On sunday, February 17, 2008, All-Star Weekend was still ongoing, and a trade had already occurred in the free market.
The Atlanta Hawks sent Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Sheldon Williams, Lorenzen Wright, and a 2008 second-round pick to the Sacramento Kings, getting their core guard, Mike Bibby, in a 5-for-1 deal!
This trade indicated that the Atlanta Hawks would make a push for the playoffs, and it also meant the Los Angeles Lakers fans' fantasy was shattered.
What saddened some fans even more was that after the trade, Mike Bibby even mocked the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing up old grievances in an interview with an Atlanta reporter:
"I am a severely underrated guard. Yes, I received some recruitment, but I will never play in Los Angeles."
"That series changed the fate of many players. Perhaps we ultimately won't win a championship, but we will definitely gain more respect."
"..."
In mid-January, there was some progress in the betting case.
The list of names exposed included the referees who officiated that year's Western Conference Finals, and there were even accusations of the NBA manipulating games.
Although the NBA tried its best to suppress the impact of the scandal, it was not difficult for anyone with a keen eye to obtain relevant information.
The Los Angeles Lakers' fortunate advancement that year had already become a fact in the eyes of some players.
Fortunately, basketball doesn't lie.
Clay Lee ultimately defeated his opponent, which made many fans proud.
"Good Brother" is truly too strong.
The Dallas Mavericks were also taking action, and information about related trades had basically been confirmed.
Mark Cuban extended an olive branch to Kidd, and Captain America's departure from the Nets was already counting down.
What surprised fans the most was that before the Cavaliers' trade even happened, the locker room completely exploded.
Larry Hughes no longer chose to endure but instead took the initiative to complain to the media:
"I gave everything for the team, and even with the coach's support, some people still want to trade me!"
"The decision to trade wasn't even because of basketball. They trusted the wrong people."
Larry Hughes said a lot in front of reporters, and at the same time, he exposed one thing: Jeff Van Gundy seemed to have been sidelined.
The Champion Coach had lost his voice with the Cavaliers.
After ESPN reported this news, it caused a strong reaction in the NBA circle.
Some coaches came forward to speak out, as they also had their own interests.
If a Champion Coach isn't worthy of respect, then why should they work themselves to death coaching?
Even though everyone knows that this NBA is run by star players, some issues cannot be openly discussed.
This time, Larry Hughes's "broken mouth" attitude completely stirred up a hornet's nest.
That night, before the All-Star Game began, the TNT live broadcast team also kept up with current events and started gossiping. Reggie Miller immediately launched an attack, sternly criticizing:
"Players should not be overly involved in the specific affairs of the team. You can offer opinions, but you should not have disagreements with the coach."
"On this point, Clay Lee did very well. Donnie drafted me back then, and we got along very well with the Indiana Pacers!"
"I heard from Donnie that Lee rarely interferes with his work. To be honest, this exceeded my expectations, but it also shows Clay Lee's professionalism. He is a role model for all players."
After a pause, noticing Doug Collins nodding beside him, Reggie Miller added one last sentence:
"Kobe Bryant even actively requested a trade in the offseason. I don't like to see such news. Every team will have a slump. You can't leave the team just because of poor performance."
"There is only one champion. Many times, we must realize that we are actually playing for the fans. We give back to the fans' support through our excellent performance!"
This old-fashioned view is actually outdated.
Everyone knows that superstars have privileges.
What teams need to do is amplify the advantages of their core players.
As for role players, they are not that important.
As for asking core players to change their technical style, that's even more nonsensical.
Basketball habits formed since childhood are difficult to change easily.
It's better to trade role players than to change the core.
That's the correct approach.
At New Orleans Arena, in the middle of the court, after his partner gave his opinion, Doug Collins did not directly object but said tactfully:
"All signs indicate that the trade was likely proposed by LeBron James. Perhaps he still regrets the loss in last year's Conference Finals."
"But from another perspective, if this trade can solve the backcourt problem, the Cavaliers might go further. You know, they are only 4 wins away from the NBA Finals."
With too many staff around, Marv Albert suppressed his laughter.
This veteran commentator was also a die-hard New York Knicks fan and could only show a "you're right" expression at this moment:
"The Chicago Bulls also seem to be looking for a trade. They have set their sights on the 76ers, and Ben Wallace's departure from Chicago seems to be a foregone conclusion."
"This trade deadline is busier than ever. The Clippers have already bought out Sam Cassell, and the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are currently interested in free agent PJ Brown."
"..."
The three simply gossiped about the news they had gathered today during the broadcast, but most fans in front of the TV were not interested in it.
The New York Knicks won so much that fair-weather fans were too lazy to pay attention to their opponents.
Role players longed to play in New York, but sometimes they resented the New York Knicks' exaggerated "attention-grabbing" ability.
Many fans simply didn't care about their movements, let alone their names.
LeBron James, the person involved, was not affected by the news.
He neither admitted nor denied it.
Compared to teaming up, there was nothing wrong with a trade.
For the 9 PM main game, players needed to arrive at the New Orleans Arena several hours in advance.
In addition to routine interviews, they also needed to warm up early and socialize.
Wade was particularly happy that his idol was selected for the All-Star again this year.
James watched his friend chatting and laughing with Allen Iverson, and couldn't help but tease Anthony:
"Dwyane seems to have forgotten he's a starter. I suspect this guy even wants to pull out a pen for an autograph!"
Hearing his friend tease his idol, Carmelo Anthony, dressed in a white training uniform, felt a complex emotion in his heart, and finally responded grumpily:
"Allen Iverson deserves respect. Are you like Chris, also attended Lee's training camp? Damn it, he swept you last year!"
James, who wanted to say a few more words, was quickly interrupted by his partner behind him.
Howard, who won the "Dunk King", was very happy.
He put his arms around the two and said loudly:
"Too many people are asking me for autographs! Are you two also talking about trades? I don't think it's a big deal. Larry Hughes doesn't like us, so trade him away, and it will unite the team better."
"We just need to exchange for a few shooters with better three-point percentages, and we have a chance to enter the Conference Finals again this year."
His Good Brother Howard also agreed to be sent away.
His agent, Goodwin, even deeply participated in this trade.
The feeling of controlling the team made the happy big boy even more delighted.
As soon as he thought that everyone on the team served him, Howard was excited.
He decided to sleep with a few more big-booty girls tonight.
The frank attitude of the two almost made Anthony dumbfounded.
With the Denver Nuggets, Head Coach George Karl was absolute, and the old man was very stubborn, never allowing players to object.
He originally thought that a Champion Coach would demand even more strictness, but now, seeing Van Gundy's complete lack of pretense, Anthony felt that some impressions about "Champion Coach" had taken a 180-degree turn.
"God, you're all crazy..."
Anthony muttered, and a thought also surfaced in his mind: if his idol couldn't help him, could he also send him away?
With two hours left until the game, in the Eastern Conference All-Star locker room, Joe Johnson and Antawn Jamison listened somewhat cautiously as everyone bragged.
Kidd didn't hide any information.
The old guy even proactively told Lee about his destination, then showed a look of "regret":
"In Dallas, we'll play twice a season. I'm a bit unaccustomed to it. I still prefer the competitive environment here in New York."
Leaning against the massage table, Kidd bragged earnestly, making Lee chuckle.
Noticing the relaxed expression on the other's face, he immediately teased:
"New Jersey fans will miss you. In two years, you'll move to Brooklyn, that's a new arena, more luxurious than Madison Square Garden, with more seats!"
Bringing up this news made Kidd furious.
The Nets fans were the most outrageous he had ever seen, 80% were traitors, and all playoff games against New York were away games:
"I can only say sorry to Vince. I'm fed up with the basketball atmosphere here. Can you imagine a city not far from New York where season tickets can't even be sold?"
"I like Dallas. At least the fans there are very loyal..."
Billups also quickly came over to say hello, and with Chandler also there, the bench unit gathered here, waiting for Lee to "distribute the goodies."
Amidst the laughter, only Garnett and Pierce, dressed in black suits, didn't join the fun, their faces long.
This All-Star Weekend, the two "bound" Ray Allen to them, afraid their teammate would defect.
Ray Allen also didn't object to Garnett's actions..
He was willing to cooperate on work matters.
At this moment, a relaxed smile appeared on his face as he listened to Lee and Kidd gossiping about their rivalry.
As a 12-time All-Star, Lee was currently the most senior star in the NBA, and Kidd was Captain America.
Joe Johnson and Antawn Jamison could only force a smile.
On the other side, James and a few others, having finished their interviews, quickly joined the conversation when they returned to the locker room.
Wade hesitated several times, wanting to speak, but was subtly nudged twice by his good friend and still couldn't bring himself to say it.
Howard knew the rules.
After greeting Gasol, he jokingly approached and asked,
"Lee, who's going to win the award this year? Do I have a chance? I also want to win an AMVP trophy so I can avoid some people pointing fingers at me."
Hearing these words, Kidd shrugged helplessly.
In the United States Team, Howard had mocked Kobe, and it was clear the happy big boy held a grudge and wanted to step on the other party whenever he had the chance.
"Play well, but I think Ray is also suitable for the award. I know him. As long as it's a game, he'll give his all."
"It looks like this year is a competition between the two of you. I promise I'll pass you the ball."
Lee smiled and tilted his head towards his good friend.
Billups didn't object.
He even cooperated by fist-bumping Ray Allen, taking the initiative to show goodwill:
"As long as you're in good form, I guarantee to help you score 30 points, Dwight. Don't lose to the bench. 2 points are not as good as 3 points."
"30 points! If you exceed that score, the trophy is yours!"
Ray Allen also laughed, which made his two teammates beside him feel unhappy, always feeling ignored.
"No, no."
Feigning a wronged expression, Howard shouted, once again enlivening the atmosphere.
Garnett, who had been silent, subconsciously glared at Pierce, as if asking, "Was it like this before?"
Distributing trophies was an old tradition of the Eastern Conference All-Star.
Pierce had been left out in previous years, and seeing his teammate's gaze at this moment, he helplessly explained in a low voice:
"Lee started this activity a long time ago. Everyone doesn't object. As long as you inform in advance, you can even get help."
Only then did Garnett remember the Rookie James winning an award a few years ago.
He had thought it was the Rookie being proactive, but he didn't expect it to be "fixed" in advance.
He wanted to object, but he didn't know what to say.
After all, if there were no objections to playing the game, those sitting in the stands had even less right to point fingers.
Chandler kept grinning foolishly.
He didn't care about the trophy.
Being an All-Star was already a highlight of his career.
Tonight, he invited a group of relatives and friends to watch the game.
When Gasol began sharing "Spanish flavored snacks," he noticed Garnett seemed a bit unhappy and kindly comforted him:
"Buddy, don't worry about injuries. Your record is great. Second place has home-court advantage until the semifinals."
Looking at the Spanish big man sharing his playoff experience, Garnett's eye twitched slightly.
He didn't like "second place," but at this moment, he had to control his temper:
"Thanks, Bro! My body is fine. I have 2 more months, and I'll be back soon."
"..."
In the Western Conference All-Star locker room, the atmosphere was a little awkward.
Tim Duncan became a substitute, and Dirk Nowitzki successfully took his place.
Host Chris Paul became a starter, and veteran scoring champion Allen Iverson came off the bench for the Rookie.
Although Kobe received encouragement from Bill Russell, in this year's All-Star Game, he was willing but unable.
His finger injury meant he could only make an appearance before being substituted.
Head Coach Scott felt this was the best arrangement.
After all, Iverson was also a veteran, and the host also had to respect the veteran.
Paul, this Rookie, still had to follow instructions for now.
Brandon Roy, making his first All-Star appearance, didn't expect the locker room to have such an atmosphere.
Not many people were talking; only Iverson and Anthony were having a good time.
"Tim, do you want more playing time? I respect your choice."
Looking directly at Duncan, Head Coach Scott, dressed in a black suit, smiled as he sought his opinion.
The latter glanced at Kobe beside him, finally shook his head, and calmly said,
"I'm already 32 years old. Let's give the opportunity to the youngsters."
Amare Stoudemire also followed suit, glancing at Duncan, a strange smile on his face.
In the locker room, he had the most rings, and at this moment, he spoke up:
"Boss, leave the game to us! I'll help you take care of Chris and David."
David West saw that Paul made no indication, so he also smiled and nodded in agreement.
As for the other rhythm master, Steve Nash, he started zoning out as soon as he entered the locker room.
The Phoenix Suns' situation was not good.
O'Neal's arrival disrupted the original tactical system, and without Marion, their transition offense was greatly affected.
General Manager Steve Kerr's operations made Nash dissatisfied, but he never complained, though he felt in his heart that the championship was getting further and further away from him.
Yao Ming in the locker room was also very quiet.
After listening to the coach's brief game arrangements, he quickly gathered with everyone and cheered.
The game was about to begin.
The New Orleans All-Star Game was filled with a large amount of jazz music.
The city's Mardi Gras and music festivals are very famous, and the atmosphere at the New Orleans Arena that night was at its peak.
Jeff Van Gundy, who was at home in Cleveland, was also watching the broadcast.
He also invited assistant coaches and many players to watch the game together.
When he heard "12-time All-Star," Van Gundy, sitting on the sofa, felt a bit dazed.
In '96, when Clay Lee first entered the NBA and was selected for the All-Star, the entire New York Knicks team celebrated.
At that time, he was still a Rookie Coach, and when he heard that Clay Lee was selected, he also smiled broadly, feeling very proud in his heart.
This time, the betrayal by the The Chosen One and Howard deeply saddened Van Gundy.
The player he had personally nurtured was not standing with him.
Even now, he still couldn't believe the team would agree to this trade.
Years of effort seemed to have turned into a joke.
If he had known this, wouldn't it have been better to stay in New York?
A feeling of regret suddenly filled his heart.
When he saw Lee on the broadcast screen easily assisting Howard to take flight with a pick-and-roll, Van Gundy's face showed an unwilling expression, and he sighed in his heart:
"Did I do something wrong?"
Zydrunas Ilgauskas had the best interpersonal relationships on the Cavaliers.
James respected him, and he had also looked after Howard.
Noticing that the coach hadn't spoken for a long time, he couldn't help but comfort him:
"Don't worry, Larry, he's an adult, he'll accept this outcome. That's how the NBA is, many times trades are just business, we all understand."
As general manager, Van Gundy had an inexplicable trust in Larry Hughes, his first acquisition.
This was a common problem for many coaches.
"If I say you can do it, you can do it" was also very common in the NBA.
"Thank you, I'm just worried about the team's injury problems."
"I want to increase training after the All-Star Weekend, Z. You can communicate with everyone then. We must get serious."
Smiling and nodding, Zydrunas Ilgauskas immediately agreed, then looked around.
Larry Hughes, Ira Newble, and a few others were no longer there.
It was difficult for everyone to evaluate the trade between the team and the Seattle SuperSonics.
They had indeed tried their best, and it wasn't their fault that the results didn't meet expectations.
Thibodeau was very familiar with Van Gundy's house in Cleveland.
Both of them were workaholics, often discussing tactics even after returning home from work.
He and Van Gundy both had deep feelings for this Cavaliers team.
All the players were personally selected by them.
Thibodeau also felt a bit sad thinking about the team's operations.
Sometimes, the general manager's power is greater than the Head Coach's, and that's currently the case with the Cavaliers.
Returning to his room, Thibodeau noticed Van Gundy staring intently at Clay Lee on the television.
Understanding his partner, he immediately realized that he had already regretted it.
Staying in New York might have been the best choice.
"We will succeed. Time is on our side!"
Thibodeau stepped forward and patted his partner's shoulder.
Van Gundy didn't respond with his usual confidence.
Instead, he continued to stare at the television, watching Lee dribble past and toy with the opposing Rookie:
"OH—! What a move!"
"That was pure magic!"
Marv Albert's familiar commentary voice came from the television.
Van Gundy, watching the game intently, felt as if he was back in the New Orleans Arena that made him feel so spirited, which was the pride of his life.
Gradually coming back to his senses, the Champion Coach looked up at his partner, still not responding, only letting out a long sigh.
Thinking of the old man who was lying flat, he subconsciously sighed in his heart:
"Turns out, giving the ball to the core doesn't necessarily guarantee success."
.....
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