NBA: Start by torturing Jordan and add points to upgrade

Shaquille O'Neal failed to reach the NBA Finals again this year, and his career is nearing its end!
This year, O'Neal only played 48 games for the Suns. Serious injuries and irreversible aging meant he could only contribute 11 points and 8 rebounds per game.

That all-powerful great white shark is long gone.

But off the court, the unstoppable king of antics, Shaquille O'Neal, returned right on time.

His mega-contract also expired this summer, and O'Neal, now a free agent, didn't rush to find a new team. Instead, he accepted Barkley's invitation to guest commentate on TNT.

Whether he will continue playing basketball or try to win the championship again is another matter.

In short, TNT is very confident in continuing its ratings victory this year and crushing its rivals. They believe their top-notch commentary team can defeat the rookie group on the other side!

Even if you, Lin Tian, ​​are very popular, you're still a newcomer to the commentary scene! If you can't say anything useful and your coordination with Miller isn't good, then your popularity is useless!

Who told you not to play?
TNT, anyway, I'm not afraid of it at all.

As for ESPN, which is determined to make a comeback this year?

Miller and her brother were originally very confident, having brought in a super popular contestant and the king of pranks, Lin Tian, ​​and the show's effect was sure to be explosive.

But when Miller saw the clothes Lin Tian was wearing when he came to the lounge, he couldn't hold back anymore.

"You're wearing this?"

"I asked you, and you said anything was fine." Lin Tian shrugged and said innocently, "You said as long as I didn't wear those T-shirts with swear words on them, anything else was fine, that's why I wore this."

"I really want to punch you in the face right now!" Miller gasped for breath, clearly furious. "What do you think this place is?"

"Of course it's a free place to promote the movie! By the way, not only is it free, you guys even give me money!" Lin Tian shamelessly shook his white T-shirt with the movie title "Ms.L" on it, looking like he didn't care what anyone did to him.

I'm shameless, what can you do about it?
If another host did this, ESPN might actually force him to change his clothes and stick to hosting the game properly.

But unfortunately, who is Lin Tian?

If ESPN dares to ask him to change his clothes today, Lin Tian will call Barkley within 3 minutes to ask if TNT needs anyone.

ESPN needs Lin Tian, ​​but Lin Tian is definitely not indispensable to ESPN.

What can be done?
Just bear with it!
ESPN is definitely going to be ripped off by paying people to promote their movie, but thankfully, they might not actually suffer a huge loss.

As long as the combination of Lin Tian and Miller can boost the atmosphere and ratings, then Lin Tian can reluctantly accept this trivial matter of promoting the movie!

"How is it?" ESPN's decision-makers asked impatiently.

"Boss, the footage has only been on for less than 20 seconds. Nobody knows how it is yet. We won't have the first batch of data for at least 10 minutes." The staff member was quite helpless at this point. They hadn't even started narrating yet, so how could they expect any viewership ratings?

As the start time of the first game of the Finals drew closer, Lin Tian and Miller were already seated in the commentary booth. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and others came up to greet Lin Tian and chatted with him for a few minutes.

The signal at the venue has been connected, and 10 minutes before the start of the match, fans can already see a preview of the match between Lin Tian and Miller.

"Hello everyone, this is ESPN, I'm Reggie, and tonight my old buddy Lin and I will be bringing you the NBA Finals broadcast."

"I believe everyone feels the same way I do: we are both very familiar with and very nostalgic for the person next to me. Come on, Lin, say hello to the fans first."

"Hello, fans! I've missed you all so much!" Lin Tian greeted the fans with a grin while shamelessly tugging at his T-shirt to make the advertisement on it more eye-catching.

Miller, unable to bear it any longer, quickly interrupted him, saying, "Lin, it's been a long time. It's been a whole year since you left the NBA. How have you been this past year?"

Miller regretted asking the question as soon as it left his mouth.

Because he suddenly knew what Lin Tian was going to answer.

"They're filming a movie."

As expected, Lin Tian wouldn't let go of any opportunity he was given, and directly took over the topic, saying, "This is the first time I've completely led a movie. This experience is very magical, something I've never had before. I really enjoy this period and Sheng Huo."

"But of course, since this is my first time directing a film, I didn't actually put too many things in the film that are worth pondering or exploring."

"I just do what I'm good at and what I like. It's simple and straightforward. The core of this movie can be summed up in just one word."

"Cool!"

"Alright Lin, let's talk about the game. What do you think of this series?" Miller heard his sister's almost frantic screams through his in-ear monitor, forcing him to interrupt Lin Tian's introduction.

This is the NBA Finals!
Wearing just a T-shirt is already excessive. If you continue like this, not even talking about the competition and just discussing your movie, you're really missing the point.

"Okay, okay, I don't think there will be much suspense in this Finals. I think the Spurs have a clear advantage! Their team has better cohesion and chemistry, making them harder to beat."

"Their leader is versatile and reliable, and their core players have been playing together for a long time. They are great!"

"So I think Duncan's GDP trio can easily beat the Celtics!"

"What are you saying?" Miller was completely bewildered.

What is this thing doing?
What's the Spurs' GDP (Big Three)?

Which parallel universe is this story from? Which parallel universe has this cast?
"I'm sorry, I've been spending too much time filming lately and I'm a bit distracted. Last night I dreamt that Duncan, Parker and Ginobili were all on the Spurs. I think unless the movie is officially released and does well at the box office, I'll definitely continue to be distracted."

"Speak properly!" Miller was no longer interested in talking to Lin Tian. He was now deeply regretting his decision. He felt he should have gone to Shaquille O'Neal instead! Even if it meant spending more money! Could that bastard Lin Tian possibly provide proper commentary on the game?
Fortunately, Lin Tian finally got serious at this moment. He knew all too well what it meant to go too far and what it meant to know when to stop. If things went too far, it wouldn't just anger Miller, but it would also have a negative effect on the fans.

So after a few playful remarks, Lin Tian quickly got into the zone.

"I was just joking with everyone. I'm optimistic that the Celtics will win this game, and the reason is exactly the same as what I just said."

"The Celtics are more mature, more stable, and have fewer weaknesses. Although they don't have a super explosive player like LeBron James who can score 40 points and triple-doubles anytime, they have several players who can score 20+ points at any time."

"Furthermore, I have reservations about whether James can maintain the same dominance and ferocity he displays against the Celtics in the West. LeBron is great, and many people say he can monopolize the MVP award and dominate the entire league at some point in the future."

"But not now. He still has many technical flaws. For example, he is still afraid of and not good at dealing with teams that have top big men, and the Spurs have two of those players."

Hearing Lin Tian finally get serious, Miller breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "But I don't think so. I always believe that the playoffs are about who has the higher ceiling! In a series, the team with more talent will have the advantage."

"And the Spurs have the most talented player on the court right now! I believe in LeBron James!"

"Have you forgotten that the Celtics also had a number one pick and a number two pick? Howard and Duncan are both considered top talents who come around once in 30 years. Ginobili and Parker may not have been drafted high, but that's not because they lacked talent."

"They weren't drafted because they didn't play in the US. When they were young, the NBA didn't have as many scouts as it does now, scouting all over the world! When they were drafted, maybe half the general managers in the league didn't even know their names!"

"So, Reggie, the Celtics not only have a more stable system and personnel, they also have greater talent and stronger individuals!"

Just as Lin Tian finished speaking, a familiar voice came from behind him and Miller. "Hey! Lin, Reggie! Long time no see." James grinned and walked over to the camera, asking with a smile, "What are you two talking about?"

"I'm talking bad about you." Lin Tian chuckled. "I just predicted you would lose the finals and the championship again. Do you think my prediction was accurate?"

"Absolutely not! I'll prove you right!" James shrugged. Although he didn't immediately turn on Lin Tian and the other guy, he clearly had no interest in chatting or greeting them.

So annoying!

Then Lin Tian suddenly took out a small umbrella from under the table and opened it diagonally upwards.

"What are you doing?" Miller couldn't help but look up at the ceiling to see if it was leaking.

Otherwise, why would this guy be carrying an umbrella?
I've only ever heard of leaks in the away team's locker room at TD Gardens, but I've never heard of leaks in the stadium itself.

The next instant, Miller understood what Lin Tian meant.

James next door rubbed a handful of magnesium powder between his hands, then spread his arms wide and threw it into the sky.

Following the air currents, a lot of magnesium dust drifted over here, landing on half of Lin Tian's umbrella.

"I've always admired these guys who do pre-match rituals," Lin Tian said, folding his umbrella and shaking it under the table several times. "Anyway, I find it very embarrassing."

“No, you won’t feel ashamed.” Miller rolled his eyes. “You can wear movie titles on your body, how would you know what shame is?”

Backstage at ESPN, a company known for its professionalism, seriousness, and integrity, were not impressed by Lin Tian and Miller's style of rambling on without saying much about the game.

This doesn't fit our style or the spirit of ESPN!
We're not like TNT, those flashy, cheap companies that only know how to make money through shady tactics and attract viewers with sensationalism!
Even some high-ranking executives at ESPN are already considering whether to give Lin Tian a penalty for breach of contract and let him go.

The styles are too different! They don't like it!

"The first wave of viewership data is in! We currently have 600 million viewers watching our live stream! TNT has 800 million! But the gap between us is still narrowing!"

"At the current speed, we will be able to surpass TNT in 20 minutes at most!"

"Before tonight, we were completely overwhelmed by TNT and had no chance to fight back!"

At this moment, the staff presented the viewership ratings for the match!

Since Lin Tian's retirement, NBA viewership has not only plummeted, but it has certainly experienced a sharp decline. At the very least, the days when 3500 to 4000 million people would watch the games are gone.

This year, viewership plummeted throughout the regular season and playoffs, with both peak and average numbers falling far short of previous seasons.

The NBA's financial reports for this entire season can be described as quite dismal!
Before the start of this year's Finals, major broadcasters and the NBA held several meetings to discuss how to increase viewership and set a small goal: to get an average viewership of over 1000 million in North America for this year's Finals.

Under no circumstances should it fall below eight figures!

This goal is nowhere near the terrifying numbers of 3500 million or even 4 or 5000 million viewers that Lin Tian used to have for the Finals and All-Star games a few years ago. It's several orders of magnitude different.

But there's nothing we can do; that's reality.

However, now that Lin Tian has appeared, viewership has skyrocketed!

Compared to the 1000 million predicted and set by the NBA and major broadcasters before the series began, this represents a 50% increase!

And the match hasn't even started yet!

NBA viewership saw a huge boost just from the pre-game chatter.

So at this moment, not only did ESPN's management completely abandon the idea of ​​temporarily terminating Lin Tian's contract and returning to their usual serious and earnest style, but even Stern, who was far away in New York, wanted to hug Lin Tian and give him a few kisses after seeing these numbers, and then affectionately call him "Father"!
This is truly a savior!

Just commentating on a game can bring about such huge changes and economic benefits. Just sitting on the sidelines wearing an inexplicable T-shirt can become a damn savior!
Stern's gaze at Lin Tian through the screen was practically dripping with envy!
He hopes ESPN will immediately tie Lin Tian to a deal, ideally with a multi-decade contract so that Lin Tian can commentate every day and bring fans back to watch the games – that's the most important thing.

That year, Stern was under immense pressure that was beyond description.

At this moment, the game had already started on the court, and Lin Tian and Miller finally stopped rambling and began to carefully analyze the game.

As for the ratings, the outcome of the ESPN vs. TNT match, these were clearly not things Lin Tian needed to focus on; he once again devoted himself entirely to the game.

This marks his return to basketball after almost a full year.

"Duncan's low post game, spread out! Spread out for him, Howard shouldn't be trying to get position on the side, you need to spread out for Duncan, and then after Duncan drives in, you cut to find an opportunity! What's the point of just standing near the three-second zone?"

"Sure enough! Look, Duncan made a mistake! It's ridiculous. Duncan can make a mistake against Martin, but my grandma could never make a mistake against Martin."

"James has the ball and he's charging! James is charging forward! Full speed ahead! Beautiful, he's gotten past Josh Howard and soared into the air! Great shot! That dunk, he jumped really high!"

"The Celtics' play is on point! Duncan sets a screen at the high post, setting a pass for his teammate, but instead of Ginobili cutting to the basket, he passes to Howard under the rim. Beautiful! Great pass! Howard, dunk! Great play!"

"Reggie, I think your three-point shooting is outdated. There are at least three players on the court who are more accurate from three-point range than you!"

“3个？你再过10年也找不到3个比我3分准的，老子就是3分之王！”

"There's a saying in the league that Boston is the hardest home court to beat in the entire league because of all sorts of trinkets!" During the timeout, Lin Tian didn't forget to continue chatting with Miller about the things related to the game.

"I've heard that some people say Greer's bizarre mistake back then was because he stepped on a loose plank while serving, which allowed Havlicek to steal the ball." Miller said he'd heard plenty of these stories and legends: "Some people also say that the visiting team's locker room at TD Garden always leaks, and sometimes there's no water at all."

"No, no, no, that's not what I meant." Lin Tian waved his hand and said, "I'm not talking about those baseless tricks. Nine times out of ten, those are lies that Auerbach or his friends made up to scare people."

"If those tricks work, the whole league will follow suit, and all the arenas in the league will become parkour venues with uneven floors everywhere."

"So what do you mean?" Miller asked, quite cooperatively at this point.

"What I mean is, the reason this is one of the hardest home games to beat is because the fans here are really crazy! They are really the group of people in the league who can put the most pressure on visiting players and referees."

"Of course, the Celtics' top-tier operational capabilities and top-notch management are also important reasons why they have become the league's number one powerhouse and have remained so for so long."

No, it's a fraud.

Miller frowned, instinctively feeling that Lin couldn't possibly be saying such good things about a team... especially a team that had absolutely no connection or relationship with him.

This guy is praising people like that, there's definitely something fishy going on!

"So, with such great fans and such an excellent management team, they'll definitely go see my new movie, right?"

"Shameless!" Miller realized once again just how shameless Lin Tian was: "If you became our resident commentator and followed me to all the away games across the United States for live broadcasts, wouldn't you praise the fans of all 30 teams as the best fans and all the home games as the most difficult to beat?"

"Yes, of course!" (End of Chapter)