Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
Yes, sir. Wiggins will go first overall to Boston and Parker goes to me at number two. Welcome to the new rivalry of the NBA. 
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
6-15-14
“Full power?!”
Her brother’s voice echoed throughout the room and frankly, it wasn’t that surprising. He was always the immature one. He was always the one who had to have things his way. He was her father’s favorite the last decade or so … it bothered her. She used to be her father’s favorite but things changed when her husband came along.
She took a deep breath and looked at Johnny, who predictably looked away from Jim. Johnny was always looking for Jim’s approval. He barely got the time of day with their father but that wasn’t so much his fault as it was his personality. Johnny was quiet and a hard worker … he didn’t have much of a backbone to really push the issues.
He was nice.
Being nice was nice for nice people. Her father was a nice person but a flamboyant one. He tended to overpower Johnny in any conversation over the years and poor Johnny never knew to expect anything else. He just accepted it.
That’s what made him this timid thing now. He had replaced one man he could never reach with Jim, whom he could reach but wasn’t half the man her father was.
“Jeannie, are you listening to yourself? You want to give this unproven hack full control of this organization?” Jim took off his ball cap and rubbed his hair.
Jeannie resisted the urge to point out he didn’t have much hair left and instead focused on the issues. “No, I don’t want to give full control of the organization to a hack: I want to give it to a man who elevated the Bobcats, of all teams, into playoff contention and helped secure the next five years as a franchise for them.” She crossed her legs and leaned back in her leather chair. “He did it in one offseason.”
Jim angrily threw his hat down and glared at her. “Team building takes time.”
“Yours has run out,” she shot back. “We’ve missed the playoffs two years in a row. Father allowed you and Mitch to run things for a few offseasons and look at us: we’re old. We’re not a playoff team and we have the second overall pick in the draft. This isn’t the Lakers way.”
“I don’t have to be reminded of that,” Jim growled. He stared a Johnny. “Get me a drink, will you?”
Johnny silently abided and went to the bar to pour drinks.
Jeanie rolled her eyes. “He’s a grown man, you don’t need to order him around like that.”
“He’s part of my staff,” Jim coolly responded.
“He was,” Jeanie said with a smirk. “Father left me in charge of final decisions involving the team and I’m making this decision. You’re not having ultimate control of the basketball operations anymore. I’m giving it to Gold.”
Jim snapped his fingers quickly and Johnny rushed over with the drinks. Jim downed his and slammed the glass angrily on the coffee table near him.
“You’ve lost your mind, sister. I won’t be thrown to the side like this, I have rights!”
Jeanie stood. “You’ll still be involved in the basketball operations. But ultimate control and authority belongs to Gold. I’m going to let him have free reign.”
“You can’t do that! There has to be someone watching him!”
“I will be, trust me, but I honestly don’t have the time to babysit anymore men,” she shot.
Jim’s face darkened. “What’s Phil going to do without you waiting on him hand and foot?”
She took a deep breath and avoided lashing out. Phil had told her repeatedly that anger only led to more anger … he was called the zenmaster for a reason. “Phil doesn’t need babysitting. Out of all the men in my life, he’s the only one I can count on not to require oversight.”
Jim picked up his cap and put it back on, his eyes filled with anger. “Jeanie, you’re going to doom this organization for years to come.”
She shrugged. “If that’s your opinion, so be it. You don’t have the say to enforce your will on him, Jimmy.” He cringed at her using his most hated nickname. “And if you try to, you’ll regret it.”
Jim glared at her, but offered no more resistance. He merely left her office.
She looked at Johnny. “Keep an eye on him, please.”
He nodded. He wasn’t much of a talker but he rarely needed to be.
He was a Buss. Most of them knew actions spoke louder than words.
Most of them.
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
It's crazy that I knew it was the Buss siblings from the first paragraph. Storyline just keeps getting better.My Dynasties
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
6-17-14
He spat the blood out onto the ground and with it a piece of tooth. He stared at it as his eyes tried to focus on it, but they wavered. He felt his eyes closing again and he desperately tried to keep them open, but they closed.
Just for the briefest of seconds.
A knee jabbed into his ribs and he groaned in agony. His eyes shot open as he looked once more at the face of his torturer. The face of his devil.
Gerard. He stood there, across on the other side of the room, dressed to the nines, with a sick smile. “Remember, don’t fall asleep, Desmond.” Gerard tapped a finger to the side of his head. “I know you understand.”
He tried to formulate words, to say exactly what he felt, but his mouth was so swollen he could barely do more than groan. He glared at him, unable to do more than that to express his displeasure.
Gerard snapped his fingers and a TV was wheeled in front of him. “Your friend is about to have a press conference. You’ll like this.”
Desmond watched as the TV came on and Ronnie’s face appeared on screen. He read the bottom line and watched in surprise as the press conference began.
“ … we now go live to Los Angeles for the Lakers press conference,” said the ESPN anchor.
The camera zoomed in on Ronnie. He looked tired … he looked gaunt. He was thinner and paler than Desmond remembered. It seemed a lifetime ago since he last saw him.
“I know there must be a lot of questions,” Ronnie began, “so let’s get those out of the way first.”
The reporters gathered in the room began to all ask questions at once. Ronnie pointed at one of them.
“Rachel Hansen, ESPN: Why did you accept this job instead of continuing on with the Bobcats?”
Ronnie looked at her for a long moment before answering. “After what happened … I couldn’t be there. I love what was built there and I will forever hold Michael Jordan in high regard as a human being, but I can’t begin to describe what it was like to be reminded, every day, of what happened. All parties needed a fresh start and I’m happy that we all got that.”
Desmond’s eyes began to form tears. Liz … Gerard had gloated at what he did to her. He understood why Ronnie had to go, why he had to find a fresh start. Desmond had needed that fresh start at one time too.
“Follow up question: Do you see the Lakers as long-term rebuilding project?”
Ronnie shook his head, that familiar smirk on it. “I see this team as one that can be rebuilt quickly and efficiently. This is Los Angeles and in this town, people expect us to win. I fully expect that we’ll be back to winning sooner than most people think.”
Gerard came over and turned the TV off, a smirk on his lips. “Apparently, his girl is still alive. She’s determined.” He leaned in, barely two inches from Desmond’s face. “Your friend’s left you behind, Desmond. He’s worried about his girl and not you. He’s GM of the Lakers now and you’re my punching bag.”
Desmond spat blood on Gerard’s face.
Gerard’s eyes grew dark as he stood up and wiped the blood from his face with a handkerchief. “Break all his ribs. Slowly.”
Desmond clenched his fists and steeled himself as one of the brutes grabbed a bat from the corner.
He stared at the TV, remembering Ronnie’s face.
Go get ‘em, he wished Ronnie.
The brute went into a batting stance.
Desmond closed his eyes.
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
I'm wondering where this is gonna go next so many possibilities, excellent writing/storytelling!Cal is turning more guys into millionaires than wall-street.
Everyone went pro from the 2012 Kentucky team even the ball boy!Comment
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
NBA OFFSEASON NEWS
Retirements:
Paul Pierce (Celtics)
Ray Allen (Heat)
Marcus Camby (Knicks)
James Posey (Knicks)
Steve Nash (Lakers)
Shawn Marion (Mavericks)
Mark Miller (Mavericks)
Andre Miller (Nuggets)
Kenyon Martin (Timberwolves)
Hirings/Firings:
Jazz fire Tyrone Corbin and hire Sam Foster
Kings fire Keith Smart and hire Tyrone Corbin
Lakers fire Mike D’Antoni and hire Alvin Gentry
Suns fire Alvin Gentry and hire Mike D’Antoni
Wizards fire Randy Wittman and hire Keith Smart
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
Yeah, I was disappointed that Pierce and Nash retired. I was really hoping to get one more year out of Nash, get him closer to a title, but alas no go.
And yes, the Lakers and Suns traded coaches and I felt this was somewhat likely. D'Antoni was always a favorite in Phoenix and his offense is tailor made for Brandon Jennings running the point there (and dude, Jennings rocks it hard in Phoenix). Gentry on the other hand tends to play a more defensive style while maintaining an offensive non-point guard centric offense, which I feel Kobe would really like.
Plus, I love Gentry as a head coach and there was no way D'Antoni was going to stick around (I'd be surprised if he lasts past the All-Star break next year in real life). Some of those hires are going to look really good as the season progresses (I'm already through the first third of it and boy, there are some surprising trends).
But we'll all get caught up there (eventually, lol). Trust me, it's gonna be a fun year.
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
Can't wait trekfan!
This season looks like it'll be better than the last, and that's saying something.
MIAMI HEATComment
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
Thinking about trying one of these if I can ever get the time and motivation. I already have a good plan for the intro to the story and my plans for some fo the first season, I just need to get started haha. If i dont get one up, then when school lets out in june then I will post it like crazy over summer.
Great story for yours and I am loving every word of it. I hope Ronnie can push through and get this Lakers team to a title (though i almost never put lakers and title in the same sentence positively because im a Boston fan)Comment
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
Must apologize for the lack of updates this weekend, but I'll try to get some up today. Thanks for keeping the faith, folks
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
6-20-14
“Do you really want to do this?”
Ronnie looked at his younger brother with annoyance. “I took the job, didn’t I?”
Rick stood from his squatting position and Ronnie couldn’t help but notice how much taller he was. He shot up like a weed over the year. Ronnie dribbled the ball and took his shot. It rimmed out. Again.
Rick got the rebound and lazily passed the ball back. “I’m just saying that maybe you should take a break.”
“No,” Ronnie said angrily. He had taken a break. He had had his moment of mourning. “I pouted long enough.”
Rick shook his head. “But this is the Lakers. The biggest franchise in the NBA … you don’t go further up from here. Everything is down from here.”
“You’re just so optimistic today,” Ronnie said with sarcasm. He took another deep three-pointer and again it rimmed out.
Rick got the rebound and chuckled. “You suck today.”
Ronnie waved him off and headed to the bench. They were playing basketball inside one of L.A.’s exclusive, members-only, gym. Ronnie had gotten membership pretty easily.
Firing Mike D’Antoni had given people in L.A. something to cheer for. “Look, I plan to do this as long as Liz needs me too.”
Rick put the ball down and came over, sitting on the bench with Ronnie. “And what if Liz doesn’t need it anymore?”
Ronnie stared at him darkly. “And what do you mean by that?”
Rick grimaced. “Not like that: Liz is a fighter, she’ll make it. I’m saying, when she recovers, what then? Are you going to stay with the Lakers when she gets better?”
Ronnie picked up his water bottle and took a quick swig of it. “She loves California. She loves L.A. I’ll stay if she wants to … and if not, then we’ll go somewhere else. We have plenty of money.”
Rick smirked. “You have too to bride your way into this place.”
Ronnie punched him lightly in the shoulder. “It comes with the job. Lots of benefits.”
Rick left the bench, picked up the ball, and knocked down a mid-range jumper. “Only if you win.”
“We’ll be back in championship form within three to four years, max,” Ronnie stated confidently.
Rick just shook his head in amusement. “Your big mouth is gonna get you into hot water.”
“It’s true, we’ll be back in that timeframe. Honestly, I think we can be back in two years.”
“What are you going to do for the draft?”
Ronnie leapt off the bench and called for the ball. Rick passed it to him and Ronnie knocked down a three-pointer. “I’m taking Jabari Parker, assuming the Celtics don’t take him.”
“You think they will?”
“Maybe. They’re close in terms of skills and projected potential. But Wiggins has a slightly higher ceiling and the Celtics need that. They need Wiggins to be a star right out of the gate.”
“And the Lakers don’t?” Rick asked with a smirk. “L.A. loves stars. They’ll want one out of whoever you take this high.”
“We’ll get Parker and he can ease into that role. We still have Kobe.”
“For how long?” Rick called for the ball and Ronnie passed it to him. “The dude is a warrior but he’s old.”
“He’s old even by NBA standards, yeah,” Ronnie said with a sigh. “But he’s the face of the franchise. We’ll keep him around as long as he wants. We’re not having a Jordan situation.”
Rick shivered. “Jordan in those horrible Wizard’s unis.”
“Kobe could go to Philly if he decided to leave … he’s a Philly kid.” Ronnie grabbed the water bottle off the bench and took another swig.
“Which he wouldn’t do.”
“No.” Ronnie put the water bottle down and went to mid-court. “Enough with this. Let’s play a game … first to twenty-one.”
Rick smirked. “You got it in you, old man?”
“I’m only nine years older than you.”
“You’re right, you’re a dinosaur.” Rick passed him the ball. “I’m taller now. Won't be as easy as all those other times”
Ronnie nodded, checked the ball, and the game began.
Rick immediately pressed Ronnie, not allowing him to get too much room off the dribble. Ronnie stood there and sunk a three right in his face. His little brother stared at the net and shook his head.
Ronnie winked at him. “Make it take it. Get me the ball, young stud.”
Rick shot him a glare. “Such bull.”
Ronnie smirked and shrugged. “All I do is win.” As Rick got the ball, Ronnie couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Winning felt good.
He couldn’t wait to win when the regular season started.
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Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story
Draft Results:
1. Celtics
SF/ SG Andrew Wiggins
2. Lakers
SF/SG Jabari Parker
3. Raptors
PF/C Julius Randle
4. Magic
PF/C Noah Vonleh
5. Knicks
SF Glenn Robinson
6. Bucks
SG/SF James Young
7. Grizzlies
SG/PG Aaron Harrison
8. Pistons
SF/SG Lebyran Nash
9. Hawks
SF Aaron Gordon
10. Kings
SG/PG Marcus Smart
11. Warriors
C Willie Cauley
12. Clippers
PG/SG Andrew Harrison
13. Jazz
SF/PF Deshaun Thomas
14. Spurs
SG/SF Victor Oladipo
15. Wizards
C Ilimane Diop
16. Nets
PF Mitch McGary
17. Bucks
PF Khem Birch
18. Cavaliers
PF Johnny O’Bryant
19. Pacers
SG Tim Hardaway J.R.
20. Rockets
PG Keith Appling
21. Bucks
C Wang Zhelin
22. 76ers
SF Anthony Bennett
23. Mavericks
SG Ricky Ledo
24. Hornets
SF CJ Fair
25. Heat
C/PF Joshua Smith
26. Bobcats
SF Branden Dawson
27. Nuggets
SG/PG Michael Carter-Williams
28. Thunder
SG PJ Hairston
29. Trail Blazers
SF Kyle Anderson
30. Bulls
SG /SF Mario Hezonja
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we love you....Nash also ...means you need to fill a spot. Funny as well that Lakers/Suns traded Coaches lol
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