Check out my new fanfics.
Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
Please give it a go đ
***
On July 17, 2002, Jeff Zucker, president of NBC Entertainment, once again commented on losing the NBA broadcasting rights:
"Two years ago, we lost football, but our ratings were still number one. After losing baseball, we were still number one."
"Although losing basketball will have some impact on us, we can re-arrange programs during prime time. NBC will still be NBC."
Dick Ebersol, Chairman of NBC Sports, also expressed his view:
"I think the definition of victory has been completely distorted now. If you win the broadcasting rights but end up losing hundreds of millions of dollars, what exactly did you win?"
"When faced with the prospect of significant economic losses, we choose to leave because NBC is accountable to its shareholders."
"Our departure from football was the right move, and our reason for leaving baseball is the same. Now, the NBA's demands would cause us hundreds of millions of dollars in losses, so the answer is simple: we're out."
All media professionals naturally knew that what this sports president said was true.
In the 2000-2001 season, the NBA ultimately cost NBC nearly $100 million.
By the 2001-2002 season, the loss doubled, even reaching $200 million.
The cold hard data already illustrates the problem: from the early 90s to 2000, NBA regular season ratings dropped from 4.3 to 3.0.
The playoffs didn't escape this fate either, falling from 6.5 to 4.9.
New York's hot market and the New York Knicks' rising market value couldn't change the fact that fans weren't buying in.
The polarized market caused huge losses for NBC in terms of viewership.
James Dolan and MSG executives might not understand basketball, but they truly know what New York fans like to watch.
A flashy outside dribble is better than a low-post back-to-the-basket isolation.
A fast-break alley-oop dunk is better than two points earned by grinding in the paint.
The so-called iron-blooded, pure basketball was worthless in the face of ratings.
New York's success, to a large extent, was a result of drawing from the entire Eastern Conference.
NBC recently officially bid farewell to fans.
In the short film recalling 12 years of broadcasting, the early part naturally featured the Chicago Bulls dynasty, with Michael Jordan as the undisputed protagonist.
From 1996 to 2002, the protagonist in the short film naturally became the New York Knicks dynasty, with Clay Lee achieving four consecutive championships, also becoming the undisputed protagonist.
Long before, Marv Albert, Steve Jones, and Bill Walton had discussed NBC ending its partnership with the NBA while broadcasting.
In the final episode, when Bob Costas emotionally bid a true farewell to fans in the studio, it still made many old fans feel a pang of sadness:
"It was a pleasure to witness the era of Jordan and Lee, and it was also a pleasure to see the Los Angeles Lakers break the New York Knicks' dominance in NBC's final season of broadcasting."
"Clay Lee is only 24 years old. I don't know how many more championships he will win in the future, and I also cannot predict whether the Los Angeles Lakers can create their own dynasty again."
"But at this moment, as we look back on all of this, as we say goodnight one more time, what I can be sure of is that this is the last time everyone will see the NBA on NBC."
The montage at the end of the film was shot in an empty gym, showing a basketball bouncing in the background, ultimately concluding with,
"Thanks for the memories."
The day before the moratorium was about to end, sports media began discussing the future of the NBA:
"How to get ratings back up?"
"How to get fans to buy tickets and enter the stadium to watch games?"
"How to make small markets rise? And not watch Los Angeles vs New York for three consecutive years!"
Earlier this year, the NBA signed a 6-year agreement with the Walt Disney Company and Turner Sports.
They renewed the existing agreement with TNT and allowed ABC and ESPN to acquire the broadcasting rights for the league's games.
ABC and ESPN would pay an average of $400 million per season.
Another part of the agreement was that ABC obtained the broadcasting rights for the NBA Finals, at least 5 playoff games, 15 regular season games, and NBA Inside Stuff on Saturday mornings.
Compared to NBC, ABC, which took over the broadcasting, had fewer games.
The former would broadcast 33 regular season games per season, while the latter's regular season games would be halved in the new season.
The new broadcasting plan will naturally stimulate small markets!
Just as Ray Allen in Milwaukee doesn't get as much exposure as Kobe and Lee, David Stern hopes to boost ratings by reducing game broadcasts, but the ultimate outcome might be the marginalization of small markets.
This will affect players' endorsements, and sponsors also prefer stars from large markets.
In short, small markets have once again become objects of exploitation.
Another piece of news was that Reebok would become the official sponsor of the NBA.
However, 11 teams in the NBA are supplied with uniforms by Nike.
Previously, the New York Knicks were not among them, but after Clay Lee became Nike's top star, the team naturally signed a new contract.
Currently, the NBA is not entirely Nike's domain.
Reebok is very strong.
If Allen Iverson's performance wasn't so poor and he wasn't constantly involved in off-court controversies, their influence might be even greater.
On July 18, New York City Mayor Bloomberg hosted the British Prime Minister.
The private dinner that evening naturally invited a large number of New York socialites and celebrities.
Clay Lee once again played the role of "mascot."
Tony Blair, who successfully won re-election last year, was naturally a charismatic and versatile figure.
The youngest Prime Minister in British history, with an approval rating of 75% last year, he was naturally the absolute protagonist at the banquet.
He discussed music with famous singers and talked about football and other sports with sports stars like Lee.
The England team finished 6th in the World Cup, failing to win the championship.
The Prime Minister talked endlessly about this topic, even complaining like an ordinary fan:
"Sports competitions naturally aim for championships. I don't like excuses like losing to the champion team."
"When I hosted the England team at Downing Street, I told the media that if the results weren't good, it was the responsibility of Head Coach Eriksson."
"I don't like the national team's coaching choices these past few years. The previous Head Coach Hoddle even wanted to bring a wizard along for the campaign. God! How did that guy get elected Head Coach?"
Most of the celebrities at the banquet didn't quite grasp this point, as they didn't care about football.
Lee, however, remembered the gossip from the last World Cup and appropriately played the role of a "straight man" in a comedic duo:
"So you eventually fired that Head Coach, didn't you? I think that's what everyone wanted to see!"
Tony Blair nodded smugly, and then raised his glass to Lee and the others:
"Cheers!"
Bloomberg also chuckled and drank champagne.
Lee noticed Tom Cruise kept looking over.
After a subtle smile, he nodded and left.
Due to his height, Tom Cruise usually didn't approach Lee.
When the two stood together, the tall and strong Lee would make the other appear like a "dwarf."
A big star with an idol complex wouldn't seek out such an awkward situation.
Although there were no Hollywood gossip reporters present, if a photo of them together were taken, Tom Cruise would still be displeased.
There were about 100 people in the banquet hall on the second floor.
Clay Lee could discern the big star's subtle thoughts, and among another group of actresses, some also noticed this.
Women don't care about the affairs of important figures.
Instead, the gossip at the banquet will become the talk of the town for the next week.
Mariah Carey had recently signed with Universal Music Group, and there was no shortage of drama in the music industry.
New York news, besides gossiping about Justin and Britney's messy romance, also didn't forget to educate the public about the great singer's past grievances with her ex-husband.
Dressed in a sparkling white gown, Mariah Carey approached Lee and softly whispered in a sweet voice:
"I remember at the former President's couple's party, he seemed to dislike you, Clay. Do you two have any history?"
Compared to a few years ago, Miss Carey had put on a little more weight.
In a few more years, she would probably become the smiling sister Lee remembered.
"It's probably because of Nicole. You know, Jimmy and she had some chemistry. Men have some strange possessiveness!"
Mariah Carey covered her mouth and chuckled, taking the opportunity to clink glasses with Lee, not forgetting to throw a few flirtatious glances.
If she had maintained her early 90s figure, Lee might have "given up on working hard" tonight, but at the moment, he really had no interest in pressing "F."
The flirtatious glances were wasted on him.
Mark Parker, who became Nike's global footwear president, was expected to become the future CEO.
He naturally joined the lively atmosphere at tonight's gathering.
Seeing Lee surrounded and teased by several female celebrities over 30, he stepped forward to intervene, and also playfully criticized Lee's aesthetic:
"Miss Carey is a great beauty!"
"Her waist is too thick," Lee muttered to himself, then naturally changed the subject and asked:
"I thought Nike would choose to become the league's jersey sponsor. I didn't expect you not to take it on."
Thinking of Reebok's competition, Mark Parker just smiled:
"11 teams are enough. Some teams have limited local influence. They are not part of our plan."
"If you can take charge of a club like Manchester United in the future, perhaps we still have a chance to cooperate."
On July 19, after the moratorium ended, various teams also began to make moves.
The Detroit Pistons, who had a good season in the Eastern Conference last season, signed Chauncey Billups in the free agency.
Although he performed averagely as a starter for the Atlanta Hawks, he did have some highlight moments throughout the season.
When a playoff team like the Detroit Pistons extended an olive branch, Chauncey Billups naturally chose to join.
The San Antonio Spurs finally welcomed Manu Ginobili.
Although he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs as early as 1999, the Argentine flyer only landed in the NBA three years later.
This trade was bound to be profitable.
Although the World Championship had not yet started, Argentina was destined to give the United States Team a surprise in this competition, and Manu Ginobili would also make a name for himself.
In the Summer League, the Knicks Rookies performed well, and Mike D'Antoni also felt that the team's talent seemed sufficient for now.
Amar'e Stoudemire stood out when participating in the McDonald's High School League, often dominating with his talent throughout the games.
By the Summer League, Amar'e Stoudemire hadn't taken too much of a beating.
Relying on his exceptional talent, he once again put on a "bullying the weak" performance.
Everyone knew the team had changed its Head Coach.
If they could leave a good impression, they might get more opportunities in the new season.
Therefore, they even won a championship in the Summer League.
The Knicks also made a move after the freeze period ended, re-signing their starting power forward Kurt Thomas for 4 years and $23 million.
Kurt Thomas, who was about to turn 30, still made some compromises: a three-year guaranteed contract with a player option in the final year.
Although the Knicks' interior couldn't stand up to Shaquille O'Neal, they seemed to handle the Eastern Conference with ease.
Kurt Thomas was selected by the Heat with the 10th pick in 1995.
At 30 years old, he was in his prime, and the Knicks hoped he could anchor the team's interior Defense.
The first signing of the offseason was also seen as the team expressing its importance to him.
After completing the re-signing, Kurt Thomas also proactively stated in an interview:
"Although we lost the Finals last season, we will win it back!"
"I like playing in New York. Lee will lead us to continue winning championships. We are ready!"
The New York Post was very satisfied with this signing.
It was too difficult to sign an All-Star-level big man.
However, the spectators were not attracted by this news.
Instead, the "punching Rucker Park" incident involving Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson entertained everyone.
This news even made it onto NBC's news channel.
NBA players fighting with streetballers?
This completely lost all dignity.
While Lee had been busy attending events and parties for the past half-month, Ron Artest and his good brother Stephen Jackson were diligently practicing basketball.
As a kid from Queens, Ron Artest loved to show off in front of his friends and family.
To display his influence, after this offseason began, Ron Artest took Stephen Jackson along to eat, drink, and have fun.
Training was naturally boring. Not long ago, Ron Artest had a sudden impulse and wanted to show off at Rucker Park.
As a Champion Coach, Ron Artest still had a lot of clout.
When he arrived, the "wild DJ" was yelling into a microphone, and the surrounding streetballers cheered along.
The first two days of playing were quite enjoyable, but the black brothers always played with a lot of physicality, and unintentional trash talk caused Ron Artest to lose his composure.
After a tall, skinny black player successfully crossed over Ron Artest and hit a step-back three-pointer from the right wing, the hot-blooded black streetballer yelled:
"Nigga! Look at my shot! If I were on the Knicks this year, the championship would still be ours."
This kind of "I can do it too" trash talk suddenly got to Ron Artest.
While he might have been a bit lacking in fancy moves, he had "fists the size of sandbags"!
When faced with such provocation, Ron Artest ultimately chose to resolve the issue with force, and with Stephen Jackson also being a wild card, it eventually escalated into a big brawl.
"Knicks player Ron Artest involved in brawl at Rucker Park, causing multiple injuries."
When NBC suddenly broadcasted this news, New York fans were immediately amused.
On TNT's show, the most discussed topic recently had been the gossip surrounding the Champion Lakers.
After Ron Artest grabbed the headlines, the topic finally shifted back.
In last week's show, the trio talked more about offense.
Now, with Ron Artest making headlines, the show naturally turned to discussing Defense.
At times like these, Kenny Smith would always present facts and logic, using Excel to strengthen his arguments:
"In the regular season last season, a total of 26 players averaged over 20 points per game."
"Clearly, Defense has a greater impact on the game, which also aligns with the championship team's building philosophy."
"In this year's Finals, both teams shot less than 30% from beyond the arc. Such a result was naturally influenced by Defense."
Kenny Smith presented his views to the camera, and the director did not forget to display some relevant data:
Only 7 players averaged over 25 points per game, and Clay Lee's 32.1 points per game was almost a clear lead!
Although Allen Iverson, in second place, averaged 31.4 points, he wasn't discussed much.
With a field goal percentage below 40%, a true shooting percentage of 48.9%, and a PER of 21.9, Allen Iverson naturally didn't receive much attention.
Charles Barkley, as always, preferred the past over the present, and at this moment, he started bragging again:
"The fact is, Defense hasn't changed much in the NBA over the years. The reason for lower scoring is related to the number of possessions and, more importantly, to the players' individual abilities."
"If my prime were in this era, I could also average 30+, and no big man in the NBA could stop me. Perhaps a triple-double average wouldn't even be a problem for me!"
"Look at Kenyon Martin's performance in the Eastern Conference Finals. This guy can't attack outside of being reliable within 0-3 feet."
"Today's players are too soft, and they're unwilling to put in the effort to hone their skills. The decline in player ability is the real reason why scoring is getting lower and lower."
Ernie Johnson noticed that Jeff Van Gundy, who was invited, hadn't spoken yet, so he proactively asked:
"Jeff, what do you think is more important for a championship team, offense or Defense?"
Adopting the demeanor of a famous coach, Jeff Van Gundy, in a black suit and red tie, slowly said:
"Without a doubt, it's Defense!"
"Whether it's a single-game elimination or a seven-game series, Defense is the most important. Excellent Defense can change the course of a game."
"When you're having an off-shooting night on a progression night, Defense can also help you win the game."
"Perhaps fans like offense, but for Head Coach and players, they prefer Defense, because Defense brings championships!"
With four Finals rings in hand, Jeff Van Gundy's words were indeed convincing.
Kenny Smith smiled and nodded, following the topic by saying:
"It seems Jeff will be supporting the San Antonio Spurs next season. In terms of points allowed per 100 possessions, the San Antonio Spurs ranked first last season. They indeed secured the second spot in the Western Conference through Defense."
Jeff Van Gundy nodded with a hint of self-satisfaction.
Of course, he also had some ulterior motives:
"Tim Duncan is underestimated. Whether it's basic stats or advanced metrics, he delivered an MVP-level performance last season."
"If it weren't for Lee, I believe Tim Duncan would have won the MVP last season!"
"It's a shame the San Antonio Spurs ultimately lost in the Western Conference Semifinals. For them, the most important thing this offseason is to add perimeter players."
"As long as the tactics are appropriate and the roster is reasonable, I believe the San Antonio Spurs can achieve revenge next season!"
"..."
After this episode aired, San Antonio fans were thrilled, and the calls for "Gregg Popovich to be fired" grew louder.
Fans of the San Antonio Spurs had completely lost patience with this coach who only knew how to "stick with Tim Duncan."
Since the Champion Coach was without a contract, everyone began to urge the management to fire Gregg Popovich.
Originally, the San Antonio Spurs were very low-key during the offseason, and Gregg Popovich, who had signed Manu Ginobili, was quietly making a fortune.
But after watching the show, Gregg Popovich secretly thought, "This is not good."
Even a fool could tell that this person wanted to replace him!
Jeff Van Gundy seemed to want to join the San Antonio Spurs.
The management didn't respond, and Gregg Popovich sensed something was wrong.
He quickly took a bottle of red wine and went to appease Tim Duncan.
On the weekend of July 20th, Tim Duncan, while participating in a local San Antonio program, discussed this season's loss and proactively spoke favorably of Gregg Popovich:
"This season was a success for the San Antonio Spurs. We added new talent and improved our wing Defense."
"The team is still on the rise. I want to bring David Robinson a championship before he retires. Head Coach Popovich is our reliance, and I believe the San Antonio Spurs will succeed next season."
"..."
After these words were spoken, Jeff Van Gundy knew he had no chance with the San Antonio Spurs.
With Tim Duncan tied to Gregg Popovich, forcibly taking over in this situation would likely lead to Tim Duncan having objections.
The Bald Young Coach indeed wanted to prove himself again.
His best partner Thibodeau was back by his side, along with assistant coaches Don Chaney and Ewing.
The coaching staff was full of talent, and Jeff Van Gundy just wanted to find another big star to continue his legendary coaching career.
This weekend, Lee no longer had to attend gatherings.
After being busy for over half a month, it was a rare break, so he naturally wanted to train hard.
He refused Mariah Carey's invitation, naturally because he had a better option.
When Lee woke up on Saturday, he was shirtless, watching the blonde busy herself at the dining table in the apartment.
He scratched his head and instinctively said:
"Don't tell me you woke up this early just to make breakfast?"
Katheryn, who was making scrambled eggs, rolled her eyes at Lee, then turned her head and replied, "I'm only good at making this! Everything else is bought."
"Aren't you hungry?And it's almost 4 PM, this is dinner!"
Last year, she had just played a role in the hit NBC show "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."
(Pic Here)
(A/N: My fav was Lagertha. Yours?)
Lee was a loyal viewer of Law & Order, and he met Katheryn Winnick at a cast party.
They were the same age, and their birthdays were close, but this girl had two older brothers and was very independent.
The only reason they got together was because she frequently hit walls in Hollywood.
Lee then noticed the time.
They had been active for most of the night, and after several overtime sessions, they had vaguely slept until the afternoon.
Katheryn brought the scrambled eggs to the table, intending to push Lee into the bathroom, but they ended up giggling and wrestling again.
Sensing Lee's intentions, Katheryn half-heartedly resisted, and when he embraced her, she laughed and scolded him, "You're such a scoundrel!"
By the time they returned to the dining table, the pizza they had ordered was already cold.
After reheating, the taste was only passable.
"Why don't we go to a restaurant for dinner? Even on a weekend, you don't have to worry about reservations."
Hearing Lee's words, Katheryn rolled her eyes at him again, and while eating pizza, she complained:
"Your lifestyle will corrupt me. I don't like going to those famous restaurants."
"I need to put on makeup, I need appropriate clothes, and most importantly, one dinner is my entire month's food expense."
The 24-year-old blonde was at her most beautiful.
Katheryn was curvaceous, loved sports, had muscles, and was in excellent physical condition.
Watching the girl eat heartily, Lee suddenly remembered Hope Dworaczyk of the Nets.
The two girls had completely different personalities.
The latter was a master at playing the field, and Jason Kidd, his so-called brother, was infatuated with her.
Lee also ate his pizza heartily, and noticing that the other party was in a good mood, he asked again, "Actually, you could have a better life, at least not like this, where you have to curry favor for a role."
Katheryn, who had been hitting walls everywhere, naturally understood Lee's meaning.
Anyone who frequently read New York newspapers and magazines knew that Lee was very generous to pretty girls.
Katheryn, getting up to get water, just smiled.
Returning to the dining table, she sat on Lee's lap.
Although she wore very little clothing, she openly embraced him and said:
"I like appearing on screen myself, it's that simple. I'm only 24. If I were 30, perhaps I would choose another life."
Although Lee thought "another life" meant finding a fallback guy to marry, he didn't expose her at the moment and changed the subject, saying, "Where do you want to go this weekend?"
"How about I take you on a good tour of this city!"
Touching Lee's firm muscles, Katheryn's eyes twinkled with a smile.
She suddenly leaned into his ear and whispered teasingly, "Looks like the little man can't handle it anymore?"
With such a provocation, the two quickly started to fool around, and finally giggled and rolled in the hay again.
On July 22nd, when Lee drove to the Tarrytown Training Center, he parked the car and rubbed his waist, noticing himself in the rearview mirror, and inwardly grumbled:
"Again, harmed by wine and women, so haggard!"
"From today onwards, I must abstain from alcohol!"
This was the first time Lee had encountered a girl with such abundant physical energy.
His fancy dribbling and offensive moves in overtime couldn't solve the problem, and it really exhausted him.
The New York Knicks staff members all came forward to greet Lee when they saw him.
When he arrived at General Manager Grunfeld's office, Ron Artest was also there.
"God! You're an NBA player! Fighting with amateur players at Rucker Park?"
"Ron, you need to learn to control your temper. Are you going to punch a fan if they yell at you during an away game?"
"Just in time, Lee is here too. The trouble you caused has made the New York Knicks a laughingstock. Now, we all want to hear your guarantee!"
Seeing Lee, who was wearing a gray T-shirt and looked pale, Ron Artest quickly made a serious guarantee, "I'll never go to Rucker Park again. I promise my three-point shooting percentage will reach 35% next season!"
His performance this season had been so poor, and with the team option looming, Ron Artest knew he would be out of luck if Coach D'Antoni didn't give him a chance next season.
He hadn't made big money yet, so he naturally wouldn't go against the money.
More importantly, a calm Ron Artest also felt that he had lost face.
A Champion Coach fighting with an amateur playerâŠ
Looking at the troubled Ron Artest, Lee didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
He handed the other party a club membership card, then whispered, "If you want to practice, don't look for streetball players. This club has an indoor basketball court, and the facilities are good. Call Tim Grover, he can help you find a lot of professional sparring partners."
Hearing Lee's instructions, Ron Artest took the membership card and actively came forward to hug him in greeting, finally saying somewhat awkwardly:
"I'll never fight with amateur players again, Lee, thank you for your support."
When Ron Artest left, Grunfeld shook his head helplessly again.
This matter was indeed a bit embarrassing.
A Champion Coach being shown up by an amateur player and getting into a fight was like giving that amateur player free advertising.
Remembering work matters, Grunfeld then handed Lee a document, while briefly introducing:
"The Milwaukee Bucks are planning to trade Glenn Robinson. We only need to give up two wing players and a 2003 first-round draft pick to bring him to New York."
"Trading for an All-Star forward, Lee, what do you think of Robinson?"
Hearing this news, Lee knew that Ray Allen had achieved a phased victory.
No wonder he had returned to Milwaukee so early.
He probably had already unified the locker room by now.
"Forget it! I know this guy. Ray doesn't have a good opinion of him. We already have enough offensive players, there's no need to disrupt the current roster structure."
After looking through Glenn Robinson's information, Lee quickly responded.
Grunfeld nodded, he didn't care about it either.
The curly-haired owner wanted another All-Star level player for the team, but Grunfeld hoped to trade for a big man.
The "Big Dog" with a bad reputation was almost past his prime, and he didn't think highly of him either.
Handing over another document, Grunfeld chuckled and introduced, "The 76ers are planning to send out Dikembe Mutombo, and we also have a chance to get him. With the same chips, the 76ers should agree to this trade."
These two All-Star players should be the big fish of this offseason.
Lee was a bit disappointed, and he also didn't think highly of Dikembe Mutombo:
"What we need more is young talent. We can try it out next season. Coach D'Antoni might still have some demands."
"As for this trade, let's forget it. We need more wing players."
Grunfeld nodded again.
Dikembe Mutombo might be an excellent center in the Eastern Conference, but facing Shaquille O'Neal, he didn't think he could play much of a role.
Lee wasn't interested in the two big fish of the offseason, and General Manager Grunfeld also knew that Lee had a tight schedule, so he directly asked, "Lee, what type of players do you think the team should add? The New York Knicks still have salary cap space."
Lee pondered for a moment, and thinking about the existing talent, he quickly said:
"Perhaps we still need some heavy, Defense-oriented big men. Pau is too young, and Knight's Defense is not ideal either."
"That's all I can think of. Actually, the team doesn't need to worry about regular season performance. As long as we don't suffer injuries, in the Eastern Conference, we have a high probability of still getting 60 wins."
Hearing this answer, Grunfeld chuckled and patted his stomach.
He believed Lee could guarantee the team's floor: "It seems I need to talk to Mike again. Don't worry, Lee! As long as there's a suitable star player, we'll inform you immediately!"
The two no longer talked about work matters, chatting and boasting for a while.
Lee prepared to visit Old Mike, the equipment manager, and grab some lunch to replenish his energy.
After leaving the office, Lee saw the text message on his phone.
His good brother Ray Allen seemed very happy:
"Lee, I succeeded, the Milwaukee Bucks are completely my team now!"
Obviously, the management had also informed Ray Allen that they were going to trade the "lazy dog."
With changes in broadcasters next season, and Milwaukee, a small market, losing a star player, Ray Allen's exposure would also decrease.
Lee didn't intend to remind his good brother about these things.
He simply wished him well, and some memories resurfaced in his mind:
"As expected, it still takes a good beating to achieve brotherly basketball!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)