The Best Point Guard

Chapter 415: Chapter 136: A Dignified, Amicable Parting

"I’ll answer that question for everyone at a more appropriate time."

Su Xi didn’t give Cheryl Miller a direct answer. As far as he was concerned, this wasn’t something to be announced in such a public setting. And right now, it was the Pacers’ championship celebration.

Even if they were to part on good terms, Su Xi wouldn’t let Larry Bird and the management be the last to know his decision, much less discuss it openly on television.

"Let’s just enjoy tonight."

Su Xi said with a smile, then turned aside and called Carlisle over for the interview. He then plunged back in with his teammates, noisily popping champagne and celebrating wildly.

It was a wild night, and an even bigger party was being held in the locker room.

The players were all going crazy. Even though this was their second championship, everyone in professional sports knows that defending a title is the hardest part.

Fortunately, the Pacers had weathered the challenges of a turbulent season and had come out even stronger.

Many critical commentators were saying that the Pacers were still far from reaching their peak.

Given the current state of the league, as long as Su Xi didn’t leave the Pacers, they would be the strongest contenders for the championship for the next five years. There was a high probability they would create a monopoly effect like the Chicago Bulls of old, causing Eastern superstars to flock to the West and once again altering the lopsided balance of power between the two conferences.

After the wild celebration, the Pacers’ 2004-2005 season officially came to an end.

At the post-game press conference, a beaming Rick Carlisle recounted their tumultuous season. Su Xi, holding two trophies, posed for the reporters as camera flashes flickered.

Su Xi expressed many thanks, continually emphasizing that this was a team victory. Every word he spoke was filled with the joy of success.

After the press conference ended.

Su Xi went to meet with Magic Johnson, who was still waiting for him, as well as Mark Cuban.

Although the NBA is very strict about tampering, many of the rules are just for show.

O’Connor, meanwhile, went to meet with other people on Su Xi’s behalf; they had been in contact all along. During this process, Jordan and O’Connor clashed.

They were both extremely arrogant men.

As the God of Basketball, Michael Jordan felt he was already condescending to meet with Su Xi in person. He believed Su Xi should have come scurrying over to see him, not send some arrogant redneck to posture in front of him.

Mike O’Connor didn’t care if Jordan was the God of Basketball; posturing was a psychological necessity for him. He maintained his arrogant tone even in front of Jordan. "If you want to see Jack, you have to talk to me first. I’m his agent."

"I’m Michael Jordan," Jordan said, looking down his nose.

"That doesn’t matter. If you’re not sincere about contacting Jack, it’s useless no matter who you are," O’Connor continued.

"Okay. Tell Little Sheep Su Xi that no matter which team he goes to, I’ll lead the Bobcats to a championship before he gets one." Jordan was furious, leaving O’Connor with this potent threat.

If it were any other respected figure from the basketball world, they would surely be trembling after hearing Jordan fly off the handle like that.

Because in the realm of basketball, Jordan called the shots; what he said was law.

No one could challenge his authority.

Countless past stories proved this point: it was dangerous to piss off Jordan.

But Mike O’Connor couldn’t care less. He didn’t even take Jordan’s warning seriously and had no intention of mentioning it to Su Xi. ’Is this little thing really worth distracting Jack over?’

Now that the off-season was here, Jack had the tangled relationships of four different women to deal with.

"Oh."

Mike O’Connor just responded flatly.

This made Jordan so angry he felt his lungs might explode, especially when he saw Su Xi walk over to enthusiastically shake hands and hug Isaiah Thomas.

He really wanted to tear the arrogant bastard to pieces.

’Is Little Sheep Su Xi surrounded by people like this?’

’He’s not even a dominant star yet, and he’s already putting on such airs?’

Jordan stormed off in a huff.

He had already decided to give up on Su Xi. Next, he would dedicate himself fully to building his Bobcats Team. He had to win a championship before Su Xi did.

He believed in his own genius for basketball. Even if he couldn’t take the court and play anymore, the God of Basketball could still dominate the sport, still win championships with ease!

Magic Johnson and Kupchek gave Su Xi a comprehensive introduction to the history of the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the culture and climate of Los Angeles. They also assured him with great certainty, "If you come to Los Angeles, you’ll be the tactical core. You and Kobe Bryant will be co-leaders. Kobe agrees with this; he’s different now than he was before."

Su Xi nodded, saying he would consider it seriously but hadn’t made a decision yet.

Kobe and Su Xi had a very good personal relationship. Back when Su Xi wasn’t famous yet, while he was still in college, Kobe had taken him to a concert. Furthermore, Su Xi’s entire offensive skill set had come from Kobe.

Su Xi was also filled with anticipation at the thought of playing with Kobe, believing it could lead to many interesting possibilities.

Then, Su Xi had a brief exchange with Mark Cuban.

Mark Cuban was straightforward and generous. He had been in touch since the time Su Xi was still a Knight, and he stated frankly, "If you come, you’re the core. We’re willing to offer you the maximum contract allowed by the rules."

Su Xi thanked Cuban.

The Mavericks also held a strong appeal for Su Xi; he really liked Nowitzki’s style of play.

However, Su Xi felt a slight twinge of regret: the Mavericks’ overall strength was a bit *too* strong.