Capítulo 117: Preseason Performance
Time flew by, and before anyone realized it, late September had arrived. It had been half a month since the start of training camp, and the new season was quietly approaching. The players who had indulged during the offseason had returned to their normal playing shape, and their shooting touch was back as well.
Lian Dao's integration with the Knicks had gone smoothly. One major reason was the absence of an established All-Star on the team, allowing his talents to shine. His skills—whether it was driving to the basket, knocking down threes, setting up teammates, or playing tough defense—had all earned the respect of his fellow players.
One of Lian Dao's key contributions was his passing, which helped eliminate the Knicks' tendency to play selfishly, focusing solely on individual stats. With Lian Dao running the offense, the team began to move the ball and execute plays according to the tactical system. This change brought about a more cohesive and effective style of play.
During this time, Lian Dao also mended his relationship with Al Harrington. His thoughtful gesture of gifting each teammate a pair of limited-edition Gucci sunglasses had a noticeable impact, making his teammates warmer and more welcoming toward him. It became clear to everyone that Lian Dao was the new core of the team. If anyone wanted to thrive on the Knicks, they needed to get along with him—or risk being the next one traded.
Moreover, Lian Dao's humble attitude, despite being the top draft pick and the focal point of the team's tactics, won over his teammates. He was strong but never arrogant, and while he held a central role, he never overshadowed others. This approach earned him the acceptance and support of the entire team, who began to see him as the true leader of the Knicks.
Shortly after the training camp ended, the Knicks embarked on their preseason tour for the new season. Besides Lian Dao, another standout during the camp was Paul Millsap. Millsap showcased his versatility, cutting both inside and outside with ease and demonstrating a reliable mid-range shot. His three-point shooting even caught head coach Mike D'Antoni by surprise.
Millsap's defense was also impressive. Despite not being the tallest player, his strength and weight allowed him to effectively guard the power forward position. In fact, Millsap emerged as the Knicks' best interior defender, a valuable asset for the team. D'Antoni couldn't help but feel that the Knicks had struck gold with Millsap.
The pick-and-roll between Millsap and Lian Dao was particularly effective, displaying a level of chemistry that resembled the dynamic between Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire during their time in Phoenix. Meanwhile, David Lee continued to impress with his memorable performances, especially his 0.1-second game-winner against the Bobcats.
With these key players in place, the Knicks looked poised to make a strong start in the upcoming season.
On December 21, 2006, the New York Knicks faced off against the Charlotte Bobcats in an intense home game. With the score tied at 109 and just 0.1 seconds left in the second overtime, the Knicks had possession of the ball. In a critical moment, Jamal Crawford lobbed the ball near the basket, where David Lee tipped it in, securing a dramatic victory for the Knicks over the Bobcats.
David Lee played 49 minutes in that game, contributing 10 points and 19 rebounds while shooting 4 of 8 from the field. His game-winning tip-in remains the fastest game-winning shot in NBA history, a feat that many teams have tried to replicate in similar situations but with little success.
Known for his offensive versatility, David Lee is a left-handed player who can also shoot effectively with his right hand. His skill set includes excellent footwork, flexible ball control, superior vision, and outstanding passing abilities, making him a well-rounded offensive player with virtually no weaknesses in his game.
However, on the defensive end, Lee's impact is noticeably diminished. The only consistent positive contribution he offers on defense is his rebounding ability. Despite this, Lee's offensive talents and work ethic make him a valuable asset to the team.
Interestingly, if there is one player on the Knicks who, like Lian Dao, plays purely for the love of the game, it is David Lee. Coming from a wealthy family, Lee's motivation is driven by passion rather than financial necessity. His father owns thirteen fast-food chains and several supermarket chains, while his grandfather is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist in St. Louis, having donated over $70 million throughout his life.
Despite his affluent background, David Lee is known for his low-key demeanor, earning him the title of the most humble "rich kid" in the NBA. His grandfather, known for his generosity, even spent $90 million on zoos and forest parks because of his love for lions and jaguars.
Given his family's wealth, David Lee could have easily chosen a different path, but his dedication to basketball sets him apart. Under coach Mike D'Antoni, Lee's primary responsibilities on the Knicks are rebounding and shooting, roles that he fulfills with consistent effort and enthusiasm.
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The day before the start of the preseason, TNT's "NBA Insider" featured a special episode with hosts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, who were joined by Magic Johnson and Robert Parish as guests. The focus of the show was to analyze the upcoming NBA season and the teams expected to dominate.
Unsurprisingly, the conversation quickly turned to the perennial powerhouses, the Lakers and the Celtics. Magic Johnson, a Lakers legend, confidently declared, "I can't think of any team with a stronger roster than the Lakers."
His optimism for his former team was clear, but it sparked a friendly debate with Robert Parish, a Celtics icon, who argued that the Celtics were the most powerful team heading into the season.
The discussion between Johnson and Parish, both retired but still fiercely competitive, added an entertaining rivalry to the show. While some of their disagreement was likely for show, there were undoubtedly some lingering personal loyalties at play.
After covering the Lakers and Celtics, the panel turned their attention to other teams, including the New York Knicks. Barkley, who had closely followed Lian Dao's rise, was eager to hear what Johnson thought of the young player and his team.
Johnson praised the Knicks for securing Lian Dao, whom he referred to as "Sickle." He stated, "The Knicks played badly for a season just to get Sickle. There's no doubt they're building around him."
He predicted that Lian Dao could average more than 20 points per game in his rookie season but noted that the Knicks' success would depend on the strength of his teammates and Coach D'Antoni's strategies. Johnson added, "As an Eastern Conference team, if everything clicks, the Knicks have a shot at making the playoffs."
Robert Parish chimed in, emphasizing the importance of Lian Dao's individual performance. "Even if the Knicks can't make the playoffs, what's crucial is that Sickle shows outstanding personal ability in his rookie season," Parish said.
He also mentioned the Knicks' healthy salary cap situation, suggesting that even if this season doesn't yield results, the team has the flexibility to make big moves in the next offseason.
Barkley wrapped up the segment with his own excitement, stating, "I can't wait to see Sickle's performance in the new season! As the NCAA record harvester, can he also perform well in the NBA?" This question resonated with many viewers, heightening anticipation for Lian Dao's NBA debut.
As the NBA preseason began, Lian Dao did not disappoint. In the first two of the Knicks' eight preseason games, he delivered spectacular performances.
Against the Phoenix Suns, Lian Dao recorded a triple-double with 46 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Knicks to a 123-118 victory. In the next game against the Dallas Mavericks, he scored 38 points, dished out 16 assists, and grabbed 9 rebounds, sealing the win with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Following these impressive showings, Coach D'Antoni decided to rest Lian Dao for the remaining preseason games. The decision allowed the team to focus on developing other players and evaluating the roster without their new star on the court. Lian Dao agreed with the coach's plan, understanding the importance of team development ahead of the regular season.
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