NBA: The Basketball Miracle

On September 10, 1996, the gymnasium at SUNY-Purchase University in upper Otter County, New York, was bustling again.

As the Knicks players arrived one after another, the noise in the training ground became louder and louder.

The 34-year-old Jeff Van Gundy was not wearing a suit at the time, but like other assistant coaches, he was wearing the Knicks' white training uniform.

This young coach obviously lacks in intimidation. Charles Oakley, who has slightly long hair, dark skin and exposed chest hair, is loudly teasing Patrick Ewing at this time:

"Man, you have to fight back. The New York media is describing you as a cancer. I hear those idiotic bullshit every fucking day!"

Patrick Ewing looked bitter and resentful. He was really shot in the back during the offseason. After so many years, he still doesn't like the New York media belittling and consuming him:

"I don't care what those idiots say. If these guys continue to slander me in the new season, I will definitely teach them a lesson!"

The two big brothers were chatting enthusiastically. Alan Houston, who had just joined the team, could not get a word in.

Charlie Ward, a guard who had been with the team for two seasons, was flattering them:

"Those idiots can't play basketball. They just want to attract attention every day. We lost to the defending champions."

As soon as he finished speaking, Charles Oakley locked onto the newbie and said harshly:

"Don't mention losing again! Damn it! I don't want to recall Michael's smug face at all!"

Charlie Ward, whose neck was locked, did not dare to resist. He tried to flatter the horse but ended up hitting the horse's leg. He could only laugh along in a low voice.

The newcomers Chris Childs, John Wallace, and Walter McCarty did not dare to say a word. They stood where they were and looked at the coaching staff frequently.

While Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley were constantly yelling and cursing at the New York media, Clay Lee and John Starks also changed into their training uniforms and came to the training ground.

"Look who this is! Our champion defender is here. John told me that you are still taking summer classes. You are such a studious kid!"

Charles Oakley immediately came over, first bumped fists with John Starks, and then loudly teased Lee.

Lee never expected that the person next to him would tell tales. Looking at Starks who was laughing, he said unhappily:

"I'm not a millionaire like you guys, so I'll save as much as I can!"

Charles Oakley showed a malicious smile, put his arm around Lee's shoulders, turned around and shouted to the newbie on the other side:

"Today I have prepared a lot of gifts for you rookies!"

This is not the first time that Lee has come into contact with Knicks players. During the two years he studied in Connecticut, they came to Madison Square Garden to play every year.

In the past, they were just nodding acquaintances. Charles Oakley was quite friendly to Lee, but he was not so nice to the other two rookies.

John Wallace and Walter McCarty were too nervous to speak. Patrick Ewing did not want to embarrass the rookie too much, so he immediately spoke up:

"Don't scare them, don't worry, it's just some rookie stuff!"

"Connecticut played well this year, but Georgetown didn't even make the Final Four. The New York media doesn't understand basketball at all, and all they know is to hype up that rookie!"

As Ewing was speaking, he added that Allen Iverson, who also graduated from Georgetown University, was very popular with the New York media.

Although no NBA game has been played yet, many media have already helped Iverson to loan out the best rookie in advance in the past two months.

Compared with Ewing, who looks like a gorilla, Iverson with thick eyebrows and big eyes is more in line with the tastes of New York fans.

Larry Johnson was the last one to arrive. He didn't say a word when he entered the training hall, and acted as if to say, "You are all here to assist me."

(A/N: Always wanted to say these lines😂)

No one was late, all the players were present, and Jeff Van Gundy, who had no sense of presence, clapped his hands and then spoke:

"This is my first season in charge of the team. I don't want to lose again, and I think you guys don't either!"

"The fact is that the Knicks' championship window is getting smaller and smaller, Pat, and you should understand that what I said is true."

Jeff Van Gundy, who has followed Pat Riley for many years, did not make any promises. He is too familiar with the New York players and both sides know each other very well.

Patrick Ewing fell silent again and nodded, agreeing with the head coach's words.

"This season we have to improve our offense, but at the same time, our defense can't be lost, and the team has enough talent to do both."

"It's dangerous! I will do my best to help the team, and you have to be prepared too!"

The young Jeff Van Gundy did not make tough demands like the old-school coaches, but communicated with everyone in a more consultative tone.

Don Nelson failed to change New York's offense and was fired early. Even if Jeff Van Gundy has been with the team for many years, he will have to pack up and leave if there is no improvement in the new season.

After a brief communication, the assistant coach began to arrange physical tests for the players. After a relaxing offseason, everyone was self-disciplined and no one gained weight rapidly.

When the assistant coach was warming up with everyone, Tom Thibodeau noticed Larry Johnson, who had been silent, and leaned over to Jeff Van Gundy and whispered,

"How should we arrange our offense? Larry also needs the ball. He is a core player in the Hornets!"

The assistant coaches had discussed it for a few days, but still didn't know how to use this new player. Thibodeau thought Jeff Van Gundy had an idea, but he got a response that confused him:

"I don't know, in fact, Grunfeld didn't even tell me when he made the deal!"

Ernie Grunfeld, the current general manager of the Knicks, obviously doesn't think highly of Jeff Van Gundy. This is the result of a head coach having no prestige.

Anyway, Larry Johnson is a star player, so it's fine as long as the fans and management like him. If the head coach can't control the players, then change the coach!

Lee also noticed the situation of the Knicks. He likes weak head coaches, which can allow him to play more freely.

"Okay, guys, let's get to know each other first and then divide into groups to play a competition!"

Assistant coach Don Chaney has worked for the Knicks for many years and is quite prestigious. He began to divide the players into groups:

"Larry, go to the bench first and help the new guys!"

After hearing the assistant coach's words, Larry Johnson immediately put on a black jersey and still said nothing.

"Lee, you and Larry are on the same team, playing the No. 1 position, let's see what you can do!"

Lee nodded, and didn't pay attention to Larry Johnson who was pretending to be a big shot. He patted Walter McCarty who was very nervous.

The freshman from the University of Kentucky didn't seem to adapt to the atmosphere in the team.

...

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