by Valor on Thu Oct 28, 2010 1:41 pm
Chapter 1
"So, now that you understand the expansion draft rules, lets get into details about the team" Stern choursed happily "May I suggest possible, and very attractive locations include the beautiful KeyArena where the former Seattle Sonics Franchise was based at?"
Lai shook his head, It's amazing how fast these guys change their tones He thought to himself, smirking a little as he replied Stern "It's a nice suggestion, but no thanks"
"Well, how about filling in the void over at Memphis?" Stern was relentless, he wants a feel-good story so sales and attention will go up "The people will embrace you!"
"There is a reason why the team went broke" stated Lai firmly "I've got plans made already, no suggestions needed"
Stern was taken aback, but his curiosity never waned as he pressed on "So...where are you planning to base your team in?"
"Well, if you must know...." Lai grinned as he told his plans to the commissioner
Stern listened, wild-eyed as he took in what the young to-be-owner of the new NBA franchise had just relayed to him
"Are you insane? That's absurd!" The commissioner yelled out inspite of himself
Lai laughed it off "No, it isn't. I believe it would work great"
"What about...an arena? Don't you need time to..." Stern began one of his numerous questions that just popped out in his brain, it was surely going to burst any moment now, but his question was stopped mid-sentence by the wave of Lai's hand
"It's already been done" Lai stated "All the preparation has been done for a long while now"
A moment of silence rang through the room as Stern took in Lai's words, and he finally understood. All along, he was never in the position of power in this meeting, he was simply a puppet that had been dancing according to the young man's commands; and like a puppet to the bone, there is no way he can defy the puppeteers' will.
"Alright, do as you say"
✧✧✧✧✧
"Welcome to the press conference of Leo Lai, the owner of the new NBA expansion franchise that will replace the defuncted Memphis Grizzlies" A league spokesperson began the well rehearsed introductory lines "Today will be the day, in which the chosen location of the new team will be announced by Mr Lai."
He paused, allowing the audience to finish their applause for the 20 year old Asian billionaire sitting on the podium.
"Later on today will include the 2010 Expansion Draft for the said team, and without further adieu, here is NBA commissioner David Stern, with his remarks on the matter"
As Stern went through yet another astonishingly boring speech, reporters around the room were quickly taking photographs and writing down possible questions for the new owner, there was a real buzz around the room as to exactly where this young man was going to base the team in. Rumor has it that he will move the team to Chicago, where his favorite team - The Chicago Bulls play in, some say that he'll bring the Sonics back with a housing in Seattle. There are a lot of unknowns, but one is known.
The team will definitely not play in Memphis.
"....so for these reasons, I thank Mr Lai for his enthusiastic and wonderful involvement in this process, and I hereby congratulate him for becoming a member of the NBA family today" Stern concluded his speech at last, shaking hands with Lai
"Mr Lai will be opened for some general questions before revealing the chosen location" the spokesperson announced
"Morning Mr Lai, Peter Freeman from NBC here; There had been many rumors flying about as to how you have acquired so much wealth at your relatively young age, any comments or insights into that?"
Lai laughed "No, I have no comments except that most of those rumors are laughable. I can't imagine how such ideas come to people's minds."
"Michelle Palmer, ESPN; Mr Lai, the protected players list came out just yesterday and you do not have a GM or coach in place at the moment, how do you plan to approach this expansion draft?"
"Well, I guess it would be appropriate to announce that I will act as the team's president of basketball operations and oversee every decision related to basketball activity." Lai replied, much to the wonders of the journalists present, who scribbled furiously at this intriguing news item "As for the team's coach, I already have a candidate lined up and ready to go"
"And of course, now it's the moment you've all been waiting for isn't it?"
"The newest NBA team, will have a historical breakthrough as they will be stationed in a country outside the United States of America." Lai stated boldly, to the collective gasp of every single individual in the room "This country embodies the tradition of sport. It is also a country, and a place, that raised me and made me into who I am today."
Lai paused for the dramatic effect, he loved these moments
"The 2010 NBA Expansion Team will find it's home in the beautiful country of New Zealand"
just a suggestion..
Tony Allen is protected
2k11 track and they are from Auckland, NZ.
