661: 231: How could this go wrong?
(Asking for monthly passes!) 661: 231: How could this go wrong?
(Asking for monthly passes!) The conflict between Roger and Spree was trending everywhere, and although the two did not come to blows on the scene, that chaotic picture of in-your-face confrontation was explosive enough.
After all, confrontations between NBA players off the court are exceedingly rare.
The most famous incident would probably be when Barnes and Fisher nearly came to blows over refusing to share the same path.
So, the clash between Roger and Spree seemed particularly unique.
Since the Heat had already eliminated the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, they already had a bone to pick with each other.
This new incident has made their next season’s matchup even more anticipated.
Confronted with this not-so-positive sensational news, David Stern didn’t know whether to cry or to laugh.
On one hand, he didn’t want his league’s players acting like hooligans, stirring up trouble everywhere during the offseason.
If you’re really that bored, why not go listen to symphonies, play the piano, visit art exhibitions, or watch talent shows?
Why is it always solicitation busts, reckless driving, illegal weapons, and drugs in the car during the offseason?
Gentlemen, you’re all respectable people!
On the other hand, the scuffle between Roger and Spree has legitimately heated up the NBA.
The viewership plummeted to a super low due to the shortened season last year.
Plus, since Roger didn’t play in the finals, the viewership hit a 17-year low, lower even than the finals round right after Jordan’s first retirement in ’94!
Although Roger saved the ’98-’99 season from being canceled, it was still not a success for the league and only mitigated some losses.
Therefore, the league badly needed some drama to clear away the gloom of the shortened season and start the millennial operation of the NBA on the right foot.
Roger and Sprewell’s off-court conflict was undoubtedly such a drama.
Now, fans across America are eager to know what will happen when the Hawks and Heat meet again.
Apart from that, fans also want to see which team is stronger, the Hawks or the Spurs, especially since they never faced each other in the shortened season last year.
Then, with the Lakers signing the Zen Master, will O’Neal and Kobe become a problem for the Hawks?
Will they meet Roger in the finals?
All these compelling points of interest for the next season revolve around Roger!
This probably speaks to the value of a league’s top star.
Roger wasn’t in a bad mood because of the altercation with Sprewell; he continued to frequently appear in the Boston summer league and attract significant attention.
Marion’s performance was also quite impressive, with averages of 22.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game in the summer league.
That’s almost equivalent to Marion’s stats during his peak NBA season.
Compared to Alan Henderson during the championship season, Marion was almost a comprehensive upgrade in every aspect.
Of course, Roger didn’t expect rookie Marion to perform like he was in his peak season.
His defense was still a bit raw, and his shooting not quite steady.
But regardless, the team definitely had more options at the power forward position for the new season than last year.
Marion’s performance delighted Roger so much that he was especially beaming while shooting the “VOGUE” magazine cover.
Perhaps it was because of that radiance that the Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen who was at the same shoot took the initiative to ask for Roger’s phone number.
That evening, she couldn’t wait to give Roger a call, “Hey, would you like to invite me to your games next season?”
Faced with this question, Roger sighed.
He felt helpless, truly helpless.
As a public figure, a role model for the youth, and a good samaritan active in community service, Roger always cared a lot about his behavior and public image.
He steered clear of drugs, rarely gambled.
He was one of the few in the NBA who could proudly claim, “I’ve never spent my money at those messy fruit stands.”
He tried as much as possible to stay away from these kinds of messes, to be a quality idol.
Roger found that Victoria’s Secret had practically become his own pageant!
Ultimately, he couldn’t escape this vulgar trap, that incessant call for “the next batch.”
Damn, this really sucked!
All that effort was for naught!
But honestly, would anyone hurt the heart of a 19-year-old with long legs and a pretty face?
That would be too cruel.
“Of course, I can invite you to the games, and if you’re interested, I can arrange a season ticket for you.
Atlanta Hawks welcome all fans who support the team.”
“You’re so nice, Roger.
A smitten Gisele Bundchen, after sending that text, placed her phone over her heart, gazing up at the ceiling with a silly grin.
Many say that dazzling summer is perfect for sweet romances.
Could she finally smell the sweetness in the summer air?
She was looking forward to it.
She was disappointed.
Because fall had arrived, and Roger hadn’t invited her even once!
Gisele Bundchen was confident; she knew why she had a foothold in the modeling world.
But Roger made her start questioning herself in front of the mirror every day, “Am I really not good enough?”
For Roger, she had steadfastly turned down the crush of countless girls, Leonardo DiCaprio, during the summer.
Yet Roger had never invited her out.
Their communication had stopped at “You’re so nice, Roger.
And why did she care so much?