On June 20, the NBA held a board meeting at its New York headquarters.
"The ratings of the finals are terrible. Without Old K, the game has lost its appeal, and the tickets for the finals are also very low. Someone must be responsible for all this."
"When Old K and Michael Jordan were here, our finals ratings could reach 50 million. Jordan retired and Old K came back. We originally counted on him to help us make money, but you got rid of him. Now
How much ratings are left in the finals? Ticket prices are not half what they were back then. We have lost at least hundreds of millions of dollars in this finals series, and someone must be responsible for this."
From the beginning of the board meeting, bosses complained and expressed their anger to David Stern.
David Stern said tiredly: "Recently, several broadcasters have continuously made suggestions to us, and even threatened us to re-sign the broadcast contract. This shows that we have indeed made some wrong decisions. If you have any ideas, please tell us.
Come out."
From this sentence, the 29 bosses or their authorized agents understood Stern's attitude. They were looking for a scapegoat.
But they don't care, because Stern is indeed a very capable manager, and they can't do without Stern. As for other executives, who cares whether they live or die?
Mrs. John, the majority owner of the Suns, attended the board of directors in person. She was the first to express her opinion and said seriously:
"Mr. Stern, I believe everyone knows how much Old K has contributed to this league, but after Old K's comeback, how the league treated him has been seen by all of us. I am very disappointed. The league
He actually acted in such a short-sighted manner.
I think it's time to put things right and someone has to pay for our losses, and whoever it is, get them out."
"I agree with Mrs. John, someone has to pay for this," Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen said.
Next, bosses with similar interests expressed their support.
David Stern agreed to many requests made by the bosses, but finally made his only request, saying: "I hope you can allow the league to maintain the suspension of Old K, otherwise the league will lose its dignity, and the league and the ball will
The team will lose its prestige and deterrence in front of a superstar like Lao K, and your long-term interests will also be damaged as a result."
This is about the game between management and labor. Changing orders at night will definitely increase the arrogance of the players and will definitely be detrimental to the management. The bosses discussed it and except for Mrs. John’s clear objection, the other bosses agreed, so the bill was passed.
Tern’s request.
Mrs. John had no way to compete with everyone, but K’s suspension caused the greatest loss to the Suns. She asked the league to compensate the Suns, but David Stern and other owners agreed.
Outside the conference room, Xiao Hua was a little panicked because Mr. Stern actually excluded him from the board of directors meeting and did not let him do any relevant work. What does this mean? Is he being marginalized?
"No, it can't be like this. Mr. Stern promised me to be the vice president last year. I can't just sit back and watch myself be marginalized."
The board meeting lasted for two hours. After it was over, he immediately went to Stern, but was refused. He was not allowed to enter the president's office, which made him feel chilled.
Ten minutes after the board meeting ended, Stern suddenly appointed a new special assistant to the president, and Xiao Hua, the former special assistant to the president, was relieved of his position as special assistant to the president.
However, the NBA President's Office began to issue a series of presidential orders, starting a series of personnel operations for the league's senior management. There were personnel transfers and direct dismissals. A wave of purges targeting senior executives began.
The first person affected was Xiao Hua, the former special assistant to the president. After being dismissed from his position as special assistant, he received a letter of dismissal from the personnel department.
In the end, a total of 13 executives were purged, accounting for half of the league's executives, and the entire management team underwent a major shakeup.
June 27th, NBA draft day.
Madison Square Garden has a good attendance rate. This is a big year for the draft, so there is a lot of attention.
The first few rows are small green rooms. The top prospects in the draft are invited to enter the small green room. This is the position that receives the most media attention.
Zhu Fangyu and Wang Shipeng were sitting in the audience, next to them were two agents from Ace Company.
The two of them have not missed the Tiejun summer camp in recent years. They go there every year. Then under the arrangement of Wang Tiejun, they entered the NCAA and are now officially entering the professional world.
"Lao Zhu, your draft prospects are pretty good. You might have hope in the first round, but I might not have any hope in the second round." Wang Shipeng said suddenly.
Zhu Fangyu glanced at Wang Shipeng and could see that this old friend was very nervous. He comforted: "Don't think too much, it would be good even if we go to Europe to play. Brother Liu and the others are doing well there and they have all joined the national team.
, are still the main players. In fact, European basketball is more suitable for the national team. It’s not bad to go there and you can make a lot of money.”
Wang Shipeng couldn't help but nodded excitedly and said: "Yeah."
Colangelo Jr. was sitting on the court at this time, having final discussions with D'Antoni and Van Gundy Jr.
The Suns have nothing to pick, just the No. 24 pick in the first round and the No. 24 pick in the second round. In addition, they also have the partner obtained by trading Marbury for Nash. The Mavericks' top-five protected first-round pick in 2003, which is the first-round pick.
Pick No. 26.
The Suns have been targeted by the league. So far, it is difficult for Colangelo Jr. to complete a high-quality deal because the old K has been suspended for 50 games. The Suns have also lost their appeal to the free market. Those with talent in the free market
Strong players believe that the Suns have no hope of winning the championship next season, so the Suns now rely almost entirely on the draft for reinforcements.
However, everyone now knows that the Suns and Old K are public enemies of the league. When the team invites draft players for trial training, many rookies with strength and potential refuse the Suns' invitation, and few draft prediction positions are in Le
Rookies with a clear position go to the Suns for a tryout.
At eight o'clock, the draft begins.
The knight carefully handed over his envelope.
In the Little Green Room, LeBron James was nervous. Although his hometown team, the Cavaliers, had promised to draft him, he was still nervous until the last minute.
David Stern opened the envelope with a smile and pulled out a piece of white letterhead. After taking a look at it, his smile became even brighter, and then he read: "Cleveland Cavaliers, select LeBron James from Cleveland."
"ah!"
Raising his fist suddenly, James stood up excitedly, and then hugged his mother Gloria James beside him.
Anthony, sitting on the left, was disappointed that he lost his No. 1 pick spot.
Popovich was also disappointed. The damn Cavaliers chose the person he wanted most.
Soon after, he handed over his envelope and selected Milicic.
Next, the Nuggets selected Anthony, the Raptors selected Bosh, and the Heat selected Wade.
At this time, James was being interviewed by ESPN TV in a nearby cabin.
Miss Loya, the host in her forties, smiled and asked: "LeBron, congratulations on becoming the No. 1 pick in 2003. You are the best! I can see that you are very excited now."
"Thank you, I am very lucky. Yes, I am indeed very excited now. The No. 1 pick is worthy of my talent." James said excitedly.
"So LeBron, what are your expectations for your career?" Miss Loya asked.
Hearing this question, James immediately became more excited and said with gestures: "You know, a championship, yes, it is the dream of every player to enter the NBA. I look forward to getting it and having a perfect career.
"
"Before you, Tim Duncan was at the top when he debuted. He entered the league in 1997 and won the championship in the 2001/02 season. It took him five seasons. Yao Min, who entered the league in 2000, was also at the top when he debuted and won the championship this year.
It only took him three seasons to win the championship. LeBron, how many seasons do you plan to use?" Miss Loya asked.
James said excitedly: "They are all great superstars and have a perfect career, and I hope so too.
But I don’t know the specific time, I have just participated in the draft, maybe three years, maybe five years, I am looking forward to it.”
"You have mentioned Lao K on many occasions and said that he is your idol. Is he still your idol now?" Miss Loya said.
James sighed and said: "Old K has disappointed me a little. His violent incidents have disappointed me. I have always wanted to be a dominant player like him, but now I don't want to be like him. He is full of enthusiasm for the league."
It has had destructive power and has had a very large negative impact.”
At this time, the outside draft was continuing, and the Suns had already reached the 24th pick. Colangelo Jr. wrote a name at the last moment, put it in an envelope and handed it over.
In the audience, Wang Shipeng and Zhu Fangyu became increasingly nervous because neither of them had been selected yet.
David Stern took the envelope handed over by the staff, glanced at Colangelo, smiled, and then opened the envelope.
"The Phoenix Suns selected Zhu Fangyu from the University of North Texas."
"Ah, Lao Zhu, the Suns chose you! You're going to play next to Lao K. That's great!" Wang Shipeng almost jumped up, his face full of envy.
"Haha..." Zhu Fangyu laughed stupidly.
"Zhu, congratulations." Josh Howard, who was in the past position, said with envy on his face.
He and Zhu Fangyu were teammates. They played in the NCAA together and had a good relationship. Unexpectedly, Zhu Fangyu was selected and he still had no whereabouts.
"Thank you, Josh, you will be quick too." Zhu Fangyu said quickly.
Ten minutes later, Colangelo Jr. handed over his envelope again. This time, he used the No. 26 pick to select a swing guard, Josh Howard.
Zhu Fangyu is Marion's first substitute, Josh Howard is Joe Johnson's first substitute, and the second substitute at the third position.
He plans to let Joe Johnson start at the second position next season and focus on training him.
Old K couldn't play in the first half of the season, and there was no one inside, but he did not choose the rookie inside, because in his two positions, there were no interesting inside players at all. Those who had some potential and strength had already been selected.
.
So he had already discussed with the coaching staff that before Old K came back, the Suns would play real small ball tactics and not use a center.
"I?"
Josh Howard was shocked. He didn't expect that the Suns would draft him, so that he and Zhu would continue to be teammates.
"Josh, I didn't expect that. Congratulations." Zhu Fangyu smiled happily.
"Thank you, Zhu, this result is really good." Josh Howard said excitedly.
Wang Shipeng next to him was very disappointed, and he continued to be disappointed until the end of the draft. He did not hear his name called. Although he was mentally prepared, he was still disappointed.
Next, he will go to Europe for trial training under the arrangement of the Ace Brokerage Company.
The draft is over and the trade window is open, but there is still a freeze period, and the official signing has to wait for the freeze period to end.
On the afternoon of the 28th, at the Lakers headquarters, Jerry West, who had just returned from New York, received the visiting veteran postman Karl Malone and his agent.
He and Postman have been in contact since the Western Conference Finals. Now the contract has almost been negotiated and is just waiting for the final finalization.
The postman is already 40 years old, and his requirements for the contract are not high. The Lakers offered him a one-year contract worth 1.5 million, and he immediately agreed.
At the same time, Payton and his agent also came to Portland, and they were the pioneers who took the initiative to contact him.
The Trail Blazers were very excited about Payton's initiative to contact them. This time they were eliminated by the Suns. Problems in the back line are the key. The management hopes to strengthen the number one position.
Payton is 36 years old, and he has a few requirements for the contract. His agent offered a two-year contract of 10 million yuan, and the Blazers, who were not short of money, did not even counter-offer and agreed directly.
But as soon as they took down Payton, they turned around and found that Rasheed Wallace was about to run away.
The agent of the troll made a proactive trade request to the management because the team intends to cultivate Randolph, which will affect his playing time, so he hopes to leave the Trail Blazers.
The management did not force him to stay. Rasheed Wallace only has one year left on his contract. This year's transaction is a good deal, and the management hopes to push Randolph, who performed well in the playoffs, to the fourth position as the starter next year. Rasheed
DeWallace's importance diminished.
As soon as they put Rasheed Wallace on the shelf, they received offers from several teams.
The Pistons, Lakers, and Nets all submitted their offers.
"what to do?"
Trail Blazers general manager Bob Whitsitt took several offers and after repeated consideration, agreed to the Pistons.
It's not that the Pistons offer a better offer, it's because the Pistons pose the least threat to the Trail Blazers. It's impossible to give it to the Lakers. That would be capitalizing on the enemy, and it's not okay to give it to the Nets. The Nets are the defending team, so it's impossible to give it to them, but it's not possible to give it to the Pistons.
question, it can also increase the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference and achieve the purpose of consuming the Nets.
"Karl, do you really want to leave?"
John Stockton made a phone call to Postman. He got the news from the team that Postman had not renewed his contract, and he knew Postman's plan.
He had known that the postman had this idea before. Last time when Lao K asked the postman if he wanted to hug his thigh, the postman actually didn't refuse.
"John, I'm sorry. I'll be as miserable as a dog without a crown for the rest of my life. I don't want that." The postman said in a very serious tone.
"You disappoint me so much." John Stockton, who was mentally prepared, hung up the phone.
An hour later, John Stockton's agent announced that Stockton had officially retired.
On the same day, Ewing also announced his official retirement.
"King Kong has also retreated?"
In Los Angeles, David Robinson, whose bones were still weak, heard the news and felt a little emotional. He was the only one left among the top three centers who had been brilliant for a while.
Although this finals disappointed him, the next season is full of hope. Old K was suspended for 50 games. The Suns have lost their competitiveness. With the Postman joining the Lakers, the Lakers will definitely become the favorite for the championship next season.
team, his championship dream is about to come true.
Since the trading window opened, Colangelo has been busy contacting the big fish in the free market, hoping to gain something.
There are many big fish on the free market this year, including Payton, Karl Malone, Alonzo Mourning, Divac, O'Neal Jr., Brand, Reggie Miller, and Brad Miller.
After many phone calls, I was very disappointed. Big-name stars and players who were a bit ambitious didn't agree.
In the capital, a man came to Lao Wang's house that day, Bart, a player from Shougang. He was selected for the national team in 2002. I am not very familiar with him, but I know him.
"You want to go to the NBA?"
"Well, old K, please help me."
Bart had actually thought about it for a long time, but he was not familiar with Lao K, so he never came to him. Now that he is almost 28 years old, time is running out, so he bites the bullet and comes to see him.
"Come with me and let me see your strength."
Lao Wang was not sure about Bart's strength, so he stood up and asked Bart to follow him to the training gym.
Bart smiled bitterly and had no choice but to follow.
Half an hour later, at the Tiejun training hall, Lao Wang threw away the ball in his hand.
"Bart, your athletic ability is not good. You move too slowly, too slow!"
"Bart, your speed is too slow. There is no help in defense. You can't keep up with them when they pull out on your own. If they break through and cut in, you can't keep up even if you turn around too slowly."
"Bart, your mid-range shot is not very accurate, and your shots in confrontation are very poor."
A series of merciless comments were thrown out, making Bart feel dizzy and lose his confidence.
Lao Wang is a little regretful because Bart is too old. He was only two years younger than him in 1975. When he opened the summer camp, Bart was already an adult. Otherwise, with his physique and his training methods, his athletic quality would definitely be better.
good.
He finally said: "I suggest you stay in China to play in the CBA or go to the NBA. Even if a team wants you, I'm afraid you won't have a chance to play. Instead of wasting time outside, you would be better off at home."
After suffering a blow, Bart finally left in despair.
But he had a strong desire to play in the NBA. Playing there for one year, he could make as much money as he could in China for ten years, or even more. However, Old K was unwilling to help, so he decided to find a way on his own.
…
At ten o'clock in the evening on June 30, Kobe, arranged by the Lakers, came to a hot spring hotel in Amity, Colorado.
The Lakers arranged for him to undergo surgery here. He has already made an appointment to have surgery on his right knee tomorrow and will return to Los Angeles the day after tomorrow.
On the evening of July 1, after dinner, Dabao took his father, Lao Wang, to the basketball court behind South Street.
During this time, his father and son played there every night. During this time, it became a gathering place for BJ basketball fans and it was very lively.
The call lasted until 9 o'clock when the father and son came back.