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***
In early 2002, George William James's book "Win Shares" caused quite a stir in baseball circles.
Win Shares is the name of the metric he developed in the book, using detailed data to prove a baseball player's contribution.
In Major League Baseball, MVP data visualization has been widely recognized by sports media!
An ESPN columnist even considered the book groundbreaking, and even thought the theory could be applied to other sports.
New ideas are naturally a business opportunity, just as data expert Hollinger gained industry renown through PER.
Creating a new data metric will undoubtedly bring huge benefits.
Unlike the old guard of sports commentators, the new generation of commentators and scouts place more emphasis on data.
Everyone hopes to evaluate players through large data samples, which has created a lot of demand.
The same goes for the new generation of fans: how to evaluate a player, besides honors, data is the best way.
In this situation, ESPN's recent programs have begun to strengthen data popularization, but currently it is limited to the baseball field.
Basketball still lacks some reasonable data models, and everyone is working hard, waiting to make a splash!
On July 3rd, Lee started dealing with sponsor event arrangements early in the morning, confirming his schedule for the week.
His agent, Mark Bartelstein, also stopped bickering with the Washington Wizards.
Unless Michael Jordan retired immediately, his top pick would never have a chance to shine.
Lee looked at the filtered emails at his home in Manhattan and noticed an invitation from Sean Forman, a mathematics professor at St. John's University.
After reading it carefully, he asked curiously:
"Baseball Reference? He founded this website. I didn't expect this math professor to be such a big baseball fan."
Mark Bartelstein didn't gain much from this year's draft.
Ever since he signed Kwame Brown, troublesome issues have consumed a lot of his energy.
Hearing Lee's words, he regained his spirits.
Mark Bartelstein flipped through his notebook and then introduced:
"This mathematics professor probably wants to expand his business and extend the data field to basketball."
"He wants to talk to you about basketball data and also raise some investment. He probably isn't limited to baseball and basketball. He also wants to get involved in more sports."
Lee nodded, always feeling that the website name was somewhat familiar.
Being able to survive after the dot-com bubble, the other party's data website should have a good number of users.
Realizing that the other party was a data expert, Lee felt that his future "customized data" should be settled.
Basketball superstars must dominate in Excel!
The 2002 FIBA World Championship was held in Indianapolis.
This was essentially the Pacers' home court, and Reggie Miller had confirmed he would participate in the United States Team to give back to the fans.
USA Basketball had sent Lee several invitations, and Mark Bartelstein couldn't help but ask for his opinion again:
"Lee, are you sure you're not participating in this year's World Championship? If you agree, you don't have to join the training camp immediately. The coaching staff will allow you to practice with the team in August."
Lee was still browsing interesting email information, and at this moment, he answered without lifting his head:
"No, I'm not interested in playing international games. I've even reduced my offseason training plan."
"I've been worn out these past few years, and I want to get some good rest. Besides, the sponsors didn't include these clauses, and Amercia has no shortage of guards."
Seeing that the big client was not interested in international games, Mark Bartelstein stopped mentioning it.
This US Team was lackluster, mainly because the compensation was too low.
On Friday, July 4th, Independence Day was celebrated, and Manhattan became lively.
After checking emails and making calls yesterday, bad news arrived early this morning.
In the morning, Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armour, seemed a bit awkward when he came to Lee.
In recent years, the brand has developed rapidly, and after going public, it has flourished in both football and basketball compression wear.
With the boost from advertising, the company's market value naturally also rose.
Yesterday, Lee merely reminded him that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission would soon require CEOs and CFOs of listed companies to provide written certification of their financial reports.
This news startled Plank, who then flew to Manhattan that morning.
Independence Day happened to be a holiday, and Kim was also at home.
Clay Lee's information, of course, came from her.
After the financial fraud scandal broke out, the South District Federal Prosecutor's Office began a "crackdown" on financial criminals.
Whether it was to give an explanation to the public or to appease the big shots, the goal was to restore credibility, give investors confidence, and warm up the market.
Her blonde hair was tied into a ponytail, with the ends playfully curled.
Even at home, Kim wore a blue shirt and a hip-hugging skirt, dressed professionally.
After pouring coffee for the two of them, Kim began to explain the sudden situation:
"There's still time. The certification can be delayed until mid-August at the latest, a month and a half. If there are any issues, they should be resolved."
The news had not yet been announced, but this certification action was certainly serious.
Kevin Plank maintained his good physique and was dressed as a successful man today, but upon hearing the exact time, he subconsciously unbuttoned his shirt and couldn't help but say in a muffled voice:
"Will the committee really scrutinize the information? I mean, we've only been listed for a year, and our market capitalization isn't high. Will they target us?"
Financial fraud is common among listed companies, and Under Armour has been on a strong upward trend in the past two years, so the financial information it has released is indeed inflated.
Lee watched him purse his lips, knowing there must be something fishy about the company's financial information:
"Unfortunately, there's a high probability someone will specifically audit us, and this is also related to my advertisement."
After saying this, Lee also felt a bit helpless.
Under Armour was unlucky to be caught in the crossfire, but fortunately, there was ample time, and this time, it would likely benefit the accounting firm.
Plank sighed.
Fortunately, there was still time.
After asking for detailed information, he finally promised:
"Don't worry, Lee! I can handle these issues. Kimberly, thank you for the reminder."
Watching the founder leave in a hurry, Melinda, holding pastries, pouted:
"They've only been listed for just over a year and they're already playing these financial tricks. This guy is very ambitious, but I wonder if more trouble will arise in the future."
Lee understood such behavior. It wasn't just Under Armour.
The services provided by well-known accounting firms were too tempting.
Everyone collaborating to fleece the public had become the norm.
"It's all about making money, so it's nothing. In the future, we'll also invest in some startup companies, and this will be accumulating experience."
Hearing Lee's words, Melinda wrinkled her nose.
She had participated in some projects at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, but she personally disliked the act of fraud.
"At the end of the month, we'll attend a yacht party together. There will be people from some fund companies and investment banks there."
"We still have opportunities to make big money. That's when true financial freedom happens, and then we'll start our own company."
Lee sat between the two.
Halfway through his sentence, Melinda, who was eating pastries, suddenly asked:
"Is it an orgy?"
Kim, beside them, couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Lee looked at Melinda, who was innocently blinking her big eyes, and angrily pulled her into his arms, giving her a hard slap on the bottom:
"A damned orgy! We're going to talk business and make friends!"
...
At the end of this season, many team coaching staffs underwent changes.
Tom Thibodeau did not receive a contract from the team, which meant his interim coach position had come to an end, and also that the team had no plans to make him permanent.
New York sports media, besides hyping Lee's superhuman stats and playoff records, also didn't forget to gossip, as everyone wanted to know who the team's next Head Coach would be.
James Dolan originally wanted to use this opportunity to hold a hiring fair, but he was quickly dissuaded by management.
If he really went with "You're fired!", the New York Knicks would most likely be blacklisted by the coaches' association!
The curly-haired owner was particularly keen on this matter.
Meaning it was impossible for internal coaching staff to get promoted.
On Friday, July 5th, at the Tarrytown Training Center, General Manager Grunfeld provided the curly-haired owner with a list.
The coaches in the material had photos and resumes, but after looking for a long time, James Dolan suddenly asked in a low voice:
"Why are there more Black coaches than I imagined?"
Looking at the big boss sitting behind the desk, Grunfeld could only quietly explain:
"If we want to announce the invited coaches to the media, we must include Black coaches."
"The coaches' union is also working to improve the treatment of Black coaches, and the entire NBA is responding to this call."
James Dolan shook his head, looking at the list in his hand again.
Grunfeld twitched his lips when he noticed the curly-haired owner had skipped directly past coaches with good reputations and coaching experience like Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello.
Finally, several circles were drawn on the profiles of these four individuals, indicating that these were his final choices.
Erik Spoelstra, Mike D'Antoni, Terry Stotts, Mike Brown.
Seeing the four circled names, Grunfeld was completely speechless.
An Atlanta Hawks assistant coach, an old man who had been wandering after serving as Head Coach for one year with the Denver Nuggets, a rookie with not much coaching experience, and a Black assistant coach from the San Antonio Spurs.
The famous coaches mentioned earlier were disregarded.
If the New York Knicks genuinely extended an invitation with a $5 million salary, Hubie Brown could be persuaded.
Who would turn down money?
"I think these four are good. We'll start talking to them in detail tomorrow!"
James Dolan chuckled, quite satisfied with his choices.
He had no interest in hiring a famous coach who would give him trouble.
The Head Coach needed to be able to listen to his opinions.
That was the most important thing.
The old guys didn't fit the team's plan.
After circling the names and finishing his work, James Dolan left the office with a big-bottomed girl.
The staff saw the general manager shaking his head in frustration and couldn't help but ask in a low voice:
"Should we send out invitations? Tom Thibodeau still wants to talk to the team."
There was still a lot of work to do in the offseason.
Grunfeld stood there, belly out, in a daze for a while before finally muttering:
"Let me talk to Tom. After seeing this list, perhaps he'll choose to leave."
Tom Thibodeau, who arrived at the Tarrytown Training Center that afternoon, initially thought the team had changed its mind and that he had successfully been promoted to Head Coach.
However, upon learning that the owner had chosen a bunch of duds, he immediately became enraged.
Tom Thibodeau completely lost his composure, pacing back and forth in the office, loudly complaining repeatedly:
"Why? If they chose some well-known Head Coaches, I could understand, but if it's these few, why not let Donnie try?"
"I think we've done a great job these past few years!"
Grunfeld could understand his feelings, but New York Knicks basketball has always been impure, so at this point, he could only sigh and remind him:
"Tom, you've been in New York for 10 years. This is both a good thing and a bad thing."
"You can say no to the owner. You only consider basketball, but this is precisely not what the team needs."
"Perhaps in the future, you will become the Head Coach of this team, but for now, the owner just wants someone obedient."
"Jeff also said no, which is why he left. You discussed this when you took office, but you didn't realize it then."
Hearing such a reason, Tom Thibodeau felt a pang of sadness.
He loved his job so much, yet he wasn't getting the recognition he deserved.
This method of selecting people, where 'no' means no, and 'yes' also means no, truly saddened him.
He completely understood the Bald Young Coach now.
In this team, the Head Coach cannot display their personal talents.
After their conversation, Tom Thibodeau was heartbroken.
He felt that the Bald Young Coach was right.
This team lacked camaraderie.
Lee first purged the teammates who won the championship with him, and then sent away the coaching staff who won the championship with him.
Tom initially thought Lee would stand with them, but he was once again slapped by cruel reality.
(A/N: After all, when Lee debuted, he didn't get anyone support and even suppressed by van gundy, who chose his favorite, Ward. If not for his cleverness, he'd be struggling for years to come.)
On July 6th, the New York fans also welcomed the weekend.
Soon, everyone learned the news from the newspapers and saw the team's Head Coach candidate list, and the reaction of most fans was:
"?"
Assistant coaches are usually not noticeable.
People looked at the names of the four, but couldn't recall their appearances, which meant the candidates were all "minor characters."
Many other teams often conduct their Head Coach selections quietly, at most with coaches actively releasing news to build momentum for themselves.
But when it came to the New York Knicks, the team went all out, making it look like a job fair.
Many sports media outlets were also confused when they saw the news: $5 million, a two-year contractâthis was the salary of a top coach in the NBA, but the candidates were just these?
Some quick-reacting sports media outlets, like Yahoo Sports, published an article on Sunday:
"New York KnicksâClay Lee's Toy!"
After losing the championship, sports media naturally analyzed many reasons.
At that time, Lee was still not blamed, as his playoff statistics were too outstanding.
In 17 playoff games, Clay Lee averaged 39.5 minutes per game, with 37.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 2.4 steals, and 2.6 turnovers per game;
He averaged 23.5 field goal attempts per game, with a 54.9% field goal percentage, and 10.3 three-point attempts per game, with a 45.7% three-point percentage.
He averaged 7.5 free throw attempts per game, with a 92.8% free throw percentage.
180 Club in the playoffs, 180 Club in the Finals, plus a PER of 38.8!
These stats were so good that "even Michael Jordan couldn't do better."
Naturally, after Lee lost, the coaching staff and teammates took the blame.
However, this time, the New York Knicks' Head Coach selection didn't feature any famous coaches, which strongly suggested that the star player had made a statement!
"Lee wants to control the coach," "Lee makes the coaching staff a mere decoration."
"Lee doesn't like famous coaches coaching him," "Lee doesn't want the coaching staff to share the spotlight."
The imaginative minds didn't even need interviews.
They had already conjured up Lee's thoughts!
Article after article read as if they were firsthand accounts, as if Lee had confided his innermost thoughts to them face-to-face.
The New York fans found them well-reasoned and convincing.
As for the truth, that no longer mattered.
On the morning of July 8th, only Lee and the unemployed Krysten Ritter remained in their Manhattan home.
Not yet 21, the little follower actually had her own work.
Her supermodel dream was shattered, but her Graphic Model work remained.
As long as she dressed beautifully and took photos, she could earn an income.
Compared to the struggling models in New York, Krysten Ritter lived a carefree life.
The only job that bothered her was walking the dog.
The husky had too much energy, and Happy's eyes weren't clear even in summer.
Rarely free from dog-sitting, with no one home early in the morning, Krysten Ritter was flushed all over after an extra workout.
Under the care of these past few years, her hair truly reached her waist.
Lee held the girl and took a shower, then returned to the bedroom, blow-drying her hair while teasingly saying:
"Happy has been a big help. Look at your figure, it's getting better and better."
Krysten Ritter, with her curvaceous figure, didn't mind Lee's large hands.
Instead, she said sweetly:
"In a few more years, when I gain weight, you can't dislike me!"
The little follower planned to have a child at 23 and three children before 30.
By that calculation, the girl's figure wouldn't be maintained for many more years.
Krysten Ritter had work in the morning, so she pushed Lee away, her face flushed.
Although she had unlocked more knowledge, being naked and embracing in broad daylight still made her feel embarrassed.
"Are you staying in Manhattan all week? I haven't seen you go out these past few days."
Thinking of his schedule, Lee also felt a bit helpless, hugging the girl and complaining:
"The President is coming to Wall Street to give a speech, so security has been upgraded. If I want to attend events, I'll have to stay home for the next week, waiting for the big shot to arrive."
Krysten Ritter kissed Lee, rolled her eyes, and didn't discuss the topic further.
She wrapped her arms around him and whispered in his ear again:
"Tonight, I'm preparing a very beautiful set of lingerie!"
"..."
On the 9th, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission formally filed a lawsuit against WorldCom, accusing the company of allegedly fabricating and inflating its revenue by $11 billion.
The lawsuit naturally caused the company's stock price to plummet, and the market was once again in an uproar.
On the morning of the 10th, Mayor Bloomberg also delivered a speech on Wall Street, which was meant to stabilize investor confidence.
Financial fraud is naturally very egregious, causing huge losses to the market.
After the speech, Lee and Bobby also attended a business party.
The Mayor urged New York's business leaders and financial institutions to adhere to ethical standards and maintain market order, but ironically, most institutions profited from "insider trading."
As a billionaire, Bloomberg often hosted events at his private residence.
His five-story townhouse on 79th Street in the Upper East Side, near Fifth Avenue and Central Park, was not far from Lee's home.
Lee had attended many similar dinners, but tonight, seeing so many people from well-known investment banks, he couldn't help but jokingly whisper about the situation:
"Expecting these guys to maintain market order, even God couldn't do that!"
People from prominent investment banks like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, and Lehman Brothers were all there.
On the surface, everyone was harmonious, but with WorldCom's bankruptcy, perhaps these firms also played a part behind the scenes.
Bobby was more concerned with his competitors.
There were many small and medium-sized hedge funds, and to gain more capital, he had to eat into their shares:
"Market order is something for the big shots to consider; we just make money. I like this market, there are new opportunities every day!"
Both were in black formal attire, and after a few whispered words, they began to socialize at the event.
Not long ago, on Independence Day, Bloomberg had been happily watching fireworks over the Hudson River with City Hall staff, and even presented certificates to newly naturalized American citizens on Liberty Island.
Within a few days, major financial fraud news dealt another heavy blow to Manhattan, public trust was disappearing, and New York's public financial pressure remained unrelieved.
As Lee was chatting with someone from Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg beckoned again, and the two came to the window on the second floor.
Only then did the Mayor speak:
"Lee, you'll have to stay in Manhattan a bit longer. British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be coming to New York. I've invited some socialites and celebrities. This is a private banquet, and it might help resolve some of your minor troubles."
"Don't forget the Republican Party gathering the day after tomorrow. The President will be there too."
Lee knew he still had to make offerings, but as long as it could resolve the resistance to acquiring Manchester United, the money spent was not in vain:
"This is a huge opportunity, and I love opportunities like this!"
Perceiving Lee's "sincere" emotions, Bloomberg also smiled contentedly.
The two clinked glasses and quickly moved on to other topics.
For the New York fans, these news items weren't a big concern.
The dot-com bubble had cut a lot of 'leeks,' and many people hadn't yet recovered from the previous blow.
Also on the night of the 10th, Kobe indeed did not attend the ESPY Awards.
Shaquille O'Neal, who won the NBA Player of the Year award, did not receive blessings from his little brother, and when he gave his acceptance speech, he didn't forget to mock him with sarcasm:
"I'm very happy to receive this award, and I know what you want to hear!"
"Yes, this season I am the strongest player in the NBA! Without a doubt, I am also the best player on the Lakers."
"I love Kobe, we are the strongest duo, but if he leaves me, he can only be ruled by Lee. Today I was really looking forward to Kobe being here, but after getting the award, I'm at peace."
"I forgive my little brother. Next season, the Lakers will complete their title Defense, and I will be here again."
"I believe my little brother will eventually present me with the award, after all, we deeply love each other!"
"."
The sports stars present burst into laughter when they heard Shaquille O'Neal teasing his teammate.
In their view, the two just had some minor disagreements, and O'Neal's words only added a touch of humor.
However, when the Los Angeles Times reported the news the next day, Kobe, who was still in Los Angeles, was furious.
The two had long disliked each other.
After winning the championship, Shaquille O'Neal stopped pretending.
The petty Shaq clearly remembered being outranked by Kobe in the regular season MVP standings.
Phil Jackson's empty promises were also useless.
After winning the championship, Shaquille O'Neal became overly arrogant and completely let himself go.
On the morning of the 11th, at the Tarrytown Training Center, after Erik Musselman left, James Dolan immediately shook his head:
"What a rigid guy, he actually thinks the New York Knicks need to improve their Defense?"
"Doesn't this guy read the news? Show Time! We need to serve the New York fans who buy tickets to watch the game. Who wants to watch a Defense battle?"
"Young New York fans want to see goals, they want to see star performances, and he comes to talk to me about Defense!"
On the other side, General Manager Grunfeld complimented him outwardly, but inwardly he was speechless.
He felt that what the other party said made sense.
Half an hour later, the young coach Stotts also appeared in the office.
Although he had no NBA coaching experience, he spoke confidently about his plans during the interview:
"Without a doubt, the New York Knicks are an excellent team. If we want to win the championship again, we must increase our interior Defense."
"At the same time, we also need more interior rotation. Perhaps in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the team can win games with Lee's offense."
"But once we reach the Finals, when we face the more excellent interior players of the Western Conference, to win, we must play good Defense."
"Basketball is a five-person game, and Lee also needs to reduce some of his three-point shooting."
Stotts, fully in his element, spoke eloquently.
With a full head of hair, complemented by a sharp black suit, he exuded the aura of a future famous coach.
General Manager Grunfeld nodded repeatedly, finding his ideas good.
He also felt the team should add big men to at least avoid foul trouble and not be as disheveled as they were in the Finals.
After James Dolan listened to the other party explain his basketball philosophy, he asked a few more questions, and then the two politely shook hands.
At lunchtime, both coaches were eating at the Tarrytown Training Center, and the curly-haired boss in the office began to complain again:
"Damn it! Don't these guys read the news? Don't they know my basketball philosophy!"
General Manager Grunfeld didn't say a word.
Both coaches answered how the New York Knicks should win the championship, and he felt that what they said made a lot of sense.
At 2 PM, Mike Brown appeared in a sharp black suit, white shirt, blue striped tie, and a pair of glasses, looking very imposing.
He refused to sit down, and when asked how the New York Knicks should win the championship, Mike Brown gave a different answer:
"Offense! The New York Knicks will find it difficult to recruit qualified big men again. In this situation, offense is the best way to win the championship."
"In the playoffs, Lee should play more off-ball offense, which can avoid double-teams and create more opportunities for others."
Mike Brown, using the unique accent of African Americans, continuously painted a picture for the two.
James Dolan, seemingly very satisfied with him, suddenly asked another question:
"How do you think a Head Coach should manage the locker room?"
Having served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Mike Brown hadn't "eaten pork, but seen pigs run."
(*Meaning: Everyone has some basic, common knowledge or experience of a subject, even if they lack deeper, firsthand experience.)
He calmly answered such a question:
"A Head Coach should constantly communicate with players to understand their needs, control the locker room, and manage player status."
After explaining his "chicken soup method," Mike Brown noticed the two nodding subtly again, and for a moment, he felt secure!
After the African American assistant coach left, James Dolan's mood improved considerably.
It was rare for someone to agree with his views:
"Unexpectedly, the most skilled of the three was this one. It seems those academic coaches are outdated. I think he's good."
Seeing the curly-haired boss looking as if he had found a kindred spirit, General Manager Grunfeld was already too speechless to complain:
"Agreeing with your views means he's a good coach who understands the game?"
The last person to interview was Mike D'Antoni, the oldest of the four.
To show respect, he naturally appeared last.
He achieved success in Italy, being named Coach of the Year (COY) in the Italian league.
Upon entering the NBA, he served as Head Coach for the Denver Nuggets and as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs and an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Unlike the previous three, when Mike D'Antoni arrived at the office, he pulled out his tactical board and distributed a stack of prepared tactics to the two.
Noticing their surprised gazes, Mike D'Antoni smiled slightly and then confidently said:
"These are the tactics I prepared for Lee. He's a genius, with unparalleled talent on the offensive end!"
"The New York Knicks can get better. Next season, we need to continue to increase our pace, at least to 88 possessions, and also take more three-pointers."
"Lee is the future of the team. We just need to pair him with qualified wing defenders. What the team needs to do is unleash his talent."
General Manager Grunfeld found it increasingly absurd as he listened:
"He doesn't even talk about Defense?"
James Dolan, however, was overjoyed, especially when he heard Mike D'Antoni planned for the New York Knicks to average 110 points per game.
He couldn't help but ask again:
"110 points? It seems no team has reached such a statistic in recent years."
Grunfeld was about to interject, but Mike D'Antoni confidently responded again:
"That's a matter of scoring composition. We can increase the number of three-point attempts. An average of 22 attempts per game? We can increase that to 30."
"New York fans love scoring, players love statistics. It's a win-win!"
The curly-haired boss started nodding again, watching Mike D'Antoni eloquently explain his tactical philosophy and team plans, feeling increasingly satisfied.
Looking at the smiling Mike D'Antoni, General Manager Grunfeld began to complain inwardly again:
"Old swindler! No wonder he can't find a Head Coach job in the NBA!"
Compared to the previous three coaches, Mike D'Antoni talked for a long time.
Finally, James Dolan asked another question:
"If you were to become the Head Coach of the New York Knicks, how would you manage the locker room, and how would you get along with Lee?"
"It's simple. I'd leave the locker room to the players. I'm a Head Coach. My job is to devise pre-game plans. Of course, if players have problems, they can talk to me, and I believe I can help these young guys."
After a brief answer, Mike D'Antoni smiled and put away his tactical board.
The two parties had a very pleasant discussion in the end.
James Dolan looked increasingly satisfied with the old man in a black suit, white shirt, and red plaid tie:
"He looks very distinguished!"
After seeing Mike D'Antoni off, it was already 4 PM.
James Dolan, hoarse from talking, realized it was getting late and immediately instructed:
"I think Mike D'Antoni is excellent. He prepared so many tactics. Indeed, a coach who has achieved success in Italy is different."
"Arrange a time for him to communicate with Lee. If they get along well, then let's finalize it!"
"The moratorium is almost over, and you can also discuss how to acquire new players. 110 points, I like games like that!"
Without waiting for the General Manager's response, a somewhat slender blonde entered the office, and James Dolan wrapped an arm around her and quickly left.
Grunfeld helplessly looked at the documents on his desk.
He had prepared a whole list of candidates, but a single phrase, "110 points," had won the boss's trust.
Clearly, Mike D'Antoni, that old guy, came prepared.
Compared to those three inflexible coaches, he understood the boss's preferences better.
The staff hadn't expected a decision to be made so quickly.
Noticing Grunfeld's sour mood, they exchanged glances and finally asked:
"Should we inform Lee? Tomorrow is Friday, and Lee seems to have some events to attend."
With the boss's decision made, even if Grunfeld didn't particularly like the boastful Mike D'Antoni, he could only resign himself to it now:
"Let's discuss this on Monday. Actually, Lee doesn't care much about the Head Coach's selection. I believe they will get along well."
On July 12th, Wall Street once again welcomed the President.
With frequent news of financial fraud, he had to give a speech to try and regain public confidence.
After strict security checks, Lee followed Bloomberg and became part of the atmosphere group at the venue.
It wasn't until yesterday that Lee understood why the security was so strict this time: the FBI believed there were dormant terrorist operatives in New York.
At Federal Hall on Wall Street, news media at the scene all aimed their cameras at the President giving his speech.
Upon hearing about increasing penalties for illegal companies and executives, and establishing new oversight bodies, applause naturally erupted from the audience.
Lee also clapped along, though he felt that this matter would likely be strictly enforced for two years, eventually becoming a mere formality.
As for whether this speech could restore the confidence of ordinary citizens and investors, the answer was naturally no.
On July 15th, after dealing with the Republican Party gathering, Lee also breathed a sigh of relief.
Upon arriving at the Tarrytown Training Center, General Manager Grunfeld once again introduced Mike D'Antoni.
Having not paid much attention to the news from this side, Lee hadn't expected the team not to choose well-known coaches like Mike Fratello or Hubie Brown.
In the office, Mike D'Antoni looked at the championship photo.
Noticing Lee's figure, he smiled and greeted him:
"Nice to see you, Clay. It seems losing didn't affect you at all."
Previously, they were only vaguely familiar with each other, as the New York Knicks had few opportunities to play against Western Conference teams.
"Basketball games naturally have wins and losses. During a rebuilding period, making it to the Finals, I'm already very satisfied, and I naturally prepared myself for a loss long ago."
"Welcome to New York!"
Lee and Mike D'Antoni shook hands.
Grunfeld, noticing that Lee indeed didn't care who the Head Coach was, immediately felt relieved:
"Lee, the moratorium is almost over. We can discuss offseason acquisitions. Mike has just taken over the team, and the coaching staff also needs to be adjusted."
"Is Tom Thibodeauchoosing to leave? Will Donnie stay with the team?"
Hearing Lee's question, Grunfeld shrugged helplessly:
"They plan to rest for a while, then join Jeff Van Gundy's team."
"Let's discuss the offseason matters first. Although we don't have to worry about luxury tax issues, no one likes to make trades with us."
"Mike, you need to be prepared. I most likely won't be able to meet your demands. This is the situation with the New York Knicks. Except for the New York fans, most teams don't like us."
Mike D'Antoni nodded with a chuckle.
He wasn't a rookie coach.
He had naturally prepared for the New York Knicks' situation.
On the morning of the 16th, the front page of the New York Times sports section featured a smiling group photo of Clay Lee, James Dolan, Grunfeld, and Mike D'Antoni:
"A New Era for the New York Knicks!"
After Ewing's retirement, the old players were purged, and at the end of this season, the former coaching staff also disbanded.
New York fans didn't have much of an impression of Mike D'Antoni, but as long as Lee approved, the fans naturally wouldn't object.
Of course, if the team's performance plummets next season, Mike D'Antoni will definitely be fired immediately.
With a top salary of 5 million and a two-year contract, part of that salary is for taking criticism.
Mike Brown was quite confident after his interview, but in the end, the old man snatched the position, leaving him feeling frustrated.
However, after seeing the New York Times report, Mike Brown also realized he had made a mistake.
It turned out the New York Knicks' environment was "if Lee says you can do it, you can do it."
Although his flattery didn't hit the right spot, Mike Brown felt he had gained something.
At least he understood how the team would select a Head Coach for a superstar.
As New York's arch-rival, the Los Angeles Times interpreted this coaching change from another angle:
"Lee has completed the purge of the New York Knicks."
All elements of Ewing had disappeared, and the Head Coach who gave Lee a hard time in his rookie season was also gone.
Several articles discussed the power struggles within the New York Knicks, and Jeff Van Gundy once again became a victim.
Kobe naturally saw the news in the Los Angeles Times at home, and as he read, a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.
He also wanted to purge the Lakers.
He didn't want to be the "lazy dog" fatty's little brother anymore!
But as soon as he thought that Shaquille O'Neal was only 30 years old and in his prime, Kobe felt this goal would be difficult to achieve.
Since Lee chose to "lie flat" during the offseason, improving his game through "passive talent," trainer Tim Grover recently came to Los Angeles to continue promoting his training sessions.
This past week, Tim Grover had been by Kobe's side.
A championship was the best advertisement, and he wouldn't miss such a money-making opportunity.
During the morning training session, Kobe was stretching when he suddenly asked:
"Is Lee leading the team? Will the New York Knicks' locker room also have a situation like the Lakers'?"
Tim Grover was a bit surprised.
He hadn't expected Kobe to ask such a question.
After a moment of thought, he said:
"New York's situation is completely different. Lee has won MVP, FMVP, Scoring Champion, Assists Champion, and Steals Champion."
"With these accolades, no one will question his team status."
"The world of basketball is sometimes simple. When you are the strongest player on the team, you can call the shots, and everyone will value your opinion."
"Kobe, reconsider your current achievements. Instead of reading those boring sports media reports, think about how to enter the 'white-hot space.'"
"As long as you can achieve those honors, you will naturally be able to lead the team."
Kobe suddenly recalled his own honors:
All-NBA Team, Player of the Month, Player of the Week, All-Star MVP, Clay Lee Recognition Award.
He showed a hint of embarrassment, then stopped discussing the topic and continued stretching, secretly vowing in his heart:
"I need an MVP!"
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By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)