NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 799 Giving Back to the Fans, Conquering CAB?! (Daily Chapter)
On Sunday, June 26, 2011, with the conclusion of the NBA draft, Knicks general manager Donnie Walsh's actions once again sparked heated discussions among basketball commentators.

Just a few days before his official retirement, Downey, as he had promised on the MSG show, did not trade any rookies during the draft.

Even more outrageous, sources have revealed that the Knicks have no plans to make any trades in the next few years, and their plan is to fully capitalize on the four-year rookie bonus!
New York fans, however, didn't react much. They're busy celebrating the 2012 championship, and the New York fan club is up to its usual antics every night.
Random street interviews were very popular, and if the answers were satisfactory, everyone would "beat up" the mascots of Anthony, Kobe, Pierce, and Garnett.

The three teams that live close to each other are really unlucky. New York fans know very well that the other side hates the Knicks, not only in basketball, baseball, and football, but also in football.

As for why there was no ice hockey, it was because the team's performance was so poor that they were ridiculed by their neighbors.
The four major sports leagues provide sports fans with plenty of entertainment. In short, Knicks' loyal fans don't care at all about the rookie players' actual abilities.

If it weren't for Kyrie Irving's immense fame and dazzling playing style during his high school years, New York fans wouldn't have been interested in finding out who was actually the number one draft pick.

Winning is the most important thing. Stephon Marbury, who also became famous in high school, is a native New Yorker, but he has now been expelled from New York and no one mentions him as the "Son of New York" anymore.
On the day of the draft, the 76ers traded Nikola Vucevic, the 16th overall pick from the University of Southern California, for restricted free agent Thaddeus Young.

Including this trade, Chandler Parsons (selected 34th overall by the Bobcats) and Isaiah Thomas (selected 54th overall by the Mavericks);
The Knicks acquired seven rookies in this year's draft, resulting in a complete overhaul of the team and easing salary pressures.

The two players from the second round were ignored by commentators. In fact, in recent years, most of the Knicks' last-round picks have performed well, but those from the second round usually have a hard time establishing themselves on the team.

This morning, ESPN's Sports Center released another draft clip, showing Nikola Vucevic beaming with joy after learning he had been traded by the 76ers before the second round of the draft.

The New York fans in the arena immediately cheered for the big man, so much so that Vucevic, in his interview, spoke excitedly in French, only realizing his mistake when he switched to English:
"I'm so happy to be able to play alongside the GOAT; it's something every rookie dreams of."

"."

The big man, whose expression changed drastically, was attacked on social media by 76ers fans who felt he was disrespecting Kobe. Fortunately, Thaddeus Young, who joined his new team, did not take any action and updated his status immediately.

In addition to thanking the Knicks, Thaddeus Young also made a promise on Twitter:

“I understand Philadelphia’s struggles. When I come to this new team, I will bring my championship experience with me. As a young leader, I will grow with the team in the coming years!”

After ESPN aired the interview clips and screenshots from social media, host Grant Hill felt a sense of déjà vu about the scene. He looked at the card in his hand and a strange expression appeared on his face.
“Stoudemire has expressed similar thoughts.”

Stephen A. Smith, who had been working as an analyst over the weekend, was naturally aware of the situation, and at this moment, he grinned widely and said sarcastically:
"It's not just about the gap in honors and statistics; Kobe needs to realize one thing: nobody in the league likes to work with him!"

“He should learn from LeBron, recognize his own strengths, stop taking so many shots with the 76ers, and learn to share the ball. It’s not a bad thing. In the next few years, Young can help reshape the locker room culture.”

Grant Hill, uninterested in discussing the Mamba Mentality, proactively changed the subject, asking:

"Whether the seven rookies will become the cornerstone that Downey mentioned, I think many fans are still confused at this point, just like Jimmy Butler, people don't know much about him."

Jimmy Butler, who didn't attend the draft, was essentially ignored by New York fans. Stephen A. Smith, who knew more about the players, was evasive in his answers to questions due to the abundance of rookies this year.
"I think the Knicks will still need to rely on Lee if they want to chase the championship!"

"Many basketball commentators believe that Lee will decline, citing Michael Jordan's performance at age 34, but I have never agreed with this view. GOAT is on another level."

"The team still has experienced veterans, so I'm never worried about winning the championship. I think many fans, like me, just hope that Li can stay healthy for the next few years."

"."

Without mentioning much about the rookie's abilities, the Knicks' roster is already very crowded, and a new round of intense competition is about to begin. Grant Hill, who knows the inside story, also wants to wish the rookie good luck.

Both men were certain the Knicks would return to the NBA Finals next season. Before concluding the discussion, Stephen A. Smith summed it up:
"There will be no Summer League. I received information from the players' union that all training programs for rookies this year have also been cancelled."

"This will be a variable for the new season. The suspension issue is what everyone is facing. From this perspective, it is good for the Knicks. It is always a good thing for the veterans to get more rest."

-

On Tuesday, June 28, a peculiar sight appeared at the New York Stock Exchange: many staff and traders wore Manchester United red jerseys, and the reporters present all wore smiles.

Although Li You has been in the UK during this period, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase have been actively promoting themselves, offering services for a fee, and striving to satisfy their major clients.

Manchester United, which is about to go public, has completely shed its debts, a brand-new sports science department has been introduced into the team, and the equipment and buildings invested in in previous years have been put into use.

With stable sponsors, excellent club performance, and talented players, the club is in a transitional phase, but with continued investment, it is sure to thrive!
The purpose of going public is to raise funds. Of course, Li You will indeed take a share, but Wall Street analysts never mention this.

In short, according to reports from mainstream media such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, this is a rapidly growing football club, so just buy it!

The area outside the New York Stock Exchange was a sea of ​​red, with a huge Manchester United logo hanging at the top and the Red Football Capital logo appearing around it. Soccer ball balloons were also hung in front of the entrance, creating a lively scene.

CNBC reporters didn't react much when David Gill and his entourage appeared, but photographers quickened their pace when Li You, dressed in a black suit and red scarf, appeared with Milinda and Ivana.

Upon seeing the reporters with their "long guns and short cannons," the JPMorgan Chase team quickly moved away. The atmosphere had been unsettling lately, with more and more protesters appearing, and some people were inciting public hatred towards large investment institutions.

Those who didn't want to be interviewed greeted Li You quietly and quickly left into the exchange. Facing the swarm of reporters, Li You still smiled, as if he hadn't read a newspaper in months.

In recent years, netizens have suddenly noticed that Emma Stone, the female lead of "Easy A," looks very similar to Li You's girlfriend. Since Milinda hasn't spent much time in Manhattan in the past two years, many people have dug up old photos of her.

When many reporters pointed their cameras at the smiling blonde girl, they realized that the previous gossip was unreliable.

36-year-old Milinda is noticeably more refined, with her features and figure improved dramatically. She looks almost exactly the same as when she worked at Skadden, D.C. Law Firm, still radiating energy.
Both women were dressed in business suits; their good figures were still visible even under the trousers and blazers. Each had an arm around Li You, and as more and more reporters approached, Melinda looked up and whispered:

“Darling, Ivana and I will go ahead first.”

The New York media have been mocking Donald from time to time these past few months, saying that Ivana only wants to be in front of the camera but doesn't want to answer those boring questions.

Ivana kissed Li You's cheek on tiptoe, a smile spreading across her face. She then pulled Milinda back, adding, "Don't pay attention to those pointless questions."

Many reporters were disappointed to see the two blonde beauties quickly leaving behind the JPMorgan Chase group. Although this wasn't the first time they had seen the two getting along well, they couldn't delve into the gossip, which meant a significant loss of traffic.

"This is the first time you've given instructions to the management since taking over Manchester United, Lee. Will you be focusing on England in the coming years?"

After asking her question, the Reuters reporter didn't forget to show off her long, blonde waves, which made the Guardian reporter next to her roll his eyes. Since coming from Manchester, he had noticed that most of his American colleagues were blondes.
“Relisting is not an easy task. There is still a lot of work to be done after delisting from the London Stock Exchange. David has been a great help in this regard, and I naturally want to stand with the team at this crucial time.”

"The basic infrastructure is mostly complete. After the listing, the club will continue to improve. We plan to introduce a brand-new training system, which will benefit the youth training system."

"Of course, this part of the specific work still depends on David and the others. For the next few years, I will still be in Manhattan, and I will keep my promise to the New York fans."

Li You gave a simple answer to the questions, and Bloomberg naturally didn't press the issue, proactively asking about the AB equity structure. Forbes and Babbitt also inquired about the use of funds and other related questions.

"I think Manchester United fans have a lot of trust in Red Football Capital. In recent years we have completely gotten rid of debt, and the bonds we issued have also delivered on their promises."

"Maintaining this shareholding structure is to ensure my control over the club. Football is a wonderful sport, and I never hide my love for it!"

"."

Li You kept spouting empty promises and grandiose claims, leaving the British reporters at the scene unable to find an opportunity. By the time David Gill and his team arrived, the first round of interviews had already ended.

"Well done!"

While posing for a photo in front of the New York Stock Exchange, Li You smiled and whispered to the gray-haired David Gill, who glanced at the reporters who had followed him from Manchester and quipped in a low voice:
"Those guys are always trying to make a big splash, hoping the stock price won't drop significantly."

The offering price was $15. After so much publicity and a revised financial report, Li You was very confident. He patted the group on the shoulder and led them into the exchange.

When Li You appeared, the hall instantly erupted in excitement. Some onlookers crowded around, some wanted to take photos with him, some volunteered, and some even made abstract declarations of love.

The scene was chaotic until security personnel escorted the thugs out, at which point the atmosphere returned to normal. Several British journalists had experienced firsthand Li You's influence.
Since Forbes released its list of the world's billionaires in March of this year, British fans and media have felt "awe," while American onlookers feel that Li You exudes "fragrance."

With $161 billion, Li You quietly rose to 40th place. Although the old money still looked down on him, the green dollars were radiating considerable influence.

Unlike other billionaires, Li You is a familiar face to the general public in his daily life.

In Manhattan or Greenwich, some people might even be able to walk their kids with Li You, and if they're willing to spend money on the relatively expensive Knicks season ticket, they could even see Li You every week.
His enormous personal wealth has even influenced the NBA league and the players' union.

David Stern has been calling frequently, hoping that Li You will remain silent. Billy Hunter has also been calling and texting constantly, hoping that Li You will stand up and support his actions, and support players suspending the season to earn money overseas.

The board of directors is the same, but the bosses mostly don't talk about basketball matters. There's a charity golf tournament in mid-July, where they can swing and discuss "life".
Before the bell rang, British media with cameras captured the grand occasion. Neymar, who had come to the United States with his father, faced the camera somewhat reservedly. His English was still not very good, and he could only smile at this moment.

"This is the next David! Hey, I know some American sports fans can't remember player names, but everyone knows Beckham."

Li You joked with the New York Times reporters, patted the young man next to him, and gave a brief introduction in fluent Portuguese, which made the father and son smile.

Beckham continues to earn money even after retirement, setting an example for many players. Championships are great, but pounds and dollars are even more appealing.
At 10 o'clock, when they arrived at the balcony of the main room, Li You and his group clapped happily as the clock rang continuously.

David Gill beamed as he bustled about, having secured Class B shares. He knew that as long as the club maintained stable growth, the value of these shares would soon increase.

-

On Thursday, June 30, mainstream British media reported on Manchester United's IPO, and within two days, the stock price rose from $15 to $23.

Despite a slight dip, Manchester United remains the world's most valuable sports club, with a market value exceeding 26 billion.

The $4 million raised also provided Li You with some "baby formula money," as the little ones grew up and the Li family football team needed support.

In addition to reporting on Manchester United's IPO, The New York Times also published a column questioning the NBA's revenue.

On the last day of the collective bargaining agreement, the players' union remained firm in its stance. As the article states, the union does not believe that the 22 teams in the league are still operating at a loss.

They also refused to accept the NBA's estimate of a $3.7 million loss!

The article concludes by including an interview from the New York Stock Exchange from a couple of days prior, in which Li You was asked whether he would support players playing overseas should a similar situation arise, such as the NFL's four-month shutdown. Li You gave a positive answer:
"Family is the most important thing. Many players need to work. We have no reason to criticize players who go overseas to play. Everyone needs to work hard and earn money."

At 4 p.m., mainstream sports media outlets unanimously reported that labor negotiations had broken down again and that the next round of negotiations would be postponed indefinitely.

Charles Barkley even expressed a pessimistic view in the final episode of TNT's program:
"In my opinion, there will be no 2011-12 season. The players were fully prepared for this suspension, and no one will accept a hard salary cap and more non-guaranteed contracts."

At the same time, a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer also updated their Twitter account, releasing even more explosive news:
"If the season is suspended, Kobe will take a group of players to China to play. Kobe believes that fans on the other side of the ocean will welcome him more, and he wants to give back to his supporters in the East."

The news quickly became a trending topic, and soon sources confirmed that Kobe had contacted a CBA team!
The entire NBA community was in an uproar. Mamba was truly tough, going to the other side of the ocean to give back to the fans during the suspension of the season. Chinese sports media, upon hearing the news, also got excited.

Stephon Marbury, who quietly returned to New York, also updated his Twitter. He was embarrassed by his lack of success in Shanxi and Foshan over the past two seasons, but still took the opportunity to recommend the CBA:

"If you're tired of the NBA championship game, then playing in China will earn you more respect!"

"."

(End of this chapter)