Champions Creed

Chapter 346 Chapter 345: I will not let this land be left with nothing (ask for monthly ticket!)

The Golden State Warriors' easy sweep through the first round made people feel that this was a matter of course, just as some media have begun to say that it was all Michael Redd's fault that the Cleveland Cavaliers failed to make the playoffs.

From the day the 03-04 season began, all of the Cavaliers' faults were destined to be blamed on a poor guy named Michael.

Similarly, from the first day of the 03-04 season, Roger never thought that he would lose in the first round of this season.

After dealing with Anthony's Denver Nuggets, the Warriors can take a break for a while.

After all, the game between the Lakers and the Kings will take a few more days to decide.

Roger was not idle during this period, but completed an early contract extension with the Warriors.

Roger didn't even bring Eric Fleischer with him during the contract renewal negotiations this time, and he signed the contract alone. Because Roger's request was very simple, that is, to renew a 2+1 maximum salary contract.

Although Russian Mikhail Prokhorov has done everything he promised in the past two seasons, giving Roger enough power and writing enough checks.

He gave Roger full authority over draft picks and transfers.

He put the Warriors on the most luxurious private jet in the league.

He rarely interfered in the team's basketball affairs and never entered the players' locker room without permission. The only thing he would do was occasionally bring a few female artists from the Russian Ballet to watch the game, and proudly take them onto the court to introduce the long and similar list of names to the players, introducing them every time.

However, the players do not feel annoyed by this level of "harassment".

So far, the Russian oligarch has done well.

But in the NBA world, Roger believes that nothing is constant, and he has no reason to treat a capitalist like a loyal dog.

Short-term contracts are a means for Roger to restrain the team. In fact, except for the five-year, $120 million contract he signed with the Magic, Roger has never signed a long-term contract in his entire career.

When the Orlando Magic locked Roger in with a long-term contract, let's see what the management did. They didn't care about the results at the time and only wanted to make money from tickets. They were unscrupulous because they had Roger as a long-term cash cow. Roger would never let something like this happen again.

Roger will continue to sign short-term contracts until he loses confidence in his own abilities.

What will happen if he loses confidence in his own ability? At that time, Roger will not sign a long-term contract, but will directly choose to retire.

If even he himself has no confidence in himself, it means that his ability must have declined seriously.

Roger's dream career ending has not changed over the years, which is to leave an unsurpassed peak figure.

He will never leave any trace of decline in this league.

Michael Jordan's last dance, the story of defeating LeBron James for a playoff spot was exciting, but that was not the ending Roger wanted for himself.

People often say that those who go up the mountain should not laugh at the gods who go down the mountain, but Roger did not want to go through such a process of going down the mountain.

He will remain at the top forever.

Under the clear request, the Warriors also cooperated very well and offered Roger a three-year maximum salary, with the third year being a player option.

Mikhail Prokhorov rushed to San Francisco to attend Roger's signing ceremony in person.

After signing, the Russian and Roger cut a cake together in the office to celebrate the successful signing.

The shape of this cake is very beautiful, it is the appearance of the Warriors' new stadium.

The new stadium has been basically completed, with only some details remaining, but it will definitely be put into use and open to the public as planned next season.

Mikhail Prokhorov, who cut the cake with Roger, raised his glass and was in a good mood.

Since signing Roger, the Golden State Warriors have been among the top three teams in attendance and ticket prices for two seasons.

After moving to San Francisco next season, the team's commercial value will definitely be further enhanced, driving the development of the entire Mission Bay.

Jean is looking forward to the day when the team moves, because that means he has taken a solid step into the American business world as a Russian.

Roger is also looking forward to moving to the new arena as soon as possible. Although the Oakland Arena was only renovated a few years ago, transportation is indeed not convenient enough for people living in San Francisco.

You know, there are many Warriors players who live in San Francisco for safety and environment.

The new stadium, whether in terms of luxury or its integrated training center design, will allow everyone to enjoy their current work more.

After the signing ceremony, the Russian stood alone with Roger in front of the French window of the office, looking at the team's old training center: "This is not a place for the best players to stay. It's an honor. Next season I will build a gorgeous castle for the king, and I will escape the grave of marriage in the gorgeous castle."

The Russian playboy was joking about his promise after buying the team: "I would get married if the Warriors didn't win the championship within five years."

"Don't worry," Roger patted the Russian on the shoulder, "you can escape the marital grave before you move to a gorgeous castle."

"Hahaha, I believe you! By the way, Roger, are you free tonight? I brought a lot of models from Europe to the party. Except for Eva Green, you must not have seen how crazy other European girls are."

"Thank you for your kindness, Poki, but I want to prepare for the competition."

"pity."

"It's not a pity, there will be a chance."

"No Roger, I feel sorry for those girls who came from far away. They will never have the chance to enjoy the offense of the best basketball player in the world."
-
After the signing was completed, Roger drove home towards San Francisco.

During the broadcast, the radio host happened to be reporting news related to the Warriors' new arena.

"The Golden State Warriors' new arena has been purchased by Oracle for a ten-year naming rights, and starting next season, it will be called Oracle Arena. As a modern, high-tech indoor arena, Oracle Arena will not only be the home of the Golden State Warriors, but will also host concerts, conferences and other sports and entertainment events.

The arena is also part of the future commercial and residential complex of Mission Bay in San Francisco. I believe that after the Oracle Arena is put into use, Mission Bay will undergo earth-shaking changes in a few years. "

Roger listened to the news as he drove along the road, passing the square beside Lake Memet in Oakland.

In the square, many fans wearing Warriors jerseys gathered together and held up signs with the same message: "Please, leave a championship for Oakland."

For Mikhail Prokhorov, the team's relocation meant a huge commercial success.

For Roger and many Warriors players, the team's relocation means a better working environment and more convenient commuting.

But what about Oakland fans? This new arena would do them no good and would even take away their favorite team.

It's like a strict parent depriving a child of his or her favorite stuffed bear.

Although Oakland and San Francisco are not far apart, it is not as thorough as the Charlotte Hornets moving directly to New Orleans.

But after all, I moved to a new city, and the sense of belonging is completely different.

Just at this moment, the car radio began to broadcast news of a reporter interviewing Oakland fans.

Many Oakland fans were very sad to see the team leave.

"The Warriors have been based in Oakland since 1971, and have not moved for 33 years. We watched Rick Barry become the Finals MVP in 1975, watched Nate Thurmond fight against Lew Alcindor in the paint, witnessed 'Sleeper' Sleepy Floyd's 1987 points in a single quarter against the Showtime Lakers in the 29 Western Conference semifinals, and witnessed the brilliant offense of the Run-TMC era. It is hard for me to accept that this team that has accompanied my father and me is about to move to another city.

So, please, Roger, leave a championship trophy for Oakland, and dedicate it to the Golden State Warriors for their good times in Oakland! "

"Once the Warriors move to Mission Bay, it will be difficult for many children to go to the games because we can't afford the high ticket prices. The Warriors' ticket prices this season are already expensive enough, and if the team is in San Francisco, the ticket prices will be right up there with New York and Los Angeles. Not many people living in Oakland can afford it. So, my biggest wish is to see the Warriors win another championship in Oakland. At least I still have the opportunity to witness it all in person!"

"We have waited for a long time and thought we could see the glory of Roger's era, but it seems that we don't have much time left. Can we still see the glory? We hope so."

It is not difficult to hear from the radio program that Oakland fans' emotions about the team's relocation are completely opposite to those of the players.

It is understandable that Oakland fans are reluctant to leave the team, although the Warriors have never been named after a city since they changed their name from the San Francisco Warriors to the Golden State Warriors in 1971, and although this team is considered the home team of the entire Bay Area.

But it is an indisputable fact that the Warriors have been rooted in Oakland for more than 30 years.

At the end of the program, the radio reporter interviewed a special fan. "Hello, sir, you were asked to leave the Oakland Coliseum twice for stripping and dancing, which made you the most enthusiastic fan in Oakland. You were also invited to the player tunnel and got a photo and autograph from Roger. However, most people don't know your name. Can you introduce yourself?"

"My name is John Cage. I run a bakery in Oakland and have been following the Warriors for more than 10 years. Roger has always been my favorite basketball player. The summer before last, when I learned that Roger was coming to Oakland, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep all night. Then I was in a trance and burned all the bread the next day. My wife scolded me for this, hahahahaha."

"You're a very optimistic person, John. So what do you think about the Warriors moving next season?"

"This is a big blow to Oakland fans, but considering the development of the team and the business plan of the team owner, the Warriors leaving Oakland is inevitable. But no matter what, the Warriors represent the Bay Area."

"Will you go to the Warriors home games again? I mean Oracle Arena."

"If there is an opportunity, and if my wife agrees, I will still go. Maybe only once a year, or twice, but I will definitely be there to support Roger. And I believe that Roger will not leave Oakland empty-handed. Don't be too sad, Roger will definitely leave some legacy for Oakland."

Roger listened to these interviews and was thinking deeply. At this time, he happened to see the Oracle Arena, which was almost completed, not far from the Golden Gate Bridge.

It was the beginning of a new era for the Warriors, but also a farewell to the old past.

And Roger never liked to say goodbye empty-handed.

At the same time, Marcus Camby was driving home after finishing training.

He knew that the game in a few days would not be as easy as the previous game against the Nuggets, so he had to be in the best condition.

While waiting for the traffic light, some fans on the street recognized him and cheered at him.

"Marcus, promise me that you will knock Kobe Bryant to the ground for the foul!"

"Yeah! You will win the best defensive player award sooner or later, sooner or later!"

"Come on Marcus, New Yorkers don't understand your value, but we do!"

Marcus Camby smiled and waved to the fans, then drove away when the light turned green.

This season, Marcus Camby went from being a marginal figure in the locker room who was completely ignored by the team to someone who felt a strong sense of belonging in the Warriors.

This sense of belonging comes not only from the team and teammates, but also from the support and love of the fans.

Anyone who knows the New York basketball market knows that the fans and media there are never polite to their own players.

So when playing in New York, although Camby worked very hard, he was still criticized every other day.

In New York, the media and fans are like serious examiners. If you do not do well in the slightest, they will criticize you mercilessly.

But the Bay Area is a completely different story.

The fans and media here support him and love him.

Cheer for him when he performs well and encourage him when he performs poorly.

Even Camby didn't realize that he was already enjoying his time playing here.

So, he has a sense of mission and he cannot let the people here down.

And he has been entrusted with an important task in the next round of the series.

Hubie Brown has decided that no matter which team advances to the next round, Marcus Camby will have only one task - to lock down the opponent's power forward position, that is, Karl Malone or Chris Webber.

Amar'e Stoudemire's defense has improved a lot, but he may still suffer in the playoffs against these two veterans, especially Karl Malone, whose secret fouls always make the young Stoudemire very uncomfortable.

It's impossible for the Warriors to send someone specifically to guard the referee and remind him immediately when the referee doesn't blow the whistle, right?
So Hubie Brown decided to use Camby, who was more specialized in defense, to deal with them.

Marcus Camby was entrusted with an important task, and for these fans, he was willing to do everything to complete his task.

A few days later, the first round of the Lakers and Sacramento Kings game came to an end.

In the original timeline, Chris Webber was defeated by the younger Kevin Garnett, resulting in the world-famous painting of Garnett celebrating and Webber kneeling.

In this timeline, Chris Webber's experience was even more humiliating because he was suppressed by Karl Malone, who was about to turn 41.

Karl Malone's tough defense caused great trouble to Chris Webber, whose playing style has never been tougher in all these years. He could only score 45 points per game with a hit rate of 17%.

Peja Stojkovic, who competed with Chris Webber for a position in the team during the regular season, had all his fig leaves torn off in this round of the series. It turned out that he was just an advanced off-ball shooter, nothing more.

He was unable to attack, his defense was not strong enough, his shooting percentage in the entire series was only 35.7%, and he was completely blocked by George Lynch.

The Kings' most capable offensive player, Mike Bibby, also had a hard time. His pick-and-roll mid-range shot lost its power because the Lakers' center was the highly mobile Theo Ratliff, who was able to move freely between Bibby and Divac and deliver one shot after another that made Lakers fans cheer with excitement.

This is the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Their weak defense last season has become terrifying this season.

When the Lakers stabilize their defense, the man from hell will destroy you with a terrifying scoring performance.

Although Kobe was unable to stop Roger from winning the scoring title for the ninth consecutive season this season (Kobe 32.6, Roger 32.8), his scoring ability is already among the best of the best.

In the six-game series, Kobe scored 40+ in two games. Because of Shaquille O'Neal's departure and the presence of Steve Nash, Kobe's statistics in the past two seasons are very exaggerated and better than the original history.

After defeating the Kings, Kobe Bryant finally met the opponent he wanted to meet most.

This time, he will never be that miserable loser again!
On May 5, Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals kicked off at the Oakland Arena.

Kobe Bryant is as high-profile as ever, and this evil bastard is now almost the biggest villain in the entire league.

Inside the Oakland Arena, fans still held up signs that read "Please, keep the championship in Oakland."

In the stands, John Cage, Roger's die-hard fan, was hot all over. If the first round against the Nuggets was just a foreplay that could not be skipped, then now was the real battle that could not be missed.

"Hey, John," some fans beside him shouted at him, "No energy dance today?"

John Cage waved his hands: "I don't want to be kicked out. I can't miss any more Warriors games, especially this one!"

Kobe walked onto the court with a serious expression. This season Kobe always had this expression, like an executioner without any human emotions.

Karl Malone moved his body and glanced at every Warriors player with a ferocious look.

He did not forget Stephen Jackson's flying kick during the regular season, nor did he forget the hatred that Roger eliminated him twice in the finals.

Steve Nash hugged everyone in a friendly manner, but those who knew him knew how dangerous he could be once the game started.

This Los Angeles Lakers team, which was completely different from the original timeline, had no internal strife, was more united and stronger, and became Roger's first stumbling block.

"Roger, I'm not last year's Shaq." Kobe was stretching his legs while talking to Roger next to him.

"Of course, but it's not much better."

"You know you stole a victory from me. If Karl hadn't been ejected last time, our regular season record would have been 3 to 1. This score will be reflected in the playoffs."

"And you know Kobe, the King will create glory in one place and then expand to the next place. Before leaving Oakland, I will not leave this land empty. Don't worry, you and your pedophile old man teammate will become part of Oakland's glorious history."

After saying that, Roger glanced at the expectant eyes of the fans in the stands.

He wanted the team to leave without any regrets, just like his career plan, leaving only the back view at the top.

After hearing what Roger said, Karl Malone shouted, "Roger, you bastard, try saying that word again!"

"Shut up, old pedophile," Marcus Camby joined the fray, "You're not qualified to confront the Kings yet, take me down first."

Amid the strong smell of gunpowder, the Warriors fought for the first attack ball.

(End of this chapter)