NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 883 "I'll Teach Them How to Win!" (Chapter without a main character)

On Monday, May 26, 2014, after two and a half hours of intense battle, the Heat unsurprisingly lost their game of honor.

The game, which started at 20:30 p.m., was so boring that the sports media were drowsy. The two teams went to nearly 80 free throws, and the referee's attempt to extend the series drew a lot of criticism. Many Miami fans left the stadium early.

Since the Miami Herald broke the news that LeBron James was on the verge of leaving the team, everyone knew that the Heat were completely finished.

Dwyane Wade's decline this season is clearly visible, and Chris Bosh has also subtly expressed his openness.

All three denied the possibility of taking a pay cut to play. James even joked about it before:

"Without the salary cap, I believe I could earn 5000 million!"

"The new collective bargaining agreement has already benefited the team. In my opinion, pay cuts lack respect and will not be our choice."

The increase in the salary cap over the past two years has benefited the Heat. Unfortunately, the management has not found suitable targets for recruitment. This season, the team has maintained this framework, thus saving a luxury tax.

On social media, netizens are discussing the Heat's rebuilding plans, while the reporters in the media room have to wait patiently for the moment when the "Big Three" will officially end, and everyone wants to witness history.

After waiting for about half an hour, just before midnight, three people dressed in black suits quickly came to the crowd. They showed no signs of heart-wrenching resentment; being swept aside was something they had expected.

LeBron James, sitting in the center, looked calm, while Dwyane Wade, to his right, looked somewhat bewildered, and Chris Bosh, to his left, had a dark expression on his face, clearly unhappy.

The three men, each with a different expression, piqued the interest of the reporters in the audience. Adrian Wojnarowski, who had just signed with Fox Sports to become a television media figure, took the initiative to ask:

"It's a pity that the Heat lost this series. With the contracts expiring, I think more fans are starting to care about the Heat's future plans."

What are your thoughts on the upcoming offseason?

As the team's original leader, Wade, having regained his composure, did not give a clear response. Caught between Pat Riley and his friend, he could only offer perfunctory words at this point:
"I haven't thought about that yet. The season is over, and now I just want to rest for a while. The coaching staff feels the same way; they've given everything for the team."

"As for the offseason, that's not something I should worry about. I'll discuss it with my agent. You know, I've been playing for the Heat since I entered the league. This is my 'horse'."

“At 32, I need to think more about my family, but no matter what happens, staying in Miami will always be my first choice.”

James didn't show much emotion when he heard his friend's words, but a reporter soon asked him about the recent gossip:

"LeBron, there are reports that if Wade can maintain a better competitive level, you will choose to stay in Miami."

"Was your teammates' declining physical condition also one of the reasons you left the team?"

Amidst the media buzz, a slight commotion arose. A Sports Illustrated reporter asked a question that directly targeted the core of the issue, to which James simply smiled and shrugged, then jokingly remarked to the crowd:

"Buddy, you've already come up with a reason for my departure. Do I need to explain anything else?"

There was some laughter in the room, and James seemed quite pleased with the atmosphere. He adjusted the microphone and continued:
“It has nothing to do with my good brother. I was prepared for this after making the ‘decision’. I know clearly that not everyone can understand my choice.”

"If you see any trades involving me during the offseason, there's only one reason: I see a chance to win a championship!"

"I just want to keep pursuing the championship. As for anything else, I won't make too many plans."

Everyone understood the underlying message: with no chance of winning a championship with the Heat, James was almost certain he would leave, and the "chosen one's journey" would become a hot topic during the offseason.

"Bosh, several Western Conference teams have contacted you as a free agent. Would you consider staying here?"

The Miami reporters stopped asking James questions and instead focused on Bosh. Upon hearing the question, Chris Bosh shrugged, composed himself, and gave a simple response:

"Yes, I mean, I don't want to go anywhere. I like it here. This is Miami."

"But making a decision is influenced by many factors, and I won't make any commitments at this time. You know, I crave a championship just as much as LeBron does."

"If making some sacrifices can get me a ring, I don't mind earning a little less."

Of the three, Bosh's answer was the most surprising. No one expected that the "washed-up dragon king" would be willing to lose "dollars" in exchange for a ring. In terms of competitiveness, he was clearly the better choice.

The press conference continued, but most reporters' questions did not receive definite answers. The era of the Big Three had officially come to an end. Looking at the young people whose "eyes had lost their luster," many reporters sighed for a while.

As the three men stood up one after another, and Wade limped away from the media room, the Miami reporters in the audience felt increasingly distressed.

The original leader series has ended, and James' 30+ points per game proves his strength. Even Chris Bosh has had an efficient performance in this year's matchup, but they just can't win in 4 games.

The Knicks can no longer beat the Heat by a large margin like before, but winning by 12 points and winning by 58 points are not much different. After all, everyone is used to New York's strength and has witnessed various historical net point records.

The Heat's visible progress has led many commentators to believe that they will have a chance to return to the NBA Finals in two years, but whether the 34-year-old Wade can maintain his current form remains to be seen.

"The Flash" was ultimately defeated by time, and James had no interest in waiting any longer.

The sudden "bonus" in the Western Conference gave the chosen one an opportunity: next season. Without Harden's obstruction, James was convinced he could reap the benefits and return to the Finals.

The two men, unable to reach an agreement, developed a rift regarding basketball, and the three became increasingly silent before returning to the locker room.

The staff, caught up in the atmosphere, stopped greeting people warmly. Everyone knew that the Heat were about to undergo a major change!

“Maybe you should sit down and talk to Riley. The situation might not be as bad as we think.”

Wade offered dry advice, an awkward expression appearing on his dark face. Since the cookie incident, the relationship between the two sides had completely broken down, and the consecutive losses had made neither side interested in compromising.

James is no longer as clueless about his own worth as he was when he first entered the league; he and his management team are well aware that teams will offer him maximum contracts.

In an era where no one has won a championship, he wasn't labeled a "loser" because he didn't reach the Finals multiple times. Although his reputation suffered a bit, once James Harden retires, he will be the league's top player.

Not wanting his good friend to act as a middleman again, James clearly stated his contract extension terms:
"If the team is willing to pay more luxury tax, perhaps we can sit down and talk."

"Bro, but you know, in the two years since the salary cap increased, we haven't done anything and still haven't solved the center and point guard problems."

"It has nothing to do with personal relationships; it's all over."

Chris Bosh, who had been silent, thought of the Raptors, their opponent in the semifinals, who had achieved better results after rebuilding following his departure from the team.

Despite the poor performance of the backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in head-to-head matches, their future looks bright if they can weather these next few years.

Bosh, who took the shortcut, has some regrets. The treatment David Lee received should have been his. Now he has lost the championship and his reputation has plummeted. He knows what choice to make for the future.

"Maybe I should go back to playing in Texas?"

Bosh whispered his doubts, and hearing his partner's uncertain tone, James raised an eyebrow and simply replied:
"Then we'll be rivals next season, Bro. Listen to God, no one can restrict our freedom."

Without another word, James pushed open the locker room door. The rest of the Heat team stayed behind for a final farewell. Haslem, who seemed to have just shed tears, glared at James's nonchalant expression. But James didn't even glance at the minor player; a guy who couldn't even average 5 points didn't deserve his respect.

Everyone exchanged blessings. Michael Beasley, the DNP player, sidled up to the silent Wade. The "leaf expert," seemingly floating on air even before taking a drag, clung to the native leader and said in a strange voice:

"Dude, this is great news! Maybe we can end our losing streak next season!"

"Li has no interest in competing with losers. If you're still playing in the Eastern Conference, I suggest you switch to jersey number 1, and I'll wear number 11."

"Maybe this way I might have a chance to go to New York and snag a ring. Oklahoma City is nice too, my good brother's there, but I don't like life there."

Michael Beasley's nonsensical ramblings completely dampened Wade's spirits. The atmosphere in the locker room was alright, and James had made many friends on the Heat, but none of this helped him win the championship.

Silently, Wade sat down in his seat, covering his face with his hands. Thinking about the opponent's 16 out of 30 three-pointers in Game 3, and the disdainful looks from the Knicks' young players tonight, the Flash felt extremely frustrated.

The championship was right in front of him, but he just couldn't reach it. The young Big Three had all failed, and Wade could only keep asking himself:

"Why did it become like this?"

-

On Thursday, May 29th, the first game of the NBA Finals will be played in San Antonio this Sunday, and mainstream sports media are starting to hype up the upcoming "Danny vs. Harden" rematch.

Kevin Durant's injury directly impacted the series' trajectory, and James Harden failed to live up to the expectations of Oklahoma City fans at crucial moments.

A letter sent after returning to his home court became a joke, and on Reddit, mentioning it makes the comments section incredibly funny.

The Spurs, who have once again reached the Finals, are still not popular, but many fans are full of anticipation. This year, everyone has the opportunity to witness history together, and "Nine-time runner-up" is Tim Duncan's new title.

The distorted basketball system has caused Duncan's reputation to deteriorate. While other stars can still make "IFs," the 38-year-old veteran has lost all respect.

After this year's Finals, Elgin Baylor may be able to breathe a sigh of relief, as people will only remember "number one" and Tim Duncan will officially take his place.

While commentators were discussing the upcoming Finals, a reporter from the Los Angeles Times suddenly broke a bombshell in the morning:
"Kobe Bryant is about to team up with LeBron James, and the 'Big Three' will make a run for the championship in the new season!"

"."

After the news broke, some observant netizens noticed that Andre Iguodala had unfollowed the Lakers on Twitter, which caused a stir among Los Angeles fans.

TNT's afternoon program also followed the hot topic, revealing from insiders that Iguodala is highly likely to be selected for the All-Defensive First Team after the restructuring!
The fact that such an outstanding player has been put on the trading block clearly indicates a major change within the Lakers.

As a team legend, O'Neal does know some inside information. The old Shaq is worried that his younger brother might "make a comeback," so when talking about the roster, he starts to lie through his teeth again:

"James and Howard have already proven they can't succeed with the Cavaliers, and Kobe won't change anything now."

"As far as I know, Jeanie Buss has been pushing for Kobe's return, but it has nothing to do with competition; it involves conflicts within the management."

Due to the impact of the new collective bargaining agreement, although the Lakers have the "F4" this season, apart from Lou Williams, the other players in the rotation have relatively low contract amounts.

Thanks to their minimum salary contracts, the Lakers didn't even trigger the $8193 million Tier 1 luxury tax, just like the Heat.

Looking back, it's clear that both teams had planned ahead. While they talked about competing for the championship, they held back in their actions and didn't go all in.
"Shaq, you still don't realize what James' arrival and Kobe's return mean. They're going to form a super Big Three!"

Charles Barkley, equally prone to blatant lying, glared at the camera and boasted wildly. Seeing his partner shake his head, he added, "..."
"Kobe is still the best shooting guard in the league."

"Hey buddy, where did you see that news? The best shooting guard can't lead his team to the playoffs?"

O'Neal immediately interrupted, saying that the old shark couldn't stand such talk; anyone who praised his little brother was his "enemy."

Kenny Smith was getting a headache from listening to the two argue, but he still agreed with the old shark's point of view and chimed in to remind him:
"Kobe will turn 36 in August. Shaq is right, he has retired from being a top-tier player. Don't forget that Kobe was also left out of this year's All-Star Game."

The trade had already sparked heated debate even before it took place, which Ernie Johnson seemed to enjoy. After the three had argued for a while, he chuckled and summarized:
"Perhaps this is an opportunity! Nobody knows what Li's condition will be like at 37 and 38 years old."

"Even the greatest players are subject to the ravages of time, which may be why the Lakers are pushing for the Big Three plan."

The thought of his younger teammate possibly returning to the Finals made O'Neal uneasy. Upon hearing his partner's suggestion, the veteran Shaq rejected it without hesitation:
“There is no possibility! Li is in the prime of his career, and in my opinion, he will remain invincible for the next two years.”

Judging from the data this season, Li You has begun to decline, but the decline is slow and not as obvious as Michael Jordan's back then.

The atmosphere in the studio became cheerful. At 37, still at his peak? Unless the GOAT is an alien!

-

On Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2014, the ESPN studio was unusually lively. The broadcaster had specially invited a VIP guest for tonight's finals.

Kobe Bryant refused the 76ers' high salary offer, and Doug Collins, the team's head coach, lost his job as a result. At this moment, both of them came to the studio and gave the camera a polite smile.

Sage Steele, a midday presenter at the Sports Center, is very happy to be part of the Grand Finals broadcast team.

Inspired by her, Bill Simmons began analyzing data in Excel. Through detailed comparisons of data tables, the renowned sports commentator ultimately concluded:

"The San Antonio Spurs have no chance."

Kobe quickly joined the debate, arguing that statistics don't tell the whole story. The Mamba defended his old partner and used his own head-to-head experience to show that the Knicks were also declining.

Doug Collins played the role of mediator; the veteran coach didn't discuss the outcome or look at the tables, but simply used the opportunity to shower Collins with praise:
"It's nothing short of a miracle that Li Neng can maintain his current level of performance at this age!"

“We all know that guards are different from big men; they rely more on their physicality. Lee has maintained his dominance on both ends of the court, which must have come from tremendous effort.”

"It's hard to describe Lee's passion for basketball; without a doubt, he is the best role model for young players."

Sage Steele nodded repeatedly, tossing her curly hair. The Black woman noticed that Kobe was unhappy again and immediately steered the conversation back to the Mamba:
"Kobe, everyone's been talking about your return lately. We all know that Dwight Howard has publicly stated his stance more than once. Will this affect your reintegration into the team?"

Bill Simmons started stirring things up again, adding before Mamba could even speak:

"I believe in your professionalism, but the atmosphere in the locker room can sometimes affect performance. Kobe, as you return to Los Angeles to chase the championship, what role will you play in the team?"

Seeing the expectant looks on their faces, Kobe's dark expression softened into a smile again. He was actually in excellent physical condition, and his acceptance of ESPN's invitation was precisely for a high-profile comeback. He confidently responded:

"At this stage of my career, I don't care about dollars or stats; I care more about my commitment."

"In my heart, the Lakers have always been special. This time, I'm only here to teach the young guys how to win a championship!"

(End of this chapter)