Champion Rules

Chapter 120, Section 116: It Means Everything (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

The San Antonio media were still getting used to this pace of work; the usually quiet town rarely experienced such a hustle and bustle.

They actually had to huddle together in the sweltering summer heat, waiting for a star player to arrive.

It's worth noting that most of the time, the city's summers are calm and peaceful.

The unprecedentedly extravagant signings by the Silver and Black Legion have forced local journalists to start working three months in advance.

The Spurs are not the kind of team willing to spend money to acquire star players.

They don't have a market as big as New York, and Spurs owner Peter Holt isn't as extravagant as Paul Allen.

Their roster improvements mainly rely on the draft and role players; they will even try to get their star players to take pay cuts.

This meticulous team-building model did indeed work in a specific historical period. The team's glorious record of winning the championship three times between 2003 and 2007 in the original timeline is the best proof of the "small market miracle".

If you can win the championship by saving money, then why spend more money?

But the situation is completely different now, because of the lack of a championship in 2005, the Spurs' last championship was in 2003.

Furthermore, the Silver and Black Army is facing strong challenges from emerging forces such as the Cavaliers and the Knicks. If they do nothing, their competitiveness will only weaken, and their chances of winning a championship will only decrease.

They must temporarily change their strategy.

Under pressure from years of not winning a championship, the Spurs occasionally spend huge sums to bring their stars back to San Antonio.

For example, in 09, they didn't hesitate to sign Richard Jefferson, who had an annual salary of $1450 million.

For example, in the post-GDP era, they tried to bring in top-paid players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Del Mar DeRozan.

When saving money doesn't yield results, Peter Holt will choose to spend money and try his luck.

If a man is not satisfied for too long, he will inevitably choose to spend money to solve the problem.

Now, Peter Holt can no longer stand by and watch the peak of GDP go to waste.

Even if it costs more money, he has to keep the team open for the championship.

So the Spurs made the unconventional move of bringing in Ben Wallace. Despite outside doubts about the best defensive player's form, the Spurs management firmly believed he could still be a valuable asset.

After Tim Duncan had to lose weight due to injury, Ben Wallace became the team's most suitable defensive option.

And so, the Spurs traded Brent Barry, Michael Finley, and Argentine center Fabricio Oberto as matching assets to acquire Ben Wallace, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract—a completely unequal deal, of course, but that's how sign-and-trade works; getting anything in return is already a good thing.

Thus, the Cavaliers, Knicks, and Spurs, these three teams that completed major trades, all have one thing in common: they are trying to improve their defense.

The salary cap forces general managers to break down the needs of a successful team. For example, how much to spend on offense, how much on defense. Even more detailed breakdowns, such as how much to spend on rebounding, defending the paint, three-pointers, attacking the rim, and so on. Every general manager has to carefully calculate these costs.

The most popular way to win a championship these days is to pour all that damn money into defense.

The Cavaliers signed Prince not because they valued his ability to drive to the basket.

The Spurs spent a lot of money to buy Ben Wallace, not to have him relieve Duncan of the scoring pressure.

Similarly, by letting Jamal Crawford go, the Knicks essentially redirected the money they would have spent on scoring to defense.

Without excessive intervention from the league, the Dark Defense era has finally entered its darkest chapter.

Everyone must prepare for this darkest period.

The San Antonio media gathered in the press conference hall of the Spurs' training center next to the AT&T Center. Normally, new players would make their debut in preseason training camp, unless you are a superstar like Shaquille O'Neal who has the entire city of Miami throwing a welcome ceremony for you.

But the steel leader from the Motor City was impatient; he arrived in the Holy City the day after the deal was made and hoped to meet with the media.

"I will bring a championship here with Tim. Hey, remember the promise on the 21st? I can say it again: Get ready to win big!"

He deliberately emphasized the pronunciation of "here".

Ben Wallace was eager to show himself, his eagerness stemming from his anger.

He didn't understand why Joe Dumars wouldn't renew his contract after he had won two championships for Motor City.

The betrayal in Detroit was like a thorn stuck deep in his heart.

Joe Dumars felt he was getting old and his defensive impact was declining. He believed that the 03 draft class superstar was the team's everything.

Go to hell!

He wants to prove himself; since winning the championship, Ben Wallace has never been so eager to prove himself.

He wanted to show Joe Dumars whether he was worth a big contract.

For Ben Affleck, if he were 26, he would find a way to make a name for himself.

But he was already 32 years old, and it wasn't him who asked to leave; the team asked him to leave.

Therefore, he joined the Spurs almost as a form of revenge, rejecting the Chicago Bulls.

He needs to rely on the Spurs as a platform to achieve his goals.

"Ben, how would you help the Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks?" The shadow of last season's Game 7 loss to the Mavericks has not yet completely dissipated in San Antonio.

Ben chuckled and shrugged, joking about his new teammate: "I'll hold Manu down and make sure he doesn't foul Dirk."

The reporters smiled and, to be honest, they weren't too worried about the Mavericks after Ben Wallace joined the team.

Soon, someone asked a truly crucial question.

"Ben, if the San Antonio Spurs meet the Knicks in the Finals next season, are you confident you can get revenge on Lynch?"

Ben Wallace's smile faded, his gaze hardened, and he gripped the microphone tightly with all his might: "Number 20 won't be able to fly."

After noticing Ben Wallace's change in expression, a reporter asked, "What does joining San Antonio mean for your career?"

“It means everything,” he replied.
-
Lynch was surprised by the series of recent transactions, which had completely disrupted the timeline.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs have both changed drastically, but the Detroit Pistons have fared the worst.

They were like elephants collapsed on the African savanna, cruelly devoured by other passing animals.

Carmelo Anthony, the core player of the Detroit Pistons, is experiencing the darkest moment of his career. Just twelve months ago, he was a top candidate in the media's eyes to be a "dynasty builder" and a super rookie in a class of his own.

Now, with the team's competitiveness plummeting, this pride of the 03 Platinum Generation has fallen into unprecedented anxiety.

The media's love for Lynch has far surpassed that for him.

Lynch still has a chance to defend his title next season, but the Pistons might even regress next season.

All of this made Carmelo Anthony feel very bad.

He certainly didn't admit that the Pistons' championship window had closed, and he also flatly denied to the media that the Pistons had dropped out of the championship race.

But every sleepless night silently tells the truth.

However, today, Carmelo Anthony has to keep a good mood and maintain a smile throughout.

Because today is the opening day of AJ's training camp, he can't show a sour face to the kids.

Major brands tirelessly use their star players to hold basketball training camps, not for the sake of the meager registration fees.

In fact, most star player training camps invite some high school prodigies to participate for free. This allows brands to gain early access to these high school talents without violating the rules.

These basketball extravaganzas, meticulously planned by sports brands, ostensibly provide a platform for mentoring young people, but in reality, they are a covert battle to vie for potential rising stars.

Therefore, the training camp was just a front.

The real protagonists are those young children.

This year's AJ training camp is brimming with talent, with Michael Beasley undoubtedly being the most dazzling.

This child had to transfer schools frequently due to his grades; he had already moved between five schools in his three years of high school.

But he dominated in any school district, and he was one of the most successful AAU players in the country, winning multiple national championships alongside players such as Kevin Durant, Nolan Smith, and Austin Freeman.

Michael Jordan had high hopes for him; his eye for talent was uncanny. In his keen observation, this kid would be the next Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony was tasked with contacting Michael Beasley on behalf of AJ. Having not slept all night, he forced a smile as he approached Beasley.

"Michael, congratulations on winning another AAU championship. Have you decided which university to go to? You must have received quite a few offers from Division I conferences." Anthony himself decided to go to Syracuse University a year in advance when he was a senior in high school, so he knows this very well.

Looking at the superstar in front of him, Michael Beasley said with a gloomy face, "Not yet. If the league hadn't stopped allowing high school students to participate in the draft, I would really like to enter the draft next year."

"Don't rush, there's a lot to learn on the college court too. Hey, you don't want to end up in the NBA making some low-level sideline ball mistakes and committing some low-level fouls in crucial moments, right? The NCAA is a great transition before you step into the professional basketball world, so don't be gloomy about it, smile."

"Never mind, Melo, thank you for your concern, but I really can't bring myself to smile."

"what happened?"

"I'm fine, never mind."

"Hey, you can tell me anything. You can think of me as your big brother."

"really?"

“Of course.” Anthony opened his arms, indicating that Michael Beasley should say whatever he wanted to say.

“I’m not too happy because I wanted to attend Lynch’s Reebok camp, but they didn’t invite me. Damn, who doesn’t want to go to New York? Who doesn’t want to see the Larry O’Brien Trophy? Kevin went to Lynch’s camp, damn, I’m so jealous of him.”

Anthony: ? ? ?

How could the burning passion of a teenager utter such cold words?!

I don't need to care about you at all!

Upon hearing this, Anthony, who was already in a bad mood, couldn't even manage a forced smile. The expression of Melo, who had just been a caring older brother, suddenly turned gloomy.

He never imagined that he would be brought to his breaking point by a high school student in his own training camp!

Michael Beasley immediately noticed the change in Anthony's expression, and he quickly and awkwardly picked up the basketball and started shooting: "Uh, sorry Melo, just pretend I'm fine. You're doing great here, really, I don't feel wronged at all."

Anthony:
Unintentional finishing blows are the most damaging.

Before the noise of the training camp had even subsided, Carmelo Anthony locked himself in his locker room cubicle.

He impatiently ripped off his sweat-soaked AJ wristband, Michael Beasley's unintentional remark, "I really envy Kevin for being able to go to Lynch's training camp," piercing his nerves like steel needles.

He took his phone out of the locker and dialed a number he knew by heart.

"Find someone for me!" "What? Find who?" Joe Dumas, who was having lunch with his family, was completely bewildered.

"I don't know, anyone who can play, wants to win, and is willing to risk their life—any Tom, Dick, or Harry will do! If we keep losing next season, I'm going to fucking go crazy!"

Carmelo Anthony could no longer tolerate such humiliation.

The huge gap caused him pain and made him feel ashamed.

This time last year, everyone was talking about his dynasty. And now? Now even some damned brat is looking down on him!
Even with the receiver three inches away from his ear, Joe Dumas on the other end of the phone could still clearly feel the violence in the sound waves.

The Pistons' general manager put down his knife and fork, closed his eyes, and rubbed his temples.

The collapse of consecutive championship teams is inevitable; it's a natural law for all NBA teams.

Joe Dumars has experienced both back-to-back championships in Pistons history, and he knows very well how much pain it takes to get back on track to victory.

But he also knows what he needs to do to stabilize his young core.

“Melo, breathe, relax. Actually, I’m doing this, I’m negotiating a deal, I…”

"I don't care about the damn trade details! Give me a few players, it's that simple! Hey, I'm not going to take an Argentinian center to the Finals!" Anthony's anger showed no signs of abating.

“I will. I’m confident you can lead us out of this mess. You know I’ve always believed in you, Melo.”

“Great! You know, Joe, winning means everything to me!” With that, Carmelo Anthony abruptly hung up the phone.

Joe Dumars sighed; it seemed that securing the team's young core players was of paramount importance.

He happened to have a deal at hand, but it was a risky proposition.

The warning of a "locker room bomb" about that guy was incredibly glaring.

But right now, the team's situation is already dangerous enough.

If he does nothing, and if Carmelo Anthony's patience runs out, then rebuilding is out of the question.

The Pistons are riddled with problems right now; one more won't make a difference.

Outside the window, the sky over Detroit was incredibly gloomy, not at all like summer.

The general manager of the car city, who has witnessed the rise and fall of two dynasties, is about to embark on a new round of dangerous gambles.

Meanwhile, at the Reebok training camp in New York.

A group of children are surrounding the King of New York, asking for his autograph.

New Knicks head coach Flip Saunders stood in the shadows on the sidelines, holding a bottle of chilled Gatorade, watching the excited kids with a very kind smile.

He came to help out voluntarily; he always does this, always showing up at his players' training camps. He simply enjoys the time he spends sharing the joy of basketball with the kids.

After Lynch finished signing autographs for the last kid named Stephen Curry, Flip Saunders walked up to Lynch and brought a short, young coach with him.

The thin figure in the faded training shirt was as awkward as a transfer student who had wandered into the wrong classroom. When he walked up to Lin Qi, he didn't even dare to look up and meet Lin Qi's eyes.

“Lynch,” Philip Sanders waved, “this is Scott Pera, the basketball coach from Artesia High School. He has something to say to you.”

Scott Pera was nervous. He knew who Lynch was—this New York madman who treated his opponents more cruelly than a lion treats an antelope, and was arrogantly overbearing.

He had imagined countless scenarios of what it would be like to meet Lynch.

Lin Qi probably wouldn't even bother to glance at him.

I probably won't shake his hand.

Perhaps Lynch's bodyguard will push him away.

Or perhaps they simply can't be bothered to waste time on him.

It's understandable that a superstar would exhibit any of the above attitudes when facing an unknown high school basketball coach.

But none of Scott Pera's fantasies came true. Lynch simply smiled like a boy next door and shook his hand: "Coach, is there anything I can help you with?"

"me."

"Take your time," Lin Qi patted him on the shoulder.

This really put Scott Pera at ease.

"I have a student who is incredibly talented in basketball; he's destined to be a basketball superstar. But due to obesity and asthma, he lacks confidence, is always insecure, and constantly wants to give up basketball, always saying he can never catch up with others. Can you believe it? I actually had to use hamburgers to motivate him to stick to training! Lynch, can you help him? You know, sometimes, the words of a superstar can benefit a child for a lifetime!"

“No problem, Coach,” Lin Qi nodded readily. Since he had joined the youth training camp, he shouldn’t be afraid of trouble or interacting with the young players. “Call him over.”

Scott Pera turned around excitedly and waved: "James!"

A boy sitting in the corner of the training field reluctantly stood up and walked towards Lynch with his head down. The loose hem of his jersey swayed with his steps, making him look like a penguin.

He is indeed a bit overweight; his jersey can't even cover his protruding belly.

Eight out of ten overweight children of this age suffer from low self-esteem.

When he reached Lynch, he still had his head down, muttering, "Coach, I want to go home. I don't want to be here. Everyone here is better than me, and everyone looks better than me!"

"Why didn't you come to me for an autograph just now?" Lin Qi patted the child's head.

"Because my favorite player is Kobe Bryant," the child muttered softly.

Scott Pera gave an awkward laugh: "You're his idol too, Lynch."

Lynch didn't seem to care: "Lift your head up and tell me your name. That way, I can get Kobe Bryant to sign your autograph and write you a message of blessing."

"Really!?" The shy child suddenly raised his head, beaming with a smile.

Lin Qi stared at the round face for a few seconds, then smiled.

Who does he think he is? So tasteless, liking Kobe.

But if it's a kid from Los Angeles, then it's understandable.

“James Harden, right?” Lynch knelt on one knee, trying to keep his line of sight level with the boy.

"You know me?"

“Of course I know you. You’re famous in California, just one step away from the state championship. I’ll have Kobe give you a signed jersey with ‘All the best to James Harden’ written on it, and it will be sent directly to your school. But you know, Kobe Bryant doesn’t like weak people. Are you a weak person, James?”

"I'm not!"

"But your coach said you want to give up basketball."

Harden, without a beard, lowered his head again: "That's...me. Do you guys really think I can become a basketball star? They all say...say I'm too fat,say I'll start after running a few steps."

"No one else's opinion matters. What matters is how you see yourself. You're a man now, so let's be realistic. Think about your mother. Basketball is the only way for you to give her a good life. Whether you want to give up or strive to become a basketball star is the choice. Do you know how Kobe Bryant dealt with criticism? He definitely dealt with it by despising himself."

James Harden didn't answer; he just stood there, seemingly deep in thought.

Lynch stood up again. "Kobe's jersey will be sent. I hope to see you here again next year, so you can tell me the answer yourself." Lynch suddenly poked the boy's chest hard with his index finger. "Let me see if you have any guts. Goodbye James, goodbye Coach Scott."

After saying that, Lynch and Philip Sanders left the training facility.

Philip Sanders stared at Lynch, a satisfied smile on his face: "You may have changed that child's life."

"I'm not that great. Everyone can only change their own life."

"Let's not talk about that. Which kid do you think is the most talented in this year's training camp?"

“Stephen Curry,” Lynch answered without hesitation.

"Oh, what an unexpected name. I thought you'd say Kevin Durant, you know him, right? Winning championships in AAU is as easy as drinking water for him."

"What if we drink bathwater?" Lin Qi asked with a smile.

"what?"

"It's nothing, Kevin is great, but Stephen is good too. Look at him, he's so skinny, yet so tough. If he didn't love dunking and dancing, God, he would be so perfect."

"You have a very unique perspective on people. Speaking of which, the fastest of these kids will be in the NBA next year and playing alongside you. In two or three years, you'll see several of them on the NBA court. Hmm, they might even become your teammates."

Lynch thought of the 09 draft pick the Knicks acquired from the Timberwolves, and nodded: "Hmm, maybe they really will be teammates."

"By the way, are you really planning to help that kid get a Kobe autographed jersey?"

"Of course it's true. I'm not the kind of person who just talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. Some people always say they want to bring something to their hometown or something to their children, but in the end they only leave behind disappointment."

“You are a true idol, Lynch.”

"I'm just a basketball player. My goal is to win a championship, not to flaunt my achievements in everything I do."

Lynch and Philip Sanders walked out of the basketball arena, where a stretched Rolls-Royce was already waiting.

Shortly after the car started moving, Lynch heard Stephen A. Smith announce a news item on the radio.

"Just now, the Detroit Pistons traded Fabricio Oberto, Carlos Arroyo, and Antonio McDyess to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Zach Randolph. I don't know if Joe Dumars is trying to save the team or completely destroy the Pistons. Whatever he's thinking, I can announce in advance:"

Lynch has, like Michael Jordan, completely buried the Detroit Pistons.

Philip Sanders frowned: "I don't think this deal is as bad as Stephen is making it out to be."

“Whether it’s bad or not depends on Zach Randolph’s attitude,” Lynch said seriously. “If Zach continues to act as he does in Portland, the Pistons will go to hell. If Zach changes his mind, I’ll send them to hell.”

Philip Sanders turned his head and realized that the gentleness Lynch had shown when teasing James Harden had vanished, replaced by a chilling murderous intent that surged in his eyes.

Philip Sanders couldn't help but ask, "Lynch, what does defending your title really mean to you?"

"It means breathing, it means a heartbeat, it means an ambition boiling in your veins. In short, it means everything to me." Lynch's answer was exactly the same as that of Ben Wallace and Cameron Anthony.

This is an era in which everyone is filled with pride, competitiveness, and a competitive spirit.

This is an era where every step of the defending champion's journey is incredibly difficult.

Countless vows that "mean everything" are rising across North America, from the steel dome of San Antonio to the shattered car graveyards of Detroit, from the rusting assembly lines of Cleveland to the streets of Dallas.

This is an era as brilliant as the starry sky.

Lynch is ready to be the brightest star.

(End of this chapter)