Chapter 613 - 613: A Brand New Version — “Identity Basketball”

On Monday , October 20, 2008, Reuters reported a piece of news that surprised all NBA fans.

"We have made a decision that the economy will be somewhat unstable, leading to a reduction in domestic labor by approximately 9%, which is equivalent to about 80 jobs."

"Season ticket renewal rates have declined, and new sales plans have also been hit, so the NBA will also lay off 9% of its staff."

The Knicks' preseason games in the UK and France were very successful, one could say they were hugely popular!

However, immediately after the games, David Stern revealed in an interview that there would be layoffs, which greatly disappointed fans who had envisioned the NBA returning to its peak.

The golden age was clearly gone for good.

What surprised fans even more was that, although the commissioner praised the viewership ratings of this year's Finals, he did not make any grand boasts.

The key information he revealed made fans' hearts sink even further:

"50% of the teams in the NBA are still operating at a loss. We strive to improve this situation every year, but it seems it will take more time."

Making the playoffs doesn't mean avoiding losses.

Teams at the bottom each year might even make a small profit through dividend subsidies.

In fact, many team owners are not satisfied with the current state of the NBA, and in their eyes, Stern is not a qualified commissioner.

Just as some critics criticize referees for over-interfering with games, those owners who continuously invest funds but always suffer losses are constantly complaining, a situation exacerbated by the economic downturn.

Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Denver Nuggets, is very low-key and wealthy.

His wife also controls Walmart's fortune, but he hasn't invested much since buying the team.

As the new season approached, reports of Allen Iverson being traded increased, but the elderly Kroenke remained the same as before, not appeasing fans.

After facing difficulties in ticket sales, the team chose to lower ticket prices.

Contrary to what some fans imagined, after Kroenke bought the team, he focused more on the Pepsi Center.

The elderly man had discussed attendance and revenue issues with Clay Lee when he was in the UK, and the latter simply didn't care about past-their-prime stars.

From the perspective of Allen Iverson's die-hard fans, without him, the team would collapse.

But from the management's perspective, selling off past-their-prime stars and saving expenses was the way to offset the losses from lower ticket prices.

Online 'fans' making noise don't affect team decisions, just as the New York Knicks never change game times for broadcasts for China, but made some adjustments for countries like Japan, etc.

Everyone only serves the fans who buy tickets.

In the preseason game on Saturday the 18th, Kobe Bryant, returning from surgery, made his first appearance in front of fans, but left the game after less than 10 minutes due to a hyperextended knee.

The Nets, who also held overseas preseason games, also had bad luck, with Vince Carter pulling a hamstring after playing only half a game in Paris.

Many other players also got injured in the preseason.

The regular season hasn't even officially started, but a wave of injuries is already threatening to sweep through the NBA.

The external environment has little impact on New York fans.

Knicks tickets are still the same.

Except for the 'screaming seats,' season tickets sold out early, with no price reductions or promotions, clearly stating their attitude:

"If you don't buy, plenty of others will."

Watching games at Madison Square Garden above Pennsylvania means difficult parking, high parking fees, expensive food inside the arena, and team merchandise that only changes colors.

These situations haven't improved over the years.

In fact, they've worsened.

But none of this affects the loyal New York fans.

Brokerage firms wanting courtside seats still have to queue, and a small number of luxury suites are booked well in advance.

If the old arena couldn't be expanded, the Dolan Family would love to add thousands more seats.

The enthusiastic fans are an endless source of income, allowing them to earn money effortlessly every year.

In the latest publication by Forbes magazine, the New York Knicks' valuation has reached $981 million, ranking first in the NBA and far ahead.

The second place is the Lakers' $500 million.

The Showtime bonus is still ongoing, and Shaquille O'Neal's championship seems to be gaining more and more value.

The third place is the Chicago Bulls at $501 million.

Michael Jordan's loyal fans still influence the team in Chicago.

Geographical location plays a big role, but championships also constantly inflate team market value.

Even though the NBA is in a slump, the New York Knicks are still going against the current and continuously appreciating in value.

And according to current trends, even if Lee retires in a few years, the influence of the championship will last for at least 10 years, and young fans will still eagerly buy tickets.

The winning culture has deeply ingrained itself.

The New York Knicks played all four of their preseason games overseas: two in the UK, and one each in Germany and France.

The games were very entertaining, even if they didn't win any.

Most overseas fans buy tickets to see Lee's antics.

Not only can they watch him 'head-kick' and show off his 'footwork' before the game, but during the game, they can also enjoy various 'random passes,' which are dazzling to watch.

Fans can enjoy an extreme individual show.

Clay Lee's brick-laying posture is even so 'beautiful.'

As for the team's poor form, it's not a concern overseas.

Celtics fans, who will have their last preseason game this Thursday, are very happy.

Although the team hasn't made any reinforcements, and the salary cap doesn't allow them to, the team's form is clearly better than their neighbors'!

Perkins has returned from injury and is confirmed to play in the opening game.

Tony Allen and Glen Davis appear to have made significant progress, and Lyonell Powel has surprised everyone.

With increased bench depth, plus trade rumors claiming that Head Coach Rivers is actively recruiting PJ Brown, Celtics fans are already buzzing for the new season:

"They're tired, we're strong!"

"Win!"

Among the six teams scheduled for the NBA's opening night, the Celtics are in the best shape.

The Lakers rely entirely on Duncan, the Chicago Bulls have Derrick Rose, and the Portland Trail Blazers have the returning Greg Oden.

As for the Milwaukee Bucks, their trip to the United Center is merely to serve as a backdrop.

Michael Redd, who was not selected for the United States Mens National Basketball Team, often complains, but fans simply don't care about his attitude.

On the afternoon of the 20th, LeBron James once again became the center of attention.

Jay-Z, who had arrived in Cleveland to prepare for his concert at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday, showed his support for his Good Brother!

Jay-Z's visit to the Cavaliers' clinic training facility made him the 'most dazzling person' that afternoon.

Even Head Coach Mike Brown revolved around him, and everyone seemed to become a little fan.

Jay-Z had never received this kind of treatment with the New York Knicks, not only because he was a Nets shareholder, but more importantly, the team's training facility was not open to him.

Except for special events, Madison Square Garden prohibits all 'adversaries' from visiting.

In previous years, reporters who had criticized Lee couldn't even get into press conferences.

Besides making money, the main purpose of this concert was to campaign for Obama, so there were a lot of reporters.

Dressed in a Cavaliers white T-shirt, a black jacket over it, and baggy jeans, the superstar-dressed Jay-Z was watched throughout the training session.

Dwight Howard, troubled by a chest injury, acted as a 'suck-up' throughout, cheerfully introducing the team situation to the big star.

Not long ago, NBA TV broadcast the New York Knicks' daily training.

This time, Jay-Z used his personal influence to increase LeBron James's exposure, cheering for his Good Brother's dunks in front of the camera from time to time.

"That's it!"

At the end of the afternoon training session, Jay-Z stood up and cheered, constantly high-fiving.

In front of the cameras, he hugged LeBron James, patted his chest, and continued to praise:

"I don't know why the Cavaliers would miss the opening game. My Good Brother is underestimated. His talent is simply amazing!"

"This team is stronger than ever. I respect Van Gundy, but I maintain that only a Black coach can understand Black players and truly unite the team."

"Coach Mike Brown and my Good Brother will achieve great things! They will create a new future, and LeBron will become the best player in NBA history."

The Associated Press and many other reporters caught the subtext, looking at Jay-Z, who kept emphasizing "Black basketball," and following his lead, suddenly asked:

"Do you think LeBron James has a chance to surpass Clay Lee's achievements in the future?"

Jay-Z, who had put his sunglasses back on, twitched his eye.

Ever since the business conflict, he had grown to dislike Lee more and more.

However, regarding this question, he did not give a direct answer:

"I don't like the current environment of the NBA. Black players should get more respect, not become a joke!"

"Lee hurt LeBron, but nobody cared about it. Instead, they mocked him! I'm not sure why this is happening. In the past, the league was always dominated by Black players."

"Some people have forgotten how much Black players have contributed to this league. Without them, the NBA would not have achieved its current success."

"I believe LeBron will win back our respect! He is truly outstanding. I even hope he can come to New Jersey to play, but I know he won't leave. He is the King of Cleveland!"

When the number of championships reaches a certain level, it naturally prevents certain grand declarations.

No matter who claims to surpass Lee's achievements, they will be ridiculed.

Jay-Z avoided the topic, but the reporters who heard this answer were still satisfied.

Everyone likes "identity" issues.

This is the current trend.

As the election drew closer, LeBron James became increasingly active.

His Good Brother's praise made him look grateful, and facing the microphone, he proactively stated:

"After leading the Team USA to a gold medal, I have a deeper understanding of victory and a different perspective on basketball!"

"Just as you've heard, I will earn more respect."

"I never play for stats. I hope my teammates can get into the game faster. I am a passer, and I will play a new role this season."

"Perhaps I will still experience failure, but time is on my side, and I am ready for it."

Although Coach Krzyzewski officially announced Kobe as the captain, ever since Mamba Excel finished last in the entire team, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James both upgraded themselves to true team leaders upon returning to the United States.

LeBron's dark face seemed full of confidence, and Dwight Howard, who didn't want to be overlooked, also added to the drama:

"I also believe that Black players must be respected! I don't want to talk about referee issues, but the league always gives some stars extra preferential treatment."

"We should unite instead of waiting to be ridiculed. It's time to stand up. All players should say 'no' to this phenomenon."

As if thinking of something, the wide-mouthed Dwight Howard paused for a moment, then quickly added:

"For those overrated Black players, a fair evaluation should also be given. Some people say they don't care about stats, but they shoot frequently in games!"

"If the object of everyone's ridicule is this kind of player, then I have no opinion."

Lacking experience in sarcasm, Dwight Howard's pointed remarks sounded a bit stiff, and he even winked in front of the reporters.

He certainly wouldn't say he was jealous of Kobe's popularity.

During interviews, the entire team talked extensively about "Black people should help each other."

Finally, Jay-Z and LeBron James once again jointly appealed:

"If you are still hesitating, after the concert, go vote for Obama. This country needs a Black president!"

"..."

On Thursday, October 23rd, during the election period, the influence of Black superstar Jay-Z was also amplified.

After two days of fermentation, the calls for "vote for a Black president" and "let Black players regain respect" grew louder.

Some extreme fans even began to criticize Kobe:

"Kobe Bryant is the 'culprit' who made Black players look like clowns!"

"Kobe never cares about the interests of Black players. He only cares about himself."

"He should stop his big-mouthed behavior. If he can't defeat Lee, then give up his position and don't embarrass Black players in the Finals."

Such abstract reasoning surprisingly gained the support of many Black fans.

As for the view that "Clay Lee lacks respect for Black players," it was immediately overwhelmed by winning fans as soon as it appeared:

"How many championships do your idols have? Are they even worthy of talking about respect?"

Most NBA players supported Obama.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar used to be very involved in advocating for rights, but after that era, Michael Jordan, under Nike's packaging, completely detached himself from political attributes.

Until now, the league's atmosphere has changed again, with more and more players starting to call for votes on social media.

At the same time, many players have also spoken out:

"Black players need to get more respect!"

The NBA did not stop this phenomenon. On TNT, Charles Barkley also made appeals.

As the election drew closer, under Obama's influence, Black players completely "woke up."

Where there are calls, there are objections.

The vast majority of players in the league are Black, but how exactly they should be respected, these clamoring people didn't really make clear.

Perhaps these players just want to win once, even with the help of referees, they want to win "fair and square" once, because in the NBA, only champions are worthy of respect.

Losers only get ridiculed.

The Celtics ended their final preseason game at home tonight.

The The Big Four played three quarters, easily defeating the 76ers from the same division.

About to depart for New York, Stephen Marbury temporarily regained "respect" through his excellent performance in the preseason.

The Boston Globe has recently been constantly urging him to challenge Lee again.

A group of columnists suffered a relapse of amnesia and once again praised Marbury to the skies, making fans reading the newspaper feel excited.

If only based on discussion, Marbury's popularity has currently surpassed Allen Iverson.

After the trade rumors appeared, the 76ers never made any statements about the "Son of Philadelphia" returning home.

For local fans, the Allen Iverson era was simply like a nightmare.

There was no formal press conference after the game.

A group of sports reporters crowded into the locker room, witnessed Marbury high-fiving his teammates in celebration, and then surrounded him to prepare for an interview.

"Stephen, have you been following the recent appeals from many players?"

Older star players actually like to follow current affairs, and with Boston being a deep blue area, Marbury answered very readily, with a hint of "anger" on his face:

"Yes, everyone is right. I believe the league currently lacks respect for Black players!"

"In some rulings, they should be more cautious. The new season has increased review time, which I think is a good thing."

"I know some people don't dare to say those words, but I still want to bravely stand up. As a Black player, I believe Lee receives more preferential treatment from the league!"

"..."

The more Stephen Marbury spoke, the more animated he became, with a renewed look of "anger" on his face.

The New York fans had broken his heart, and he believed Lee was the "culprit."

He just wanted to regain respect and have his hometown fans cheer for him again, instead of just mocking him for becoming a "clown."

Ray Allen, leaning back in his chair, remained silent.

He glanced at Kevin Garnett and Pierce, who were also talking extensively about "Black player respect," and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He also wanted to win.

During the offseason, he even accepted Kevin Garnett's request not to actively meet with Lee anymore.

Ray Allen agreed with Kevin Garnett.

They would have plenty of time after retirement.

Now, as enemies, they had to be serious, but the current situation made him speechless, so he simply got up and left.

Ray Allen ignored the calls behind him, but as he left, he couldn't help but complain to a staff member:

"They're all crazy!"

"..."

....

By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)