Chapter 92: I'll Go with You

The owner of the Knicks, James Dolan, funded a grand championship celebration parade in New York, breaking the NBA's historical record for fan participation. Besides local fans, tourists from various countries also joined in the festivities.

Jerry Yang was a supporting character that day; apart from Chinese fans, not many people were interested in him.

The most popular were the star players, especially Allan Houston, whose popularity nearly doubled. People suddenly realized that even without Ewing, he could be the core of the team.

Ewing lost the chance to win the dual MVPs. Currently, among the four major centers, he ranks slightly above O'Neal but behind Olajuwon and David Robinson.

Historical status ultimately depends on personal honors, not just statistics. This is the tragedy of players like Malone and Barkley; no matter how many points they score, they remain tragic stars.

A temporary stage was set up at Madison Square Garden, and an awards ceremony was held after the parade, with the mayor giving a speech.

Van Gundy, Houston, Ewing, and others confidently stated that the team would aim to defend their title next season and strive to establish a new dynasty.

In the evening, the team held a party at a blues club, where they could bring family members. Jerry invited his good friend Thomas Bentley.

After nearly eight months of hard work, Jerry had focused all his energy on his career. In New York, his only female friend was Scarlett Johansson, and inviting her would make him look like a pedophile, so he could only hang out with the guys.

Jerry wasn't the only loner; the 40-year-old Thibodeau was still single and attended the party alone.

General Manager Ernie Grunfeld greeted everyone and then had a private chat with Jerry.

"Jerry, what are your plans for the future? We need to talk." Ernie paused, "Usually, teams that didn't make the playoffs start looking for new coaches early. Have any teams contacted you?"

"Yes, two teams want me to be their head coach," Jerry replied with a smile.

"Congratulations, Jerry, that's the best outcome," Ernie said with a slight bitter smile. "I thought about offering you a high salary to renew your contract, but I know that the assistant coach position can't satisfy you anymore. Without you, the Knicks wouldn't have won the championship so smoothly."

"Thank you," Jerry accepted without modesty.

Without him, the Knicks wouldn't have made it past the second round this season, let alone win the championship.

In fact, the management recognized Jerry's abilities and contributions, but to keep him, they would have to make him the head coach of the Knicks.

They couldn't just replace Van Gundy right after winning the championship. There's no precedent for that in major sports leagues unless there are severe internal conflicts and the star players leave, necessitating a rebuild.

The Knicks were very harmonious internally, and changing the coach now would ruin the team's image. They couldn't make such a big sacrifice just to promote a young man.

Moreover, the management believed that Jerry might not be as good a head coach as he was an assistant. His age made it difficult to command the players, which could lead to internal issues.

Jerry talked to Van Gundy about his thoughts.

Van Gundy congratulated him while secretly feeling relieved. This season, for the sake of results and the championship, he could tolerate Jerry overstepping his bounds. If they worked together for another season and the assistant coach kept bossing him around, he might go crazy.

Success often brings a rise in temper.

Van Gundy didn't say it out loud, but he planned to compete with Jerry. When Jerry went to another team next season and Van Gundy continued to lead the Knicks to good results, people would naturally understand who the best coach was.

Van Gundy aspired to be a dynasty coach like Phil Jackson; his ambitions had grown.

Thomas went to chat with some ladies, while Jerry sat on the side eating. Thibodeau came over with a plate and sat next to him, asking quietly, "Jerry, did you talk to them?"

"Yes, I had a great time with the Knicks this year. This kind of thing shouldn't be kept from them. Next season, you'll definitely be the team's first assistant coach, and with this championship, you should get a raise," Jerry said with a smile.

Thibodeau looked serious and asked, "I'm more interested in being the first assistant coach for another team now. How are your talks going? Have you decided on a team? Will the coaching staff be restructured?"

Seeing Thibodeau's earnest expression, Jerry realized he was in luck. "You want to come with me? That's great. I'll add that condition during negotiations and make you the first assistant coach."

"Really?"

"Of course. If we win a championship with another team, there will be offers for you to be a head coach. It's the right choice," Jerry said, confident in Thibodeau's potential.

In his previous life, Thibodeau had been named Coach of the Year with the Bulls. If his assistant coach succeeded in the future, it would be interesting to have the "Jerry system" label.

Thibodeau swallowed hard, too excited to speak. He hadn't expected Jerry to think so highly of him. At the Knicks, his opinions were rarely considered; his main job was learning and training players.

After two days of consideration, he made this decision. He felt he could learn more and improve his coaching skills as Jerry's assistant. With Van Gundy, he feared he would become a handyman, with everything decided by Van Gundy.

Jerry dared to argue with Van Gundy, citing examples until the latter compromised. Thibodeau didn't think he had that ability. As an assistant coach, he didn't want to stay with the Knicks.

Van Gundy's specialty was defense, and so was Thibodeau's. There was no room for him to shine. At a new team, Thibodeau could easily replicate Van Gundy's defensive system.

Thibodeau sighed, "This means we won't get our rings with the team at next year's opening game."

"Doesn't matter. We can save them for later. The season is still far off, and I have a feeling the labor agreement won't be easy to negotiate," Jerry said, knowing everyone would have a long break.

"Then you should try to sign a longer contract. If the season is shortened, it will be hard to prove our abilities," Thibodeau said worriedly.

"We're leaving as champions. How could we not perform well?"

Jerry didn't mention his intention to shorten the contract duration, knowing Thibodeau wouldn't understand.

Thibodeau asked quietly, "Can you tell me which two teams contacted you?"

"The Bulls and the Raptors," Jerry replied.

"What? If Jordan doesn't retire, that would be amazing," Thibodeau said, trying to contain his excitement.

"I've already turned down the Bulls, so get ready to go to Toronto," Jerry said with a smile.

Thibodeau's jaw dropped. "You're joking, right? Chicago or Toronto, and you choose the Raptors?"

"No joke. I don't think much of the Bulls. I'm sure they'll be terrible next season and won't recover for a long time. The Raptors finished last this season, so there's more room for improvement. It's great."

Thibodeau took a deep breath and accepted reality. "Alright, Raptors it is. I'll go with you."

"You make decisions quickly."

"I trust you."