History in the making - Season opener

[Hinto]

PROLOGUE

Tuesday, 15. July 2008.
1:36 PM
Milwaukee Bucks office

Herb Kohl was sitting in the office holding his head. He was thinking about possibilities to solve his Milwaukee Bucks.
His financial status was poor and he was searching for a buyer of the team.But there were no offers. Not a single one.
The team was worth around 274 Million dollars. That would help him, but nobody would buy a team in this times,
days of recession and financial instabilities.Kohl's phone was ringing. It was Kohl's lawyer
“Herb, we are running out of time. Stern is very concerned. We can't afford to waste our time. We have to sell this team.”
Kohl didn't like what he just heard.
“Who are we going to sell it to ? There is no buyers ” Herb was angry. He only had one more solution.
“ We'll leave the league. I can't afford to own this team. Tell Stern that NBA will only have 29 teams next season.
It's over. I'm sorry.”

Wednesday, 16. July 2008
7:03 AM
NBA Press conference

“Thanks for coming everyone. ” Stern started his speech. “ Yesterday league office received Fax from Milwaukee
Bucks owner Herb Kohl. Due to financial reasons Milwaukee Bucks are leaving the league.” Everybody in the hall
was shocked. Stern was watching people reactions while preparing himself to announce another important thing.
“ League office decided, not to change the league format back to 29 teams. That means that new team may
enter NBA. We'll go through every possible option and we will find a solution. The solution will be announced
until Sunday, 27. July 7:00 PM. If there will be no interested parties league will change format back to 29 teams.”

“Any questions? ” Stern asked. There were about 20 hands in the air. Reporter quickly introduced himself and
asked a question “ What is happening with Milwaukee Bucks players ? Are they free now? ”
Stern was not prepared for that question. “ No, well... We will announce everything on 27. July.
Right now they are free but as I said until 27. July they can't negotiate with any team. ”
There were tons of other questions about city of Milwaukee, the possible new teams and everything. But everything
was up in the air. There were no clear answers.

Thursday, 17. July 2008
9:23 PM
Charlotte Bobcats office

Michael Jordan co-owner of Charlotte Bobcats woke up and went to his living room. He was sleepy but he needed
to go to Detroit and take care of few free agent talks. He turned on the TV while eating his breakfast. He flipped
to NBA TV to see if there is anything new in the league. Michael saw the stats of Milwaukee Bucks on TV. And quickly
he saw an underline saying Milwaukee Bucks leave NBA. Jordan couldn't believe it. Jordan took his phone and called
his old friend “Hello is that you Spike ?” . Spike Lee was surprised “Michael, whats up ?”
“Look my and you could really make something special. Do you want to own an NBA team?” Michael asked.
Spike wasn't sure about it. “ Look Mike I am not buying Knicks for 600 plus million dollars. ”
“Spike, I am not talking about Knicks but about tottaly new team as Milwaukee Bucks yesterday left Nba because of
financial problems.
But Spike still wasn't sure. “But I am Knicks fan. I can't do this.”
Michael threw all the rest of the breakfast into the trash can. The food was not important right now. “Spike, aren't you
sick of that losing? You know that Knicks are losers. It's simple as that.”
“I know, I know. Mike I'll think about it. Hear you later bye.”
“Bye.” Michael was excited he could come back to the top of the league in totally different role and finally be in total
control of an NBA team. He went to Detroit, knowing that this is the last trip he'll make as Bobcats co-owner.

[Shabron]

interesting... please continue

[Martti.]

I'll follow this. The idea seems interesting and promising, hope you can manage a great Association.

Are you gonna re-locate or continue with Milwaukee?

[Hinto]

I won't continue with Milwaukee. MJ wants something new

[Hinto]

NBA Faces Tons of Questions
By Marc Stein
ESPN.COM

After Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl announced the end of Milwaukee Bucks, NBA is in complicated position. The decision
which no one expected provided big shock for the league. With little more than 3 months before the new season tips off,
league office has no informations about (new) league format and about Milwaukee players status.
“ It's strange, we don't know where are we going to play, with who and how. ” Michael Redd, star guard of the former Bucks
stated on situation which should be solved until 27.July . No one knows the name of the new team and big question is if there
will be any.

“ It's hard to get anything going in 3 months. I don't see anyone taking over the team right now. This are tough times for the
world and for companies. World economics are in big fall and only individuals may afford to buy a team in this moment.”
said source close to the league.

NBA may already have prepared two different solutions. If there is no new team until 27.July they will probably switch back to
29 teams sistem with former Milwaukee Bucks players, including Michael Reed and Australian center Andrew Bogut becoming
free agents. Second solution is new team. Another question is if NBA will remain in Milwaukee or new team will be from a city
which doesn't have an NBA team yet. If there will be new team, Milwaukee players should become a part of it. Another
possibility is expansion draft (2004 Charlotte Bobcats). If that happens every team will be able to secure 9 players and make
every other player available for new team. Than, new team would have a possibility to pick 15 players which were not protected
by their teams. They may only take one player from the same team. New team may have a chance to aquire former Bucks players.

But everything depends on 27. July 2008, when David Stern will announce league decision.

Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.

[|)e8*]

Interesting, gonna follow

[hova-]

This is looking good. Expansion draft would be nice but you would lack of superstar power definitely. Keep it up

[Hinto]

Chapter 1

Madrid,
Friday, 18th July 2008
4:57 PM
Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid was standing behind the back of a man who was busy with his computer. Florentino was calm as always
and was looking at the clock. “ 3 hours left. We have three hours left. ”. Chinese guy was smiling “Don't worry I'll finish this soon.”
Perez looked thru the window and saw his soccer team preparing for the training. He was satisfied. Money is his power, money is everything he has.
But he didn't care. He knew everybody in Madrid adores him, he knew that he is respected there.

Meanwhile in Charlotte

“Thanks for coming Spike.” MJ gave a hug to famous film director. “ Are you ready to talk about our new team? ”.
Spike took the papper out of his pocket and put it right in the face of MJ. “ This is my plan. ”
MJ looked at the papper and realised that they share the same opinion. “I will talk with Stern tomorow we have arranged meeting at 1PM in New York
you should be there with me” Jordan said .“ I'll come no doubt. Jack will come also, he is interested in helping us.”
MJ was happy. Everything was running smooth. He will have an NBA team this season. He will own it.

New York,
Saturday, 19th July 2008
12:51 AM

David Stern was walking down the street in his black suit. He was rushing, not to be late on the meeting with Michael Jordan and Spike Lee.
Stern was walking, when suddenly black van stoped in front of him. Three guys with masks jumped out of the van and pointed the gun to Stern's head.
One guy grabed Stern for his arm and threw him in the back of the van. He couldn't scream he head his mouth shut. The driver jumped back in to the
van. The black van was on the road, driving again, but no body knew that there is David Stern kidnapped in that Black van.

1:46 PM

MJ was looking at the clock. He had no ideas where could David be. He had a small group of people with him. Just a few guys helping with this project.
There were also Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson. He decided to leave.He was waiting for almost an hour.He invited his working group on a lunch.
How could that happened ? MJ couldn't believe it, he was sure that meeting was arranged for that day, for that hour. But no one from NBA came.
What is going on?

3:32 PM
New York Port

Stern was sitting on the chair in the middle of the warehouse. He was shaking. Big afro american stepped into the room.
“ Mr. Commisionar. Hahaha. Hello. Are you shaking ? Are you scared ? Is that big David Stern scared ?” said deep voice.
“ What do you want from me ?” asked Stern.
“ First thing first. Call the league office and tell them that the meeting with MJ was great and that you are going to tell them everything in office.”
Stern was still shaking. He was wondering why he didn't took bodyguards with him. Why was there nobody in the street when the van arrived.
“ And second...

[Hinto]

Stern announces NBA goes overseas
20.July 2008

New York - Earlier today NBA commissioner David Stern announced that NBA is heading to Europe this season. Numerous sources close to the league
believe that either Real Madrid either Cska Moscow will be 30th team in the NBA. Both teams are playing in Euroleague, strongest european
championship.



David Stern, already talked about that possibility on few occasions but it was clear that he is not really thinking seriously. He always stated that
NBA won't move to Europe for at least another decade. Today, NBA is becoming an International league not only played on North America continent
but also in Europe. It's definitely a big financial thing for a new team but question is how will Stern manage to change the league format so quickly.
Flights to Europe will be an expensive thing for NBA teams and NBA. With that being said the question is if Stern knows what he is doing. He will
change NBA, biggest basketball league in the world forever.

“ We are unhappy with the decision made. It is a big mistake. I don't understand why Mr. Stern won't wait until 27. July as he said.” Cavaliers GM
Danny Ferry stated. “ Money is the biggest problem. Flights over Atlantic will cost us a lot and I think smaller teams without financial stability may
have problems in future.”

Everybody is wondering if there really was no company, or individuals from USA interested in making new team. Michael Jordan, Bobcats co-owner
quickly announced today that he was interested. “I was ready for talks with Mr. Stern. We even had arranged meeting yesterday. He didn't show up.
My working group, which was planning the project of new team is very dissapointed . I'm dissapointed. My respect to Mr. Stern dissapeared.”
If Michael Jordan was really interested in owning of an NBA team than why was Stern rushing so much ? In last week NBA suffered two biggest
shocks in the history of the league, right next to 1999 lock-out.

European team will probably have expansion draft as David Stern said today. It's quite possible that the expansion draft rules will change as both
possible European teams already have players under contract. Stern also said that the rules for new team will be announced in maximum 3 days.
Stern also talked about possibility that this season will start later as predicted as new team has to prepare everything for the NBA, and 3 months
probably won't be enough.

“ We have no information yet about anyone leaving our league.” stated Euroleague employee. “ It's really a strange situation which may end up in
court if Mr. Stern was talking about any Euroleague team.” Looks like solution to the problem is far away frow us.
But more will be known tommorow when new team will be presented.

by ESPN.COM

[Martti.]

Bizarre incident.

It's interesting to see where you're going with this, although I hoped MJ will own a team..

You have some mistakes, for example Michael Redd, not Reed. And the Bobcats started in 2004, not 2003.

[Hinto]

Maybe MJ will own the team thanks for correcting my mistakes. I knew that Bobcats played 5th season this year but I went totally wrong with calculation

[Skills]

This is looking really interesting! I'm intrigued. You had me scratching my head throughout the whole read. Although the grammar can be improved, the overall storyline looks like it'll be great. You have yourself a follower. Welcome to the forum!

[Hinto]

Chapter 2

New York,
Sunday, 20th July 2008
6:22 PM
NBA league office

David Stern was making a plan to solve the league. He was sweating while looking at TV on which everybody was criticizing him.
He was thinking about every single possibility to save him and the league at the same time. Stern knew he can't tell anyone about
the incident he had 2 days ago. He didn't want to lose his life. But he hoped that somehow things will get back on track.
He had no idea about NBA in Europe and how is he going to manage to organize everything. He just prayed for the miracle.

New York port,
10:25 PM

Florentino Perez came to meet his working partners. They had a dinner together and then they went to warehouse, where Stern was held.
Perez had a slight problem. He was nervous and was getting ready to tell the criminal group about it.
“ You did a great job. Thanks to you my team will play in NBA. Your second part of payment will come next week we had some problems
lately. ”
Joe, the leader of criminal organization stood up . “ We want money today we need it for our future. We are doing bussiness tomorrow
we need money today.” His face got red.
“No, I can't give you money today, there is no way. I'm sorry.” Perez knew his club is in deep debts and that they might get some money
by the end of the next week.
Joe took the gun out of his pocket and got angry. “Mr. Perez, deal is deal. You haven't done your part.”
Perez got scared and put hands in front of his face “Don't shoot we can do something about it.”
Joe, about 6'9" tall african american laughed.“ You have one hour to give me my money! Then I'll tell everyone about your secrets and
about your bussiness. ”
As clever as Joe was he went out of the warehouse, took his phone and called David Stern directly. Stern was already sleeping but he
woke up while phone was ringing.
“ Hi, you know me ?” said the voice. Stern was shocked. Not again. He didn't want to hear this voice again.
“ What do you want? ” asked Stern.
“ I want 100 million dollars and you can announce that NBA won't move anywhere. You get your league back Mr.Stern and we get our money.”
Stern was amazed “ 100 million dollars ? Where should I get them ? ” Stern got up from the bad and turned on the light. First thing he saw,
was a magazine with Michael Jordan on the cover.
“ You have 14 hours, it's a chance you have to take. Goodbye Mr.Stern.” Joe was laughing. He will earn much more money than he thought.
Florentino Perez was making numerous phone calls but he didn't got money he needed. One hour passed and Joe smilled.“Goodbye Mr.Perez,
It's great doing business with you.”
“ You will get your money by the end of the next week I promise.” Perez was nervous. He couldn't believe that his “friends” were sending
him away.

Charlotte,
Monday, 21. July
9:32 AM

Michael Jordan was in Bobcats training facility when he received call from David Stern. He didn't want to respond but suddenly
he then he pressed answer button “ Michael, help me I have a serious problem.” Stern nodded.
“ Whats wrong ?” Michael asked while shooting on the basket with one hand, holding his phone in other.
“ They kidnapped me the day when we had meeting arranged. Thats why I didn''t show up. They forced me to put Real Madrid in NBA or
otherwise they would kill me. I have to give them 100 million dollars and the company that kidnapped me won't be a problem no more.
If you can give me some money I would really be happy.” Stern was begging the person which saved him already. When the league
was in downfall MJ was there to bring in people and of course money in basketball arenas, all over USA and Canada. His basketball skills
were the most important thing why everybody was watching him and respected him. Thats what saved the league from financial problems.
But now Stern needs money more than ever. He knew he can't take it from NBA league office. So Michael was his only solution.
“ Look David I'll give you your money today, but you will give me the place in the league. I will have the 30th team and no one else.”
Stern was saved again. “ Thanks Michael. You will get your team. Thanks.”
Stern had everything in his hands again. In next few hours he paid Joe and company their money. He was happy. Michael was his true
friend...

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Real Madrid won't join NBA, Jordan gets 30th team
22. July 2008

New York- In another shocking turn of events, Michael Jordan will own NBA team this season. Real Madrid didn't join NBA due to financial
reasons. Michael Jordan didn't tell anything about where is his team going to be located.

After David Stern announced that NBA goes overseas few days ago, he changed his mind and gave the remaining place in the league
into the hands of the best basketball player ever, Michael Jordan. Jordan yesterday said : “ I'm delighted and prepared to lead the
new organization. It's too early to talk about our plans for this season but we definitely want to get something going. I am surrounded
with great people and it's a great opportunity to show my basketball skills off the court.”


Michael Jordan finally owns NBA team

Jordan isn't co-owner of the Bobcats no more as he sold his part to unknown organization. Bobcats owner Robert Johnson was happy
that Michael got his team : “It's nice to see Michael owning an NBA team. We have to thank him for everything he has done for us.
Michael is a great person and I wish him all the best in the future. ”

Rumors around the league believe that Michael Jordan had a small group of people working on this project ever since Milwaukee
Bucks left the league. Although nobody knows where the team will be located. Later today David Stern will announce rules for new team.
People close to league office say that there will be expension draft. It's fresh start for Michael and NBA.

[Hinto]

NBA Announces Expansion Team Rules
23. July

A. Player Selection

* The New Team Expansion Draft will take place on July 28.

* The New Team will select a minimum of 14 players who are under contract or restricted free agents for the 2008-09 season.

* The New Team may select no more than one player from each team.

* The New Team can only select players that are left unprotected by an NBA team.

* Each of the 29 NBA teams may protect a maximum of eight players on its roster who are under contract or are restricted free agents at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season.

* Each of the 29 NBA teams will designate the players on its roster who are eligible for selection by the New Team.

* Each of the 29 NBA teams must designate at least one player on its roster to be eligible for selection by the New Team, even if the team does not have eight players under contract or as restricted free agents for the 2004-05 season.

* Any player under contract selected by the New Team will immediately be placed on the New Team roster.

* Any eligible restricted free agent selected by the New Team shall immediately become an unrestricted free agent.

* Unrestricted free agents are not eligible to be protected nor are they eligible to be selected by the New Team.

B. Pre-Expansion Draft Trades

* Teams will be permitted to enter into pre-Expansion Draft trades in which New Team agrees to select or not select certain unprotected players.

C. Salary Cap

* New Team will be permitted to select players in the Expansion Draft without regard to the Salary Cap.

* New Team will be permitted to sign any restricted free agent it selects in the Expansion Draft using the same “Bird,” “Early Bird” or “Non-Bird” Exception that the player’s prior team would have had.

* Compensation paid to a selected player under a contract protected for lack of skill will be excluded from New Team Team Salary if the player’s contract is terminated (via the waiver procedure) prior to the start of the 2008-2009 season.

* A team with a Team Salary above the Salary Cap will receive a Trade Exception to replace a player (other than a restricted free agent) selected from its unprotected list.

D. Post-Expansion Draft Transactions

* A team will not be permitted to reacquire a player that it loses in the Expansion Draft prior to the expiration of one year from the date of the Expansion Draft, unless the player is waived and not claimed by any other team.

E. Former Bucks Players Status

* Rookies aquired by Bucks in this year draft (Jodie Meeks and Brandon Jennings) can be aquired by New Team.

* New Team can aquire up to 3 players from Bucks with combined annual salary under 17 Million dollars (Rookies included)

[Hinto]

Jordan asks fans for team name, Moves NBA to Carolina
23. July

Carolina - New NBA franchise selected Carolina as their new home. Games will be played in Greensboro Coliseum, North Carolina.
Michael Jordan moved franchise to the place where his career started, at North Carolina Univesity.
Jordan reached agreement with City of Greensboro, part of Carolina state. New franchise won't be far away from
Michael's former team Charlotte Bobcats.

Carolina team is still searching for team name and hopes fans will help.

[|)e8*]

Nice! Wonder the how will the new team play.

Team name should be Carolina Shadows, jk

[Skills]

Haha, I'm guessing you added that little NBA-to-Europe heel to throw us off. I'll admit, it worked for me. I like where this is going. But like I said, your grammar could use a little a bit of work. Other than that, this has a lot of potential to be great. For your team name, I was thinking Carolina Ramblers doesn't sound too bad. I would suggest Carolina Tar Heels, but I think that's been taken already.

[Shabron]

carolina cougars?
carolina kool aid
carolina currents

[Hinto]

Thanks skillmatic. I know my grammar is bad but I'll try to get better

[newc]

wow great start of your dynasty

[Hinto]

Thanks

[hova-]

Nice story although it misled me a bit with the Euro stuff. I hope MJ does some nice moves. A really good choice was to get rid of the Bucks.

[kupix]

what about Carolina Jordans?

[Hinto]

List of Unprotected Players for Expansion Draft

Below is the list of players left unprotected by their teams. These players are available for new NBA franchise from Carolina.






















Expansion Draft will be held on 27. July in New York.