Thursday, February 14, 2008, Valentine's Day arrived, and with it, the NBA All-Star Weekend.
There were only two games that day, as most teams had already entered holiday mode.
It was the halfway point of the season, a time of fatigue, and this weekend was perfect for relaxation.
After two major trades, the public expected to wait until the holiday ended to see more transactions, but the Los Angeles Times suddenly broke a story, and sports commentators began discussing it widely.
"Kevin Garnett is the biggest softie in the NBA. He's like a clown, using 'dreams' to cover up his cowardly behavior!"
"He's made the NBA a mess. I'll spend a lot of money to watch a game in New York. I want to witness him become the league's laughingstock in person."
"Fuck the Big Three. This kind of person will never earn my respect."
Last night, after the Clippers narrowly defeated the Washington Wizards at home, Zach Randolph, at the press conference, suddenly erupted while discussing "Big Three basketball," black-faced and publicly insulting Garnett.
At the time, many reporters didn't care, as Randolph was just a minor player, but a Los Angeles Times reporter seized the opportunity and uncovered the information behind it:
"Reunion in Boston, Sam Cassell has made his choice, and the Boston Celtics continue their charge for the championship."
Related news appeared in the newspapers this morning, and some onlookers finally realized why Randolph had lost his composure—it turned out the Clippers had been poached.
Although the injured Garnett couldn't train, he wasn't idle during this period.
As his reputation worsened, he simply threw caution to the wind and completely tore off the facade:
"I'm just chasing my dream!"
Using a high-sounding reason to recruit old teammates, Garnett didn't want to wait.
He knew he had to take the initiative.
As long as he could win the championship, praise would return:
"End the New York Knicks' dominance. Clay Lee's era is over!"
Thinking of such reports, Garnett felt full of motivation.
Look at Shaquille O'Neal.
Although he only had one championship, his status among players was much higher, and Lee even had to show Shaq respect.
The championship was the key to turning around public opinion.
While his teammates headed to New Orleans, Garnett, who remained in Boston, proactively accepted an interview and did not deny the news but generously admitted it:
"I have great respect for the Los Angeles Clippers. They have always strived for victory, but I understand my brother even more. He yearns for a championship as much as I do!"
"Back then, we were just short of reaching the NBA Finals. At this stage of our careers, we only play for the championship, so I hope he can come and help me."
"..."
Ever since Marbury performed like a rookie in front of Lee during the Christmas War, Boston sports media had been somewhat concerned, and calls for recruiting a better guard had never ceased.
When Garnett generously admitted to poaching, the local sports media immediately felt relieved.
Sam Cassell clearly fit the "Green Army spirit".
He should come play in Boston!
Due to a wrist injury, Sam Cassell had some attendance issues this season.
Although the 38-year-old veteran was a bit old, he still possessed considerable strength.
While it was still unclear how much fuel the veteran had left in his tank, many reporters felt that signing him for the minimum was a good thing.
If he exploded in a crucial game, the trade would be a huge profit.
"Kevin, we support you! A veteran chasing his dream deserves respect. Boston welcomes Sam Cassell's arrival."
A reporter from the Boston Globe spoke up, and a look of relief appeared on Garnett's dark face.
He grinned, revealing his white teeth, and then tapped his abdomen:
"Don't worry about me. A small injury like this won't defeat me. We will win."
"Anything is possible!"
Unconsciously uttering this slogan, Garnett quickly noticed the strange atmosphere in the training gym.
The surrounding sports reporters didn't respond enthusiastically until someone quietly reminded him:
"Clay Lee was the first to shout that phrase..."
His eye twitched slightly, and Garnett then remembered that Lee had indeed shouted it back then, and then he defeated the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan.
At that time, he was still a rookie, and he was sucking up to Michael Jordan, but Clay Lee stepped on Michael Jordan to win the championship, and afterward, Michael Jordan even became friends with Clay Lee.
As he recalled these things, Garnett's expression became somewhat unnatural.
After all, Lee hadn't gone around recruiting like him back then.
He ended the Chicago Bulls dynasty when no one was optimistic about him.
Some sports reporters also lost interest.
No matter how much they deceived themselves, they couldn't hide the essence of "teaming up."
The only thing they could do now was to pray for the Boston Celtics to win the championship.
New York reporters had no time to concern themselves with the fun happening in the neighboring city.
Nike held another small new product launch event at its flagship store.
Lee's third-generation personal sneakers were fully upgraded, bidding farewell to the "old" technology.
In previous years, they would pursue larger venues, emphasize pomp, and invite only relevant media.
However, the advent of social media brought fans closer to stars, and promotion methods changed accordingly.
To get "family members" to spend money, a fan meet-and-greet format was naturally better, much like a book signing.
Loyal fans would be invited and could experience the product firsthand on site!
Nike's flagship store on East 57th Street was crowded with fans and sports reporters by evening.
Front-row tickets at Madison Square Garden were simply too expensive.
Ordinary fans couldn't bear to spend that much.
To get up close with their idol, a signing event was the best opportunity.
The idea of "if my idol is great, I'm great too" has become increasingly popular in recent years, and "fandom basketball" has begun to sweep across America.
Although Jay-Z called on his Black Brothers to boycott Clay Lee, the effect was quite limited.
Black people also have two groups: those without money and those with money.
Previously, those without money couldn't afford Lee's expensive signed shoes anyway, and as for those with money, their consumption habits wouldn't be swayed by others.
At 5 PM, staff began to entertain the sports media present.
Some lucky fans also received invitations, and the atmosphere on-site was enthusiastic.
When Lee's black Cadillac appeared in sight, excited shouts quickly erupted from the crowd.
When it came to fangirling/fanboying, "male fans" and "female fans" were actually no different.
They were all equally passionate.
"Lee!! Lee!!"
New York's basketball atmosphere was excellent.
In addition to the New York Knicks winning big, Bob Hurley also led the young players to huge victories in high school games.
Most sports fans are essentially fair-weather fans.
They're happy when their team wins and unhappy when it loses.
The Yankees' performance has been mediocre in recent years, and some baseball fans have turned to basketball.
The increasing sales of New York Knicks merchandise are proof.
Through an absurd number of championships and over 10 years of time, Clay Lee has single-handedly created a segment of the market, which is why he has the most say in the team.
Not dressed in formal wear as he would for work, but in a deep gray athletic tracksuit from the current season's collection, Lee smiled brightly and waved to the separated crowd as he exited the car, then turned to offer a hand to his assistant.
Krysten Ritter, also dressed in athletic wear, had her black hair tied back in a ponytail, looking full of vitality.
Instead of linking arms as usual, they clasped hands, appearing like a young couple, which fit the tone of the meet-and-greet.
A "family" gathering wouldn't require formality.
The fans inside the store also cheered when they saw the two, and the fans' emotions were strange.
Seeing Lee with a female companion gave them a special sense of "belonging."
It was as if Lee truly regarded them as "family," and after leaving, everyone could brag freely.
The current Nike CEO, Matt Parker, was also present.
As old friends for many years, they exchanged smiles, certain that this new product would be a huge seller.
Sharing design philosophies, sharing athletic philosophies, sharing championship experiences—sports reporters were busy taking photos, and loyal fans were busy screaming.
Perhaps this rare opportunity to get close to their idol led to an unexpected situation.
A boy who appeared to be only thirteen or fourteen years old suddenly rushed excitedly to Lee's side.
"God! It's Lee, I did it..."
The security personnel breathed a sigh of relief as they watched the boy cling to Lee.
They had been somewhat derelict in their duty and were also startled.
The boy, who looked Indian, was flushed.
When Lee patted him on the shoulder with a smile, he was too excited to speak.
His impulsive action was followed by shyness:
"Brave little guy! It looks like you came from somewhere else. Introduce yourself to everyone, don't be afraid, everyone here is your 'family'!"
The big boy took the microphone and saw Lee's encouraging gaze again.
A surge of courage welled up in his heart, and he said loudly, his voice trembling slightly:
"I came all the way from Chicago. Even though I'm only 14, I've been following Clay Lee since I was 7. He's always been my idol!"
"For all these years, my birthday wish has always been to watch an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden. I want to sit in the front row and witness Clay Lee's game with my own eyes."
"Perhaps it's hard for me to become a basketball player, but after I graduate from college, I want to work in a related field. I love basketball, and being able to witness the GOAT's career is my greatest fortune."
Several columnists from the Chicago Tribune felt a mix of emotions.
This was clearly a "little traitor," but they could understand, after all, the Chicago Bulls were no longer what they used to be.
"Oh!"
Amidst the good-natured jeers, Lee patted the big boy's shoulder again, took back the microphone, and looked at everyone, smiling as he said:
"It's precisely because of your support that I can continue to win! I hope I can encourage every young person who loves sports."
"Let's give a round of applause to this brave little guy!"
"Tell us your name. Perhaps in the future, you'll become a famous NBA reporter, and tonight might be the start of your reporting career. Maybe the New York Knicks will offer you an internship opportunity."
Seeing Lee smile at him, the big boy seemed even more excited.
Even his family would mock his dreams, but now his idol respected him.
He was so emotional that tears streamed down his face, and he choked out:
"My name is Shams Charania. Thank you, I will never forget this day."
Lee led the applause, and his 'family' also didn't hold back their applause.
To the fans, such a touching scene meant they hadn't followed the wrong person, but to some media reporters, this was a warning to them.
Adults view things completely differently from young people.
Adrian Wojnarowski, a columnist who had just joined Yahoo Sports last year, forced a smile.
Pushing up his glasses, Adrian Wojnarowski quietly looked at Lee, and a feeling of frustration resurfaced in his heart.
His beautiful basketball world was shattered again.
As a sports fan, Adrian Wojnarowski started breaking news related to sports during his college days and even appeared on TV shows, but he faced setbacks after graduation.
He originally thought that with his resume, he could get a good job at the New York Times, but because he wrote that he was a Boston Red Sox fan, he was ultimately rejected.
This reason seemed absurd, but Adrian Wojnarowski would never forget what the editor-in-chief said:
"We won the championship, we don't need Boston sports fans to write columns about New York. You can go to the neighboring city to seek a job!"
"…"
At that time, the New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls, trounced the old-man basketball in the NBA Finals, and ultimately won the championship.
New York's sports media went crazy.
As long as columnists exaggerated, newspapers would sell like hotcakes.
When Adrian Wojnarowski walked out of the building, his face still showed disbelief, followed by resentment, and he prayed in his heart that these arrogant guys would get their comeuppance.
Ultimately, Adrian Wojnarowski did not return to Boston but found a job in New Jersey.
When he first started working, he would badmouth the New York Knicks and occasionally gossip about Clay Lee's negative news.
The rise of the Nets was his highlight moment, but eventually, he became a "lapdog," compromising with reality.
For eight years, Adrian Wojnarowski, for the sake of his livelihood, became a "loyal" Lee fan.
New Jersey was corrupted by its neighbor, and ESPN was even more of a "Lee-worshipper" stronghold.
To get first-hand news about the New York Knicks, Adrian Wojnarowski buttered up New York Times reporters and New York Knicks assistant coaches.
But Lee never paid attention to him.
Adrian Wojnarowski only realized in recent years that the reason was he had slandered him in earlier years.
Although he won the national columnist award by "praising Lee," Adrian Wojnarowski still couldn't get first-hand news about the New York Knicks, and New York reporters would always mock him behind his back.
Eventually, the oppressive work environment led Adrian Wojnarowski to jump ship to Yahoo Sports, but unfortunately, he still couldn't get information about the New York Knicks.
No one would leak anything to him.
Seeing Clay Lee encourage a 14-year-old big boy on the spot, and even offer him an internship opportunity, Adrian Wojnarowski felt even more uncomfortable:
"I can easily elevate a well-known reporter."
Lee never said this, but Adrian Wojnarowski knew it was true.
Perhaps in a few days, he would see this big boy's column, and the news would most likely be exclusive.
Most of the sports media present had been paid by Nike, and the event was still ongoing, with flattery flowing like a tide, which was the best description of the atmosphere.
Matt Parker seemed approachable, occasionally grinning widely and laughing.
Chasing an 8-peat and achieving 3 consecutive MVPs were Clay Lee's goals in the latter part of his career.
They were ready, and the "clowns" cooperating in the performance also took to the stage.
This would be a basketball feast of the 21st century, and a carnival for the fans.
"Are you interested in working at Yahoo in the future? I see passion and focus in you."
Adrian Wojnarowski quietly approached the boy and extended an invitation.
He didn't want to see young people corrupted by the "distorted basketball world," and then he was disappointed again:
"I've read your columns. You're a liar. Clay Lee is the greatest player in basketball history. He is the embodiment of basketball."
Shams Charania's youthful face showed an expression of anger.
As a fanatic, he, of course, knew this "Lee-faced, Kobe-hearted" guy.
When the Lakers won the championship, he actually praised Kobe excessively.
This was unacceptable to him.
Shams Charania was a staunch "Kobe hater."
He firmly believed that an illegally invading guy was not a good person!
Some New York reporters clearly noticed the situation here.
Seeing an old acquaintance, everyone chuckled again.
Although their articles weren't as good as his, Lee preferred them, and that was enough:
"Poor guy, I thought he'd go back to Boston to report on those cowards. Maybe he could win another award."
"…"
The annoyed Adrian Wojnarowski tried hard to control his expression.
He had to do his job for the money.
He would have to continue praising him in the future.
As for not writing articles related to Lee, Adrian Wojnarowski had never considered it.
The league's environment had long changed.
Writing good articles didn't mean people would buy them.
Reporting on popular teams was the best way out.
On Friday, the 15th, LeBron James, who had already flown to New Orleans, met with his friends in the afternoon.
Tonight was the Development League All-Star Game, and he and his friends would attend together.
When they arrived at the New Orleans Arena, Chris Paul, as the host, was greeting staff and sports reporters.
James saw his "dark-faced" friend and, when he had a moment, took the opportunity to quip:
"Yee! Western Conference All-Star starter, you've caught up to us!"
"In a few years, maybe I'll win a championship earlier than you."
A somewhat inflated Paul, after bumping fists with his friend, also confidently bragged.
Since entering the All-Star starting lineup, his confidence had grown, and he had completely shed the role of a bag-carrying junior.
Noticing the media taking photos, James, dressed in a grey casual suit, covered his mouth and gossiped about recent news, hinting:
"PJ Brown is rumored to be joining the Los Angeles Lakers. You should be familiar with Matt Battelstein, Clay Lee's agent. Someone photographed him having dinner with Kupchak in Los Angeles."
Chris Paul, hearing this news, didn't react much, seemingly not understanding why James cared about this:
"I know Matt, but what's so noteworthy about that?"
Seeing his junior's innocent expression, James was a bit helpless.
He seriously doubted whether the other party was truly a fan of Lee:
"Players' voices are increasing, you know, Bro! It used to be rare for agents to be deeply involved in trades, but it's becoming more and more common these past few years."
Chris Paul still didn't feel much.
He just shrugged his shoulders at his friend's words and then said nonchalantly:
"I just play basketball. I've said it before, I want to be like Lee, working in one city all the time. As long as there are results, management will help me sort out these issues."
LeBron James seriously suspected that the junior in front of him was a "fake fan."
These words didn't sound like an adult.
After a year in the league, he should know that Clay Lee was the decision-maker for the New York Knicks.
This special team status was what James wanted to pursue.
He could choose the most suitable teammates, instead of watching his "Good Brother miss shots":
"You'll know what I'm talking about after you fail a few times in the playoffs. Let's go, Chris, Dwyane can't wait any longer."
Paul shrugged again, actively changed the subject, and left the New Orleans Arena chatting and laughing with James.
As for the other party's words, he didn't take them to heart at all:
"My career has just begun."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)