The Best Point Guard

Chapter 414: Chapter 135: Su Xi’s Choice

Su Xi named every single person, including every member of the coaching staff. He said, "Without them, none of what I’ve achieved would be possible. I love Indiana, and I love the Pacers. Thank you for making a huge investment to bring me to Conseco Fieldhouse during the most difficult time of my career, when I was on the verge of being cast aside."

"Now, we’ve done it. The Pacers are the champions! The Pacers are back-to-back champions!"

Su Xi exclaimed, letting out a long sigh of relief.

He had roared out that last sentence.

His words moved the many Pacers fans watching on TV to tears. This meant the world to them.

His arrival had fulfilled their franchise’s long-held dream, and then some. Even though everyone knew Su Xi would likely choose to leave, he had brought them the only two championships in their history. How could they ask for anything more?

It was a win-win situation.

Everyone sincerely wished him well.

Besides, Su Xi had only been on a two-year rookie contract. The salary he drew from the Pacers was far, far less than what he had contributed.

Larry Bird was also deeply moved. He called the owner, and after a discussion, they came to a decision. They resolved to make a grand proposal to the league.

Cheryl Miller smiled. She hadn’t expected Su Xi to thank the entire Pacers organization; he hadn’t taken the bait she’d laid out for him.

If it had been anyone else, Cheryl might have just let it slide.

But Su Xi was the young man who had helped her brother achieve the greatest dream of his career. She had to help build up Su Xi’s name.

"Let me tell you who else in history has won both the regular season and Finals MVP in a single season: Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone..."

"These are all top-ten, all-time great superstars, and here you are in just your second season, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them. It’s a truly remarkable achievement. I have never seen a 20-year-old player as outstanding as you. It’s absolutely unprecedented."

Cheryl Miller explained at length.

This drew gasps of astonishment from the fans watching on TV and those still in the arena.

Only then did everyone realize just how astonishing Su Xi’s achievements this season were, and just how brilliant the 20-year-old was.

In the TNT studio, Barkley and Kenny Smith were a little puzzled. On the one hand, they were amazed by Su Xi’s accomplishments. On the other, they wondered why Cheryl would use up such precious interview time to go on a long tangent like that.

The executives in the stands were also astonished by what Su Xi had accomplished.

Even Jordan was thinking to himself, ’This kid is already being mentioned in the same breath as us? We’re the ones who dominated the NBA.’

James Dolan stroked his beard and asked Isaiah Thomas, "Did that reporter leave someone out?"

"Huh? Did she?"

"I think so," James Dolan said, stroking his chin. "Didn’t Ewing win one?"

"He’s never even touched a championship trophy," Isaiah Thomas said with disdain.

"Guess not, then," James Dolan nodded.

Just then, Cheryl Miller asked the question on everyone’s mind: "Jack, before you all arrived in San Antonio, it was reported that you’re selling your house in Indiana. So, are you looking to upgrade to a bigger house, or are you planning to leave Indiana? You’re an unrestricted free agent this summer..."

The moment she asked the question, the entire arena fell silent.

Even the teammates standing beside Su Xi eagerly awaited his answer.

The executives in the stands all pricked up their ears to listen.

Su Xi smiled and took the microphone.