Chapter 2210 - 28: Lower Division

Chapter 2210: Chapter 28: Lower Division

The 2007 All-Star game concluded successfully. It was a conference of success, unity, and victory.

David Stern was very pleased with the game, as Las Vegas set a new viewership record and was filled with discussions.

From the potential threats of terror attacks before the game to rumors spreading mid-event, culminating in the main event where everyone competed earnestly for the title of "Ah Gan’s successor," these elements forged one of the most intense All-Star games in NBA history, leaving lasting memories that would be recalled for a long time.

What satisfied Stern the most was the fact that the labor negotiations landmine didn’t explode. Under Ah Gan’s strong pressure, both sides were willing to sit down and talk things through instead of constantly striking or locking out.

Of course, Gan Guoyang didn’t just put pressure on the players; he also placed pressure on the owners. He stated that if the owners demanded overly harsh terms in the labor agreement, "I will organize the largest lockout and strike in professional sports history, dissolve the Players Union, and possibly start anew."

Anyone else would be dismissed as bluffing, but Ah Gan is different. This guy might actually have the capability to create a new NBA, which David Stern and many owners don’t want to see.

Because Ah Gan had already demonstrated a strong ability to organize leagues in Las Vegas, many amateur leagues, secondary leagues, summer leagues, and college leagues were taking place in Vegas. He was also deeply involved in the development league’s formation and growth. If he really wanted to leverage a lockout to start anew, it wouldn’t be entirely impossible.

Thus, both sides began to compromise, and significant progress was quickly made in revenue sharing, luxury tax, new free agency agreements, max contracts, and guaranteed clauses after the All-Star game. It’s foreseeable that upon the conclusion of the 2007 season, the signing of a new NBA labor agreement won’t face any major disputes or obstacles, greatly reducing the likelihood of a lockout occurring.

Of course, when labor and management are at the negotiation table, intense and difficult negotiations are still inevitable.

Stern, aware of the inside story, was relieved that Ah Gan would retire at the end of the 2007 season. By then, he would become a member of the owners’ team. The old man might not need to face it himself.

But upon thinking of the board having one more Ah Gan, and their partnership as a couple, Stern’s blood pressure rose again. It was from this moment that Stern began pondering retirement; he needed to find his successor. He still hoped to live a few more years peacefully after retiring.

After the All-Star game, the NBA regular season entered its final stage.

By the February 22 trade deadline, the NBA market was silent without any major trades occurring, and even minor, patchwork trades were scarce.

This was due to strong teams being well-equipped, mid-tier teams unable to find opportunities for major upgrades, and weak teams opting to tank, waiting for the 2007 season to end and the new labor agreement to see if there was any room to maneuver.

As a result, everyone remained calm, and the media gained nothing, going through a dull trade deadline.

After the trade deadline ended, the gates closed, and teams could only sign free agents to strengthen on the buyout market, which basically couldn’t stir up much excitement.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks were already riding high, securing a significant lead in victories early and striving to avenge last year’s Finals defeat.

The Suns closely followed, ranking second, with Steve Nash needing a championship to prove himself.

The third and fourth positions were contested between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Las Vegas Radiance.

Initially, the Radiance led the Trail Blazers by two victories, and if this continued, the Radiance should finish the regular season ranked third.

But in the latter half of the season, Porter began reducing Gan Guoyang’s playing time due to Yao Ming suffering his first relatively serious injury in his career.

During a game against the Bulls, he twisted his ankle, and after an MRI, doctors concluded he would miss all remaining regular season games, possibly returning during the playoffs.

After this game, in the locker room, Yao Ming apologized to his teammates.

Mutombo came over to console Yao Ming, saying, "Injuries are common on the court; everyone has to go through it. I’ll hold down the interior while you’re away. Heal soon and come back quickly."

Ewing encouraged Yao Ming: "It’s a good time to rest. We’re looking forward to your return in the playoffs."

Allen Iverson, after his shower, wrapped in a towel, showed his own scars to Yao Ming, encouraging him to persevere.

Gan Guoyang returned to the locker room after his interview and, seeing Yao Ming’s dejected look, said, "You got injured at a good time. Later, or during the playoffs, it would be troubling. Rest well, don’t be lazy, don’t eat recklessly, and maintain your weight."

Injuries on the basketball court are unavoidable, especially for Yao Ming with such weight and height. It’s already a miracle he’s been injury-free until now.

More importantly, Yao Ming only suffered ligament and muscle damage. The team doctors assessed that surgery was unnecessary and proper rehabilitation would suffice.

Yao Ming’s absence necessitated changes in the Radiance’s regular-season plan since their interiors were old. With Ah Gan and Mutombo, both 40-year-old veterans, they formed the oldest interior duo in the entire league.

At this time, it’s difficult for the Radiance’s interior to supplement with fresh blood. The buyout market and free market couldn’t find suitable options. Signing centers is inherently challenging, developing them even more so, not to mention finding young and capable interior players.