Chapter 180: All-American Live Broadcast and First Generation Signature Shoes (10,000-word Chapter)

On October 1, 2010, the Celestial Empire on the other side of the ocean was on National Day, while Li Ze, who was in Amelika, was leisurely surfing the Internet at home in Oscar.

The Thunder team's training camp began on September 20, but as the team's Golden Thigh player, Li Ze still enjoyed some special treatment. Head coach Brooks allowed him to rest until October 1, and Li Ze officially returned to the team this afternoon.

Also enjoying this treatment are Turtle and Durant. These two played in Turkey's World Championships in September. The coaching staff naturally felt sorry for their star players and gave them a vacation.

At the end of September, Li Ze was almost always at Durant's house and signed two large contracts in a row. Durant was in a good mood just wanted to spend money, so he called all his relatives and friends, and opened a party for a week.

Anyway, the man gave him a chain and the woman gave him a bag. Durant also waved his hand and directly drove his car to each other. Li Ze seriously suspected that this guy had spent all his salary this year and his contract would not take effect until next season.

After a week of drunkenness and dreaming, Li Ze had no problem. Although the new A-level functional drink was so terrible that it was so drunk that it even surpassed the taste of snake grass water, its effects were extremely excellent.

Every morning when Li Ze wakes up, his body even feels explosive and full, which is completely different from the previous functional drinks. There are still some things to strengthen his physical fitness.

Anyway, after a week of high-intensity practice, Durant could no longer withstand the kidney deficiency! After that, the party was officially over.

Li Ze still has some serious things to do today, and his experimental version of his signature sneakers will arrive in the morning!

Keds' production line cannot be pulled up in the past six months, but it is still no problem to help Li Ze personally produce experimental sneakers. The commercial version will probably have to wait for about a year. The new materials need to be polished and tested. Whether it can become popular is the reputation of the first pair of signature sneakers.

Keds President Rick has been in the Asian market recently. Keds' canvas shoes are preparing to cut a wave of leeks while Li Ze and Taylor's album release. At 10 o'clock, product manager Elino Maker brought two designers to deliver shoes to Li Ze on time.

"Relax, guys! Just sit around, how about the juice? We've seen it in August, don't be so reserved."

Seeing the three of them sitting upright, Li Ze simply waved his hands and poured another glass of juice for the three of them.

"Kayce, the commercial version may have to wait for about 14 months. The wear resistance problem of the soles has not been solved at present. Dow Chemistry has conducted in-depth research on this topic, but the experimental version we bring today will definitely be fine to support you in high-intensity competitions."

Elinor took a sip of juice and hurriedly reported to the work. At the same time, he gave the two designers a wink and signaled them to take out the experimental sneakers.

Li Ze nodded with a smile. He was still very satisfied with the current R&D progress. A pair of sneakers needs to be repeatedly revised in texture and sole composition, and also undergo various repeated tests.

The friction coefficient in the horizontal and vertical directions, the impact force, peak, pressure, reaction force, and shock absorption in different areas of the soles of the foot, comprehensive review, in August, Li Ze cooperated with Keds staff to complete a series of exclusive tests, and the one you have obtained is currently considered a half-finished product.

However, seeing the style of sneakers after being adjusted, Li Ze looked a little strange and couldn't help but complain loudly:

"Isn't this the signature shoes of Curry's Flow series? Could it be that the memory of the future was Under Armour?"

The designer saw Li Ze's expression and quickly explained loudly:

"Kayce, we have readjusted the braided material of the upper. The overall support of the upper is better and more breathable. The TPU board on the sole is also hidden, making the whole pair of shoes feel stronger and the torque resistance is much better than before!"

"Because of using the midsole directly, this pair of shoes is definitely a pair of basketball shoes that have cross-ages, in addition to some wear resistance issues!"

"The weight is lighter and the cushioning is better, which is definitely in line with your sports habits. Of course, due to the requirements of the NBA, we have only made white colors at present."

When Elino saw that Li Ze was not speaking, he continued:

"There are both medium and low tops and low tops. Kayce, you can try it on. After the fine adjustment in August, there is definitely no big problem with this pair of shoes!"

"Sorry, I was a little surprised by the style of the sneakers. After all, this is completely different from the previous beta version. It's so cool, guys! I have to pay tribute to the design team!"

After Li Ze tried it on, the weirdness in his heart was even more lingering. This feeling of footwork was even better than the Flow he bought in his last life. The tailor-made sneakers were indeed different.

Seeing the "Y" on the tongue of the shoe and the "Li" on the heel, Li Ze nodded again with satisfaction. The former represents the family and the latter represents himself. As for what Under Armour will become in the future, only God knows.

When Elino and the designer saw that Li Ze was very satisfied, they breathed a sigh of relief. This is a big money owner and must serve well. Thinking of the Thunder's schedule this season, several people immediately flattered:

"Kayce, the Thunder's live broadcasts in the United States have increased significantly this season. After a year of exposure, our sneakers will definitely be sold well when they are released!"

"Yes! When we are at the All-Star, we can add some color schemes. The NBA is really too conservative. Fans actually prefer some colorful sneakers!"

"Kayce looks great in white sneakers. This is definitely a classic model. We can also collect a few pairs, and maybe it will appreciate in the future!"

When Li Ze thought of the number of live broadcasts of the Thunder in the United States this season, he was in a good mood. He still didn't play in the playoffs in vain. The NBA is still optimistic about the Thunder!

The Thunder's number of live broadcasts nationwide in the new season has reached 22 games, second only to the Lakers, Heat and Celtics in 25 games.

You should know that on Ameika, fans have defaulted that NBATV's live broadcast is not considered a national live broadcast. If NBTV games are added, the Thunder will have a total of 42 national live broadcast games.

This is a very different difference from the four national live broadcasts in the 2009-10 seasons. The exposure of the two is incomparable!

The broadcast of ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBATV can bring huge attention to players. The reason why the Thunder team silently lost and won silently last season was because of the lack of exposure.

The main players of NBA game broadcasters are ESPN and TNT. ABC and ESPN belong to Disneyland, but ABC usually broadcasts the finals and the regular season games will be less.

In addition to these broadcasters, the rest are local broadcasters. The more famous ones are Time Warner, Comcast, Fox Sports, and local broadcasters. If the team wants to sign contracts with these broadcasters, they have to look at the local market.

In this regard, the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, and Knicks have the best football market, and you can easily get broadcast contracts in these places. As for the Thunder in the Small Ball Market, cough, nothing is there

This is also a problem faced by all small-scale teams in the league. No matter how good the results are, no one will broadcast them. If the Lakers fart or gossip about the players, there will be a lot of people watching, because there are places to broadcast them, so there will naturally be more viewers.

Why are Kobe, James and other stars attracted attention? They were all exposed by local broadcasts + ESPN + TNT + ABC + NBATV. Li Ze played so well last season and did not have sideline interviews after the game. Because he was broadcasting all over the United States, the broadcaster defaulted to interview the home team.

If Li Ze wasn't good at playing basketball, TNT's Inside the NBA and ESPN's Sport Center were frequently exposed, and many fans could not see Li Ze's performance at all. This is the small ball market!

As for rookies who have frequently been interviewed and received a lot of attention when they entered the NBA, they may only be because they went to big city teams, or they were chosen sons, and have been favored by sports brands since high school.

"Lunch time is up! Let's indulge in today and go to my favorite steakhouse. Don't be polite, let's have fun together!"

Thinking of the bright prospects of this season, Li Ze was getting more and more happy and said nothing. He had to show off this season, and the number of live broadcasts across the United States was for the players to perform!

On the afternoon of the 1st, Li Ze drove to Ford Center Arena. This afternoon is the training day for the Thunder team. Li Ze has to start training with the team. After all, the preseason is about to begin, and everyone has to become nervous.

As soon as I parked the car, I saw Durant in white leaning against a black Porsche supercar. When Li Ze saw the scene of the other party pretending to be X silently, he felt helpless. This guy was definitely rich.

"Kayce, it's time for you to change your car. Dodge Challenger is too cheap. You've been driving for a year. Take advantage of this kind of old car as soon as possible. Buy a supercar and let's change it!"

Since signing a big contract, Durant has been feeling uncomfortable all over without spending money for a day.

"Bro, we are so tall that it's uncomfortable to drive a sports car. I want to buy a pickup truck. Besides, I live too close to the arena, so the sports car cannot perform its performance."

When Durant heard Li Ze's words, his mouth twitched. Indeed, he didn't drive faster than 100 today, but he continued to say toughly:

"I will give you an Audi sports car for my birthday next year. We must improve the style of the All-Star player!"

Since Li Ze’s birthday is September 24th and Durant is the 29th, the two of them celebrated their birthdays together this year. Anyway, they just spend money and gifts are famous watches.

Durant directly gave Li Ze a $600,000 watch, and the same was true for Li Ze. The $500,000 watch plus customized handmade suits and handmade, it follows the customs of the countryside. The chain and watch are definitely a good gift.

In addition to the watches given by Turtle, Harden, Jeff Green, Love and others, Li Ze felt that he couldn't bring them.

After coming to the locker room, I saw several new faces and immediately stepped forward and greeted me kindly:

"How do you feel? Bro, Brooks' head coach is still relatively strict in training. Welcome to the Thunder team to get tired of logging!"

Morris Peterson was still with the Hornets last season, 201cm tall and mainly played in the third position. Naturally, he also played with Li Ze. Seeing Li Ze greeting him kindly, he immediately responded with a smile:

"I've been completely adapted to life in Oxford City, and the training intensity is fine, but our locker room atmosphere is amazing. The Hornets feel like they're about to part with each other."

"Lee, I'm a big fan of you. You performed so well in the Western Conference Finals last season and I'm so happy to be on the team."

"I'm so glad to join the Thunder! I love the atmosphere of the team!"

Cole Aldridge is the 11th rookie in the first round this year, a big man of 211cm, traded by Presti to supplement the team's inside line, and Royer Evie is the 191cm defender. Both of them are likely to become new members of the atmosphere group.

Dai Quinn Cook also hurriedly said hello:

"I like the Thunder, Lee, congratulations on your album sale!"

"Haha, I didn't expect the sales to be so good. Come on the new season and we strive to reach the finals!"

After the album "+" became popular in the UK, it also topped the Amika Album Chart in September. Li Ze was not interested in knowing the musicians' evaluation of the album. He only knew that Mei Dao had waved to him again.

The above players are the gains of the Thunder in the offseason. Except for the three-pointer of Dai Quinn Cook, the other three players are basically working as water dispensers. This is also the head coach of Brooks. Why did Li Ze rest until October? The main lineup has not changed, so there is no need to get in.

"Guys, change your training suits, let's play a simple training match, Kayce, Russell, Kevin, do a warm-up event, we have to prepare for the preseason, the tickets have been snatched up by the fans of the Oxford City, and the game must be more serious at that time!"

Although the lineup does not need to be adjusted, and coach Brooks is very happy, but thinking that the team's lineup defects are still not supplemented, he always feels it is difficult to reach the finals this season. The Lakers are still in the double tower lineup, and the Mavericks have also added Tyson Chandler, and the inside is always a weakness.

"Don't worry, coach!"

"We will perform well and give back to the fans!"

However, after the training match began, Dai Quinn Cook almost doubted his life, which was completely different from the training days ago, especially the match between Li Ze and Durant, which seemed to be merciless.

Li Ze received the ball from the outside of the three-point line. Using the fake cover raised by Ibaka, he suddenly exerted force under his feet, put the ball with his left hand, and broke through with cross steps. Dai Quinn Cook only saw Li Ze's center of gravity lower, so he directly passed Durant, and then broke through to the inside and easily completed a one-handed slam dunk.

When Durant turned around, he broke through with cross steps and shot with Li Ze's right hand.

The two of them quarreled each other in the training match. The other Thunder players were actually used to it, but the newcomers were stunned. Is this a training match?

“It's good! Let's go!Move!Move!Move!”

There were only the assistant coach's prompt sound and the squeaking sound of sneakers rubbing against the ground in the venue. Dai Quinn Cook was breathing a lot after playing for a while. He and Li Ze's team, but the Turtle opposite was not polite and he was very harsh in defense.

When the assistant coach signaled that the training match was over, several newbies who had joined the team were so depressed that they didn't want to talk anymore. The intensity was a bit high, and it felt like they played a 30-minute regular season game.

"It seems that you really practiced shooting more during the offseason. Sergi, maybe you can get more points in the new season! Green, why do you feel that you are not in high spirits? Didn't have a break last night?"

Jeff Green heard Li Ze's inquiry and immediately approached Li Ze and whispered:

"The contract issue was not reached in advance with the team, but the problem was not big. The agent would help me with these things."

"The team didn't choose to renew your contract with you in advance? What was Presti thinking? We reached the Western Conference Finals last season!"

Since this year is the contract year, Turtle is also paying special attention to this issue.

"My agent Kleiman mentioned the Thunder. Our salary this season is just up to the salary cap and we almost fell to the poor line! In terms of salary ranking, we seem to be ranked third from the bottom."

After taking a sip of water, Durant also whispered to the discussion.

This situation was indeed beyond Li Ze's expectations. The Thunder should have made money last season.
To be continued...