NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 800 No Champion, Still the "Protagonist" (Daily Life Chapter)

On Friday, July 1, 2011, due to the breakdown of labor negotiations, players would be unable to use the team's training facilities for some time, and more and more players took to social media to voice their opinions.

Although many team executives believe that "playing overseas" is just empty talk, the vast majority of players have expressed a tough stance, and several well-known stars have even demonstrated their determination with concrete actions!

ESPN broke the news on its website this morning that Kobe Bryant has decided to play in the CBA, and his agent Pelinka even stated it directly:
"We will first hold a few exhibition matches in Manila, and then we will go to China to discuss the franchise matter."

"Kobe wants to give back to Chinese fans for their support."

After the news broke, social media exploded again. Mamba wasn't just talking; this time he was serious!
They even arranged exhibition games. Once the season is suspended, they will head straight to the CBA. Philadelphia fans who saw the news were stunned. Why are they suddenly going to play on the other side of the ocean?

On Reddit, the 76ers community unusually saw a large influx of casual observers. Some fans still didn't believe Kobe would actually play in China, leading to a variety of discussions and speculations about the Mamba's motivations.
"Is it still 2011? New York fans are celebrating the 2012 championship. Kobe has retired? He's going to play for the Shanghai Sharks?"

"Why not the Guangdong Tigers? Yi Jianlian is on that team, so if he were to go to the CBA, this would be the best option!"

"Has Kobe gone mad? Is he planning to end his career here and go to China to pursue a championship?"

"Stephen Marbury did not succeed in China, and Kobe would have had a hard time winning a championship if he went to play in the CBA."

"Dude, what are you talking about? That's the Deadly Mamba. Kobe could easily win the championship there."

"Kobe is just a clown. He's afraid of losing. Lee will lead the Knicks to the championship in 2012, and we've already started designing the championship rings!"

"."

The responses from New York fans quickly sparked outrage, and the posts escalated into heated arguments. More and more fans began to wonder why Kobe would suddenly decide to play in the CBA.
The news has generated tremendous buzz, with even the US Today reporting on Kobe Bryant's decision to play abroad. Even casual fans are calling it outrageous, wondering why the Mamba would make such a decision.

On the first day of the off-season, Dirk Nowitzki, who won the championship, was not the main character, nor was Li You, who pushed Manchester United to go public. As for the rookie players, no one was even discussing them.

Everyone was puzzled: as a superstar in the league, what was Kobe's reason for being so determined to go to China?
During ESPN's First Take program that afternoon, Skip Bayliss and Stephen A. Smith naturally wouldn't miss this hot news, and the two were already itching to "output" their opinions.

Host Dana Jacobson was equally curious, noting that in American public opinion, the CBA is considered a low-level league, even inferior to the Development League.
Just two days ago, the NBA announced that it would add a Development League team next season. There are quite a few secondary leagues in the United States, and their level is better than that of the CBA.

Kobe wouldn't feel any sense of accomplishment from "stomping" weaker opponents.
"I think many fans watching on TV are discussing Kobe's choice right now. Why is the CBA league so attractive to this superstar?"

"Stephen, what impact do you think Kobe's 'decision' will have?"

Dana Jacobson, unusually curious, asked a question, genuinely puzzled by Mamba's choice. Stephen A. Smith, facing the camera, responded confidently and loudly:
“We all know that the labor agreement negotiations have completely broken down. My inside information is that neither side will return to the negotiating table for the next two weeks.”

"Many executives are convinced that the players are eager to return to the court, and Kobe's choice will definitely shake the owners' confidence. The players' union will definitely express its support."

After presenting a reasoned argument, Stephen A. Smith looked at his two partners, paused briefly, and then shifted gears to emphasize something more important:

"From a competitive standpoint, there's no doubt that Kobe is running away. He knows the 76ers simply can't handle the Heat, let alone compete with the Knicks!"

"He doesn't want to face Lee again. Kobe needs to rebuild his confidence. After the suspension, the CBA is indeed a better option. He can win a championship in China."

Seeing his partner suddenly transform into a psychology expert, Skip-Bellis almost burst out laughing, but he managed to control himself and retorted:
"Kobe is just putting pressure on the board; he won't play in China. In fact, he had knee surgery in Germany after the playoffs, and obviously he needs more rest."

"We all know that Kobe fell out of championship contention after leaving the Lakers. The only reason he went to the CBA was to expand his commercial value. Anything else is the wrong answer!"

Dana Jacobson had clearly encountered a knowledge gap and instinctively asked a question in return:
"If I remember correctly, in Asia, Lee's God-Lee series of sneakers are the most popular, and some discontinued trading cards seem to have seen their prices skyrocket in recent years."

"Kobe is trying to compete with Lee? Is this part of the hook's plan?"

Despite undergoing several skin-changing technologies, Lee Yu's shoe sales in Asia have continued to rise year by year, almost forming a "monopoly." After all, if a center doesn't sell shoes, no one in the market can compete with him.

The only real competitor is the Derrick Rose signature shoe recently launched by Adidas. The MVP's appeal is considerable, coupled with his explosive playing style, which has barely managed to steal some of the sales.

As the fourth member of the "hook" team, Kobe Bryant was no longer receiving many resources, but Stephen A. Smith, after hearing the question, feigned mystery and said meaningfully:

"In the North American and European markets, there has always been a segment of the population that boycotts Kobe's products, but his signature shoes are indeed most popular in China."

"But that's not the fundamental reason why Kobe made that choice. In my opinion, it's more likely the advice of his therapist. Sometimes, escapism is very useful!"

"."

As his partner's arguments became increasingly outrageous, Skip-Bellis finally lost his temper and loudly retorted again:
"Please respect Kobe, man, he is still the best shooting guard in the league."

“Even from a business perspective, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. Li turned down all advertising endorsements a few years ago. In fact, he has never had any business activities in China.”

"This is a blank market. According to Forbes data, the NBA has $1.5-1.7 million in revenue across the ocean. After the suspension of the season, this is the most advantageous option for Kobe."

The two had another argument, with Stephen A. Smith writing various lengthy posts, firmly believing that Mamba was running away, while Skip Bayliss became a "rational observer," convinced that Mamba had business plans on the other side of the ocean.

In short, this episode was incredibly popular, and more and more people started discussing Kobe's overseas trip!

Even the players' union didn't expect it to have such a huge impact. In response, executive director Billy Hunter updated his Twitter account after the show.

"Kobe is our pioneer, and heroes deserve respect!"

At 17:30 PM, the PTI Sports talk show was also discussing Kobe's "Decision," with the Shanghai Sharks and Guangdong Tigers becoming the alternative teams.

It's not that the two teams have started to contact the Mamba, but rather that most fans can only remember these two names. Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian's former teams are still very famous.

Michael Wilbon first talked about inside information he received on the show: due to the suspension of the season, the Bobcats' sponsors were having some problems, and Michael was planning to lay off players.

The Sacramento Kings, who have moved to a new location, have opened a season ticket refund process due to the suspension of the season, while ticket sales for several other teams have encountered problems.

The NBA also plans to cut 114 players, all of whom are from operations and marketing departments. The impact of the suspension is already evident, and Kobe's decision seems to have accelerated the process.

In previous episodes, the show would often make light of current sports events and star players, but with the NFL and NBA both suspending their seasons, Michael Wilbond was no joke and actively called on both sides to return to the negotiating table.

During the live broadcast, the program also invited Li You. Korn Heiser, who is already balding, saw his thick black hair on camera and jokingly remarked:
"Michael Jordan at 34 has completely lost his hair. God clearly favors Lee more. I'm even more convinced of Stephen's opinion now."

Michael Wilbon chuckled, and since the call was only six minutes long, he quickly got to the point, asking, "Lee, I believe you've seen the news. Do you support Kobe's decision?"

"I fully support Kobe! The CBA is also a high-level league, and more importantly, it has passionate fans. It's an underrated basketball environment."

In the footage, Li You has a genuine smile on his face. Seeing the two nod slightly, he then continues:
"I talked to Marbury in text messages. The CBA is far more competitive than American basketball commentators imagine. It follows FIBA ​​rules, just like European basketball."

"If we cannot reach a new agreement in the near future, playing in China would undoubtedly be a good option."

Korn Heisel was surprised by Li You's high praise. In their view, this kind of league didn't mean much; only the NBA was the highest level of basketball.
"Let's talk about the plans for the next few months, Li. If we can't reach an agreement in the short term, you might turn 34 when the new season starts."

"We all know the story of Michael Jordan in the 97-98 season. Will you also face challenges from younger players this season?"

The old man asked the question with a smile, which is also the basis for many basketball commentators' arguments. In terms of raw talent, Michael Jordan is obviously better. In terms of "hardware" such as height, wingspan, and jumping ability, Li You is not superior.

"I feel like I'm still very young, although I may not be able to get back to the physical condition I had in my twenties!"

Li You also made a self-deprecating joke, which was a way of acknowledging his physical decline. Noticing Michael Wilbon's incredulous expression, he then began to explain his plans:

"I'll probably play some golf and do some light recovery training in the next few months. You know, I've been through too many playoffs, and this suspension is a chance for me to rest."

"We can't start training camp, the team has a lot of rookies, and the Knicks won't be pursuing a good record in the new season. My goal is just a playoff spot."

"Hopefully the rookies are ready, they will definitely get more opportunities. Byron plans to organize players to participate in the Drew League, and those who are interested can sign up."

"As for the challenge, I think it's a good thing. Great teams always need great opponents, and fans will enjoy these kinds of games."

"."

Neither of them asked Li You if he would "go to sea" (i.e., go to sea). This question was not even worth discussing. The fact that he could still play basketball was enough to prove his love for the sport. If it were anyone else, they would have given up long ago.

At the end of the program, Michael Wilbond didn't make any sarcastic remarks like other commentators. After the GOAT expressed his support, he also wished Mamba well:
"I wish Kobe all the best. Playing in a completely different cultural context is an experience that deserves the respect of all players."

"."

After ending the video call, Li You stretched in his study. Since returning to the Peninsula Manor, dealing with the little guy every day has not been easy. He also has to practice ball control skills every night, which has made him feel like he is pushing his limits.

Happy, a 13-year-old senior dog, usually sleeps, but this time he rarely snuggled up to Li You and showed a "smiling face." Even the husky couldn't resist the little guys' onslaught.

Upon entering the room, Elizabeth Olsen noticed the elderly dog ​​wandering around and even barked "Happy" a few times. The husky had completely lost its energy this year, which saddened the young woman.
"I really hope it can stay with us forever."

Li You affectionately stroked the senior dog, his and Melinda's earliest family companion. Seeing Olson's sad expression, he said softly:

"If you do the math, Happy is almost 100 years old. He must have been very happy all these years, with people always by his side."

The young girl who stood up and snuggled into his arms began to whisper sweet nothings again, as if she wished she could be born a few years earlier and meet Li You as soon as Milinda did.

"Bah"

After hearing the old dog's whimpering, Olsen ended the deep kiss and awkwardly straightened her nightgown.

Li You put his arm around the young woman and asked about tonight's activities. After hearing that the "sisters" and Catherine had all returned, he secretly made up his mind:

"We must solve the problem of 1 vs. 8!"

-

On Monday, July 4, 2011, fans across the ocean were in an uproar. Sina Sports and several media figures confirmed that Kobe would be coming to the CBA!

Without overly demanding salary terms or additional requirements, Mamba seems to be simply giving back to the fans who have respected him over the years; this signing can be seen as a gesture of goodwill.

The CBA teams were taken aback by the huge surprise, and even now, no one can understand why Kobe made such a choice.

Even Zhang Weiping, a staunch Kobe critic, was convinced. In an interview, the old man stopped his usual sarcastic remarks and instead praised Mamba:

"This is incredible! Top NBA stars coming to the CBA is absolutely fantastic for our fans!"

"Just think about how much it costs to watch NBA star players up close. If Kobe could come, there wouldn't be enough tickets left for the CBA."

Media figures Su Qun and Yang Yi, along with Wang Meng, who follows Yao Ming, praised Kobe's decision on Weibo. Happy fans in the comments section are already discussing where the Mamba will play, calling it a truly "lower-dimensional attack."

Kobe becomes a championship favorite wherever he goes, and die-hard Kobe fans, after years of hardship, have finally "stood up straight," with fans taking to social media to express their support.

"Snail is awesome!"

Classic games like the 81-point dragon-slaying victory and the 63-point three-quarter blowout against the champion Mavericks were also unearthed by fans. For a time, Kobe's "one championship surpasses all others" on the other side of the ocean!
MVP and FMVP have become media awards, the AMVP trophy has been upgraded to an epic level, the star of stars, Kobe's popularity explodes!
American sports media outlets all wanted to conduct in-depth interviews with Kobe, and ESPN has updated several news articles in recent days, but Kobe, who has long been disgusted by these unscrupulous media outlets, has consistently refused to be interviewed.

After years of suppression, Kobe has finally become a hero again. The more baseless and unfounded the reports are, the less the Mamba bothers to pay attention to the media.

Kobe was still the main character on the Sports Center program that night.

American sports reporters have already seen the uproar across the ocean. Many people did not expect that the Mamba, who was exhausted from losing in the NBA, would still have such a huge influence!
Kobe, watching the show at his home in Philadelphia, pursed his lips and remained silent, but felt an unusual sense of satisfaction. After being humiliated for so many years, he had finally turned the tables, and the long-awaited protagonist treatment brought a smile to the Mamba's lips.

Pelinka has been extremely busy these past few days. Vanessa has taken the children back to Los Angeles. After finalizing the contract, she didn't have time to spare and hurriedly communicated with Mamba.

"It's okay if we don't win the championship, Kobe. When we go back to the United States, we can write another biography about our trip to China."

"Turning public opinion around through books"

Kobe interrupted him halfway through his sentence, his dark face hardening with seriousness, and said in a deep voice:
"No, I want to win the championship!"

After saying that, he ignored his agent, took out his phone, and somewhat awkwardly opened Weibo. Kobe himself had posted a status update:
"Hello, South China tiger from Guangdong!"

(End of this chapter)