NBA: The Basketball Miracle

Just because a rookie player from the New York is selected by a team doesn't mean the team will definitely sign the player.

There was no concept of luxury tax in 1996. As long as the team had bird rights, they could renew the contract with the cap. As long as the boss was willing to spend money, most problems could be solved!

In the 1996-1997 season, the team's salary cap was 24.36 million US dollars. If the team wanted to make big moves to strengthen the team, it would have to free up salary space first.

On June 30, after the free market opened, the Lakers made an unexpected deal:

The Lakers sent starting center Vera Divac, who averaged 12.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season, to the Hornets in exchange for this year's 13th pick high school rookie Kobe Bryant.

The transaction on July 11 shocked many media outlets. Are the Lakers going to break up?

There was no summer league in the 1996 offseason, and after the draft, Lee started looking for a house in Manhattan.

Mark Bartelstein was still worried about Ray Allen's contract. If there was any possibility, they didn't want to play in Milwaukee.

Lee was not completely in the dark. John Starks, who had lived in New York for five years, introduced him to an apartment.

"3,000 dollars a month? That's too expensive!"

Standing downstairs of an apartment building called The Westpotr, Lee spread his hands helplessly. The salary of 36,000 US dollars a year really hurts him!

"Young people have to learn to enjoy life, bring girls home, and have a good place to live. This is New York, you have to adapt to this environment!"

John Starks, dressed casually in a floral shirt and sunglasses, was telling Lee about the benefits of this apartment:

"There is a 24-hour doorman service, a gym, a laundry room, and a lounge. In addition to the luxury suites, there are also many studios here, but don't worry, the sound insulation is very good!"

"Most importantly, it's very close to the stadium. At $3,000, it's definitely worth it!"

Lee curled his lips. The location of this apartment is indeed very good. It is on Westwood Avenue in Manhattan, close to Central Park and Columbus Circle.

But the rent is really expensive!

In 1996, the highest federal income tax rate in the United States was 39.6%, while the highest income tax rate in New York State was 7.875%!

Mark Bartelstein helped Lee sign a three year, $2.75 million contract with the Knicks, with an annual salary of only $790,000 in the first year.

The NBA also charges 10% of the players' pensions, plus agent Mark's 1.5% commission, so Lee only gets 360,000 US dollars in the end.

Lee hasn't calculated medical insurance, trainer expenses, and daily consumption, but at the end of the year, there won't be much money left.

However, after taking a tour around the luxury suite, Lee was finally defeated by the decadent capitalism. He spent money to buy a comfortable 144-square-meter suite with central air-conditioning, solid wood floors, complete furniture and appliances, very good lighting, and mainly beige decoration color, which makes people feel particularly warm.

After renting for a year, Lee still felt a little sad when looking at the number on the check. After coming here, he has always been very poor and has been very careful with his money.

The apartment managers were particularly happy because they all liked rich guys!

Some staff members recognized the two and found heavy cameras. After everyone took turns taking photos, John Starks patted Lee on the shoulder:

"Congratulations on settling down in New York. You can come to my house for dinner in the next two days. The little ones will definitely like you!"

Looking at his new home, Lee smiled. For a bachelor, this apartment is ready for moving in, without the need to buy furniture.

During dinner, Lee brought gifts to visit the Starks family who lived on the 22nd floor below. Although he was a playboy to the outside world, he turned into a caring and good man in front of his wife.

"The worst part of playing for the Knicks is the unscrupulous media."

"These guys are always obsessed with the 1994 Finals. Whenever they lose, they'll look back at the championship they lost that year!"

"John tried his best, but the New York fans, encouraged by the media, wanted us to leave!"

After the two sides got to know each other, Jackie, who had a fashionable afro, complained about how her husband had been treated in New York in recent years.

After coming to Connecticut in the past two years, Lee also knew that John Starks had been criticized in the past two years. It was a big deal.

Starks, who was cutting steak, raised his head and introduced the internal situation of the Knicks to Lee:

"Don't worry about it, Lee! The fans in New York are great, the atmosphere is great, and we almost made it, so I don't blame the fans or the media."

"It's just that there will definitely be changes in the team during the offseason. This is an opportunity for you. I know Van Gundy won't trust me anymore."

Lee nodded. The internal situation of the team was similar to what he knew. Van Gundy planned to improve the offense. The rookie head coach wanted to prove that he was not Pat Riley's follower.

"Will the Knicks win the championship?"

The little guy Starks II, who had been eating obediently, suddenly widened his eyes and asked Lee curiously.

"Of course, you can also participate in the championship parade and sit on the float in the front row!"

As soon as Lee finished speaking, the little one immediately looked at his mother and said loudly:

"Mom said that the Knicks will never win the championship again in this life!"

Jackie was a little embarrassed and immediately glared at her beloved son:

"Eat your steak obediently! Don't talk nonsense, kid!"

"."

On July 14, the Knicks also made a move, sending Brad Lohaus and Anthony Mason away in exchange for Larry Johnson from the Charlotte Hornets.

The New York media and fans praised the backup center and starting forward for the star player Grandmama!

Last season, Larry Johnson played 81 games for the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 20.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. It seems that he has fully recovered from his back injury.

The Knicks' actions have not stopped yet. They signed free agent Alan Houston and cleared out some members of the atmosphere group.

The New York media gave unanimous praise to this deal.

Last season, with the Detroit Pistons, Alan Houston averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 45.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 42.7%!

His efficiency is so high that the media and fans all believe that Alan Houston can improve the Knicks' constipated offense!

Lee has been cleaning up his new home with his good friend Ivan these past two days. After throwing a party, he has finally settled down in the New York.

"Chris Charles? This guy seems to be a guard too. Lee, you have one more competitor."

Ivan also started to pay attention to the news about the Knicks. Lee, who was lying on the sofa didn't care. New head coach, new players, everything started over again:

"It doesn't matter. I'm a rookie player for the Knicks. Maybe in the new season, you can see me starting at Madison Square Garden!"

...

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