Chapter 522 No One Is Worthy
With the interior resolved in a snap , the Knicks' only remaining concern was the perimeter. That wasn't a major issue at the time. With Yang Mo, Tony Allen, and Jeffries, they had a complete perimeter roster. Add in Tyson Chandler and Stoudemire, and they were practically guaranteed to reach the Finals. Of course, the bench was also crucial. This year's playoffs had made Yang Mo realize just how much a deep roster could benefit a team. He no longer wanted to fight alone; it was a nightmare.
Meanwhile, some fans were beginning to speculate about the Knicks' roster for next season. After all, Yang Mo had already announced his intention to assemble a Wang Chao team. Furthermore, the Knicks currently had ample cap space, allowing them to take on up to three maximum-salary players, not including Yang Mo. After all, Yang Mo's contract wasn't expensive at all, only around 10 million a year. However, this salary was nothing compared to Yang Mo's. He could easily earn far more from a single endorsement, not to mention his film and company income. Furthermore, he was the team's owner; he didn't need to outbid everyone else on salary, since he was the one paying the salaries.
Among the various speculations, some even suggested that LeBron James should simply join the Knicks. This way, the two of them could win as many championships as they wanted. This suggestion quickly gained some traction, and it's unclear whether someone was deliberately fanning the flames.
Yang Mo, who was filming a film, learned of the news and texted Isaiah Thomas. Thomas quickly denied the rumors to the media: "The Knicks will never consider LeBron James. Our door remains closed to him." So, please stop the rumors about James joining the Knicks!
Isaiah Thomas' remarks were equivalent to a slap in the face to James. They used to chase after James, but now with Yang Mo, he actually said such words directly and said that the door to James will always be kept closed.
There's nothing we can do about it, things have changed over time.
In fact, all the people in New York supported Isaiah Thomas's statement because they were afraid that Yang Mo would be unhappy.
Yes, they've changed. Before, they'd be so envious of Yang Mo for LeBron James's sake, but now they're willing to shut him out simply for fear of upsetting him. The difference between the two is only a year. This demonstrates just how earth-shattering Yang Mo's season with the Knicks has been.
The Knicks had made such a resounding refusal, so it would have been a shame for LeBron James not to respond. He stood before the media and replied with a resounding, powerful voice: "I will never consider joining the Knicks. I will shatter their arrogance and show them the harsh reality of reality."
"Yes, reality is indeed cruel. So cruel that someone is always left helpless by Super Yang." Isaiah Thomas mercilessly unleashed his sarcasm. Now with Yang Mo's support, he feared no one. Ever since Chairman Lu took over, he had become the most powerful figure in the Knicks. He no longer had to be controlled by the Dolans. How could he not get carried away?
"Just wait, time will give the people of New York a cruel answer. That vain arrogance will eventually be engraved on the pillar of shame." After saying this, LeBron James never again exchanged verbal attacks with Isaiah Thomas. From his tone, he sounded prepared and confident.
Isaiah Thomas wasn't afraid of him. He had the confidence to pull out the wish lists of over five or six top-tier players. If he picked just one or two more, he wouldn't be afraid of LeBron James or even Michael Jordan. New York's Zaoshandiao was a super yang!
Time passed quickly, and the Finals were soon over. Soon after, the Knicks finalized two more signings: they acquired Eddie House and James Posey. Both were former Celtics players, and with the addition of Tony Allen, Yang Mo had secured the Celtics' entire backcourt. These three were all representatives of fierceness. In fact, Raja Bell was also under consideration.
At that moment, Yang Mo had just finished filming a movie and rushed back to New York to attend a business event. Just before the event, Isaiah Thomas called him anxiously: "Yang, Iverson has expressed his willingness to join the Knicks at the veteran minimum. Should we sign him?"
Iverson?
Yang Mo frowned. In a sense, Iverson could be considered an idol of his. This was a genuine fondness, not the kind of fondness that McGrady had, who grew up watching him play. After all, Iverson was a real man.
However, the problem facing Yang Mo now was that the Knicks no longer had room for Iverson. Eddie House, Tony Allen, Douglas, and even himself could all play point guard. Adding another Iverson? Where would they fit? Furthermore, Iverson's playing style was a bit lonely. In his youth, his physicality was a sharp weapon, but now that he was in the twilight of his career, without his physicality as wings, how could he truly soar?
Yang Mo hesitated and did not give a direct answer.
However, that night, Iverson called Yang Mo personally. As soon as the call was connected, he expressed his views very directly: "Yang, I know what you are worried about. You are worried about my playing style and that I will ruin the atmosphere in the locker room. I can tell you now that none of this will be a problem. I just want to win a championship ring now. I don't care if I am not a starter or even if I am asked to wave a towel on the sidelines. I just want to return to the stage of the Finals and then... get what I have always longed for. I don't want to leave any regrets in my career."
When Iverson spoke these words sincerely and directly, all the doubts were dispelled. He replied very simply: "Welcome to join us. You will get your championship ring in June next year. This is my promise."
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome."
The two concluded their conversation in a friendly atmosphere. After hanging up, Yang Mo felt that if Iverson could maintain his desire to win, he could still contribute to the team even in his old age. He could even lead the bench in attacking opponents when he was off the court. He would probably be a good sixth man. Moreover, Iverson would never lose his fighting spirit, as long as he didn't collapse on the court.
With three guards already secured, Yang Mo decided it was time to make a change at forward. Gallinari and Wilt Chandler were both good, but... clearly not good enough. Yang Mo figured since the team was already transforming towards the Galaxy Fleet, he might as well go all the way and add two more superstars. At worst, he could move to point guard, becoming the most powerful behind-the-scenes defender.
Just as Yang Mo was preparing to build a luxurious team, LeBron James made a fateful decision. He went so far as to betray the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team he had built, and announced his joining the Miami Heat on live television.
His betrayal instantly ignited controversy. Feeling so betrayed and deceived, the people of Cleveland boycotted James. Large posters hanging in Cleveland were torn down, and angry fans burned James' jerseys. They hated the feeling of being betrayed by the person they loved most. It wasn't that they couldn't accept James' departure, but the way he left on live television was so hurtful. No one could withstand such an insult, especially from the person they loved most.
While Cleveland was mourning the loss of Yang Mo, Miami Beach was jubilant. LeBron James' arrival finally helped them forget some of the sadness of losing Yang Mo. Although Yang Mo would always be a city hero, they finally had a replacement. Furthermore, Chris Bosh, who had joined earlier, was also a formidable player. This way, they would become a Big Three team.
Wade, James and Bosh, with these three superstars, Miami people have begun to look forward to the championship ring. They think this will be the closest they have ever been to the championship.
Unfortunately, the man Pat Riley had once driven out of Miami Beach would become their biggest obstacle on their road to a championship. The day after LeBron James announced his signing with Miami, Isaiah Thomas held a grand signing ceremony where Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Allen Iverson, Eddie House, and James Posey all received their Knicks jerseys.
Before, Isaiah Thomas had not announced the news that they had reached a substantive signing, but now is the time.
When this lineup was unveiled, along with Yang Mo, even though Stoudemire and the others weren't as famous as James, combining them with Yang Mo created a vastly different effect. Everyone knew Yang Mo was the league's best player. Last season, they suffered from a lack of interior players. Now, with Stoudemire and Chandler, they complemented each other perfectly . Even the Miami Big Three wouldn't be sure of victory.
Just as everyone was sweating for Miami, Isaiah Thomas arrogantly announced, "The Knicks' recruitment isn't over yet. Everyone, wait for the good news we'll announce. We'll have a new superstar joining us soon. We don't care about the Big Three at all. Our lineup is designed to destroy them. Whoever dares to stand in our way will be trampled into the abyss. No one outside of New York deserves the championship!"
