Chapter 3 My Abilities Will Not Disappoint You

Jerry returned to Manhattan with a renewed purpose to target the New York Knicks.

It was a strong team in the playoffs, chosen by Jerry because he knew Jeff Jeff held a formidable position as head coach, one that he had held since the 2001-2002 season. Jeff Van Gundy was a stubborn man, not likely to take suggestions from an assistant.

The merits of the New York Knicks were also evident. Their roster depth was remarkable. From 1995 to 1999, the New York Knicks had consistently demonstrated their championship caliber. With a slew of defensive stalwarts in the paint and two powerful scoring options on the perimeter, their squad was nearly complete, save for a minor weakness in the point guard position.

Jerry was confident in his ability to improve the New York Knicks, assuming Jeff was open to some suggestions and didn't solely focus on defense to win games.

On June 20th, Jerry made his way to Madison Square Garden.

Yet, he did not rush to submit his resume to the New York Knicks management; instead, he took a job at a local gourmet food shop nearby. Owned by a Chinese proprietor who was impressed by Jerry's presentable appearance and his fluency in Mandarin, not to mention his speedy work, he was kept on and paid by the hour.

Money for meals was running thin, and unwilling to call Thomas for help, Jerry needed the job to survive. It was a good way. He could keep an eye on the New York Knicks' situation and await the perfect moment for an interview.

After his trip to New Jersey, it became clear that just presenting certificates would not suffice for a chance to shine. His age and experience were enough to sentence him to a swift rejection.

He must be patient, wait for other coaches to apply, and then present himself as a remarkable contrast. After all, everyone had certificates they couldn't refuse to give him a chance to partake in discussions.

Armed with an excellent memory from his past life, having worked on NBA data for years and recalling most major events, he was well aware of the challenges facing the New York Knicks that summer. Jeff was in a difficult situation.

Last season, the New York Knicks led the Miami Heat 3-1 in the second round. However, in the contentious Game 5, a mere altercation between 6.6 feet tall Charlie Ward and 6.9 feet tall P.J. Brown escalated into a full-fledged brawl—both teams erupting into violence, with substantial suspensions following, disproportionally affecting the New York Knicks' central players, such as Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Larry Johnson, while the Heat mostly lost Brown.

Consequently, the absences of Patrick and Allan Houston in Game 6 and John and Larry in Game 7 significantly weakened the team. This led to the New York Knicks forfeiting their championship aspirations in a devastating 4-3 overturn by the Heat.

This postseason exit incensed both the New York Knicks' owner and their fans.

The New York Knicks' seasoned assistant coach, Rex Hughes, opted for retirement, and another coach, Andy Greer, whose contract had expired, followed Pat Riley's lead to the Miami Heat. Along with the departure of Bob Salmi in 1996, the New York Knicks' coaching staff was left with Jeff standing solo.

According to history, Tom Thibodeau, after getting fired by the Philadelphia 76ers, would join the New York Knicks as the Lead Assistant Coach, with others unknown to Jerry. His plan was to wait for Tom and then compete.

The Philadelphia 76ers' management was bewildering; not only did they fire Tom, but also the assistant coach Ron Adams, who was quite reputable and later became a valuable asset to Popovich at the San Antonio Spurs.

Jerry spent his days moonlighting as a waiter and stealing moments to converse with security guards and doorkeepers at the arena, gathering firsthand information. With his signature green bean cakes, he bribed a portly gatekeeper named Kenny to call the eatery when someone came to interview for the assistant coach position.

Finally on the 27th, Jerry witnessed the arrival of Tom, along with another interviewee from an open recruitment.

"Angela, I need to go out for a bit. Could you let the boss know I have an urgent matter?" he hastily shed his uniform, calling out to a female coworker in Mandarin.

"When will you be back?" she queried.

"In the afternoon," he responded crisply.

Jerry grabbed his certificate and rode the bicycle parked up front for food deliveries straight to the arena. Though the restaurant was only two streets away, he appropriated the bike for his urgent matter.

This opportunity was not to be missed; the consequences were otherwise unimaginable. He had even scouted the office's location in the stadium beforehand, concocting plausible justifications to use if any staff inquired.

"Excuse me, sir, you can't just wander around here. Do you have an appointment?" The female assistant inquired .

"I'm here for the New York Knicks assistant coaching position, along with two others," Jerry replied with a smile, presenting his certificate.

He didn't claim to have an appointment, merely stating his intent, playing a semantic gambit that wouldn't count as lying even if Jeff probed.

The assistant, having just seen similar credentials and knowing of management's call for interviews that day, fell for his ruse with a nod and a smile. "Right this way, sir."

"Thank you, but I can find my own way." Jerry deftly excused himself from potential awkwardness.

He knocked on the door and entered upon hearing "Come in," finding four men inside, two of whom he recognized immediately.

The glossy forehead with hair parted to the sides, bearing the signs of experience, belonged to none other than Jeff, who was born on January 19th, 1962. Alright, he was actually only 35.

The other, clad in a suit, was unmistakably Tom—a notable figure despite his youth, reminiscent of the fictional "Penguin" villain with his distinctive crop top.

In the presence of the two elder white men he did not recognize. They were Ernie Grunfeld, a General Manager and Ken Ken, a candidate for assistant coach. Ken had served as an NCAA coach for a decade and had a brief stint in the NBA during the '70s as a physically limited white guard.

"Hello everyone, I came to interview at a friend's recommendation, here are my credentials." Jerry began, offering a warm smile to Tom and Jeff before handing his documents to Ernie, who was seated in the managerial chair.

It was pivotal to curry favor with Jeff, the most influential person in the room.

The smile toward Tom served as a ruse, creating an illusion that it was Tom who had referred Jerry. If questioned later, could be easily redirected to another friend's recommendation.

In turn, as a matter of politeness, Tom reciprocated with a slight nod, equally surprised by Jerry's youth for a coaching competitor.

This Mexican contender for a coaching position? This must be some jest.

Ernie voiced the group's perplexity, "You're Jerry, just 23 years old and of Mexican descent?"

"Yes, I grew up in the United States and am only here for an opportunity to prove myself. I know my chances are slim, but to learn something is satisfaction enough. I kindly ask for this opportunity from the manager and Coach Jeff," Jerry concluded, bowing respectfully toward them.

From his arrival at the arena to this moment, Jerry had calculated each move meticulously.

People would not be refused for being so polite, especially when he put himself in a low position with such humility.

Ernie nodded, assuming Jerry was there based on a friend's recommendation. Jeff, too, overlooked the details of Jerry's entrance.

With the New York Knicks in dire need of an assistant coach—not least because Summer League was approaching and they needed to manage a fringe player team to scout for rookies—time was of the essence.

"Alright, let's begin the assessment. Listen carefully to my question; each of you must answer," Jeff declared gravely.

All three candidates nodded solemnly.

Jerry let out a sigh of relief; the first crucial hurdle had been successfully navigated.