Champion Rules

Chapter 312, Section 308: Let's Keep Bombing (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
Three-peat.

Nine years after the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, the league has produced another team that has achieved a three-peat.

David Stern couldn't hide his smile as he handed the championship trophy to Lynch.

Finally, the league has another superstar among superstars.

In the world of basketball, no honor can compare to a three-peat or a three-peat Finals MVP.

Its persuasive power is unparalleled.

40,000 career points? That's impressive.

The player with the most seasons in his career? Very good.

Is his total playing time the highest in history? He's incredibly dedicated.

However, all these honors accumulated over the length of a career cannot truly measure a player's absolute dominance at their peak, just like "three consecutive championships + three consecutive Finals MVPs".

Three consecutive championships and three consecutive Finals MVP awards are also stepping stones to competing for the GOAT status.

A Lakers legend, known for his exceptional physical attributes and long career.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar does not deserve to be called the GOAT.

He played basketball his entire career, winning six championships and six MVPs, and ranking first on the all-time scoring list. Furthermore, at the age of 41, he achieved a back-to-back championships, instead of standing on the court with his hands on his hips defending and saying, "Old Jia did his best," as the Lakers and CBA players did.

But why is such a great player never a candidate for GOAT?
Firstly, because he had another historical superstar, Magic Johnson, by his side; and secondly, because his championship run never resulted in three consecutive years of overwhelming dominance.

Therefore, it is laughable for some people who also have superstar teammates, have long service records, do not have three consecutive championships, and even have fewer championships and MVPs than Justin Timberlake to call themselves GOAT.

Under the rules of the modern NBA, it is possible to beat everyone to win the championship for three consecutive seasons and be the best player on that championship team for three consecutive years.

This is enough to prove that this player's dominance surpasses any of his competitors of his time, placing him in another extraordinary dimension.

Lynch did that.

Moreover, the moment he lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy, he etched far more than just a leap in his personal historical status.

This further elevates the NBA's position on the global sports map by one level.

NBA Vice President and Commissioner-designate Adam Silver once worried that a three-peat would diminish the suspense of the league's competition, damage the season's entertainment value, and consequently lead to a decline in viewership.

He even proposed the "Thunder Three-Referee Plan," which would involve the Thunder lying on the floor of Chesapeake Energy Arena with a bowl, begging for a championship and breaking the Knicks' chances of a three-peat.

His ideal vision is a league where many strong teams emerge and a new champion is crowned every year, believing that constant suspense is most conducive to development.

David Stern had previously thought so, but now he clearly realizes that the driving force that truly propelled the NBA from the 80s to the world stage was never the balanced so-called "suspense".

Instead, they are groundbreaking superstars like Magician, Bird, and Sprinter!
Only superstars can attract massive traffic!
Past experience has taught David Stern that true superstars cannot be "created" by referee whistles.

Only a three-peat can forge a globally recognized, undisputed superstar.

At this point, with Lynch's reputation at its peak, David Stern believed that not only the North American market, but also the European and Asian markets would take off because of Lynch's three-peat!
When the image of Lynch raising the trophy high above his head froze on the screen, Michael Jordan reached out and turned off the TV.

The "moat" of three consecutive championships has now been breached by Lynch.

But the reason why Michael Jordan's status is so secure is that he has accomplished the incredibly difficult feat of winning three consecutive championships more than once.

However, the unease that lingered in his heart grew heavier and heavier—Lin Qi was only 25 years old, and even assuming he was the kind of player who aged prematurely, his dominance would last for at least five years.

For Lynch, a second three-peat was by no means a pipe dream.

From a tough stance at the labor negotiation table to influence in the media storm, and then to absolute dominance on the sports field.
The past year was undoubtedly the most crisis-ridden year for Michael Jordan.

For the first time, a real threat that could shake his very foundation loomed clearly before him.

The deepest sense of powerlessness lies in facing the relentless advance of a young champion.

This former deity could do nothing but pray.
-
Lynch walked into the player tunnel with the Finals MVP trophy, where Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Kevin Durant were already waiting for him.

They came to congratulate the rightful victor, following the instructions of Coach Scott Brooks.

Lin Qi hugged the three men in turn. They had a good personal relationship, so once everything was settled, the tension that had been building up during the finals had long since dissipated.

Looking around at his three opponents, Lin Qi was still somewhat dazed.

When Lynch first met Steve Curry, he had just been rejected by Duke University, and only the little-known Davidson College was willing to offer him a basketball scholarship.

When Lynch first met James Harden, he was a chubby boy who lacked confidence due to obesity and asthma.

However, in just a few years, they have already transformed.

Not only did it stand proudly in the highest hall of the NBA, but it also fought fiercely against itself on this narrow floor, battling for a full six games.

It was quite a wonderful experience; this season was the first time Lynch had felt challenged by someone else.

They were completely different from the opponents Lynch had faced before.

Facing players like Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James, Lynch will grow alongside them.

They will gradually weaken when facing Kobe Bryant, KG, and Tim Duncan.

However, when facing the Thunder Trio, Lin Qi knew that his peak trajectory had leveled off, while the growth curves of these three were rising sharply.

This is no longer a story of growing together or witnessing the departure of predecessors; it is a process of being overtaken.

Every time we face them again, they get stronger, and the matches become more challenging.

After exchanging pleasantries, as Lynch left, Kevin Durant shouted at his retreating figure with a hint of resentment, "I hope you're still in the competition when we reach the top."

Lynch stopped, turned halfway to the side, and confidently turned his head: "Don't worry, KD, when you guys are at your peak, I'll definitely still be at my peak. But I have to remind you, not everyone who stands at the top will ultimately become a winner."

After saying that, Lin Qi disappeared from the reporters' flashing lights.

Kevin Durant took a deep breath, as if making a decision: "Are we still going to Lynch's training camp this summer?"

"Of course!" Stephen Curry answered decisively. "We can't slow down our progress; we must eventually overcome that mountain in our hearts!"

James Harden felt dizzy and rubbed his throbbing shoulder.

"Guys, the Finals have only been over for an hour and three minutes. Are you sure you want to talk about practice? Kevin, you don't want LeBron to be a grandfather while you're still waiting for your bathwater, do you? Let's relax tonight. I know a good nightclub."

KD, who had just made up his mind to burn this summer, waved his hand dismissively: "LeBron, I'm not interested in that. I'm here to win the championship!"

"The nightclub's marketing manager looks like a 180cm tall, plus-size version of Scarlett Johansson."

"But as everyone knows, you can't win a championship in the offseason. LeBron, what time are you leaving?"

With the departure of three young Thunder players, the championship night has finally come to an end.

The lights inside Chesapeake Energy were gradually turned off, and the once bustling stadium was plunged back into darkness.

When light shines again on this land, no one knows whether Oklahoma City fans will be greeted by the brilliance of a new generation or the fading glow of an old dynasty.

The day after winning the championship, the entire Knicks team returned home and flew to New York.

From the moment the gangway touched the ground, the Knicks players were bathed in the highest level of adoration from the fans.

But Lynch was jealous because the number of fans holding up LeBron James signs far exceeded the number holding up signs of himself!
Looking around, all of New York was filled with the image of LBJ kneeling on the ground!

The False King of New York: He returns in glory, but no one cares.

The real King of New York: Though he is far away in Oklahoma City, the roar of "Fuck LeBlanc" has already resounded throughout the New York sky!

This king should be LeBron James!
The next few days are going to be a dream come true for the Knicks players. They'll be appearing on various shows as members of a dynasty.

They will participate in the craziest champion parade in the United States.

They will sign a record-breaking commercial contract that they never dared to dream of before.

Of course, some of them will also receive the contract offers they've always dreamed of.

So for team general manager Sam Presti, the job is not over yet.

Every year, from the moment a team lifts the championship trophy, the team's general manager must worry about maintaining the integrity of the roster.

This summer presents particularly severe challenges.

Most Knicks players are facing the issue of expiring contracts.

There were some players Sam Presti didn't want to re-sign with, such as Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal.

They have made outstanding contributions; they have fulfilled their mission. But if the team's goal is to surpass a three-peat, who can guarantee that these veterans will still demonstrate their value next season?
However, if they are allowed to leave, whether the team can find suitable replacements is another huge problem.

Some players haven't decided on their future yet, like Steve Nash. Sam Presti tentatively asked him last night, but Nash himself is currently leaning more towards retirement than continuing to play.

He had already won three consecutive championships, and he had already made history. He knew that Lynch's goal was to surpass the three-peat, and he wanted to help him, but now he wanted to make up for it by giving his children a complete family.

Some players are facing fierce competition; DeAndre Jordan and Wilson Chandler both rejected early contract extension offers from the Knicks, and their agents are quite confident in their clients' market value in free agency.

This means that the Knicks do not have the initiative in renewing contracts; they can only struggle to weigh whether to match offers from competitors.

In other words, the Knicks' roster may undergo significant changes next season.

This is the inevitable cycle of dynasties, a law that no glory can defy.

The key point is that Sam Presti and Lynch are planning the groundbreaking Manhattan Project.

For this plan to succeed, the Knicks must fight against what is considered normal turnover.

Sam Presti decided to take it one step at a time, wanting to first ascertain Steve Nash's situation.

However, an unexpected variable emerged even more rapidly than Sam Presti and Lynch had anticipated.

While the world was still reeling from Lynch's three-peat, Coach Flip Saunders hosted a quiet dinner party at his home, inviting only Lynch and Sam Presti.

Under the warm glow of family lights, everything is harmonious and orderly:
His wife was preparing to finish, and the children were helping him out. In the most prominent spot in the living room, all the group photos taken since Philip Sanders took the helm of New York City were quietly displayed.

The aroma of dinner wafted from the kitchen, and the children's figures gradually faded into the distance.

In the quiet solitude, Philip Sanders sat in a single sofa, his gaze sweeping over the golden moments etched on the wall, and got straight to the point:
"I have decided to step down as head coach."

While sipping his tea, Lynch joked, "Philip, you're only 56, the perfect age to be fearless and daring."

Lynch certainly didn't want Philip Sanders to leave.

Admittedly, he wasn't some extraordinary tactical genius. His tactics manual was more a testament to the wisdom of the two Mikes.

However, he has a remarkably affable personality, and over the years he has never had any unpleasant encounters with any player.

He is experienced and knows when to call a timeout, when to commit a foul, and when to substitute someone. His judgment is so accurate it seems to be ingrained in his bones.

Don't underestimate the importance of this point. Fans who watched the Lakers during their first major collapse should know the helplessness of a team being completely outmatched while the coach had four timeouts but couldn't use them.

Lynch's sarcasm revealed his attitude: he didn't want Philip Sanders to leave.

He believed that Philip Sanders would not refuse him.

The old coach smiled and picked up his teacup: "Lin Qi, I have cancer."

The smiles on Lynch and Sam Presti's faces froze instantly, and the air became deathly still.

“Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” the old coach said with unusual calm, as if recounting someone else’s story. “There is no hope of a cure. What follows is just a series of grueling recovery battles. I may be able to control the timing of timeouts, I may be able to control the rotation time, it seems like I can control everything. But ironically, I can’t control my own life now.”

Seeing the frozen panic on Lynch and Sam Presti's faces, Philip Sanders waved his hand:

"This is normal. You have to understand that people don't just die when they get old; they can die at any time. In 2007, the Minneapolis Mississippi River Bridge collapsed, killing 13 people. Do you know that? My car was only 18 meters away from the collapse point. I saw a bus fall into the water with my own eyes. That was the closest I ever came to death."

Philip Sanders took a deep breath and swallowed the memories along with his tea.

He looked up and his gaze fell on the kitchen—where the stove was burning brightly, his wife's spatula was clattering softly, and the children's busy shadows were reflected on the doorframe. The clanging of pots and pans formed the most ordinary yet most precious symphony.

The warm light from the kitchen melted into his eyes, and there was no fear of death, only a clear pool filled with this trivial warmth.

"So, on this journey where the end is uncertain, I want to spend more time with them. I know you have a grand plan that could change history. But I'm sorry, Lynch, Sam, I have to get off halfway."

Lin Qi did not try to persuade him to stay. Although he was extremely competitive, in his mind, life was still more important than basketball, and basketball was not more important than life and death.

He has always been a proponent of the theory that "winning is for better enjoyment," so he cannot deprive others of their right to enjoy life.

Even now, finding a new coach capable of leading the team and driving the "Manhattan Project" forward is by no means easy.

“By the way,” Philip Sanders seemed to see through the unspoken worry in their eyes, “if you’re looking for a new coach, I recommend my lead assistant coach, Mike.”

"Which Mike? Malone or Brown?" Sam Presti spread his hands.

"Mike Malone."

In Sam Presti's mind, this was not a perfect answer.

Lynch thought so too.

Mike Malone's basketball skills are undeniable, and his on-court coaching abilities have also greatly improved over the years.

However, he was too violent and his words were too blunt and sharp.

In fact, he disagreed with Flip Saunders more than once during the game, and they almost got into a fight on several occasions.

It was Philip Sanders who, with his powerful charisma, repeatedly defused all of this.

When he was the lead assistant coach, these sharp edges could still be sheltered from the storm by the big tree that was Philip Sanders.

But once he's promoted to head coach, can his powder keg-like temper really maintain harmony in the locker room?

“I know he has many flaws,” Philip Sanders shrugged, “but I also know he’s incredibly ambitious, his thirst for victory is practically ingrained in his bones, and his ability is beyond question. And I know even more, Lynch, that you have absolute control over the locker room. His flaws won’t be an obstacle to the team.”

Two days later, during his speech at the championship parade, Flip Sanders tearfully read his farewell letter announcing his resignation.

And the newly crowned King of New York, who had just won his third consecutive championship, stepped onto the platform amidst the city's breathless silence.

He uttered only one sentence, which, like a meteorite striking the center of a lake, caused the entire city to shake violently:
“Listen to New York, no matter what happens, I will not let the Manhattan project come to a standstill—”

Let's keep bombing!
-
Some Japanese fans were unhappy with the naming of the "Manhattan Project" and Lynch's "keep bombing" remarks, claiming it hurt national feelings. Lynch responded very politely: "It doesn't matter, I won't change it." —The New York Times

Lynch will be traveling to Japan this summer, and despite facing online backlash, tickets for the trip sold out in three seconds. "That's the influence of a three-time champion, folks," said Stephen A. Smith, expressing his astonishment at Lynch's popularity in Japan.

Wilson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan have both received offers from multiple teams. With the new collective bargaining agreement in effect and the super luxury tax rule officially implemented, will the New York Knicks choose to match their contracts? —ESPN Sports News.

The 2011 NBA Draft will be held in a day at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Ladies and gentlemen, let's see if there are any unexpected twists and turns in Kyrie Irving's fate. — Sports Illustrated

The Knicks have the first overall pick, the 30th overall pick, and two second-round picks in this draft. God knows how they managed to contend for a championship while acquiring so many draft picks. I can only say there are too many idiot general managers in this league, and a smart guy like Sam is playing with a bunch of morons.

This situation is enough to prove that Lynch wasn't exaggerating. By making good use of this year's draft, the Knicks' Manhattan plan will definitely not stall. Surpassing a three-peat? Man, that's insane!
— Charles Barkley talks about the 2011 NBA Draft.

(Thank you so much to Lin Yu and other generous donors! I'm extremely grateful!)
(End of this chapter)