David Robinson has always been the vice chairman of the Players Union and Gan Guoyang’s intended successor. If he can’t continue, he intends to pass the chairman position to Robinson.
With a military background, a pure good nature, and an impressive resume, Robinson has made contributions in labor disputes, shed blood for the union, and is the perfect choice for a successor.
During the labor negotiations in the summer of 1998, other superstars stood against Gan Guoyang, while David Robinson firmly stood by the chairman’s side, not joining forces with other superstars, giving Gan Guoyang strong support.
"David, you played a great series. I must admit, I’ve declined to Michael’s level," Gan Guoyang said to Robinson.
Gan Guoyang’s tone contained a trace of helplessness. The most worrisome thing had come; under the ravages of time, he had become Michael Jordan.
"Which Michael?"
"1992."
Robinson was evidently the more helpless one.
He patted Gan Guoyang’s shoulder and said, "See you next season. I won’t give up easily, Sonny."
The Spurs didn’t bet on the first pick in 1997, causing a major setback to their rebuilding plans.
However, Chauncey Billups was considered a good choice, worthy of the Spurs’ careful investment and cultivation.
Popovich had a cold expression as he left the court, already planning the Spurs’ new future in his heart.
Trail Blazers had always been Popovich’s model to learn from; he hoped to get Duncan in 1997 and then utilize overseas scouting to earn dividends, replicating the Trail Blazers’ glory.
Unfortunately, the first step failed—didn’t get Duncan.
But the overseas scouting tactic could still be used by the Spurs, perhaps it might prove effective.
With the rapid development of the NBA’s overseas markets as a premise, NBA teams still had great potential in the excavation and development of overseas players, with many unexplored territories awaiting American scouts and coaches to seek treasures.
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The semi-finals in the Eastern and Western Conferences concluded in the following week.
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers won against the Utah Jazz Team 4:2 in the semi-finals.
After being eliminated by the Jazz team consecutively in 97 and 98, the Lakers finally showed their prowess in 99, achieving revenge.
O’Neal averaged 32 points and 14 rebounds per game in the series, demolishing the Utah Jazz’s defense.
The high defense line formed by Jason Kidd, Robert Horry, and Tracy McGrady weakened the Jazz’s aging wing and guard lines.
The Lakers faced the Trail Blazers once again in the Western Conference finals, promising a prolonged rivalry in the West.
In the Eastern Conference, the situation was unexpected as the Celtics and Knicks tied in the first four games; Celtics led the fifth game throughout.
Unexpectedly, the Knicks mounted a last-minute comeback, wiping out a 7-point deficit in 1 minute, dragging the game into overtime.
In overtime, the Knicks relied on their unstoppable momentum, winning at Fleet Center, seizing the match point in the series.
Thanks to this spectacular comeback, the Knicks grabbed control in the series.
Returning to New York, the young Celtics lost their way in the fervent Madison Square Garden Arena.
The core lineup of Duncan, Steve Nash, and Paul Pierce were still too young.
The frenzy of the New York Knicks routed the Celtics in the first half, ultimately winning 98:90 at home against the Celtics.
This was the first time since the 1973-1974 season that the Knicks made it to the division finals.
It was the distant 70s, the era of Walt Frazier and Willis Reed for the Knicks.
Ewing couldn’t achieve greater accomplishments with the Knicks and went to the Supersonics under Jordan’s pressure.
Now, the Knicks gathered capable players, seizing the opportunity to reach the highest stage in the Eastern Conference’s post-Jordan era.
The unexpected opponent for the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals was the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers encountered the four-star New Jersey Nets in the semi-finals.
The Nets had a surprisingly good regular season; they ranked second in the Eastern Conference, right after the Celtics.
Under the integration of newcomer coach Doug Rivers, the Nets’ superstars united, allocating tasks reasonably, achieving a 56-win record in the regular season.
Charles Barkley, Olajuwon, and others stayed healthy; Richmond and Pippen delivered strong defense.
Most believed the Nets had a great chance to win the Eastern Conference and face off against the Trail Blazers in the finals.
By then, this year’s finals would be a feast for the 1984 centers, a twilight of the gods.
The first four games of the semi-finals followed the script of the Nets progressing, as they quickly led 3:1.
When everyone thought this series was without suspense, the Pacers launched a comeback.
They reversed the Nets in the fifth game in New Jersey, dragging the series into a sixth game, returning to Indiana.
In the Pacers’ home court, the weary Nets lost their edge; the aged Olajuwon and Barkley frequently missed shots.
While Pippen and Richmond couldn’t support the Nets’ offense, under the Pacers’ strong defense, the Nets scored only 72 points in the sixth game.
The score was tied 3:3; the Nets would return home. They weren’t without chances and could still rally to win the series.
However, the Nets weren’t united internally; from leading 3:1 to being leveled, the entire team was restless instead of being cohesive.
Especially between Charles Barkley and Pippen, they frequently clashed inside and outside the court during the regular season.