The Mis-Education of Noah Baldwin (2027 - ???)

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 08 May 2025, 23:29

Canada | 15 | 19 | 18 | 22 | 74
USA | 13 | 21 | 26 | 24 | 84
Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid, Madrid

Canada
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 27 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST
RJ Barrett – 21 PTS
Benedict Mathurin – 10 PTS, 3 REB, 3AST

USA
Noah Baldwin – 43 PTS, 2 REB, 6 AST
Chet Holmgren – 12 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Cameron Boozer– 12 PTS, 4 REB

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 08 May 2025, 23:29

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 08 May 2025, 23:31

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 08 May 2025, 23:33

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 12 May 2025, 20:25

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 12 May 2025, 20:36

CROSSOVER MAGAZINE NBA PRE-SEASON EDITION!
NOAH BALDWIN: MY CITY, MY TEAM

There were a lot of questions at the start of last season, but the one that stuck out the most: Can the Knicks capture the title under the leadership of a 23-year old?

Yes, but…

“We don’t like to hear things that aren’t emotionally satisfying,” said Baldwin. “The answer was ‘yes, but…’ and nobody, especially me, was comfortable with the ‘but’ portion of the answer. To me it was always, yes. Period. End of statement.”

The road was not going to be easy for New York by any stretch. Teams were starting to load up across the NBA and despite the Knicks having the back to back MVP on the roster, the Boston Celtics were prepared to make their case for a championship. Boston pushed New York to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals, but Baldwin proved to be just too much. He averaged 26 points per game over the series.

“We couldn’t find an answer for him,” said Jayson Tatum. “He always managed to unlock another level. Every time you think you’ve got him, he pulls something else out of his sleeve and his teammates were right there to match his energy.”

The New York Knicks signed Baldwin to a 5 year, $255M designated rookie max extension this summer that goes into effect after this season. No one doubted he would get an offer, everyone was just waiting to see how much.

“It was good business for all involved. Besides, we are forever linked,” said Knicks’ General Manager, Landry Fields. “He has made me look like the smartest GM since Gar Forman landed his uncle, Derek, in 2013.” Fields was named GM of the Knicks’ organization in 2028, the same year that Baldwin was drafted. “Noah has breathed new life into this franchise. Into this city. We want him to retire a Knick.”

Before the ink dried on his new contract, Baldwin was headed to Vegas as part of Team USA where he would embark on a one week training camp, a five game showcase played in Abu Dhabi and London before heading to Spain to compete for a gold medal in the FIBA World Cup.

“I had to take care of that before I left town. It was paramount for both sides,” said Baldwin. “We were gonna be rocking and rolling once I got back. Figured we could do the easy stuff first.”

The Knicks made some noise in free agency adding 4 players to the team after losing Seth Curry, Tony Solomon, and Keon Nixon to retirement. They signed four more veterans alongside drafting Italian post player Angelo Messina. Headlining this new crop of Knicks is Devin Booker, who turns 35 at the end of this month and is the oldest player New York signed this summer.

Booker signed with the Houston Rockets in 2027 after finding himself coming off the bench in Phoenix, after 12 years with the franchise. The Suns were trying to inject some youth into the franchise and had relegated Booker to sixth man, playing behind Aaron Wennington. The Rockets had just lost James Harden to retirement, so both player and franchise needed a boost. Booker’s impact wasn’t instant and the Rockets missed the playoffs in 2028, but the following season, Booker led the team in scoring with 19.8 points per game, helping them finish with a 46 win season. Houston would lose to Dallas in the second round of the 2029 NBA Playoffs. Booker had another solid season with Houston, averaging 19 points per game, but the Western Conference had become tougher to navigate, and despite losing two fewer games, Houston had to fight for the eighth seed, they upset the Oklahoma City Thunder, but loss to Seattle in in a 7 game series.

After his second two year contract, Booker decided it was time to move on from the Rockets organization.

“We just couldn’t get it done,” said Booker. “We wanted to, badly, but it just wasn’t in the cards.”

Looking at a fresh start in New York with a chance to secure a title before retirement, the 16-year veteran said he was okay with not having to be the leader for this team.

“I just want to prove that I can be of service and help this team win. Not that they need it, but I’m here to do my part.”

New York has also signed Cade Cunningham and Julian Strawther. Cunningham was drafted by the Pistons in 2021 and after a decade with playoff appearances in 2026 and again in 2029, both ending in first round exits, Cunningham decided to search for greener pastures. Despite being named All-NBA Third Team in 2029, Cunningham was coming off the bench behind Killian Hayes last season.

“There were a lot of factors in my decision to leave Detroit, but I’ll always be grateful to the Pistons organization and the city of Detroit for my time there.”

Having a relationship with Derek and Noah Baldwin didn’t hurt the process of him deciding to switch from blue and red to blue and orange.

“I’ve worked out with the Derek and Noah a few summers when our schedules lined up. So, coming into a situation with someone that you are familiar with is a plus.”

Analysts speculate that it will be easier for Cunningham to be on a team with its own star and not have to carry the scoring load and all that comes with being the face of a franchise. Cunningham dismisses those rumors.

“I’m not coming in here to rest on my laurels, by any means.”

Former Gonzaga Bulldog Julian Strawther was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2023, but traded to the Denver Nuggets before going back to Indiana in 2028. Strawther had an injury filled run during those three years in Indiana, playing in only 125 games over the course of three seasons averaging just under 13 points per game. Unable to trade him due to injury, the Pacers decided to cut their losses at the end of the contract. The wing positions have a good bit of depth for the Knicks, so there won’t be a lot of pressure on Strawther to produce, but he is still prepared to compete for a starting position with the organization.

“I want everybody to see that I’m back,” said Strawther. “I’ve worked hard this offseason and I just appreciate this organization taking a chance on me. Everybody has been very welcoming. I’m ready to get started. I’m not going to take a backseat if I don’t have to.”

The Knicks filled their last roster spot another 2021 Draftee, forward Trey Murphy. Murphy was drafted by the Pelicans and spent the first 10 years of his career in the Crescent City. With younger players, Will Conroy Jr., Dean Cotton, and Jace Ryan coming in, New Orleans decided to part ways with Murphy as well.

Despite these players having years of experience on Baldwin, none of them have what he has: two championships.

“We’re definitely going to defer to him,” said Booker. “This is his team without question. I met with him the day after I signed, and we grabbed lunch and just talked about the direction of everything and what the expectations were for the season. He has a maturity that isn’t often seen in players his age.”

Just before the start of preseason, Baldwin had rented out a space at the Four Seasons Hotel and talked to the team about the upcoming season. Unexpected challenges, setbacks, media scrutiny, etc. But most importantly, he talked about the importance of staying the course and not losing focus. By the end of the meeting, the talk had shifted towards family, Broadway shows, Giants football and life in general. Baldwin had music coming through the speakers and arranged for food to be brought in for everyone. He even had his barber come in for guys to get haircuts. Before the players left for the evening, he gifted everyone with a pair of Beats headphones to “block out the noise”.

“This guy works his ass off on the court and he’s generous off of it. Really the best teammate you can ask for,” said Chet Holmgren. “To be so young and just come in and want to be a leader, not just the star, but to actually lead, it speaks volumes. You know most young guys are trying to get their minutes and numbers at this stage. Not this guy. He wants the city on his back and he’s proven that he has the shoulders to carry it.”

The Knicks’ coaching staff and front office appreciates this proactive behavior and feels this is what sets him apart from his draft mates. Head coach Stephen Silas, especially.

“He sent me a text not long after the FIBA World Cup. He wanted to know what the training camp schedule was going to be because he wanted to plan this for the team. He’d been running with Team USA for 6 weeks, but as soon as it was done, he locked in on Knicks business. He knows what to do without being told and, most importantly, he wants to do it. He doesn’t just talk the talk. And that energy carries into the season. It makes my job a hell of a lot easier,” said Silas.

When the star player genuinely cares about his teammates’ well-being, the rest of the troops follow his lead, knowing he has their best interest at heart.

“It’s important to start the season on a positive note,” said Baldwin. “Cohesion is key. I want us to go into the season united. And as a point guard, I will naturally lead from the front. When I say that New York is my city and the New York Knicks are my team, I mean it. Not on some arrogant s—t either. I’m always going to take care of my guys and this city.”

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 12 May 2025, 20:49

2031-2032 NBA Starting Lineups

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

chosenone58 · Post by **chosenone58** » 12 May 2025, 21:22

Cutting the Cord

Kori and I decided to take advantage of a child free night and were on a double date with my aunt and uncle. We had an early dinner at Oceana before going to see Top Dog/Underdog on Broadway. We were now sitting at a table at the Blue Note.

“Thanks for the invite, Unc.”

“Thank Naya. I wanted her all to myself tonight, but whatever.”

“Stop it, D. I wanted him to see the show. I feel like I haven’t seen him a whole lot this summer.”

It’s true, I had been busy. Winning the championship in June, Nike China basketball camp, squeezing in some time with Kori and Bella, visiting my folks in New Orleans, playing in the FIBA World Cup tournament last month. I feel like I haven’t been home in years. Not to mention new teammates, new personalities, making sure we’re ready to get off to a solid start this season. It’s hard to believe I’m only starting my fourth year in the league.

“How are you feeling about the season, kid? Think y’all can three-peat?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s a long season. Squad looks good. Training camp went well.”

“You guys managed to keep your core players. Picked up some big additions with Cade, DBook and Julian. Boston is number one in the rankings though.”

“I saw that shit. Motivation for the year though.”

“It may take a minute before the rubber meets the road this season. I know you’ve been used to quick success as of late, but don’t force it and try to remind your teammates to do the same. You see how Boston struggled early.”

“But they dealt with injuries early on.”

“Truth.”

“This season does feel different though.”

“How so?”

“Like this is my team. Like for real.”

“You didn’t think it was before? That extension definitely sealed it.”

“Kind of. But Coach Silas said the words to me. Not just on some ‘I need you to be a leader’ type shit. He told me this was my team.”

“Too much pressure?”

“Nah, I think I’m ready. It’s just surreal you know. And I couldn’t have done this without you, Unc. You’ve always been there for me. Having you as a teammate and a mentor and just taking everything that I’ve learned and applying it last season and now this season. You’ve been a big help in my growth as a professional.”

“Don’t give him too much credit, Noah. They’ll have to evacuate the restaurant if his head gets any bigger,” Aunt Naya laughed.

“I just appreciate being able to go to him whenever about whatever. He’s seen it all and done it all. Having that type of human capital is just priceless.”

The two of them share a look.

“Okay, what was that?” I asked.

“What was what?”

“You saw that right, babe?”

“I did see….something,” Kori said.

“Okay, look. The reason we invited you guys out was because we wanted you to know that we are considering moving back to California.”

“When?”

“In the summer.”

“How much consideration?”

“We’re about eighty-nine percent sure that it’s happening, Noah.”

I sat back in my seat and let everything sink in.

“Damn.”

“Don’t blame Derek,” Aunt Naya said. “I have an opportunity to start a production company, so I want to explore that. And you know he ain’t letting me out of his sight.”

“That’s what’s up. Get in your bag, Auntie. It’s gonna be weird not having the fam here. Y’all been in the city with me for the last five years. College and everything.”

“Yeah, we’ve been in NYC for almost ten years. I gotta let this Cali girl get back to her sand and sun,” Derek said.

“But what about the new show?”

My aunt had just been cast in a new Broadway musical that opens in two months.

“The show will be wrapped up in March. At least for me it will be,” she said. “But we’re gonna let the kids finish out school and then we’ll be making plans to head back.”

“It's been real, but I guess it's time to cut the cord, my boy. But you're ready, nephew. And you know I’ll still just be a phone call away though, right?”

“Yeah, Unc. It’s all good. Just make sure y’all catch the Lakers and Clippers games.”

“Kings and Warriors too. Gucci Row.”

###############

Not long after we got back to Kori’s place, Iris and Remy had brought a very sleepy Isabella upstairs. She insisted on staying awake until we got back but didn’t even make it past 9:30.

“You good, my guy?”

“Yeah, man. Just tired. I’ll get with you tomorrow. You staying the night downstairs or heading back to Manhattan?”

“You know I’m going back downstairs,” he laughed.

“Cool. Breakfast then.”

I walked out of the bathroom after my shower as Kori came back into the room after checking on Isabella.

“You have been really quiet since the car ride back.”

“My uncle is moving back to L.A., Kori.” I said as I grabbed some basketball shorts out of the drawer to sleep in. Yeah, I have a drawer here. And like three whole hangers.

“I heard. Wanna talk about it?” She pats the empty spot on the bed and waits for me to sit next to her.

“It’s just like the end of an era or something, you know?”

“I get that. Your uncle has been an integral to your growth as a player.”

I lay on my back and stare at the ceiling.

“As a player. As a man. He made a bigger impact on me than my own damn father. He was the motivation behind me coming to New York. I was so amped about getting drafted by the Knicks. The only thing that would have topped that was being drafted to the Nets and we knew that wasn’t gonna happen.”

“I know you just signed that contract, but are you gonna demand a trade to L.A. next season instead?”

“What? And leave you and Bella in New York? Girl, that’s crazy.”

“Just checking. Since Derek was the whole reason you were here and all.” She shrugged.

I laughed. “I said he was the reason that I came here. You are definitely more than a good enough reason to stay.”

“Good answer.” She leaned in and gave me a kiss. “Well, at least you have the year to try and spend as much time with him as you can. And it’s not like we can’t go to L.A. before school starts.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Wait. We?” I look over to my left.

“Why are you looking at me like that? We haven’t been to Los Angeles since the first time I went with you two years ago. I think Isabella would enjoy a trip to Disney.”

“And you know Uncle D is going to shut down the park for her and the twins for half the day.”

“Like you wouldn’t.”

“Of course, I would.”

"I mean if your uncle is cutting the cord, I guess it's time for you to become the new plug."

"Let me find out my Lil' Yeah got bars."

She playfully shoved me. “You’ll be fine, Noah. You’re going to come into your own this year as a leader and a veteran. You guys will have a great season. Then if all goes to plan, you’ll have the Olympics this summer. It’s still gonna be a good year.”

I lay back down and Kori puts her head on my chest. I bring my arm around her back and give her a squeeze. She’s right. I have a lot to look forward to this year.

Post by **Soapy** » 13 May 2025, 08:08

canadian bacon right there

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