Champion Rules

Chapter 179-175: The Manhattan Project (Seeking monthly votes!)
The day before the start of the new NBA season training camp, a blockbuster trade brought fans' enthusiasm back to the NBA from the Olympics.

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Zidrunas Ilgauskas, Delonte West, Alexander Pavlovic, and a 2010 second-round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for legendary center Shaquille O'Neal.

Daniel Gilbert firmly believes that with sharks, Warcraft will no longer be a problem.

Daniel Gilbert made the trade after receiving notification that LeBron James did not intend to renew his contract.

He didn't take those words to heart at all, taking them as just a ploy by LBJ's team to urge him to complete the trade.

How could LeBron James possibly leave Cleveland?
They worked together very well and were like brothers.

The son of Akron and the knight are already bound by blood. How could the bond forged by six years of fighting side by side be easily broken by a few setbacks?

Those championship-contending rosters built year after year for the young emperor, and those decisive decisions to fire renowned coaches to cater to the needs of superstars, aren't they clear evidence of a harmonious relationship between ruler and minister?
So saying "I don't plan to renew the contract" is like a girlfriend playfully saying "I'm never letting you eat it again"—just take it with a grain of salt.

According to Daniel Gilbert, although LeBron James has indeed experienced some failures over the years, he is still respected by some people.

At least, he was a Reggie Miller-like lone fighter—except for being selfless in crucial moments.

If he can persevere in a small city and be crowned in Cleveland, even just once, history will generously write this epic tale of one man and one city, and LeBron James's historical status will certainly not be low.

He had absolutely no reason to leave Cleveland.

Media reviews of the deal were mixed.

Charles Barkley believes that Shaquille O'Neal is now just an average defensive center.

ESPN data expert John Hollinger analyzed the data starting with his favorite advanced metrics:

"Even setting aside sentimentalism, from a win contribution perspective, Shaq is a better player than Zydrunas Ilgauskas, even though he's past his prime. In five of the last eight seasons, Ilgauskas had a negative impact on the court. His rim protection wasn't strong enough, and his offense wasn't efficient."

We certainly can't expect Shaq to play like he did in his prime, but against heavy weapons like Warcraft, Shaq is the best shield Cleveland can find.

Despite differing opinions in the industry regarding the value of the deal, the Cavaliers' management's all-or-nothing gamble has earned them respect.

The Cavaliers' almost frantic roster improvements have left Carmelo Anthony with no hope of LeBron James joining the team.

What reason could his good friend have to leave that place?
But it doesn't matter, Carmelo Anthony doesn't insist on playing with LBJ.

That would certainly make winning easier, but it's not his only lifeline to regain control of the league.

Following a major trade, the 08-09 NBA preseason training camp began.

After shining in Los Angeles for a full year, the spotlight is back in New York.

The Knicks lost five players this summer due to retirements or trades, but added five more through signings and the draft, essentially giving their main rotation a major overhaul.

Such a major roster change is bound to attract media attention.

Rising star DeAndre Jordan gripped his blue and orange jersey tightly, Ben Gordon's signature crooked smile was captured in countless shots, Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic made a cool, Eastern European appearance, while defensive stalwart Raja Bell stood beside him with a stern expression.

Two-time MVP Steve Nash stood in the center, elegantly displaying his new number 13 jersey.

Lynch, dressed in a well-tailored dark gray suit, applauded them from the sidelines and gently leaned close to Sam Presti's ear:

“It wasn’t until I saw them all standing together that I truly realized how well you did this summer. We’ve been completely transformed, Sam.”

“Stop talking, Lynch, stop talking,” Sam Presti’s fingers unconsciously rubbed his cufflinks. “Serge Ibaka should have been in this lineup.”

"Let go of your obsession, forget Sergi. This world can't always be smooth sailing, and the goddess of fate won't bestow both roses and swords upon mortals at the same time. De Andrei is very good, and you've done a very good job too."

Lynch's gaze swept over DeAndre Jordan, who was being interviewed on stage, and he was excitedly describing how he would help Lynch and the team.

“Yes, hopefully the setbacks of the 08 draft won’t carry over to 09.” Presti lowered his voice, his gaze passing through the noisy crowd and heading towards the unknown distance.

He also knew the importance of the 09 draft.

Curry, Harden, and DeRozan's outstanding performances at Reebok's training camp gave Sam Presti the confidence to select them, but also pushed the Knicks' desired targets into the hands of more eager competitors.

Lynch's expectation was that any one of those three young men would be considered a success if they joined the Knicks.

But Sam Presti was afraid that in the end, none of them would make it.

This situation is not impossible.

He can only pray that the Knicks will have the same good luck in next year's lottery as they did in 2004—although the number one pick in 2004 doesn't seem to be something that came with good luck either.

Lynch subtly adjusted his posture, allowing the camera to capture his most perfect profile: "Don't put pressure on yourself."

"Alright, Lin Qi, stop talking. It's almost your turn to speak."

After all the new recruits had finished their interviews, the press officer invited Lynch to come up on stage for an interview as well.

Lynch had to be the last to go on stage, because if he appeared at the beginning, all the new recruits would be overshadowed.

They're here on their first day, at least give them a chance to speak.

"Lynch, what's your assessment of the team's moves this summer?" a New York Times reporter asked first.

“We’ve lost many old friends, but we’ve also welcomed some exciting new faces. The team has always done a good job in this regard, which is why I signed a five-year extension. I think trust is always mutual.”

A Sports Illustrated reporter seized the opportunity to ask a second question: "Is this personnel change just aimed at the throne next season? Or is it part of your longer-term plans? How will you handle the Timberwolves' 2009 first-round pick? Will you stick with the regular draft? Or will you use it to acquire a player who can contribute immediately?"

"The Knicks are currently in a state of simultaneous championship contention and rebuilding, which is very special. All I can tell you is—" Lynch suddenly pulled the microphone directly off the base, "What we are planning is a basketball version of the Manhattan Project."

The press conference hall was instantly filled with the incessant clicking of camera shutters, and Sam Presti, standing in the shadows, suddenly felt a great sense of responsibility.

Indeed, for the basketball world, this can be considered the Manhattan Project.
-
While the American media was ablaze with headlines about the "Basketball Manhattan Project," a silent revolution was taking place inside the Greenburg Training Center.

Lynch decided to try to lose weight during this year's training camp to gain better mobility.

Times are changing quietly, and Lynch's changes must also proceed gradually.

In an era where offensive basketball is increasingly dominant, muscular power forwards have almost no place in the game.

Moreover, the Knicks currently have both Tyson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan, so Lynch is unlikely to play center.

While losing weight, Lynch is also adapting to his new role.

Although Lynch's first season was also primarily based on off-ball offense, with Steve Nash as the primary point guard, Lynch's ball-handling percentage will be lower than in his rookie season.

The habitual low-post isolation plays of the past few seasons will also decrease, and will only occasionally appear as a means to break the deadlock when the tactics are stalled in non-critical moments.

It's not just Lynch who will be affected; the entire team's offensive strategy will need to be redesigned.

Steve Nash's arrival was like replacing the engine of an old sports car with a more powerful one, requiring all parts of the team to recalibrate their operating modes.

For the past few seasons, the New York Knicks have been a slow-paced, traditional half-court offense team.

But now, the Knicks' offense is also picking up the pace. While it's not as extreme as Mike D'Antoni's "seven seconds or less," the Knicks are definitely moving towards becoming a fast-paced team.

Flip Saunders was well aware that this was a very dangerous thing, and changing the winning habits that the team had relied on for the past few years would not be easy.

But Steve Nash's value as an MVP-caliber point guard was fully demonstrated during training camp.

Most of the time, his passes can proactively guide his teammates.

As long as you have the opportunity, as long as you seize the moment to cut in, and as long as you run actively, the ball will definitely be passed to you.

His presence greatly reduced the difficulty of the Knicks' transformation.

Steve Nash himself is certainly not entirely living in his comfort zone. Throughout his entire career, Steve Nash has always been a ball-handler.

But with the Knicks, because of his "agreement" with Lynch, he will become an off-ball attacker in crucial moments.

Off-ball offense is not as simple as just being able to hit an open three-pointer.

As the team's second-in-command, you must also be a threat to stretch the defense when you don't have the ball.

Therefore, Flip Saunders designed many off-ball plays for Steve Nash, and at times, he needed to learn to play like Reggie Miller. This was something Steve Nash needed time to adapt to, as he had never played under any systematic off-ball strategy throughout his entire career. He needed to use a mathematician's precision to solve a geometric problem he had never encountered before in his career.

Everyone on the team is working hard to adapt to each other and work together.

During the break-in process, friction is inevitable.

Aside from Steve Nash, Raja Bell gives almost no one a friendly look.

He channeled his hatred for Sam Presti into the locker room; in his heart, he was Steve Nash's man, not the New York Knicks' man.

This led to him constantly spewing the most offensive trash talk and using the most brutal defensive moves on the training field.

He wasn't popular in the locker room, but he didn't care at all and always did his own thing.

Another person who is prone to friction with others is Ben Gordon.

Although he is a British citizen, he is not a true British gentleman.

He was born in England, but moved to New York with his parents as an infant, received his education in the United States, grew up in the American basketball system, and is a native-born American.

In essence, he is no different from most African American players, even in the fact that he doesn't have a father.

Compared to his former teammate Luol Deng, who came to the United States at the age of 14, Ben Gordon definitely has the right to say to him, "You stinky out-of-towner."

Most of the time, Ben Gordon is taciturn and always wears a hood, seemingly unwilling to interact with people.

Although they may seem difficult to get along with, at least they won't cause trouble.

However, occasionally, when things don't go his way, he can suddenly erupt and become a vicious thug.

One week after the start of the training camp, Ben Gordon showed this side of himself to the public for the first time.

At that time, Tyson Chandler fouled Ben Gordon, who was driving to the basket, during a defensive play.

He didn't do it on purpose; such collisions are normal on a basketball court.

Just as Tyson Chandler reached out to help Ben Gordon up in a friendly manner, the taciturn Ben Gordon suddenly erupted, scrambling to his feet and shoving Tyson Chandler away: "You bastard, I'm going to fucking kill you! I'll bring my gun, you bastard, just you wait!"

Lynch immediately stepped forward, grabbing Ben Gordon's jersey with his right hand like an iron clamp, and pushing Chandler away with his left.

Lynch reacted so strongly because of what Gordon had just said.

The King of New York has heard countless trash talks on the basketball court, some dirty, some witty.

However, the direct phrase "I'll kill you" almost never appeared.

That's too extreme.

Moreover, he just mentioned guns, showing his support for the Stars and Stripes.

Lynch sensed that this was extremely dangerous.

“Calm down, Benny.” Lynch released his hand and met Ben Gordon’s gaze.

Ben Gordon also stared at Lynch, his eyes bloodshot, his gaze like that of a ferocious beast unleashed.

A few seconds later, he suddenly froze, a childlike fear seeping from beneath his furious mask.

"Damn it, I, Phil, want to take a break!" Ben Gordon volunteered to leave the field.

Raja Bell watched Ben Gordon walk off the court and whistled, "Look at this lunatic. Now I know why the Bulls don't give him a max contract."

“Keep quiet, Raja,” Nash warned.

Following the altercation, Philip Sanders called both Ben Gordon and Tyson Chandler into his office for a talk.

The two also shook hands and reconciled in front of the head coach.

Lynch didn't take it too seriously. Considering Ben Gordon's living conditions, his words like "gun" and "kill you" were probably just said in anger.

But no one expected that the real danger would occur two days later.

Two days later, in the afternoon, the Knicks team, as always, practiced their teamwork in a scrimmage.

Today, Raja Bell is responsible for marking Ben Gordon.

He stole the ball from Ben Gordon several times, which made him quite proud.

"That's why the team is starting me, not you."

Ben Gordon did not respond and remained silent.

Raja Bell, however, showed no sign of stopping.

One possession later, he slammed a three-pointer over Ben Gordon, then laughed triumphantly in front of Gordon: "Man, I'm not kidding, what makes you think you can get a max contract? That thing is as far away from you as this is from the Pacific Ocean."

Ben Gordon felt as if a black cloak had been thrown at him, suffocating him. Not just physically, but spiritually.

He stared at Raja Bell, his breathing becoming heavy.

Raja Bell may be a jerk, but he doesn't really want to cause trouble.

Seeing the look in Ben Gordon's eyes that was completely out of place for a civilized human being, he quickly waved his hand: "Dude, stop making that stupid face of yours, I was just fucking kidding you."

Before he could finish speaking, Ben Gordon suddenly rushed forward and landed a solid punch on Raja Bell's chin.

The dull thud caused Raja Bell to lose his hearing instantly. His body slammed into the wooden floor like a puppet with its strings cut, and the thud of the back of his head kissing the ground stunned everyone.

Things happened too fast and caught everyone off guard.

When people realized what was happening, they only saw Raja Bell collapsed on the ground like a rag doll.

The crowd froze for a few seconds, followed by a chaotic shouting.

"Damn it, team doctor! Team doctor!"

"Did he faint? He's lost consciousness!"

"Ben! What the hell are you doing?!"

"What happened? Damn it, call an ambulance!"

Ben Gordon stood frozen like a statue beyond the three-point line, looking at his fist, where the stinging sensation from his opponent's stubble still lingered.

Steve Nash ripped open his training shirt and pressed it against Raja's bleeding mouth, discovering several bloody teeth lying quietly on the floor.

Lynch put Raja Bell in the ambulance, next to him was Sam Presti, whose custom-made suit was already wrinkled like a dried vegetable.

"Damn it, what happened?! What's wrong with that idiot?! Damn it, his last name is Gordon, right? Why does he look like Bin Laden?!"

“I think we should send him for a psychological evaluation. Haven’t you noticed? His uncontrolled behavior is very similar to that of Ron Artest, one of the benchmarks for a team-oriented and friendly player,” Lynch suggested.

New York is definitely a place with a certain reputation; NBA players who grow up there tend to have some kind of mental health issues.

If Stephon Marbury hadn't met Lynch, he'd probably be eating Vaseline live right now.

Sam Presti kept cursing: "I'm not in the mood for jokes, Lynch. The trainers were there when the conflict broke out, and everyone saw us put Raja in an ambulance. And this is New York, the center of attention. Damn it, we're in big trouble! Trouble from the outside, trouble from the inside, damn it!"

Lynch looked up at the New York sky and took a deep breath.

This is definitely a big problem.

The Manhattan Project was never easy to achieve.

(End of this chapter)