On Saturday, February 16, 2008, at 3 PM that afternoon, the D-League All-Star Game officially commenced at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
Friday's Celebrity Game and Rookie Challenge were not very successful.
The betting scandal, which surfaced last month, coupled with the environment in New Orleans, meant that the number of visiting fans did not meet expectations.
NBA Commissioner David Stern was somewhat helpless about this.
In fact, some had questioned this year's host city early on, but after Hurricane Katrina, the city needed support.
On Friday, Lee was still holding a new product launch in Manhattan.
He didn't go early as usual, and the reason was simple: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin had openly complained about Axe Capital.
As early as 2000-2004, New Orleans had the highest per capita murder rate among all US cities.
It was known as the "Murder Capital" and had repeatedly broken crime records.
In 2006, the deaths and displacement of refugees caused by Hurricane Katrina led to the disappearance of nearly half the population, widespread chaos, and homelessness, and the city again set a new murder record.
Last year, thousands of New Orleans residents marched to City Hall for a rally, demanding that police and city leaders address the crime problem.
Finally, Mayor Ray Nagin publicly stated:
"I am fully focused on solving this problem!"
The slogan was shouted loudly, but this year the crime rate continued to rise.
Then, facing questioning, Ray Nagin publicly complained, shifting the public's anger:
"Some financial capital has gained unimaginable wealth by exploiting our disaster. At this time, we must unite!"
"..."
Donkey Party newspapers also chimed in, and soon the struggling populace turned their anger towards Axe Capital, which was making big money.
The city's resentment towards wealth grew stronger.
If one could think calmly, it would not be difficult for onlookers to realize that the post-disaster reconstruction led by this mayor was actually a huge business!
80% of the city was flooded, and there were too many areas to rebuild.
The interests involved far exceeded some people's imagination.
Ray Nagin obviously just wanted to quietly rake in money, and as for the crime rate, it was none of his business.
As the election approached, many machines started to move.
Lee rarely visited some extremely blue cities.
Considering that the other side liked boomerangs, he even stopped accepting invitations to some TV shows in recent years.
Michael Jordan's increasing low profile in recent years is also due to this reason.
"Fan-based marketing" creates antagonistic emotions among consumers.
Nike's strategy for this is to quietly make a fortune, as athletes are the perfect camouflage.
On Saturday afternoon, LeBron James and others who appeared before the media were very high-profile.
This year, all their good brothers were selected for the All-Star, which was definitely something to celebrate!
James not only congratulated Chris Paul but also seized the opportunity to wish Kevin Johnson, who had confirmed his participation in the election:
"It's great to see players speaking out on a formal stage. Many players, like me, care about Kevin. He will succeed, and we all support him!"
Having confirmed his candidacy for Mayor of Sacramento, Kevin Johnson has also been campaigning in the NBA recently.
On the young players' side, James proactively took on the task, bringing his good brothers to speak out for the elder.
Although verbal support doesn't really help much, if enough people support him, it can still influence Sacramento, as elections sometimes depend on "packaging."
Not many fans came to the Morial Convention Center to watch the game.
Just as yesterday's carnival event didn't reach expected popularity, the D-League's ability to "attract attention" was limited.
For ordinary fans, they can't even name some NBA role players.
Expecting everyone to recognize D-League stars is inherently impossible.
At 3 PM, the game officially began.
James, Wade, Anthony, and Chris Paul, sitting in the front row, occasionally chatted and laughed in low voices.
The game itself wasn't particularly exciting.
Anthony, recalling last night's Rookie Challenge, couldn't help but tease his friend beside him:
"Gibson shot the three-pointer very well. Why was your accuracy so low last year? Damn it, don't tell me you were so nervous you were scared."
With 11 three-pointers in a single game, Gibson lifted the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy last night.
Rajon Rondo also performed well in the game, easily achieving a double-double.
Cheers occasionally erupted in the New Orleans Arena.
James, seeing his friend's gaze, helplessly tilted his head and meaningfully said:
"The Conference Finals are really different. It's hard for me to describe. Maybe Dwyane can give you an answer."
Wade was laughing softly with Chris Paul while watching the game.
Hearing his friend's words, and glancing at the indifferent Anthony, he immediately whispered:
"LeBron is telling the truth. It's actually quite lucky to be able to play in the Western Conference!"
"It's also hard for me to describe that feeling. Clay Lee's state is completely different. Even if the Boston Celtics have a better roster this year, I don't favor them."
"Shaq told me that Lee isn't really interested in playing regular season games. Those veterans are just fooling themselves. In reality, only their bodies have declined."
Wade was too embarrassed to repeat Shaq's exact words in front of his friend:
"Truly talented players don't need to train crazily."
This was also the reason Shaq left.
He was incompatible with the Miami Heat.
Pat Riley couldn't control Shaq, but he could control the Rookie.
Wade had completely integrated into the Miami Heat's team culture.
He believed in the vision painted by the slick-haired boss.
The two friends who had played in the Conference Finals inadvertently began to show off, which made Anthony a bit annoyed.
Fortunately, he still had a younger brother beside him, so he looked at Chris Paul and teased him in a low voice:
"How about it, Chris, do you believe their nonsense?"
"If it weren't for Clay Lee, maybe you could win the MVP this year. Glenn Robinson really should say more good things about you in front of the media."
As Carmelo Anthony, dressed in a loose black suit, leaned forward, the gold chain on his neck also swayed.
Chris Paul always felt that Anthony had a bias against Lee, so he said earnestly:
"Maybe they are telling the truth, after all, I haven't played in the Conference Finals."
"MVP? You're joking, no one can compete with Lee this year."
Hearing this, the three began to tease their younger brother, but deep down, they all had different emotions.
In fact, everyone wanted to win awards.
James remembered his popularity being surpassed by Howard, and Wade, who was a plunging number one pick, felt some regret.
If he had returned earlier, perhaps the Miami Heat would still have had hope for the playoffs.
The one who spoke the most enthusiastically but felt the most pain was Anthony.
Ever since his idol came to Denver, he hadn't won a single game against the New York Knicks...
"Oh!"
A spectacular dunk made the fans cheer loudly.
The three, fully alert, suddenly lost interest in discussing.
This was not their era.
"Old guy" had begun his final madness.
On Saturday night, the atmosphere at the New Orleans Arena finally heated up.
Not only did over 17,000 fans pour in, but NBA legends also arrived.
Karl Malone, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Darryl Dawkins, and Dominique Wilkins were the judges for this year's Dunk Contest.
Bill Russell also appeared early in the New Orleans Arena.
"The Lord of the Rings" had been encouraging the Boston Celtics this season.
The main purpose of the old veteran's visit this time was actually to "resolve grudges."
Initially, the group of old men were laughing and talking, but as the All-Star game approached, a slightly awkward atmosphere settled over the venue.
The San Antonio Spurs team consisted of Becky Hammon and David Robinson.
Tim Duncan was supposed to be there too, but the big man had left, so the current player was replaced by Tony Parker.
Sports reporters didn't care about David Robinson's mood.
They kept surrounding him, occasionally asking teasing questions.
"David, did Tim Duncan communicate with you when he left? Popovich just got out of the hospital, have you talked to him about the future of the San Antonio Spurs?"
The TNT reporter, ignoring David Robinson's grim expression, asked the question and then practically shoved the microphone into his mouth.
It was supposed to be a joyful Saturday, but David Robinson couldn't smile.
Tim Duncan's departure was also a big blow to him.
His abdication back then seemed to have been in vain.
The reporters on the court seemed to be increasing.
Not wanting to be surrounded, David Robinson could only force a smile and once again utter platitudes:
"Of course I got the news. I respect Tim's choice. After all, he's not young anymore, and I completely understand the desire to chase a championship."
"Oh!!"
A burst of cheers quickly erupted in the New Orleans Arena.
Clay Lee, dressed in a dark gray suit, appeared on the court.
At this moment, no one cared about David Robinson's feelings.
Some fans even started to jeer and shout:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
The San Antonio Spurs legend completely lost his smile.
David Robinson had rarely praised Clay Lee since his retirement.
There was no real animosity between them, but the "Admiral" just felt uncomfortable, a feeling hard to describe.
Bill Russell also wasn't as enthusiastic as in previous years.
The New York Media's crazy mockery and belittling of ancient basketball almost had his rings "confiscated."
Furthermore, as a Boston Celtics legend, Bill Russell had repeatedly supported Garnett.
He respected the current leader's views, believing that maintaining "hostility" helped unite the team.
The only one truly enthusiastic in the New Orleans Arena was Magic Johnson.
Ignoring Karl Malone's grim face beside him, he smiled brightly, pulled Lee over, and playfully remarked,
"We were just talking about you. Pat will definitely be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, and we're all guessing who his presenter will be."
Lee didn't care about Karl Malone's mood.
He chuckled as he leaned in and said,
"It must be Coach Thompson. I know Pat. The Georgetown championship was unforgettable. Sometimes I miss college basketball too."
"If it weren't for the rules, I think Pat would definitely choose you. When you get inducted into the Hall of Fame, I don't mind being your presenter. Everyone here supports you!"
With a wide grin revealing his white teeth, Magic Johnson laughed heartily as he spoke of this, instantly livening up the atmosphere.
Karl Malone couldn't hold back for a moment and couldn't help but say sourly,
"Maybe Clay Lee will play until he's 40, Magic. You still have a long time to wait!"
His beard mostly white, Karl Malone's physique hadn't changed, but he was unhappy seeing Lee.
Even now, he couldn't let it go.
"I've won too much. If there's no challenge, I've even considered retiring in a few years. You know, we always crave excellent opponents. Competition is the most interesting thing."
Lee, being stared at by the old man, smiled and twisted the knife further.
Julius Erving and the others all laughed along.
This kind of Karl Malone was rare.
When Kobe appeared, he didn't elicit much reaction from the fans.
Since the "video incident" was exposed, coupled with his active trade, his popularity had further declined.
With Tim Duncan joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles fans even preferred this low-key and humble big man. The "One-Team, One-City Award" was flawed and difficult to mend.
Soon, reporters noticed Kobe.
Some gathered to interview him, deliberately looking around as they pointedly asked,
"Is Tim Duncan not here? Kobe, did you not come to New Orleans together?"
"Tim Duncan's position in the MVP rankings has surpassed yours. If the Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to compete for this award, which of you two will ultimately win the trophy?"
"..."
The annoying "flies" seized the opportunity to ask irritating questions.
During the previous media day, Kobe hadn't given reporters a good look, and now he responded with a grim face,
"You'll see Tim tomorrow. You can ask him yourself then."
"I want to tell you again, I don't care about statistics, and I'm not interested in chasing trophies. My only goal is victory. I don't care who wins the award at all."
After answering the questions, Kobe no longer gave anyone a chance.
He quickly sat in his seat, resting his hands on his knees, quietly waiting for the start of the individual skills challenges.
Shaq, who had entered early on the other side, was also unhappy.
It wasn't because of his partner, but mainly because Howard claimed to be "Superman" and was rumored to be doing something special in the Dunk Contest.
The petty Shaq was furious when he heard this news.
Any Tom, Dick, or Harry was trying to steal his nickname?
A blue-collar player wanted to be called "Superman"?
He originally didn't want to come to New Orleans, but Shaq ultimately couldn't control himself.
He wanted to witness Howard's dunk in person, and if there were any flaws, he'd find an opportunity to belittle him!
After the Shooting Stars event, the Chicago team lifted the championship trophy.
In the subsequent Three-Point Contest, Jason Kapono successfully defended his title, and his 25 points in the final round almost broke Clay Lee's record.
In the Skills Challenge, Chris Paul, who had prepared for a long time, made it to the finals.
Amidst the cheers of the home fans, he was crushed by Deron Williams in the final.
25.5 seconds, also almost breaking Lee's record.
Watching his opponent lift the trophy in his home New Orleans Arena, Paul could only applaud dejectedly in the end.
New rules were added to the Dunk Contest.
In the final stage, the champion would be decided by fan votes.
The happy big boy became the most watched player in this event.
Rudy Gay, Gerald Green, and Jamario Moon all became backdrops.
Four dunks, all with high completion.
When Gibson helped his teammate tear off his jersey and put on a red cape, LeBron James on the sidelines also cheered loudly.
TNT, as the broadcaster, quickly aimed the camera at Shaquille O'Neal, who was holding a camera.
Shaq showed no outward signs of displeasure.
Instead, he smiled happily, occasionally letting out strange shouts to incite the fans.
As "Superman took flight," the individual skills challenges reached their climax.
In the final voting segment, Howard undoubtedly won this year's "Dunk King."
"A fantastic night, unbelievable, I really did it!"
"Thanks to my family, thanks to my little brother Gibson, they have always supported me!"
"Also, thanks to the fans who voted for me, you are amazing, you successfully made Superman fly."
"Yeah, and my good brother LeBron. I hope he doesn't mind that my popularity has surpassed his. Maybe in the future, we'll even compete in the Dunk Contest!"
Holding the trophy, Howard grinned widely and gave a round of thanks, then suddenly pointed his remarks at his teammate, which brought the atmosphere to another climax.
Facing the camera, LeBron James, dressed in a dark gray suit, could only pound his chest with his fist, then flashed a confident smile and pointed at his good partner.
On the surface, it was deep brotherly affection, but James was furious inside.
This little brother was becoming increasingly presumptuous, and he had even campaigned for him:
"As long as the trade happens, this guy must also transform quickly."
More than 17,000 fans were cheering loudly at this moment.
Howard had successfully stirred everyone's emotions, which made Kobe, sitting in the front row, particularly annoyed.
Even a Rookie was more popular than him.
After all the individual events concluded, Shaq quickly left, which somewhat frustrated Bill Russell, who had been preparing to mediate.
Years ago, he had tried to reconcile the two, but Shaq outwardly agreed.
However, in interviews, whenever the championship was brought up, he would immediately become sarcastic, constantly belittling his old partner and emphasizing his own importance.
Kobe was the same.
He would fully agree with Bill Russell, but as soon as reporters provoked him, he would unconsciously boast about being a champion guard.
Over all these years, there was no sign of their relationship improving.
This time, Shaq even personally entered the fray, wanting to block Kobe.
Seeing Lee and Magic Johnson leave with smiles and laughter, Kobe became "unhappy" again.
The team legends weren't giving him face.
Fortunately, Bill Russell was still very concerned about him:
"Don't mind those boring reputations. I've always been watching the young players in the league."
"I don't want to measure success by championships. I prefer to see the hunger in a player's eyes!"
"Bringing that hunger onto the court, transforming that hunger into motivation, that's what I want to see, and that's how I evaluate players."
Bill Russell patted Kobe's shoulder, revealing a kind smile.
Seeing him looking at him, he encouraged him again,
"You are the player I admire most in the league. I am proud of your efforts! Shaq is your partner, you should understand each other. Fans want to see you reconcile even more."
Kobe nodded, indicating he understood.
As the two began to move towards the tunnel, Bill Russell suddenly heard another question:
"What can I see in Lee? How can I use hunger to defeat Lee? You know, because of those failures, I even suffer from insomnia. I don't know what to do."
Bill Russell felt a bit awkward.
He couldn't see anything in Lee.
The other person simply didn't drink motivational "chicken soup."
But at this moment, he couldn't say, "I don't know either":
"God has already given the answer! Don't you already know it?"
"Hard work will eventually pay off. God will not let down a child like you..."
"..."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)