Champion Rules

Chapter 355, Section 351: I'm already like a boxer (Seeking monthly votes!)

The Miami Heat made a trade that further complicated the Eastern Conference following the Brooklyn Nets' big-money offensive.

They traded Pau Gasol, Norris Cole, and a 15 first-round draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kevin Love, who had already decided to leave.

This is Pat Riley's response to the advent of the small-ball era.

The two consecutive years of epic rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder have reshaped the league's tactical landscape.

Tall people, who can only defend and retreat and whose attack range is not large enough, have become something abandoned by the times.

Even big men like Pau Gasol, who can only produce mid-range shots, have a relatively narrow attack range.

In this league, no tall player can match Kevin Love's three-point shooting efficiency.

There are big men in the league who can shoot three-pointers; Channing Frye and Mehmet Okur are among them.

Even going back to the 90s, Robert Horry had already become a role model for stretch big men.

But Kevin Love is an exception.

This big man, originally a guard, possesses not only excellent three-point shooting ability but also outstanding playmaking skills and rebounding ability that most three-point big men lack.

These features make him look almost like a perfect small-ball center.

Although Kevin Love's rim protection is not as good as Pau Gasol's, this is no longer the era where championships were won by rim protection alone.

Kevin Love's rookie contract expires this summer. Although he has only been in the league for four years, his resume is already very impressive.

He has been selected to the All-Star team for two consecutive seasons, won the rebounding title and the Most Improved Player award, and made the All-NBA Second Team last season—perhaps only in the eyes of a specific fan group in a parallel universe can he be considered a superstar.

At the prime of his youth, with a promising future ahead of him, Kevin Love clearly didn't want to waste his time in the barren, icy wasteland of Minneapolis.

However, as a restricted free agent, he is not entitled to directly sign with other teams.

So he used an old trick to force the Timberwolves to trade him—if there was no trade, he would only sign a one-year extension. A year later, when he becomes a free agent, the Timberwolves will lose him for nothing.

The Timberwolves also had their own plans. They believed that if the Heat continued to fail in their championship run, they would definitely give up on re-signing the aging Dwyane Wade in the summer of 14.

At that time, the Heat will enter a complete rebuilding phase, and their 15-year first-round pick will become extremely valuable.

The talent pool for 15 years is quite tempting.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, big men with superstar potential such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor will appear in the 15 draft.

Ultimately, the weighing of interests prevailed over everything else.

A deal was reached, with each party harboring their own agenda.

When LeBron James and the Brooklyn Nets were thrust into the center of attention.

As the Miami Heat prepare to reignite their desire for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

When Dwight Howard arrived in Atlanta, he was eager to make a name for himself.

While Carmelo Anthony continues to lie low in Detroit.

A lame joke has gone viral on social media:
"We did it! Time travel was successful!"

"What time is it now?"

"There's an NBA fan here, let me ask him. Hey, what's the current state of the NBA?"

"Lynch just won the championship last season, and Melo has a good relationship with him, but the competition between teams remains the same. LeBron's owner has given him a lot of high-salary players, Dwight Howard seems to really want to play well this time, and Dwyane is also aiming for the championship."

"Oh, man, I know, we're definitely in 2007!"

Yes, it's like a cycle.

It seems that the East has once again become the domain of the "Dream Team Five".

Nothing seems to have changed.

But in reality, the world of basketball has changed.

For example, the concept of a "dream team" no longer exists.

There is only "The King of New York and his four lovely backdrops".

For example, some of Lynch's opponents are no longer as hostile as they used to be.

Carmelo Anthony admitted last season that Lynch was greater than him.

LeBron James no longer dares to make empty promises.

Despite the opinions of some media outlets and figures like Steve Kerr that the Knicks and Lynch have reached the ceiling of success, no one dares to truly underestimate them.

In fact, LeBron James's unusually quiet behavior this summer made fans feel uneasy.

Without his abstract performances during the NBA offseason, it's as if a thrilling sports blockbuster has been forcibly muted, leaving a sense of incompleteness.

The offseason's frenzied transfer activity has temporarily come to an end, and the basketball world's attention is now focused on London.

For American basketball fans and professional players, this was an Olympics that finally brought redemption.

On August 13, in the Olympic men's basketball final, the United States defeated Spain 107-100.

Finally, after 12 years since 2000, the Dream Team has won the Olympic gold medal again!
During the awards ceremony, Mike Brin's commentary was nothing short of magical:

"The dark ages are over, the era of being dominated by the Chinese team is over!"

Now, we are the world champions!

The era of Chinese dominance is over; this is probably the most genuine cry in the hearts of all American fans.

Since 2004, that super talent, who had not yet entered the NBA, has dominated the international arena.

By 2008, Lynch, who had reached his peak, successfully defended his title on home soil.

For a long time, the Dream Team did indeed live in the shadow of the Chinese team.

Kevin Durant looked triumphant as he received his medal.

He scored 30 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in this game, making him the Dream Team's biggest offensive weapon.

He won a gold medal for the United States in international competitions, and he believes he can also bring the NBA championship back to the Americans.

In stark contrast to Kevin Durant's mood was LeBron James.

He was happy too, but you could tell his smile wasn't as bright as KD's.

Winning an Olympic gold medal is a great achievement. Before that, LBJ, as a professional player, had only won one insignificant America's Cup title.

Now, he finally has an honor of sufficient weight.

For most players here, however, an Olympic gold medal is only the second most prestigious honor.

The pinnacle of the basketball world will forever belong to the gleaming Larry O'Brien Trophy.

They ended the Chinese players' reign of dominance on the FIBA ​​stage.

However, in the NBA, China's dominance remains as unshakable as an indestructible fortress.

He doesn't know when he will be able to achieve the same honor in the NBA.

Moreover, the enormous shadow seemed to be staring at him right now.

He could already imagine that after the Dream Team returned home, some people would say, "The Americans only won the championship by chance because Lynch didn't participate in the Olympics."

All of this cast a shadow over LeBron James' smile.

LeBron James's mentality is completely understandable.

If, after so many years of Lynch's rule in the league, all his opponents still hold their heads high and say things like "Taking you down is a piece of cake," then wouldn't Lynch's iron-fisted rule, built up day after day over the years, be nothing more than a facade?

Just like that hard-boiled egg from the 90s, Lynch has become a synonym for terror, striking fear into the hearts of countless active players.

Kobe noticed the odd thing about LeBron James's expression. He slowly walked over and patted James on the muscular shoulder: "Hey LeBron, what's up?"

James shook his head upon hearing this, as if trying to shake off some complicated thoughts: "No, it's nothing, it just feels so unreal. We've finally cleared away the biggest shadow hanging over American basketball."

"Yes, we did it. The damn Olympic gold medal has finally returned to where it truly belongs. Hey, are you ready to send the Larry O'Brien Trophy home next season too?"

"Huh!?" LBJ was shocked by Kobe's audacity.

Good heavens, that's a really Mamba-esque idea.

He truly lives up to his reputation as a madman who dares to take an open shot even when surrounded by nine players.

Do you think you can let the Larry O'Brien Trophy go home with Kevin Garnett, who's already past his prime?
I told you to get enough sleep, you're probably hallucinating from staying up so late!
But there was no hint of a joke in Kobe's eyes, only pure, even somewhat stubborn, confidence:

"Do you think I'm joking? I did it back in 2008! Lynch is strong, but as long as he's competing, he can lose. Come on, LeBron, are you playing to be second best in this era?"

Moreover, this New York Knicks team has already begun to decline. Wilson Chandler is definitely not an isolated case; anyone who has won consecutive championships knows that the more championships a team wins, the more its inherent, pure hunger for titles will inevitably slip away like sand in an hourglass.

After hearing this, James forced a look that was hard to decipher—it was hard to tell whether he was angry or amused. Those who win consecutive championships know...
Try to speak like a human being for once.

However, Kobe's words do make some sense.

The glory of the Olympic gold medal truly allowed all participating players to taste the ultimate sweetness of victory, and this sweetness has also transformed into their endless desire to continue striving in the new season.

And what about the New York Knicks?
That team was practically being suffocated by years of "top-notch sweetness".

LeBron James seemed to regain a bit of confidence on his championship night in London. If even an old guy like Kobe, who is nearing the end of his career, is still dreaming of a championship, what reason does he have to surrender so early?
At least, let's give it one more try.

The Olympic champions gave this group of people, who were under strict rule, a glimmer of hope for resistance.

Meanwhile, the basketball emperor who never stood on the banks of the Thames sat in the halls of power in Manhattan, New York, like a meticulous war strategist, plotting how to extend his iron-fisted rule over the league for another season, two seasons, or even forever.

Wilson Chandler's trade request caught Sam Presti completely off guard.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. He has a newly signed lucrative contract in his pocket and a heavy championship ring on his finger. As a role player, what else could he possibly want?

He just wasn't as fiercely competitive as Lynch.

Of course, in the entire history of the NBA, only MJ and Kobe can be compared with Lynch in this respect.

Now, minimizing the losses is what Sam Presti needs to consider.

It's impossible to keep Wilson Chandler; if we did, laziness would spread like a contagious disease in the locker room.

Lynch and Sam Presti both knew that igniting a person's fighting spirit was an impossible task, but infecting a group of people into a stagnant quagmire was a piece of cake.

Sam Presti was already like a diligent worker bee, shuttling between the phone lines of various teams, listening to and filtering through all sorts of offers.

Every single deal proposal that is selected must, without exception, be laid out on the desk of the actual decision-makers in New York.

Facing the league's top privileged player, Sam Presti had become accustomed to reporting his work to Lynch.

Lynch is also eager to resolve this issue as soon as possible, so he will carefully evaluate every transaction offer.

Lynch knew that it was unlikely to acquire a player of Wilson Chandler's caliber who could contribute immediately; teams in the league would rather not make any trades than help the Knicks strengthen their roster.

Therefore, what Lynch was most concerned about was how much hunger for victory remained in the heart of the person he had acquired through the trade.
This is exactly what the Knicks need right now.

The importance of keeping a championship-winning team motivated far outweighs any minor adjustments to their immediate strength.

Finally, among the lackluster offers, the Dallas Mavericks' bid came into view.

The Mavericks were one of Wilson Chandler's most enthusiastic suitors as early as last summer, and Mark Cuban never stopped looking for a strong wing for Dirk.

However, due to the Knicks' deep pockets and willingness to re-sign him, the Mavericks missed out on signing Wilson Chandler.

This year, they will not miss the opportunity to get him again.

The Mavericks are willing to give up two assets to acquire Wilson Chandler, one of which is Lamar Odom—he is a completely hopeless professional player. The once brilliant left-handed magician is dead, and now only a crippled body addicted to women and drugs remains.

He would be a heavy burden for any team aiming for the championship.

But the other name made Lynch hesitate.

In his early years, at the peak of his career, he didn't seem like someone who particularly wanted to win.

At that time, basketball was more like a respectable job to him than a conquest that required him to give his all.

But after he fell from his peak, he changed.

He was diligent and conscientious, and he did everything he could to achieve victory.

He didn't have Allen Iverson's arrogant declaration of "MVP doesn't play off the bench," nor did he exhibit the resentment and stubbornness often seen when a superstar falls from grace.

In order to win, he quietly transformed himself, from a superstar to a role player, maintaining extremely high efficiency.

Lynch decided to meet with him.

He dialed Sam Presti's number: "The offer from Dallas is worth following up on. I've decided to meet with one of them. Can you arrange it?"

Sam Presti made a joke:

"Hmm, let me guess, the person you want to see isn't Lamar Odom, is it?"
-
Lynch Restaurant, downtown New York City.

In the world of basketball, this is a place full of legends.

Because countless deals and negotiations that have shaken up the alliance have been secretly brewed here.

This place is no longer just a restaurant, but has become a tourist attraction. The private room where Lynch and Steve Nash reached a cooperation agreement is open to the public during the day, but reservations must be made at least a month in advance to secure a table for the evening.

Tonight, this special private room will no longer be open to the public.

Because the restaurant owner is using it.

The man's gaze swept over the framed photos on the wall of the private room that captured moments of glory, but his knuckles unconsciously tapped the table repeatedly, the rapid rhythm revealing the anxiety in his heart.

He was indeed very anxious.

He desperately wanted something that would make his career less regrettable.

And this is exactly what Lin Qi can give him.

Lin Qi leisurely poured him wine and introduced him to some of the special dishes on the table.

Then, he asked a question that made the man frown:
"To be honest, I really don't understand. Why did you have to attend that damn graduation ceremony on the day of Game 7 of the 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals?"

Vince Carter had long heard of Lynch's style; he was very straightforward, demanding, and sharp-tongued.

Now it seems that this is indeed the case.

Vince Carter shrugged: "It was a tiring day for me, but I accomplished two major life events at the same time. If I could do it all over again, I would do it again."

Even if that would cause you to lose Game 7?

Despite Lynch's relentless pressure, Vince Carter remained unperturbed.

"For many years, people have been using this incident to judge me. In the end, it's all about success or failure."

Who can guarantee that the Raptors will win that night if they don't attend the graduation ceremony? They might even do worse.

If they had won that night, how would public opinion have turned around? Vince attended his graduation ceremony in the morning and then hit a game-winning shot to lead his team to victory in Game 7 that night. That's impressive.

The outcome of that decisive battle ultimately hinged on a single goal.

So, it's enough to have no regrets.

Although the outcome that night wasn't what I wanted, I did my best, and I have no regrets.

Lynch curled his lip; that's why Vince Carter is different from other superstars.

"So, if we needed to play a crucial game right now, would you give up something else for the sake of victory? Like your college anniversary celebration?"

Vince Carter put down his glass and spread his hands:
"That's enough, Lynch, that's enough."

I know that my actions when I was young have caused me criticism, and that was all my own doing.

But I don't want to face those things repeatedly for the rest of my life. I've been changing and proving myself again.

I feel like I'm a boxer at this stage of my career.

You know, boxers throw their fatigue, hesitation, and fear into the furnace, and what comes out is scalding blood that burns through the ring.

Past failures have revealed my vulnerability, but they have also revealed my current strength.

I am a professional player, and I know why I'm still playing!
If you still have doubts about this, I understand, really.

I just want to tell you that I've said goodbye to the past.

I am no longer that demigod floating in the air, I am now—"

Seemingly realizing he had lost his composure, Vince Carter took a sip of his drink and a deep breath.

"I'm just an ordinary player who wants to win."

Lynch stopped provoking him; his reaction had already given Lynch the answer.

"Try the food, Vince. It's really hard to get a reservation here."

In addition, we will complete that transaction.

Welcome to New York, welcome to the winner's paradise.
-
I certainly acknowledge that Lynch is very strong, but that doesn't mean we'll give up. Our desire for victory is as scorching as the Miami heat. Besides, I have Andre and Kevin by my side. — Dwyane Wade in an interview after bringing home his Olympic gold medal.

"I'll show that guy how ridiculous his arrogance is. We're definitely going to be a good team after Joe Johnson chooses to stay. I mean, a championship team." — Dwight Howard, returning to his hometown, demonstrates his determination.

Oh, right, I've made up with Lynch, and I acknowledge his greatness; I have immense respect for him. But that doesn't mean I've surrendered. On the basketball court, let's let the ball do the talking. — Carmelo Anthony on next season.

The Olympic gold medal gave us unprecedented confidence because we all knew that wasn't the limit. — LeBron James finally said something Billy King wanted to hear after joining the Nets.

The New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks have officially completed a trade, with the Mavericks sending Vince Carter, Lamar Odom, and a 14 first-round draft pick to New York in exchange for Wilson Chandler. Has Lynch reached his limit? We'll wait and see. —The New York Times

(End of this chapter)