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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On Friday, September 29, 2006, NBA teams welcomed the new season's Media Day.
Although the United States Mens National Basketball Team underperformed, Carmelo Anthony's excellent performance won the recognition of many basketball critics.
Among the three captains, he was the best performer!
The Denver Nuggets made a major trade during the offseason, and training camp was about to officially begin, so sports reporters flocked to the Pepsi Center.
The reason everyone paid extra attention to the Denver Nuggets was mainly because of Allen Iverson's arrival.
Although he had been repeatedly beaten in the Eastern Conference, many reporters still held onto a fantasyâthis was the Scoring Champion!
The 30-year-old guard's experience and skills were still at their peak, and his partnership with the rising Carmelo Anthony sparked imagination.
Perhaps the Denver Nuggets could successfully break through the first round.
Sports reporters from the Denver Post and other media outlets arrived at the Pepsi Center with anticipation, but as time passed, everyone couldn't help but frown:
"Why aren't they here yet?"
The Denver Nuggets' staff were also a bit nervous.
The 10 o'clock press conference had already passed by 15 minutes, and even Carmelo Anthony was getting impatient.
Just as an Associated Press reporter, who had specifically come to watch the drama, was about to complain, everyone saw the late Allen Iverson.
Wearing the Denver Nuggets' home No. 3 jersey, with a white headband tightly wrapped around his cornrows, and seemingly new tattoos on his neck, the tardy Allen Iverson still had that defiant look about him.
Allen Iverson had large diamond earrings in his ears, and after taking his seat, he didn't even look at the displeased faces of the crowd, casually saying into the microphone in front of him:
"Every year it's the same process, attending that press conference, and I'll repeat what I've said before. The only difference is that now I've joined a new team."
"I will do everything I can to win games. I will play to the best of my ability. I will give it my all! In fact, I do this every year."
Some players appreciate Allen Iverson's rebellious spirit, and Carmelo Anthony at this moment felt his teammate was incredibly cool!
Putting the lateness behind him, Carmelo Anthony also showed a happy smile, taking over the microphone and boasting to the crowd:
"Allen is right, there's really nothing to say. I have the strength of a Scoring Champion. With two top scorers in the league teaming up, no one can limit us!"
"We will become other teams' nightmare. After the division championship, we will win the championship."
Carmelo Anthony said these words incredibly naturally, as if he truly believed the two of them could succeed.
In fact, he was also a fan of Allen Iverson, and the braids on his head were the best proof.
Not every reporter liked players acting like divas.
Allen Iverson's attitude was annoying, and an ESPN reporter, seeing his sullen face, asked in a deep voice:
"Coach George Karl believes you can lead the team to win more games. He thinks you need to learn to share the ball. What are your thoughts on this?"
After Allen Iverson joined the team, George Karl hadn't said too many good things in interviews.
In fact, he didn't particularly like this small guard, so he naturally wouldn't forget to put him down during interviews.
Seemingly still unclear about his own role, Allen Iverson still considered himself the boss, tilting his head and saying earnestly:
"I don't need a fixed style of play. In fact, I'm also a combo guard. As long as I'm on the court, I can handle everything."
Perhaps thinking of his leading experience with the 76ers, Allen Iverson's mood was a bit low.
Changing his tone, he added unhappily:
"I've been in the league for 10 years. I'm a veteran, and I know how to win!"
"Sometimes, I feel like I'm a natural Sixth Man. If the team needs it, I'm even willing to make sacrifices."
Carmelo Anthony was greatly moved by this statement.
He had originally worried that Allen Iverson would compete with him for the boss position, but now it seemed the former Scoring Champion was ready to assist him.
TNT had been overshadowed by ESPN during the offseason, and with the preseason about to begin, the reporters present all wanted to stir things up:
"Allen, we didn't see you at the New York charity game recently, nor did we notice your blessings afterwards. Did Clay Lee invite youâ"
Mid-sentence, Carmelo Anthony snatched the microphone, immediately interrupting, his face showing a look of "I'm going to get justice for my good brother":
"I know what you want to ask. Such a boring topic doesn't need to be discussed at all."
"I said a long time ago that Allen lacked help. Now that he's in Denver, I'll help him win. Don't forget, since entering the league, the Denver Nuggets have had a good record against the New York Knicks."
"You can put away those meaningless losing statistics. With me here, Allen won't lose anymore. We can defeat any opponent!"
The reporters below were all surprised by this answer, while Allen Iverson beside him was deeply moved.
In Philadelphia, his teammates didn't even speak up for him, and Andre Iguodala even wanted to curry favor with Clay Lee!
Having been thoroughly defeated, Allen Iverson suddenly felt a surge of motivation.
He extended his right arm to Carmelo Anthony, and the two smiled and fist-bumped, both with smiles on their faces.
Thinking that they would only face the New York Knicks a maximum of twice in a season, Allen Iverson for the first time felt hopeful for the new season.
After the high-five, he enthusiastically boasted to everyone:
"A brand new Allen Iverson will bring victory to Denver. I'm ready!"
"..."
During the offseason, although basketball critics always praised Kobe Bryant, as the new season approached, most critics forgot about the Lakers.
Kobe Bryant was clearly just a tool.
Everyone knew the Lakers were still a weak team, and the first round was likely their limit.
A group of basketball critics praised Kobe Bryant's leadership, but never evaluated the 81-point scorer's ability to lead a team.
Although Radmanovic and Derek Fisher were added during the offseason, no one was optimistic about them.
Old Fish could also be considered Kobe Bryant's old teammate.
This time, he originally wanted to return with Matt Barnes, but unexpectedly, the Warriors intervened.
After Don Nelson became the Warriors' Head Coach, he offered Barnes a contract higher than the Lakers'.
Unable to achieve his wish, Old Fish was dispirited throughout the entire offseason.
Fortunately, after several months of buffer time, he had recovered his full energy by Media Day.
Originally, old friends reuniting was a good thing, but after taking the official photos, Kobe Bryant found that something was off.
Derek Fisher was posing as a leader, which made him very unhappy.
Lamar Odom was originally the team's second-in-command, but in late June, his young son died tragically from suffocation.
Throughout the entire offseason, this unruly second-in-command had been unable to recover from his grief.
Therefore, Derek Fisher became the one accompanying Kobe Bryant in front of many media outlets.
The articulate Fisher made the Los Angeles Media nod in approval.
"My two years in New York taught me a lot. Now that I'm back where my dream began, I feel I can help the team better."
"Kobe Bryant is an excellent scorer, and he demands a lot from himself. What I need to do is help him manage the locker room."
"I want to be the team's leader. I will help young players understand the Lakers' team culture."
With his gleaming bald head, Derek Fisher smiled, appearing very confident when discussing his role and tasks.
Due to the issue with Lee's new sneaker advertisement, Kobe Bryant's own sneaker promotion was greatly affected, leaving him in a bad mood during this period.
Hearing Old Fish's words made him even more depressed.
Fortunately, his reputation had completely turned around.
A Los Angeles Times reporter was very concerned about his physical condition:
"Kobe, how is your knee injury recovering? Will you be able to make it for the new season's opening game?"
A smile appeared on Kobe's face.
He automatically ignored Old Fish's words beside him, stood up, moved his body in front of everyone, and then said confidently:
"My right knee has become stronger. Although the doctor still doesn't allow me to do strenuous activities like running and jumping, I go to the gym every day to train."
"I know you don't favor the Lakers, but I will prove myself!"
Old Fish, without waiting for a question, seemed to have thought of something and took this opportunity to speak again:
"It's a shame, I might not be able to participate in the opening game. I'm going to receive my third championship ring."
"This is indeed a valuable experience. I will bring my experience back to the locker room. Kobe is also a champion guard. With our combined efforts, we will definitely achieve more in the future."
Kobe's smile stiffened.
Fortunately, Old Fish knew when to stop.
If he had really said something like '3 is greater than 1,' he would have definitely elbowed his old teammate to let him know who the real boss was!
The sports reporters present didn't find anything wrong with Old Fish.
The Los Angeles sports media had already forgiven him.
It was good that he learned new skills and returned to the team.
"Kobe, what are your expectations for yourself in the new season? Can you break the scoring record again, or defend your scoring title?"
The Fox Sports reporter, like most commentators, didn't expect the Lakers to win the championship.
He hoped to see Kobe achieve more individual honors.
Hearing the question, Kobe originally wanted to retort, but after a slight silence, he still didn't make grand declarations on behalf of the team.
Instead, he answered earnestly:
"If the team needs me to take on more scoring tasks, I will get the job done!"
"As for scoring records, I don't care about those. I just want to pursue victory. If the team's record is not good before the All-Star Weekend, I hope we can make timely roster additions."
This answer surprised many reporters.
Was Kobe saying, "He needs help"?
When Phil Jackson was interviewed today, he didn't mention "championship" at all.
Coupled with Kobe's words, everyone felt that the two were putting pressure on the Lakers' management.
The Tarrytown Training Center also became lively this morning.
Every year on Media Day, a large number of sports reporters gather here.
Unlike other teams in the league that just boast, the Knicks have always spoken with facts.
This year, the training center was simply decorated, and championship elements were visible everywhere.
Even above the basketball hoops, there was the O'Brien Trophy logo, and other training facilities were the same, with images of championship banners and trophies filling the training center.
Because Melinda entered her due date, Lee had been staying at home for most of the past half-month and did not appear in front of everyone on Media Day.
Sports reporters were very understanding of this, and everyone focused their attention on Tyson Chandler and Rajon Rondo.
The former will be the starting center in the new season, and the latter will be the main point guard off the bench.
Everyone was very curious about these two new additions.
Although the New York Media hyped Tyson Chandler as a DPOY, everyone was also drumming their fingers, as his form and stats had declined after his injury in Chicago.
Even now, columnists for the Chicago Tribune still believe that Tyson Chandler is a bust, overpaid and underperforming, and not worth developing at all.
Chandler, who appeared in a charity game not long ago, didn't show any extraordinary offensive skills.
Fortunately, expectations for him were not high.
It was enough if he could secure rebounds.
In last season's playoffs, the Knicks' rebounding had already become an issue.
Pau Gasol alone couldn't withstand the impact of the muscle-bound players, and in the series against the Cavaliers, they were slightly outrebounded.
"Tyson, talk about your physical condition. We remember that in last year's playoffs, you didn't seem to gain the team's trust. Was this related to your injury?"
Wearing the Knicks' white jersey, Tyson Chandler smiled at everyone all morning, already beaming.
He didn't shy away from the New York Times reporter's question and admitted directly:
"Injuries were only part of the reason. More of it was that I didn't fit the coaching staff's game plan."
"Now I feel great physically. I have completely recovered from my injury. Coach DAntoni has spoken with me, and I will make the Knicks' paint area a no-fly zone."
Compared to Chandler, who secured a starting position, Rajon Rondo, who was beside him, was not as excited.
As long as Lee was there, his role would always be off the bench.
Although he is currently only a Rookie, Rondo felt that he would definitely succeed in the league.
Joining the Knicks was definitely an accident.
He wanted to go to the Celtics, with whom he had previously communicated.
"Rondo, you performed exceptionally well in the Summer League. In the new season, you will be Clay Lee's backup. Do you feel pressure about this?"
The ESPN reporter had a very deep impression of Rondo.
In the Summer League, the Knicks were able to win the championship, and this Rookie was the biggest contributor.
"I like to accept such challenges. I can perform even better. I am very grateful to Coach DAntoni for trusting my abilities."
"I will learn how Lee leads the team. This is an excellent opportunity for any Rookie player."
Although he was unhappy inside, Rajon Rondo outwardly showed his submissive side.
After observing during the offseason, he realized that playing here required learning one thing:
"Sucking up!"
Stephon Marbury was a typical victim.
The washed-up player trying to ride on others' coattails was met with resistance.
Rondo wasn't stupid.
When he found that Barea was more popular than him, he decided to compromise first.
The two players being interviewed were like sycophants.
Seeing the smiles on the faces of the sports reporters surrounding them, Rajon Rondo forced a smile while secretly vowing:
"I'll leave here sooner or later!"
Not every player likes to revolve around the core.
Some people are naturally strong.
Mike D'Antoni, who returned from France, had spoken with the new players.
Mike D'Antoni didn't care about the players' little thoughts.
What bothered him were the team's injuries.
Ron Artest, who was taking his official photos, was full of vigor, but the team doctor confirmed after examination that he indeed had heart problems.
However, there was a serious disagreement between the two sides.
Mark Bartelstein disagreed with the surgery, believing it would harm the player's physical condition, and insisted on conservative treatment.
The Knicks were also undecided.
Although it was expected that Ron Artest would tire more easily and his stamina would drop quickly after strenuous exercise, this was only a theoretical situation.
For injuries that do not threaten life, conservative treatment is indeed more in line with the player's interests, but the team's interests are harmed.
Everyone does not want to accept a DPOY who is only at 50% of his full capacity.
Unlike other teams, the Knicks do not have a fixed press conference.
After taking photos, reporters can interview freely.
D'Antoni did not boast in front of reporters as in previous years.
To continue winning, the team faced considerable challenges.
Last year, the Heat's terrifying explosiveness showed them the power of an eight-man squad.
Hearing the news that Shaquille O'Neal had successfully lost weight, the Moustache was a little worried.
If he regained his form, it would be difficult for a dominant performance to occur with the current interior lineup.
Mike Malone looked at Ron Artest, who was boasting to reporters, and whispered to Mile D'Antoni:
"I think it's still better to let Ron undergo surgery. The regular season is a simple matter for us. Getting home-court advantage is enough."
Coach DAntoni shook his head.
He didn't like dealing with agents.
Mike D'Antoni glanced at Tayshaun Prince, who was smiling and posing for photos, and said meaningfully,
"Tayshaun Prince is in better form, so Ron will naturally feel the pressure. Nobody wants to be benched at a crucial moment. What we need to do is give more playing time to players who perform better."
Although Mike Malone was worried this might affect the locker room atmosphere, he didn't have a better solution.
After thinking for a moment, he whispered,
"What if Grant's form also declines?"
Leading the Summer League team, Mike Malone didn't relax during the offseason.
He constantly monitored player movements, spending most of his time at Tarrytown Training Center, busy communicating with scouts.
For next year's draft, the New York Knicks hold the Pacers' draft pick and have a chance to secure a top-10 selection, a matter that cannot be taken lightly.
Mike D'Antoni knew that Raja Bell had a minor surgery this new season and didn't relax his self-discipline during recovery.
Thinking of the bench lineup, Coach DAntoni confidently said,
"I stand by my earlier view: Finley and Bell are both reliable players and meet our tactical requirements."
"Don't be bothered by these small matters. As long as Lee can maintain his form, we have a great chance to continue defending our title!"
The Moustache, slowly pacing, looked at the championship banners around the Madison Square Garden with a proud expression.
He had contributed four of them.
Mike Malone, standing beside him, smiled and nodded, though his emotions were a bit strange:
"I can do it too."
On sunday, October 1st, Lee welcomed new family members at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Melinda had severe morning sickness, and ultimately gave birth to twins, both boys.
In the evening, everyone gathered outside the ward, watching the three of them sleep soundly.
The hospital didn't maintain much secrecy, and by evening, the public saw the news on several TV stations: Clay Lee had become a father of four children.
Everything went smoothly, and Lee breathed a sigh of relief, his nerves, which had been taut for the past half-month, finally relaxed.
Melinda, lying in bed, had recovered her spirits.
Seeing Lee and Kim nervously watching her, she chuckled and teased again,
"Darling, the basketball team will appear next year!"
Ivanka had already returned to Peninsula Manor to rest and prepare for childbirth.
By next year, the Lee Family Basketball Team would officially be born.
Since letting herself go, having children had become increasingly simple.
Lee held the big-busted girl's hand and kissed it.
He didn't say thank you, but a smile appeared in Melinda's big eyes.
She knew her beloved felt a little guilty.
Kim, beside them, loved the twins very much.
The little ones looked adorable after recovering from their wrinkled state:
"They must be a pair of clever little darlings!"
Remembering her own quiet baby boy, Kim praised them, then whispered something into Melinda's ear, and soon both of them began to giggle softly.
Watching the smiling big-busted girl fall asleep peacefully, Lee stood up and, embracing Kim, left the bedroom.
The medical staff would take good care of her, and since it was close to home, they could come over anytime.
On the sofa in the suite, Kim rubbed Lee's shoulder while softly sharing the news she had received:
"The founder of Amaranth has sent a letter to fund investors, informing them that the fund is suspending operations. They have now lost over $3 billion."
"Investors cannot withdraw their funds, and redemptions will be suspended for two months. If nothing unexpected happens, they will begin bankruptcy liquidation."
"Axe Capital can acquire them at a significant discount, but there might be some minor troubles in the future. Although JPMorgan Chase cooperates with us, they won't offer help."
Lee pulled Kim closer, letting her snuggle into his embrace.
The troubles had already been discussed, but thinking that JPMorgan Chase would only take advantage and not help still annoyed him a bit:
"Charges from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission? No problem, compared to the profits, the compensation is negligible. We can instigate Amaranth to take a bite out of JPMorgan Chase."
JPMorgan Chase is involved in the liquidation, so they must be prepared.
Both sides are collaborators and competitors.
They must make the other party understand their stance.
Kim smiled.
This might affect the profits, but Bobby and Lee shared the same view.
If they could have swallowed everything themselves, they wouldn't have needed to find competitors.
"I suggest we add more risk managers afterward. The South District Federal Prosecutor's Office finds the profits suspicious and is preparing an investigation. Clay, let's not make any more moves next year."
Using the hurricane, Axe Capital earned nearly $1 billion.
Lee and Bobby personally received the majority, and other shareholders' families also saw considerable profits.
Additionally, this discounted acquisition of Amaranth not only allows them to accept the other party's traders but also to gain a group of relatively high-quality investors.
With large sums of money backing them, no one wanted to stop, especially since there were even greater opportunities in the future.
Lee slightly shook his head at this, then buried his head in her chest and muffled,
"Just two more years, and then we'll have enough capital to acquire profits more securely."
Compared to limited stock increases, this kind of profit was indeed irresistible.
Kim was somewhat addicted to this behavior of testing legal boundaries to obtain profits.
Thinking that Nike could still settle a large sum of money, Kim's breathing quickened as she was embraced.
She lowered her head and kissed Lee, and after her soft breasts were kneaded, she couldn't help but say passionately,
"Oh, let's go home..."
On Monday, October 2nd, at their home on 82nd Street, Lee slept until noon, completely alleviating the mental exhaustion of the past half-month.
The room was a mess, and Scarlett was still nestled in his arms, fast asleep.
Krysten Ritter, beside them, had many lingering marks on her body.
Kim had gone to work early in the morning.
Lee, who had finished his morning workout and released his stress, patted the girls beside him.
Soon, Scarlett responded with her eyes closed,
"Let me rest a bit more. Alyce is having a baby, and we..."
Lee propped himself up, slapped the succubus beside him, interrupting her nonsense.
The little assistant was too tired to react.
Scarlett, now awake, pushed her ample chest against him and quickly snuggled back into his embrace.
After her fair skin was deformed, she began to giggle again, then whispered in her even hoarser voice,
"The farce is over. Donnie got the leading role, but it's said his salary is less than $1 million. The board seems even stingier than you said!"
As one of Marvel's shareholders, Lee didn't participate in the casting, fearing a butterfly effect that might affect these unreliable guys.
Hearing the familiar name, he breathed a sigh of relief:
"Perhaps this movie will be a huge hit!"
The succubus didn't respond, only buried her head and chuckled again.
Even choosing a lead actor could cause problems.
She was actually more concerned about Marvel's stock price, after all, Lee had spent a large sum of money buying shares.
Watching Scarlett gradually slide down, Lee had to shift his attention.
After taking a deep breath, he subconsciously called out his talent panel.
The talent obtained from the fake fan had disappeared.
"Hiss! As expected, hard training still pays off!"
"..."
....
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