Chapter 24: The Big Apple

Being drafted by a team does not guarantee that a player will be signed. In 1996, there was no concept of a luxury tax; as long as a team held Bird rights, they could re-sign players while over the salary cap. Provided the owner was willing to spend, most problems could be solved.

For the 1996-97 season, the team salary cap was $24.36 million. If a team wanted to make major moves to strengthen their roster, they had to clear salary space first. On June 30th, after the free agency market opened, the Lakers made an unexpected trade: they sent starting center Vlade Divac, who had averaged 12.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists the previous season, to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for this year's 13th overall pick, high schooler Kobe Bryant. The July 11th trade shocked many in the media—was the Lakers team breaking up?

The 1996 offseason had no Summer League. After the draft, Li You began looking for a place to live in Manhattan. Mark Bartelstein was still busy worrying about Ray Allen’s contract; if there was any way to avoid it, they didn't want him playing in Milwaukee. Li You wasn't completely in the dark, though; John Starks, who had lived in New York for five years, introduced him to an apartment complex.

"$3,000 a month? That’s way too expensive!" Standing beneath the apartment building called The Westport, Li You threw his hands up in resignation. $36,000 a year—his heart truly ached at the cost.

"Young man, you’ve got to learn to enjoy life. You need a nice place to bring girls home, and this is New York—you have to adapt to this environment!" Wearing a floral shirt and sunglasses, John Starks looked relaxed as he touted the benefits of the building. "24-hour concierge service, a gym, a laundry room, a recreation room—everything you need. Aside from luxury suites, there are plenty of studios here, but don't worry, the soundproofing is excellent! Most importantly, it’s close to the arena. $3,000 is definitely worth the price."

Li You curled his lip. The location was indeed excellent, situated on West End Avenue in Manhattan, near Central Park and Columbus Circle. But the rent was truly steep. In 1996, the top U.S. federal income tax rate was 39.6%, and the top New York state income tax rate was 7.875%. Mark Bartelstein had helped Li You sign a 3-year, $2.75 million contract with the Knicks, with a first-year salary of only $790,000. After the NBA deducted 10% for the players' pension fund and Mark took his 1.5% commission, Li You was left with only $360,000.

Li You hadn't even factored in medical insurance, trainer expenses, and daily living costs, so there wouldn't be much left at the end of the year. However, after touring the luxury suite, he was ultimately defeated by the decadence of capitalism—spending money for peace of mind. The 144-square-meter apartment featured central air conditioning, hardwood floors, a full set of furniture and appliances, and excellent natural light. The interior color scheme was primarily beige, creating a particularly cozy feel.

After signing the one-year lease, Li You felt a pang of heartache looking at the figure on the check. Since arriving here, he had been poor and spent money cautiously. The apartment staff, however, were thrilled; they loved a big spender. Some of the staff recognized the two men, brought out heavy cameras, and after everyone took turns posing for photos, John Starks patted Li You on the shoulder. "Congratulations on settling down in New York. You can come over for dinner at my place these next couple of days; the kids will definitely like you!"

Looking at his new home, Li You smiled. For a bachelor, the "move-in ready" apartment meant he didn't need to add any furniture. At dinner, Li You brought gifts to visit the Starks family, who lived on the 22nd floor. Though he was brash to the outside world, at home, he was a caring, devoted husband.

"The worst part about playing for the Knicks is those unscrupulous media members," Starks’ wife, Jackie, who wore a trendy afro, remarked after they had gotten acquainted. "These guys keep harping on the '94 Finals. Every time the team loses, they bring up the championship we let slip away! John has done his best, but egged on by the media, the New York fans actually want us to leave!"

Having spent the last two years in Connecticut, Li You knew that John Starks had been relentlessly criticized; it was a testament to his thick skin that he hadn't had a breakdown. Starks, busy slicing a steak, looked up and briefed Li You on the internal situation of the Knicks. "Don't worry about that, Li! New York fans are great, and the team atmosphere is excellent. We came so close, so I don't blame the fans or the media. It’s just that the team is bound to make changes this offseason. This is an opportunity for you; I know Van Gundy won't trust me anymore."

Li You nodded. The internal situation was much as he understood it—Van Gundy intended to improve the offense, and the rookie head coach wanted to prove he wasn't just Pat Riley's lackey.

"Will the Knicks win a championship?" the little one, Starks Jr., suddenly asked with wide, curious eyes.

"Of course. When that happens, you can join the championship parade and sit in the front row of the float!" No sooner had Li You finished speaking than the little boy looked at his mother and announced loudly, "Mom said the Knicks will never win another championship in their lives!" Jackie looked embarrassed and immediately glared at her darling son. "Eat your steak! Children shouldn't talk nonsense!"

On July 14th, the Knicks made a move, shipping out Brad Lohaus and Anthony Mason to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Larry Johnson. The media and fans in New York were unanimous in their praise for trading a backup center and a starting forward for the star player known as "Grandmama." Having played 81 games for the Hornets the previous season with averages of 20.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, Larry Johnson appeared to have fully recovered from his back injury.

The Knicks didn't stop there; they subsequently signed free agent Allan Houston and cleared out some of the "atmosphere" players. The New York media once again gave their full approval. Last season, with the Detroit Pistons, Allan Houston averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, with a field goal percentage of 45.3% and a 42.7% clip from three-point range. His efficiency was off the charts, and the media and fans believed Allan Houston would cure the Knicks' offensive constipation.

Li You had spent the last two days tidying up his new home with his good friend Alvin. After hosting a housewarming party, he was officially settled in the Big Apple. "Chris Childs? This guy seems to be a guard too, Li. You’ve got another competitor." Alvin had begun following Knicks news, but Li You, lounging on the couch, didn't care. With a new head coach and new players, everything was starting fresh. "It doesn't matter. Nets rookie—perhaps next season, you'll see me starting at Madison Square Garden!"