lee is very successful, but everyone seems to have forgotten how he cleared out his teammates back then. Pure basketball shouldn't be like this! Kevin, you have a chance to correct such a mistake."
After Danny Ainge stared at Kevin Garnett and said these words, Pierce, across from him, felt even more bitter.
The MVP indeed had appeal, something he simply couldn't compare to.
"I know you might have received an invitation from the Los Angeles Lakers, but trust me, they are a joke right now!"
"Don't forget they have no leverage whatsoever. As long as we can reach the Finals, the championship will be ours."
"..."
Rivers began to offer more motivational words, reminding Kevin Garnett that if he wanted to leave a "legacy" for his former team, the continuously tanking Celtics were the best choice.
Kevin Garnett was greatly shocked to hear the entire plan.
He had thought the other side only wanted to form a "dual core" but didn't expect them to form a super team directly.
With the pretense stripped away, Danny Ainge acted self-righteously, not confined by conventional team-building methods, intending to form a "quad-core" team.
Knowing the full plan, Kevin Garnett ultimately did not agree immediately.
Forming a team like this would be a bit of a loss of face for him.
He was an MVP and still needed to save face.
The dinner lasted for more than two hours, and in the end, both hosts and guests were happy.
Danny Ainge felt confident seeing Kevin Garnett's demeanor, after all, McHale was also his old friend.
After Rivers and the others said their goodbyes, Pierce stayed behind.
He hadn't said much before, but stepping out of the restaurant door, under the dim light, he looked up at the green and white sign and said dejectedly:
"This is the first time I've been here in years. Every time I see those people dining pointing and gesticulating at me, I just want to punch them!"
"New York isn't far from here, and those arrogant guys have probably already started celebrating the championship in advance. I've seen enough of such scenes."
"Bro, if you can come, I promise this will be your team. I just don't want to keep losing."
Thinking of himself being mocked while retreating in Madison Square Garden, Kevin Garnett felt a sense of empathy for a moment, but he still didn't agree immediately, only pounded his chest and said with a smile:
"Give me some time, I don't want to make a hasty decision!"
When they returned to the SUV, the chubby Black man in the driver's seat, who was an assistant, glanced in the rearview mirror and gave a gruff suggestion:
"I don't like Boston, but what they said makes sense. Jay-Z is calling for Black players to boycott Clay Lee, and I think this is an opportunity."
"Not only honor, perhaps we can also make a lot of money here!"
The skinny Black man with braided hair in the passenger seat, also an assistant, seized the opportunity to chime in.
He liked to sing, dance, and rap, and Jay-Z was his idol.
"That's right, Kevin! Maybe we can even release an album. I think you have the talent, and Jay-Z might even help you write a few songs!"
Kevin Garnett immediately cursed under his breath upon hearing these ridiculous suggestions.
He wasn't a young Rookie.
Having been in the game for so many years, he naturally saw some facts clearly.
"Drive, we're going to New Jersey on Saturday! Shit! I still don't really like that bastard Marbury."
On Saturday, the 26th, the Boston Globe suddenly broke the news that Ray Allen was about to join the New York Knicks.
In the afternoon, TNT, warming up for tonight's Eastern Conference Finals, began to complain.
Ray Allen, who was still in Seattle with his children, was very surprised to see the news.
He planned to stay with the Seattle SuperSonics.
The team had secured Kevin Durant, and he greatly admired this Rookie.
The Seattle SuperSonics management had long painted a grand vision for him, and Ray Allen readily accepted it, after all, Lee had praised Kevin Durant's talent, and he trusted his friend's judgment.
When he returned home in the evening, Ray Allen specifically tuned into TNT and began to frown as he watched the television.
Playing 37 minutes, 17 of 24 shots made, 5 of 8 from beyond the arc, 9 of 10 free throws made, 48 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover.
Clay Lee once again delivered a powerful performance, putting up a double-double.
Playing 45 minutes, 9 of 23 shots made, 2 of 8 from beyond the arc, 8 of 12 free throws made, 28 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 turnovers.
LeBron James played almost the entire game.
The director showed the G2 performances of the two teams' core players.
On the TV screen, James and Lee could be seen smiling in their home team jerseys.
The scene shifted to the studio, where Charles Barkley, taking the opportunity to review Lee's G2 stats, began to complain again about the unconfirmed news from the morning.
He detested the act of ring-chasing.
"No competitiveness at all! In the past, we only wanted to defeat our opponents, but now these All-Stars are looking for shortcuts, which is why the level of players is getting worse and worse."
"Clay Lee not only made the game simple, he also changed the free market. From what I understand, many veterans are willing to play in New York."
"But don't think too highly of this guy. Veterans can only hand out towels when they join the Knicks. I cannot accept this kind of championship!"
Kenny Smith didn't mind his partner changing the subject, after all, the Cavaliers suffered another crushing defeat in G2, 81:127, and the series was already without suspense in the eyes of most commentators.
"I think Finley made a contribution to the Knicks. In G2, he was 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, and he performed very well on the Defense end."
"Players have the right to make choices. What's wrong with pursuing a championship?"
Ernie Johnson, sitting in the middle, couldn't get a word in.
Barkley, on the far left, turned his head and started speaking again, pointing his finger at Grant Hill.
"Look at the changes in Grant Hill over the years. When he was with the Detroit Pistons, he was an all-around warrior in the NBA. After joining the New York Knicks, he became a role player who only played Defense and fast breaks."
"Clay Lee will change his teammates around him. He is too outstanding. He will make the players on the team dependent."
"I don't like to see news of All-Star players joining the New York Knicks. This is not a good thing for the NBA, and I believe most fans also don't like to see Ray Allen turn into Raja Bell."
"Sorry, I respect Raja Bell very much, but there is a big difference between him and Ray Allen."
In the living room, Shannon saw her husband frowning and immediately squeezed over to quietly comfort him.
"Maybe we can watch Sports Center after 11 PM. TNT's programs are mostly nonsense."
Seeing his wife's concerned look, Ray Allen smiled and immediately reassured her.
"Don't worry about me, we agreed to stay in Seattle."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)