I'm a big shot in basketball

0276 Rejecting Gambling and Retiring Xiao Hua

Take a special car, 15 minutes,

Su Yang arrived at the MGM Grand Hotel and met Hathaway by chance. He said hello and chatted briefly. He said that he was promoting the upcoming movie "Becoming Jane Austen". No interest in Sino-US co-productions.

As a result, Hathaway's boyfriend took off jealously and urged her one after another, so he decided to find another time to discuss it.

Instead, he rushed to Ballmer's presidential suite, opened the elevator, and saw his partner, T?mobile President Stanton, greeted him with a smile, like a waiter who was waiting for him, thinking that he probably had something very important to ask for help. He should be using himself as the president of basketball affairs operations. The kindness he signed with the team last time has not yet been fulfilled, but fortunately, he doesn't mind.

After entering the door, I saw Ballmer and two assistants. After a few simple greetings, the discussion quickly got to the point. The core is whether to keep Lewis, because Lewis signed a 02+5 contract with the Supersonics in 1, and he can jump out this summer. The free market pursues big contracts, and currently there are teams interested in pursuing Lewis, including his hometown Houston Rockets and the Orlando Magic.

"We've talked to Lewis' agent, they're looking for a five-year, $5 million contract, and Houston has sent McGrady away for rebuilding, with enough salary space to give a contract, and the Magic Still in the rookie bonus contract period of Nelson and Howard, and Grant Hill's contract is about to expire, the pursuit is very strong,

And Lewis himself is relatively neutral. He wants to pursue a big contract, but also wants to stay and continue to compete with Ray Allen for the championship. If a third star player, especially an inside player, joins, he is even willing to cut part of his salary and stay. ..."

Between the words, Ballmer briefly introduced the current situation facing the Supersonics. Su Yang also understood that it was nothing more than a complete reconstruction or the formation of the Big Three to compete for the championship. The key lies in whether Lewis's ability is recognized. reconstruction.

From my own point of view, in order to better trade Garnett to get a high-ranked pick from the SuperSonics, and then choose Durant, it is natural to urge Ballmer to renew his contract with Lewis. Big Three championship lineup.

"Lewis can stay..."

Su Yang didn't think about it, "His super high three-point shooting percentage and long-range shooting can stretch the space to the extreme. The key is that he also has a certain ability to break through with the ball and play back. He has an advantage in height at the small forward position. The disadvantage is that he is relatively defensive. Difference,

But it can be compensated by the defensive system,

If the big three are formed to compete for the championship, he needs to be persuaded to cut part of his salary and reduce the ball rights to be the third choice of the team.

Speaking of which, I have a personal recommendation,

That's Kevin Garnett..."

There is no need to continue to hide his intention to send Garnett away, first to show his trust in Ballmer, second to show that he did not make a sudden trade to find Ballmer to fill a hole, and third, everyone can see that Garnett wants to leave , After all, Garnett still has personal pursuits.

"Can you still let Garnett enter the free market and join us directly?" Ballmer chuckled, obviously not convinced.

Su Yang shook his head, "Of course my first priority is to keep Garnett. He is a great match with Yao Ming, but he still wants to be the MVP and get a super contract. If he insists on those two things, he will leave the Warriors. Instead of trading to other teams,

It's better to trade to you supersonics. "

Partner Stanton answered with suspicion: "You traded Kevin Garnett to us, wouldn't it threaten your Warriors to win the championship? According to general logic, it should be like O'Neal, who traded from the West to the East. hurt yourself."

Su Yang waved his hand again, "We also have a salary limit, and Billups will also jump out of the contract to pursue a big contract. In addition, if we achieve five consecutive championships this year, we can suspend the championship for two years. Yao Ming's injury is a warning. We need to cultivate new talents. .

Granger is the next selected successor. If Garnett is traded to you, then choose a new one. "

Ballmer chuckled: "Who do you value in this year's draft? Oden must be the first pick. Even if we get it and trade it to you in exchange for Garnett, you can't choose Yao Ming. You shouldn't." Do you want to choose Kevin Durant?"

The college schedule has entered February, and Durant has already made a big splash in the Big 30 Division, averaging 40 points per game, shooting 11% of key three-pointers, and grabbing [-] rebounds per game. His reputation is more prominent than before Oden, performed much better.

Ballmer hit the words,

But Su Yang had been prepared for a long time, without changing his face or beating his heart, "Durant? He is a replica of Darius Miles, Darius Miles, you know? Invincible in high school career statistics, but entered the league The performance is very average. Durant is nothing more than a year more college than Darius Miles. You can wait for Durant to lead the team to play in March Madness, and you will understand the performance in the face of high-intensity defense.

Durant couldn't stand the confrontation, he was too thin.

But Durant does make people look forward to it, just like many people look forward to Darius Miles, some people are willing to bet..."

After the words fell, Su Yang knew that Ballmer would be very upset if he chose Durant in the future, which was tantamount to deceiving Ballmer.

But at that time, it is Sean’s choice to be able to shirk. Now I have stated in advance that someone is willing to gamble. At that time, I said that I originally wanted to make a trade to earn the price difference after the choice, but it’s fine if it fails. Accept it yourself,

It's nothing more than a few contacts.

"So who do you want to choose?" Stanton asked.

Su Yang said: "If trading Garnett gives you a high draft pick, I will choose Mike Conley from Ohio or Jeff Green from Georgetown. It is best to pick both of them at the same time to make up for Garnett After Te and Billups left, the two positions were vacant, allowing Yao Ming to play casually for a season, and wait until 08 to reconsider the matter of the championship..."

The plan was particularly meticulous, obviously thought through carefully, and appeared particularly credible, trying to convince Baumol and Stanton.

"Then according to what you said, we should clear the space and prepare to take over Garnett, who you signed first and then traded, and form a lineup of Garnett + Ray Allen + Lewis + Wilcox + Watson, and then find some high-quality players. Substitute, go all out to hit the championship?"

Ballmer's face was full of disbelief, obviously thinking that the formation of the Big Three lineup was too simple and might be fraudulent.

Su Yang shrugged slightly, "Personally, I don't want to send Garnett away, because his defense is too good, and he can relieve Yao Ming a lot of burden. His support and long-range shooting can help us solve a lot of tactics, but the team's rookie bonus is gone. , Billups' child labor contract bonus has also been eaten up, the Warriors are like the end of a dynasty, and must be rebuilt to recreate their glory.

In fact, there is not much time left for you. If you get Garnett, next year will be your best chance to compete for the championship. I will make a comeback in the 08-09 season. At that time, I will fight with you at [-]-[-]. Do you want to win the championship? So easy..."

Between words, a little pride and threat,

Su Yang was keenly aware of Ballmer's excitement and suspicion, and he must be entangled in such a good thing.

Stanton suddenly said: "Then we can also choose to send Lewis and Ray Allen away for reconstruction, use high draft picks, choose Oden + Conley, directly copy Ohio's lineup, and maybe even pick Jay in the third first round. Jeff Green,

Or take a big gamble and choose Durant, slowly develop and observe Durant's potential, whether he can achieve super strength. "

Su Yang shook his head: "There is a problem with your thinking that way. You are definitely not willing to let Lewis directly enter the free market, but if you sign first and then trade, it will be difficult to get a high-ranking pick. Think about the lottery this year. How much is Lewis needed?"

According to the historical trajectory, this offseason, Lewis first signed and then traded to the Magic, and got a second-round pick + trade exception from the Magic trade, because Lewis can sign directly as a free agent, and the Supersonics don’t want to stay, so they can only make some money. Son.

"Then why do you want Garnett to exchange our top five picks, maybe even the first pick?" Stanford was dissatisfied, "Garnett can also enter the free market directly, when I know that I want Garnett There are many teams, you must sign and change."

Su Yang chuckled: "Because we can keep Garnett, it's just that we don't keep Billups. As you said, there are too many teams that want Garnett, not to mention that only we can sign a super contract with Garnett." Big contracts, other teams can’t do it.”

"Oh, indeed..."

Stanton's face was full of embarrassment, knowing that he didn't understand that Garnett's value was much higher than Lewis, and the situation was different.

"But if we get the first pick, choose Oden and keep Lewis..." Ballmer deduced again, "It's nothing more than Oden's immediate combat power, and we can compete for the championship later, and we don't even have to bear the burden of three times. The salary pressure of the giants."

Su Yang smiled again: "That's totally fine, but what you have to consider is that there are still Lakers, Spurs and Suns in the West, and the window to win the championship is only a few years. to wait for several years or even ten years,

And Garnett is not available every year,

In addition, even if you get the first pick, I can still find the second, third, and fourth picks to trade. It’s still the same sentence just now. Instead of trading to other teams, it’s better to trade to you as friends. There are so many strong teams in the West. It's up to you to compete..."

All kinds of situations have been considered and deduced. Ballmer and Stanton fell into silent thinking, and soon figured out that if they want to quickly compete for the championship, the best solution is to take advantage of Ray Allen's injury and get a high score. A draft pick, then trade Garnett with the Warriors and leave Lewis to form the Big Three lineup. If you don't want to win the championship quickly, then send Lewis away and choose the pick.

Purely short-term and long-term multiple choice questions.

Seeing that the two were silent, Su Yang got up and poured some red wine for a sip. Anyway, he was not in a hurry, and he didn't need to rush.

Ballmer was the first to react, and took the initiative to chat about the upcoming council meeting, and said that Las Vegas Mayor Ogg had approached him, "Here, I want to use the establishment of a local team in exchange for the approval of the Stern lobbying alliance." Can legally bet on the NBA..."

In the past, there were bets on the NBA, but none of them complied with the legal protection. All kinds of compensation depended on the word-of-mouth of the gaming platform, so the scale was not large. If it became a legal bet, the scale of betting participation would inevitably increase by at least ten times, and there would be a lot of money .

"Mayor Ogg may also visit you. He praised you as a business genius and praised your many suggestions for increasing revenue for the entire league. My attitude towards legal gambling is half and half. Just don't come up with other Donaghy. How do you explain?"

Su Yang was speechless for a while. It’s about legal gambling. Las Vegas had hoped to cooperate with the NBA a long time ago, but according to the historical trajectory, it was not completed until 16 when Xiao Hua came to power. partner.

"I hate gambling, it will destroy the credibility of the league, and it will force the game to control the field. I will never agree..."

Su Yang's tone was firm, "I will try my best to persuade other teams not to accept gambling cooperation. What about one more Las Vegas team? Dividends are nothing more than [-] million US dollars per team, but the subsequent troubles may be far away. Over $[-] million..."

That's what I said, but I also understand that many small ball markets with dismal profits are easily deceived by franchise dividends.

The topic turned to whether gambling can avoid the participation of referees and players. After chatting for half an hour, they got up and said goodbye.

Whether to rebuild or form the Big Three, Ballmer and Stanton can't decide for a while, and there is nothing to talk about.

Su Yang moved into the pre-booked room, casually checked the emails from the oil pipe company, and soon received a call from Xiao Hua, saying that Mr. Ogg, the mayor of Las Vegas, wanted to reach a cooperation with the alliance, and designated I hope that Su Yang will be the representative of the alliance.

It's okay to be idle, Su Yang immediately agreed to meet.

In just half an hour, Mayor Ogg and Xiao Hua arrived together, and after a short exchange of pleasantries, they began to reveal their real thoughts.

"We know that Mr. Stern has great trust in you after you successfully dealt with Yao Ming, the Chinese Basketball Association, and the Shanghai Sharks. He has accepted your proposals for many times in a row, which has greatly benefited the NBA in Greater China and Europe. Promote..."

Su Yang listened patiently. The core is to use Stern's trust in him and his influence in the league to promote the legalization of NBA betting, so that the advertisements of various betting companies can enter the league's major venues, and let all betting companies The personnel can legally contact referees and players. Of course, players and teams are not allowed to invest in major gaming companies for the time being.

"As for the players, both Kobe and Shaq have shown interest in gambling with their teammates. This is something that everyone benefits from..." Mayor Ogg gave a speech, as if gambling is all about gain and nothing harm. matter,

"I will form a consortium as soon as possible to establish an NBA team in this city to add more games and income to the league. If this matter is successfully promoted, we can cooperate with the Warriors in many fields, such as jointly building an entertainment company..."

Ogg’s words are almost naked, as long as the gambling is legalized, the casino’s dividend shares can be at least 5000 million per year.

"Then I'll think about it..."

Su Yangxin said that the content of the recording is enough. Although Xiao Hua didn't say a word, it is enough to show his attitude that Xiao Hua brought the mayor Ogg to him. After all, Stern clearly prohibited gambling on the game before, and Xiao Hua as People close to you must know.

Send the two away and make an appointment with Stern directly,

However, Stern is still at the NBA headquarters in New York, and Su Yang is not in a hurry to wait for No. 17 to come back. Anyway, he will have an interview.

Take a day off, NO.16 early in the morning,

Su Yang rushed to the carnival to attend the related activities of the Warriors booth, took photos with the fans and played games, then turned to pick up Bingbing and Fina who flew over to play at noon, and took them to check in various filming locations, especially Baile, which often appeared Palace Fountain, and in the evening, go to Madame Tussauds to unveil Bingbing and his own wax figure, and then visit the Atlantis Aquarium.

Back at the hotel in the evening, Ballmer called and said that after watching Oden's game, he made an inclination to form a Big Three lineup to compete for the championship. I hope that Su Yang will not regret it when the time comes. Anyway, apart from this year's first round, he can still be traded. The first round in the next few years.

Su Yang said with a smile that there is no guarantee, he needs to reach a contract extension with Garnett first, and then look at Garnett's intentions.Anyway, it can't seem that he particularly wants to get a high-ranking pick from the Supersonics. It's only mid-February, and the lottery will be at the end of May.

Putting down the phone, wondering why he was disappointed with Oden after watching a game, Su Yang casually searched for the Ohio University video, it turned out that he was playing against the super weak team Pennsylvania State University, only narrowly winning by two points, and Oden was not too strong with 15 points dominance.

On NO.17 the next day, Stern rushed to Las Vegas, and Su Yang met at the MGM Hotel as planned.

After thinking about it, Su Yang gave up the idea of ​​playing the recording, and bluntly stated that he could not accept the legalization of gambling. At the same time, he clearly disliked Xiao Hua and did not want to continue to train Xiao Hua to succeed the NBA president. "Xiao Hua has not made any real achievements in being in charge of the entertainment sector these years , I know you value his workaholic attributes, and also like his measures to improve business attributes, but he obviously fully supports the legalization of gambling, and it is easy to destroy the foundation of the alliance for profit and political correctness. I suggest you choose carefully ..."

Without saying anything extra, Su Yang has already made up his mind. If Stern continues to train Xiao Hua, then he will lead many bosses to vote for Xiao Hua's succession. He can win at least 14 votes to support him, and he has the ability to remove Xiao Hua. Hua's job.

"Let me think about it again..."

Stern was very embarrassed. Xiao Hua was the successor he introduced to the former President Clint when he went to Rock Park to watch streetball. He never expected that Xiao Hua actually brought Mayor Ogg to participate in lobbying for the legalization of gambling. It's really sad to be a little lost.

Su Yang didn't urge him, he got up and said goodbye, walked out of the conference room, smiled at Xiao Hua who was waiting, thinking that you were fucked.